User Friendly Group aims to improve the quality of life for patients in the clinic.
Winter Issue26 2009
MURALS:
A project group will start to produce murals for the wards. The first ward will be Cardigan ward.
SHOP:
We cannot record films from the Sky box and loan them out to patients. Donated clothes are given away in the shop – RobC to find more clothes. AH presented a poster showing that the UFG shop had donated money to each ward from the surplus funds. The ward managers congratulated the Shop for all its efforts.
CATERING:
Patients on Tenby Ward are still not happy with caffeine policy on the ward. The Mental Health Act Advocate has sent a letter voicing patients concerns. MikeS had sent a response to the advocate specific to one patient. JaxS said that fruit and yoghurts had increased following patients requests and this had increased cost in net terms.
SHOP AUDIT:
MikeS said that the shop would be audited once every 3 months with AndyB and AndyH. There would be a constitution for the shop.
RECYCLING:
People would like to recycle plastic bottles from the shop. JaxS is doing costings. Bottle tops can be recycled. Each ward needs to have a system to collect bottle tops and take them to The Shop for recycling.
MikeS and SianD to discuss with Andy D about more efficient use of appliances such as turning off lights and TV′s. Groundworks to use one tonne sand and chippings bags from concrete workshop.
WELCOME PACK:
AndyH said that he had produced the welcome pack for new patients. He provided a welcome pack poster. Posters had been put on Penarth, Newton and Tenby wards plus the shop and café. AH did say that he had given The Patient Information Leaflets to new patients and a member of staff from the relevant ward as an example of what to fill in. He did not know what had happened from there. Ward Mangers to pursue.
TOE BY TOE READING SCHEME:
The scheme is run to promote patients helping other patients to read. SianD had received information and will proceed.
SPIRITUALITY:
MikeS highlighted that there had been an induction course for staff raising awareness of spiritual needs – 8/10 attended. Induction also aimed at those people who did not necessarily have a religious belief.
MOBILE PHONES:
Mobile phones are not to be used in Communal areas.
BUTTY SCHEME
RobC helping to put together information. Discussed training. MikeS said that Ogmore and Cardigan patients may share their views about "The Clinic" and how to progress trough "The Clinic" with other patients.
1000 LIVES CAMPAIGN:
Poster being framed and then put up in reception.
ACTION PLAN:
SianD to produce an action plan for the group saying what our goals are for the year.
Chat Issue 22 Spring 2008
UFG Shop Update
The shop is doing well selling snacks and toiletries on a Tuesday and a Friday. Clothes are now being sold to patients who do not have community leave. Clothes are sold on a Wednesday. RobC spearheads the group ably assisted by TerryC, MellyS and AndyH.
In the UFG meeting the point was raised as to whether ward staff were letting patients know that the shop was open. RobC felt that it was important that patients who did not have leave get off the ward and visit the shop and staff should try and accommodate it.
Chat Issue Winter 2007
The User Friendly Group (UFG) has been formed to give support to patents in the clinic. It is run by RobC who is an ex-patient and understands the needs of patients. He also acts as a link between nursing staff and patients. RobC visits the clinic on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
The following items have been recently addressed:
Shop:This has now been opened in the UFG Office and is led by RobC with the help of patients. It is open on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Catering:Cardigan Ward has recently completed a questionnaire about the quality of food on the ward. It questioned the most favourite and least favourite food. A review will be given to the UFG next January.
Hafal:RobC has arranged for this mental health charity to visit the clinic in January.
Smoking:The policy regarding long term smoking ban was reviewed and MikeS is to contact RobertG. If smoking will still take place in the clinic then a review of smoking out side of the café will take place.
Cafe/Tenby Courtyard:MikeS felt that it was unacceptable that patients cannot access fresh air outside the cafe. The courtyard belongs to Tenby ward. It was felt that part of the courtyard could be cordoned off. MikeS to pursue.
Stolen Bikes:SianD stated that there was no insurance for the bikes that had been stolen. She will need money to buy new bikes as well as to construct a cage to house the bikes. RGoodwin to be contacted.
Ward Lap Top computers:SianD said that she is looking at having new lap top computers on the wards. The computers in the Education room are out dated and we need to have new ones. This is especially true when one is doing the ECDL Computing course. - lap top computers may be the answer but the problem is a lack of funds.
Funds:There was discussion regarding the clothing allowance funds where patients had £50 per quarter. Most patients are on incapacity benefit and do not receive the clothing allowance. This funding could be put towards purchasing lap top computers. MikeS to pursue.
RobC stated that some of the major supermarkets run schemes whereby they give shopping vouchers for charities with a discount that can be claimed back. RobC to pursue.
