Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust Welcome Information for patients August 2012
The information in this welcome pack is provided to make your stay with us as comfortable as possible. It explains what you can expect during your stay. If you have any questions please speak to a member of staff. 1 Contents Page Introduction - section 1 Our promise to you 3 Privacy and dignity 3 About your welcome pack 3 Confidentiality 4 Information sharing 4 Access to your records 4 The staff - section 2 Your multidisciplinary team 5 Being on the ward - section 3 Why am I here? 7 Do I have a choice? 7 What about the Mental Health Act (1983)? 7 What will happen to me while I am on the ward? 7 What is the care programme approach (CPA)? 7 Ward round meetings 8 The community meeting 8 A meaningful day 8 About your care and treatment - section 4 What is meant by treatment? 9 Information on medication and treatments 9 Assessing your needs 9 Page Practical things - section 5 Things you may want to consider 10 Safety on the ward - section 6 Fire safety 11 Alcohol and drugs 11 Management of aggression and violence on the ward 11 Emergency alarm 11 Can I smoke? 11 Safety and observation on the ward 12 Items brought to hospital 12 Housekeeping - section 7 What personal belongings do I need? 13 Use of sleep out beds 13 What happens at meal times? 13 Mobile phones 13 Our environment 14 Post and messages 14 Things you need to know - section 8 Useful information, tips and advice from other service users 15 Leave arrangements and time off the ward 15 Leave without agreement 15
2 Contents cont: Visitors - section 9 Visiting 16 Children visiting 16 Visitors code of conduct 16 Support and advice - section 10 Support for relatives and carers 17 Who can provide me with independent advice? 17 What rights do I have if I don t agree with what is happening to me? 17 Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) 18 Your opinion matters 18 How to make a complaint 18 Ready to leave - section 12 Home Treatment Team 20 Being discharged from hospital 20 When you are well 21 CPA reviews 21 How will I know when my CPA reviews are? 21 Why is CPA important? 21 What will be the outcome of each CPA review? 21 About the ward - section 13 This section contains information specific to the ward you are on. 22 Equality and human rights - section 11 Emotional, spiritual and cultural support 19
Introduction - section 1 3 We understand that being admitted can be a very frightening and distressing time for you, your family and friends. However, we do not want your stay with us to be a disruptive or unpleasant experience. Our aim is to aid your recovery and enable you to return home as soon as possible. We also recognise that you may want to have some control over your own care and would like to help you do this. This welcome pack has been put together by service users and staff to help guide you through the process, from being admitted to when you leave. Our promise to you Each time you use our services, we will... Listen to your views on the help you need, talk to you about your rights, discuss your care plan with you and give you a copy. Talk with you about your treatment, including any tablets you take, ensuring you understand why you are taking them and any side effects. Tell you the name of your doctor, primary nurse and who you can speak to if they are not on duty. Listen to your relatives and carers and, if you wish, involve them in your care. Talk with you about your next care review and ask if you want to have someone else with you. Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust is committed to providing the highest standards of care, so we welcome your views on the services we provide. If you would like to comment, make a suggestion or make a complaint, please speak to a member of staff. You may also like to speak to our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) by ringing the freephone number on 0800 917 7159. Further details of this service can be found on page 18. Privacy and dignity Privacy and dignity is about how people with a range of differing needs and values are respected as individuals. Being on a ward can be a daunting experience but we will try to make you feel as comfortable as possible while you are here. Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust provides same sex accommodation. This means your bedroom, toilet and bathroom will only be used by patients of the same sex as you. Most of our bedrooms are single rooms though you may share some communal space such as activity rooms, day rooms or dining rooms, where people of both sexes can socialise and take part in therapeutic activities together. All wards have a female only lounge. We will always maintain your dignity, respect and privacy. We also expect that you show the same consideration to staff and other patients. If you have any concerns, please speak to a member of staff. About your welcome pack This information pack has been compiled to help you find your way around the ward and to make sure you are aware of what will happen while you are here. Your primary nurse will discuss the contents of this folder when you first arrive and regularly throughout your stay. If you need any additional help with this pack (perhaps from an advocate) please ask a member of staff. The ward has access to written information in a number of languages other than English and there is also an interpreting service that you can access by speaking to the ward staff. Your primary nurse will meet with you to discuss your needs and priorities for your recovery.
4 Confidentiality Our staff are required to abide by a code of conduct on confidentiality. We may share some information with other people such as your GP and social services employees. When considering who may see information about you, our staff use the following principles: only share information with those who need to know in order to provide good quality care; and share the minimum information necessary to ensure good quality care. Information sharing It is vital for all services providing input to someone s care to have good communication. Information sharing between care giving teams can help in the delivery of care and treatment packages. Your information will be shared on a need to know basis only. In order to make sure that you receive the best possible care, we may need to involve your family in some decisions. We would ask that in the interest of meeting your future needs, that you identify one person who may give and receive information (this may be a relative or friend who supports you). Access to your records Your have the right to see the information we hold about you. This includes paper records and those held on computer. If you wish to view the records held by your healthcare team, please approach your doctor or another staff member.
