Visits to the wards by non ward-based personnel

Fourteen acute hospital wards in five different hospitals were observed for three days. Observers recorded the number and type of non ward-based personnel coming onto the ward, the nature of their visit, the length of time they stayed and whether or not they contacted a member of staff. Wide differences between the wards were found, but the overall results indicate that the volume of visits to the wards was greater than even the ward sisters recognised. The author suggests that a clearer definition of the role of the ward clerk - and an upgrading of the role to prepare clerks for dealing with non nursing-related enquiries - could be of great assistance to sisters and would be a cost-effective investment.