UFG Autumn 2006
The UFG is headed up by RobC and he has run the UFG for 8 years; he is therefore very experienced in his role. He also acts as an advocate - This means helping patients who wish to talk confidentially about various issues. RobC can also represent patients at their Clinical Team Meetings when a patient needs support, tribunals, managers meetings and 117 meetings. RobC will also help with your spiritual believes should you wish to see someone about your religion.
Rob visits the Clinic on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
The UFG also includes patients and Staff and meets every month.It is open to any body who may wish to attend - watch out for the minutes on the ward notice boards. All staff are emailed with the date , time and venue (that is usually on a Friday at 3pm in the café) should anyone wish to attend. However, The UFG feels that the meetings may have run their course and should they be finished due to lack of interest from the Management - we hope that this does not need to happen.
Other items recently addressed and which are under the UFG umbrella are:
Shop – This will now start in September. NeilM (Occupational Therapist and JeanetteD) to help RobC in its launch.
Unauthorised cars are still using Clinic parking places. LisaR to obtain stick bollards parking signs for "Clinical Vehicles Only".
Untidy Cars are still a problem but are now valetted once a moth instead of once a quarter
Diabetic/Healthy foods are now available in the food menus, this includes low sugar, low fat diets examples being Muller Rice Lite, low fat yoghurts.
Catering service will now supply four weekly menus instead of the current three. Desserts will be stopped at lunch time because this facility is not being used by patients - desserts will still be provided at tea time. However, yogurts and rice will still be available at lunch time. There is no problem in patients having their own food such as beans on toast provided that the house keeper is given enough time to prepare it.
Charter Mark Audit. This assesses how Caswell Clinic is run. It was very successful with either full compliance or best practice for all categories – Caswell clinic has never achieved such a positive response before. A special mention went to the Caswell Chat and the development of a web site for it.
A cart boot sale was arranged by JeanetteD but it did not get many punters. However, JeanetteD arranged a Fete in Caswell Therapeutic gardens which was very successful. It raised £30 for garden produce and £40 for "brick a brack" and with a raffle.
JaxS highlighted that only those patients not receiving benefits would be entitled to clothing and weekly allowances, and also refreshment rebate from community leave.
UFG Dec 2001
We are a group of service users of the clinic. We are here to improve and maintain the quality of life for you on the wards. We would like you to talk to us about any ideas you have for improving the service and life generally on the wards. Also if you have any complaints about your care, tell us and we may be able to turn your complaint into a constructive criticism leading to improved services, rather than appearing as a moan.
You can talk to us about anything do feel free to approach us and we will try to help you in any way we can. All discussions are confidential.
UFG Oct 2001
User Friendly Success
For some time now, the User Friendly Group have been querying current practice with regards to patients being charged for items made in Occupational Therapy,stating that some patients are unable to afford to pay for products they have made. After negotiations between Robert Goodwin, Business Manager, Paul Dunning, Head of OT and the User Friendly group it has been agreed that individual patients will now be allocated £30 a year which will contribute towards the cost of materials used during sessions. Each patient will therefore be entitled to take items from O. T. sessions up to the value of £30 in any 12-month period. Thanks go to the User Friendly Group for their persistent efforts in this matter.
UFG May 2002
UFG has met recently to the review the situation with the New Building and other matters.
The Build will be handed over on 26th April. Patients will be taken across to see the wards where they will be positioned on as well as walking along The Street. Firstly, patients will need to get confirmation of the particular ward from the Clinical Team Meeting (CTM).
Catering: This is still a problematic area. JackieD is writing up the catering policy. She is waiting for the job description for the housekeeper. The UFG highlights the need for new domestics in the New Build who are not currently available. There will be cook-chilled facilities but a lack of storage space for food means that it can only be bought on a daily basis, and this was felt to be unsatisfactory.
The 5 mosaics relating to 5 beaches in South Wales for the 5 wards is complete and will be erected in the near future.
Occupational Therapyis looking at employing staff who will work flexible hours.
Advocacy:RobC has produced a document relating to Advocacy issues called "Advocacy at the Caswell Clinic Who needs it". This is available on all wards and from staff.
Weight Change:SimonR went though a questionnaire regarding weight gain issues which concluded that patients see a need for this in the Clinic. Matters arising from this survey are highlighted on page 7 in this newsletter.
Spring Issue 2009
Garden:
Wood required for garden shed in the allotment. RobC said that there was wood in the hospital grounds that might be used – VaughanB to action.
Floral displays in Tenby courtyard – Tenby patients and AC′s Craig plus Dai to make these areas more attractive for both patients and visitors. Then grow Vegetables/flowers in larger therapeutic garden outside Tenby ward. Tenby ward to action.
RuthB said that it would be nice to have walls painted as murals. Sian D said that we had tried to paint the walls in the sports hall but there was no interest. RuthB asked if an outside body could come and help like we had done with the mosaics for the wards. It was highlighted that BernieC might be approached.
