“I am wanting to find out as much as I can about what other places have done, are doing or have in place to have families and patients involved more, any information would be greatly appreciated.”
We organised a carers event for Hepworth, this involved inviting families/carers in to meet the nursing team, gather a feel for the unit and speak to service users. We did some introductions and invited service users from the ward to also meet them. This was done based on an individual risk assessment for each service user. We provided tea coffee and cakes, which were also sent back to the ward to ensure all service users felt included. Patients from the rehabilitation pathway were invited to speak about their own personal experiences to provide re-assurances to our families. We invited the gym therapists to speak about the work they are currently doing and the plans for the future, who also gave a tour of the gym and sports hall facilities providing demonstrations. Staff showed carers around the unit including primary care suite, art rooms, therapy kitchens, diamond shop and the multi faith room. Families were invited to have their pictures taken with loved ones which were then printed for them. Due to the acuity of the ward, we were unable to include this in the tour, however we did a presentation with photographs, from feedback this was found to be helpful for service users’ families as they felt they could be assured loved ones were comfortable. Members of the nursing team spoke about their experiences of Hepworth, the role of primary nurses was explained in detail, process for CPA’s, ward rounds, CTM’s, care planning and information around medication. As a team, Hepworth wanted to ensure carers and families felt involved in their loved one’s care. This could be something as simple as been able to put a face to a name/voice that they speak to on the phone. Also, as we are a secure unit it can seem daunting to people visiting, we wanted to provide them with an understanding of the environment. We are currently waiting for feedback from families and carers on this event, but it did appear to have a positive response. We are planning on setting up a carers ‘support group’ and aiming to do visits/meetings every 12 weeks, this will be led on information families and carers will find useful. A plan for the future would also be to invite carers whose family members have moved on to speak about their experience. We also aim to formulate a leaflet with guidance from our current carers and families to provide information to new admissions families. Newton Lodge
Currently at Moorlands View we are working on a carers pack with information with regards to wards and what they will provide for the service user. Moorlands View