The staff - section 2 5 Your multidisciplinary team As your care involves a multidisciplinary team (MDT) there are a lot of people on the ward who are here to help you. You may have met some of them already. All staff will be wearing an identity badge. The ward manager This is the most senior nurse on the ward. They are responsible and accountable for the care provided by all the clinical staff you will meet. They are also responsible for the day-to-day running of the ward. You can discuss any issues or concerns that you may have about your care with the ward manager. Your primary nurse Soon after your admission you will be introduced to your primary nurse. During your stay, this person is responsible for coordinating your nursing care. They will agree your care plans with you and discuss your progress at regular intervals. Associate nurses Associate nurses provide support to the primary nurse in caring for you while you are on the ward. They are not always registered mental health nurses but could be healthcare assistants, nursing assistants or social therapists. Associate nurses have a valuable role in helping the primary nurse and are often the people who will regularly be on the ward. Art psychotherapists Art psychotherapy groups are run by art psychotherapists and give you the opportunity to express yourself using art, try different techniques and share your experiences with others. It does not matter how good you are at art as there will be people in the group who will help you. The art psychotherapy group takes place every week on the ward. Please see the ward timetable for times. Consultant psychiatrist The consultant psychiatrist is the most senior doctor who has overall responsibility for your care and treatment. Consultants make important decisions regarding your treatment and care as well as being responsible for giving you leave from the ward and coordinating your discharge. Senior registrars Senior registrars are experienced psychiatrists who are training to become a consultant. Ward doctors Ward doctors are qualified doctors who are continuing their medical training. They are responsible for your all round care and you will meet them on a regular basis. Occupational therapists (OTs) OTs will work with you to regain your ability to carry out daily jobs and cope with everyday life. They will provide you with therapeutic activities during your stay and help you to achieve a more fulfilling and balanced lifestyle to improve your quality of life after discharge. Details of the occupational therapy programme are displayed on the ward notice boards.
6 Clinical psychologists Clinical psychologists offer individual (one-to-one) and group work focussing on making sense of your current situation/difficulties to help you get back to doing things in life that are important to you. They will help you to identify unhelpful patterns or responses, develop more helpful coping strategies, and think about longer term plans once you leave hospital. Modern matron There is one modern matron in this inpatient unit - they are responsible for the wellbeing of patients on all wards. The modern matron ensures that you are looked after well and that your problems are dealt with properly. The modern matron supports the team to focus on meeting your needs in a way consistent with the trust s values.
Being on the ward - section 3 7 Why am I here? You have been admitted to the ward so that your mental health needs can be fully assessed in a safe place by a specialist team. Do I have a choice? The aim of being admitted to the ward is to help you return to your everyday life as soon as possible and help you manage better. While you are here, staff will fully involve you in decisions about your treatment and plans for your discharge, whether you return home or to alternative accommodation. However, there may be times when you are not able to choose what you want to do. Your wishes will be carefully listened to and considered. What about the Mental Health Act (1983)? Some people will be detained in hospital under the Mental Health Act (1983). This is often referred to as being sectioned or on a section. Within the first 24 hours of being on a section your primary nurse will talk to you about what this means and will give you written information. This will include information on whether you can appeal against your section and if so how to do this. If you are on a section, you will need written permission from the person in charge of your care before you leave the ward. Your human rights will never be compromised while you are on the ward. If you have any concerns about this, please tell your primary nurse as soon as possible. What will happen to me while I am on the ward? After arriving on the ward the ward team will make an assessment of your needs and put together a care plan with you. A care plan is a document containing details about you and the care that you will receive while on the ward. The plan will be regularly updated with you as your care needs change. You will also receive a copy of your care plan. What is the care programme approach (CPA)? CPA is how mental health services deliver care plans to people who experience mental health difficulties, whether they are short term or longer term. CPA is a way of making sure that you get the help that you need and that those involved in your care communicate with you and each other. Care plans are based on your care needs. If your needs are not complex your care will be called standard care. If your care needs are complex this process will be called the care programme approach (CPA). For more information about CPA ask to see the leaflet Assessment and Care Planning. ^ëëéëëãéåí= ~åç=`~êé mä~ååáåö fåñçêã~íáçå=ñçê=ëéêîáåé= ìëéêë=~åç=å~êéêë=çå= ëí~åç~êç=å~êé=~åç=íüé= Å~êÉ=éêçÖê~ããÉ=~ééêç~ÅÜ E`m^F=éêçÅÉëëK While you are an inpatient your care will usually be reviewed weekly during the ward round. In addition, nearer discharge, there will be a formal meeting to prepare for your discharge. There is more about this on page 20. April 2010
8 Your care plan belongs to you and you can influence what is written there. It may be helpful for you to think of things you would like help with so you can include these as part of your care plan. These could be things like: looking at ways of coping with upsetting thoughts and difficult feelings having someone to talk to about your present difficulties help and support with feeling stressed support to look at your social circumstances help with building your confidence or self esteem practical help or assistance. You can discuss any issues that are important to you with your primary nurse and have them included in your care plan. A meaningful day Having no reason to get up during the day can delay your recovery or cause you to become unwell again. In order to help you maintain your wellbeing and provide some kind of structure to your day staff will discuss an activity programme with you. This is part of your treatment. Attending groups can assist in your recovery in a number of ways including: improving your concentration helping to build your confidence assisting you in planning goals for the future promoting new ways of managing your health encouraging new interests. Ward round meetings At these meetings you will meet with your consultant and other members of the team on a weekly basis. You will be able to discuss your progress and care needs. You can invite family and friends to attend to support you, but the consultant may want to speak to you on your own or restrict the number of people attending the meeting. At these meetings there will also be an opportunity to discuss your leave and discharge arrangements. The community meeting This weekly meeting is where the staff and service users can meet to discuss and resolve issues relating to the ward. It is a good opportunity for you to have more of a say in what happens on the ward.
