Nursing in Mental Health
Winner
Belfast Health and Social Care Trust: Reduction in violence and aggression: reinforcing appropriate behaviours
A spike in violent incidents was recorded in this mediumsecure forensic ward, so the trust set out to reduce these. Listening events revealed that patients and staff were recovery focused but felt that restrictive practice and ward dynamics increased the likelihood of violent activity. All staff received Reinforce Appropriate/Implode Disruptive training and some were assigned specifi c roles, such as activities champion and health promotion champion. The ethos of the work revolved around approaching situations differently, focusing on positives and reporting this back to patients. Patients had access to nurse-led brief educational sessions at evenings and weekends. Violence and aggression were greatly reduced.
Finalists
Dementia UK: The Chinese Welfare Trust Admiral Nurse clinic
A Cantonese- and Mandarin-speaking Admiral Nurse service was launched in five London boroughs to increase dementia awareness and recognition among the Chinese community. Out of 77 requests for a face-to-face or telephone appointment received in a year, a total of 51 people were seen.
Dementia UK: Professional Footballers’ Association Admiral Nurse service
The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), with Dementia UK, set up a weekly clinic to support PFA footballing families facing dementia. A 45-minute confidential telephone or video consultation with an Admiral Nurse was ofered free of charge. Families rated the service as good.
Essex Partnership University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust: Mental health urgent care department
With a diverse, highly skilled workforce, a mental health urgent care department that was opened in Basildon reduced the number of patients attending Basildon Hospital’s emergency department by an average of 67% in its first six weeks. It also helped patients in crisis return home safely when, before, they may have been admitted. Feedback from patients and other professionals was excellent.
Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust: Enhanced Rehabilitation Outreach Service
A 16-20-week pathway existed to help service users transition from rehabilitation wards to the community. Two additional pathways were launched for those who needed longer-term support. They proved to be a success and, as such, will be expanded countywide.
Homewell Practice: Improving access to mental health support in primary care
To address patients’ unmet needs a daily mental health clinic was set up, ofering assessments, treatment plans, reviews and referrals. It enabled them to access immediate specialist mental health support without having to go via a GP. As well as benefiting patients, it reduced costs and pressure on secondary services.
Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust: Duxbury ward: road to recovery
To ease anxiety among women to be discharged from this acute mental health ward, the path between inpatient and community services was strengthened. People were supported to attend recover action planning groups and engage with community activities. Patients became more engaged in their recovery and their length of stay decreased.
Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust: The Bus Stop
To reduce self-harm and aggression/ violence on an acute mental health ward, the ‘bus stop’ – chairs strategically placed between communal areas and bedrooms – became an area where brief therapeutic interventions, such as relaxation activities, were delivered to aid mental wellbeing.
Concerning incidents reduced and service users reported feeling supported.
Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust: Tipping the balance
The trust introduced DIALOG+ so mental health services could provide person- centred, recovery-focused interventions. Staf attended training, an app was developed for service users, carers and staf, and care and safety plan templates were created. Person-centred care plans were produced for 1,651 people.
NHS Scotland The State Hospital: Triple Jeopardy: a learning partnership to enhance care for people who are ageing with mental disorders and dementia in a high-secure setting
A bespoke learning programme was delivered for this high-secure forensic setting’s nursing staf, who had limited or no experience of caring for patients with dementia. It led to improved recognition of personhood and deeper connections between staf and service users.