Hospitals - the reality

Hospital Questions, jess's questions around doing into hospital.Public perceptions, including my own, conjure up disturbing media images of 'Dangerous Schizophrenics' or of people being put away in psychiatric hospitals and never seen again. Whilst we cannot deny the history of the Mental Hospital neither can we deny its important part in our communities and just how much things have improved in today’s modern hospitals.

The reality is that minor mental health problems affect many thousands of people in the country every day. Fear and stigma surrounding psychological health adds to the isolation that sufferers can feel and research shows that only one in ten mental health problems are serious enough that they need to dealt with in hospital.

Philosophy of care

Would be committed to provide a safe/caring and therapeutic environment where the physical and psychological needs of each individual patient can be assessed.

Should see all of its patients as individuals and provide a holistic approach to care provision.

Would believe that all patients have a right to skilled nursing care, encouraging each patient to achieve their own optimum level of well-being.

Will provide each patient with a unique comprehensive plan of care in conjunction with other team members, the patient and his/her carers.

Statement of intent

Committed to providing a quality service. They will seek to promote individuality in care, taking into account the holistic needs of the patient. Family and carers will also be offered skilled and empathetic support from a committed and professional team.

Much will be achieved through encouraging innovation of practice and by respecting and valuing staff. Totally committed to improving the quality of the service they provide.

The care team

As part of a multi-disciplinary team assessment, occupational therapist, social workers and community psychiatric nurses may become involved in your care. This will be established in accordance with your needs as identified in the weekly ward rounds.

Various opening times depending on your local hospital

Each consultant should work with a senior house officer who visits the ward regularly as and when required by patients.

The ward team would probably consist of: Ward Manager, Deputy Manager, Various Qualified nurses and Health Care Assistants.

Visiting times

Visiting times may vary.

In exceptional circumstances alternative visiting times will be arranged by speaking to the nurse in charge. In line with government regulations children are not usually permitted onto the ward, unless this is cleared with the consultant and the nurse in charge. Visits by children will usually take place somewhere like the dining area where activities should be available for them.

Comments or complaints

Your views should be sought to improve your care. Any compliments will be appreciated and help to match services to meet the needs of patients. Despite all efforts, occasionally problems arise, if you feel you have cause for complaint, please raise your concerns with staff who may be able to deal with them promptly or advise you on making a complaint.

Religious and cultural beliefs

Provisions will be made to accommodate your beliefs and practices. Please discuss your own/your relative's needs with staff, who will make the necessary arrangements.

Smoking

Smoking is usually only permitted in a smoking room under supervision. Only patients would be allowed to smoke in this room.

Meals

You will be given assistance to fill out a menu card each day. Special diets are catered for after discussion with your doctor or staff.

Further information