Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, the county’s mental health and learning disability service provider is celebrating the accreditation of two of its older people’s wards.
Both Kingsley Ward at Millbrook Mental Health Unit and Daybrook Ward at St Francis Unit, Nottingham City Hospital, have received the Accreditation for Inpatient Mental Health Services (AIMS).
AIMSis an initiative from the Royal College of Psychiatrists' Centre for Quality Improvement which identifies and acknowledges services that have high standards of organisation and patient care.
Each ward went through the AIMS accreditation process over the course of six to nine months. The process incorporates three main phases, self-review, a peer-review visit, and a decision about accreditation status. The self review is an opportunity for the local multi-disciplinary team to review its local procedures and practices against the AIMS standards, of which there are over 100 including physical environment, staff support and training and patient advocacy. The peer-review visit validates the self-review findings and is a chance for discussion, and for the review team members to share ideas, make suggestions, offer advice and give support.
Kingsley Ward met the standard for accreditation with a number of enhancements which include:
- The creation of lighter and brighter staff and patient areas leading to a better general ambience on the ward.
- Clear information for patients and carers with updated information packs and clear signage for named nurses, activity programmes and areas of same sex accommodation including a female only sitting room and sleeping areas.
- Increased time spent with patients including one to one engagement with a named nurse for a prescribed period on a daily basis, and patient and staff meetings.
- A review of the documentation and risk assessments on the ward and essential training for staff
Similarly, Daybrook Ward attained its accreditation with a number of key attributes including: -
- The ward was noted to be clean and pleasantly decorated.
- Clients report feeling informed, listened to and well respected.
- A solid staff team with high morale giving positive feedback around appraisal and supervision procedures.
- A competent ward manager who is reactive to needs of the ward.
- Client notes and health records which are well organised and comprehensive.
- Good information systems for both clients and staff members.
- Clients are positive about the food and dining arrangements.
Andrea Ward, General Manager, Mental Health Services for Older People (MHSOP) said: “We are all delighted with the accreditation. The staff on both wards have worked incredibly hard to achieve this and I would like to congratulate them all. The accreditation reflects the positive impact of the hard work and commitment shown by all in providing the best care and environments to the people who use our services. I look forward to more wards in MHSOP receiving this accreditation in the future.”
Accreditation is valid for up to four years, subject to satisfactory completion of an annual self-review.