Shop:
Due to this becoming like a drop in centre as well as a shop then this to remain in the UFG Office rather than moving to the bank. RobC highlighted that one of the new uses of the UFG office was for religious purposes that he will organise. The bank will become an office for SimonR and RayD (GP). RobC said that he would finish the UFG for one year starting at the end of April.
Catering:
JaxS is now responsible for catering in the clinic and a member of "The Nutrition Focus Group". There has been a lot of discussion regarding caffeine in drinks. MikeS suggested that SimonR be contacted to go through this with Tenby patients. AndrewS to action.
Gym and dietary matters:
RobC arose concern about people using both gym and "booster diets". It was recognised that there can be a culture of "bulk" vs "fitness". SianD said that Karl H was putting together an introductory pack about the gym and dietary information: This to be produced for the next UFG Meeting.
Leaking roof in sports hall: SianD highlighted that this was an ongoing problem and had contacted estates department on several occasions– It was decided to leave in the minutes.
OT drop-in centres:
SimonB reviewed this and it should happen on Monday afternoons.
Leaflets:
Ruth B produced three psychology leaflets for circulation to patients. MikeS produced a patient information leaflet.
Tenby Ward Laptop:
SimonB said that Tenby ward urgently needs a computer. SianD to give laptop from Penarth ward – AndrewS, Ward manager to pursue.
Patient interview training:
MikeS to arrange two x two hour sessions in May.
Telephone charges:
SimonB stated that cost was in the region of £48per hour. Telephone cards were a way to reduce costs. RobC to obtain telephone cards from the shop. Obtain BT booklet – JohnG to pursue.
Music Therapist:
Psychology and OT are linking up with "The Music Therapist" to facilitate sessions from Thursday 26th for Tenby Ward.
1000 Life:
Healthy living. Physical health, well being, weight gain, diabetes as a project.
Melly Gardening:
Melly highlighted that garden sessions had been cancelled due to lack of staff or illness. It was important to start gardening now. Weekends could be used for gardening in the therapeutic garden but staff were not available. It was decided that patients put together a planned time schedule that staff could then facilitate during the weekends.
Christmas Issue 2008
User Friendly Group
The User Friendly Group (UFG) has been formed to give support to patents in the clinic. It is run by RobC who is an ex-patient and understands the needs of patients. He also acts as a link between nursing staff and patients. RobC visits the clinic on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
The following items have been recently addressed:
Garden:
AndyH stated that the allotment was now open and there had been two sessions to clear the weeds.
RuthB asked whether female patients on Newton ward can landscape their own therapeutic garden and this was agreed as there was already precedence on Cardigan ward–Activity coordinator to facilitate.
SimonB spoke of the need do work on some of the courtyards to make more use of floral displays and make these areas more attractive for both patients and visitors.
This is open on a Tuesday and Friday at 1pm to 3pm. DebbieB (nutritionist) had checked and OK′d the snacks–apart from Pot Noodles which have a high salt content. RobC stated that the shop would move to the 'Bank' on the Street in the New Year- MikeS to pursue constructing a door accessing The Street.
Catering:
SioanD to pursue making contact with Nutrition Focus Group about catering issues, in particular, the breakdown of the calorific content of the meals provided. SimonB stated that the meals were unsatisfactory and questioned the number of precooked meals that the clinic should have in a week (MikeS to pursue). AndyH stated that the meals were in fact satisfactory.
Bikes:
SianD to obtain bike racks for cars so that staff and patients can access rides such as the Mumbles.
Valley and Vale Community Plays:
They may come to the Clinic to perform drama with patients in the New Year –RobC to pursue.
Gym and dietary matters:
RobC arose concern about people using both gym and booster diets. It was strongly felt that people should receive education on healthy exercise and healthy diet. A small group to look into this matter eg James G (psychology), KarlH (gym), and a dietician. GeoffB and VaughanB–Substance Abuse Group to be notified. MikeS to action.
Leaking roof in sports hall:
SianD highlighted that this was an ongoing problem and had contacted DavidM, health and safety.
OT drop-in centres:
SimonB talked about drop in centres in other clinics rather than the more individualised programs at Caswell. Patients can access areas eg arts room to do various activities. MikeS suggested inviting SianD to a community meeting on Tenby Ward for further discussion.
Cookery Room:
SimonB questioned the small size of the OT kitchen. MikeSsaid it was small but had passed health and safety regulations.
Christmas Cards:
AndyH had a photo of Glanrhyd Church in the Snow for potential Caswell Clinic Christmas cards. Unfortunately funds were not available to produce them.
Patient Information Leaflets:
RuthB brought up the issue of patient information leaflets for new patients from the psychology department. HeatherE raised the issue of the patient leaflet that AndyH had complied with Sita. AndyH to email a copy to MikeS.
Freezer on Ogmore Ward:
MelS brought to the attention of the group that the freezer had been broken for several weeks. MikeS to take this up with the Ward Manager.
Toys for children in the family visiting suite:
Melly highlighted that there needs to be more toys for children in the Family Visiting Suite.
Chat Issue Autumn 2007
USER FRIENDLY GROUP (UFG) REVIEW
The U.F.G. has been struggling over the last few months, with ever decreasing numbers of people attending, both managers and people who use these services - you the people who live here. I know I don′t manage to get around all of you these days to explain about the U.F.G. no excuse I just don′t have the time and with a new ward opening my time is going to be even tighter. What people seem to forget sometimes is that I am a volunteer, and I do have a life outside of the clinic. The UFG has been going nearly ten years. it has been set up to improve the quality of life for the people who live here. Do you spend a lot of the time sitting in a chair watching life go by in the clinic? You may see something that could improve the service provided by the clinic. Then, the clinic would like to know these ideas. Believe it or not your views and ideas are respected here at the clinic. If they are a way forward; they will be looked at seriously. The UFG is the place to bring your ideas, so come along even if it′s just for a chat and join in the conversation and meet people with whom you might just have the same things in common.
UFG May 2004
Advocacy Needs at Caswell Clinic
Over half the patients in Caswell Clinic took part in a comprehensive questionnaire regarding the use of an advocate for the patients. An advocate is someone who represents a patient on an independent basis.
Most responses came from Coegnant (Intensive care) and Wyndham (assessment) ward. In Faldhau (rehabilitation) ward most patients declined to participate because at this stage of their rehabilitations most thought that there was no need for an advocate.
Excluding Faldau approximately three quarters of patients undertook the questionnaire.
Nearly 90% said that it would have helped to speak to an advocate on arrival to clarify the patients’ legal position regarding the section.
Approximately 85% would want someone who is independent to explain patients’ rights and medication issues; represent the patient at the CTM (Clinical Team Meeting); and to represent the views of patients on any change of policy which affects them.
75% to 80% would like to talk to someone who has been a patient. The patients would like an advocate to attend all community meetings to take up disputes on their behalf, especially for issues that appear to be highlighted up every week and not dealt with on the ward.
About 60% would like the primary nurses role explained by someone independent; would like to have contact with someone belonging to that patients religion; to write or speak on their behalf at a tribunal.
Lastly one third would like someone independent to talk to their primary nurse.
As you can see the need for an advocacy service for these people is an essential part of their care and we would be letting them and ourselves down if we didn’t supply this service. To this end I arranged a conference to highlight how advocacy works in other clinics and this is highlighted below.
Howard Davis, Commissioning Manager for the North West Secure Commissioning Team gave a presentation on the commissioning of independent advocacy services. He highlighted several points including "Advocacy is about extending choice and not about resolving problems although advocacy often begins by addressing problems". Advocates need to engage proactively, it is not about waiting for a problem to arise. "Advocacy must be able to support those who lack capacity to instruct and to see such people as a priority".
Rob Harris,Director of Advocacy Matters Ltd, gave the next presentation on the Development of Quality Advocacy Services. This presentation considered how to set-up advocacy, the recruitment of advocates and project workers, the development of an advocacy service and its supervision and ongoing development. Rob Harris stressed the importance of having policies and procedures to guide the provision of advocacy. Rob Harris noted that there is no recognised qualification for advocates. Advocates should be paid a competitive salary and the recruitment process should be rigorous.
Rob Harris also strongly recommended that we should start with a development project before commissioning a substantive advocacy service. The development project would provide an opportunity to describe a policy framework whilst seeking to recruit a full time advocate and supportive project workers.
It was recommended that any advocacy service should not only serve the inpatient population but should also seek to reach out to patients in the community.
Roberta Wetherell,former National Co-ordinator of the United Kingdom Advocacy Network gave a presentation on the Monitoring and Evaluation of Independent Advocacy Services. She presented the role of Advocacy Really Works. The core principles of Advocacy were explored to help to understand what advocacy is and is not. Roberta Wetherell then explored development, monitoring, training and support issues. It is recommended that would be advocates get at least 8 days of training before taking up their role and that shadowing of other advocates or project workers should be arranged. Roberta Wetherell offered to help to identify the component parts of such a training package.
In the final session speakers were available to answer questions from the audience. Debate identified the need for external academic involvement in the research, monitoring and evaluation of any future advocacy project. Howard Davis offered to include Wales in his efforts to research the effectiveness of Advocacy Projects in England.
The workshop identified tasks that need to completed before a substantive service can be commissioned.
For further information see "Advocacy at Caswell Clinic – Who needs it?" (This Doc. has not appeared as yet when it does I'll link it here. WebEd)