About your care and treatment - section 4 9 What is meant by treatment? Treatment might include: group activities individual sessions with staff medication occupational therapy psychological treatment psychotherapy rehabilitation training in daily living skills. There are also treatments to help you improve your concentration and treatments to help you understand and manage your condition. These treatments may be given alone or combined with medication. A range of specialists can be involved in your care and treatment. Information on medication and treatments Part of your treatment may involve taking medication. If your doctor decides to prescribe medication then this will be discussed with you along with an explanation of the purpose of the medication, its effect and possible side effects. You will also be provided with written information leaflets about your medication by nursing staff or the pharmacist. Your consent will always be sought before medication is commenced. Under some circumstances, medication may be given without your consent. This will be because a doctor thinks that you, or other people, would be at immediate risk if you do not take the medication. This would only happen if you are detained under certain sections of the Mental Health Act or in an emergency. You can ask to speak to the ward pharmacist to discuss your medication. Assessing your needs There will be various members of staff from different professions involved in carrying out a number of assessments relating to your situation. Some of these assessments may be ongoing and will include: an assessment of your mental state an assessment of your social situation a risk assessment. On admission to hospital, all medication needs to be handed in to ward staff (including medication for physical health problems, for example inhalers). The doctor will discuss this with you on admission and the nursing staff will dispense any medication you require.
Practical things - section 5 10 Things you may want to consider We recognise that your life does not stop when you come into hospital, and that you may have a range of practical issues that need to be dealt with or resolved. Your primary nurse and other ward staff as well as advocacy workers are there to work with you towards resolving these. For example you may need to: Arrange for the care of your children or others that you provide care for Have benefit books, credit cards and cheque books made secure Get someone to take care of your pets Be able to pay urgent outstanding bills Get a change of clothing Cancel or rearrange appointments Contact your employer and other key people.
Safety on the ward - section 6 11 Fire safety There are sensitive fire alarms situated all around the ward and they can be easily set off by cigarette smoke. If you hear the fire alarm a member of staff will guide you to safety. It is important to listen to instructions from staff. The fire alarm system is tested regularly. There is no need to take any action when this happens unless the alarm rings for a long time. Alcohol and drugs In the interests of safety, and the welfare of other service users and staff, alcohol and illicit drugs are strictly forbidden on the wards. The police will be informed if service users or visitors are found to be in possession of illicit drugs. Management of aggression and violence on the ward To allow staff to properly care for you and others on the ward, a safe environment is maintained. There may be occasions when this safety is compromised and someone acts in a manner that puts themselves or others at risk. If this happens, staff will take appropriate action to reduce any risks. Most cases are resolved in a peaceful manner but there may be a time when this does not happen and more urgent action is required. In extreme circumstances staff may use physical interventions to resolve a situation. These skills are only used as a last resort when there is a high risk of physical violence occurring. These skills are only used by staff who have received training in the safe use of them. They are intended to allow staff to safely manage difficult situations and return the environment back to a safe one as quick as possible whilst maintaining dignity throughout. It is acknowledged that these situations can be distressing for all concerned and as a result staff will attempt to address any concerns and anxieties you may experience after the incident. Staff will also discuss the incident with the person involved in order to understand the incident and minimise the risk of it happening again. Emergency alarm This alarm sound is a high beeping and will be intermittent or continuous. This is to alert staff that assistance is required within the unit. Should the alarm sound on the ward please assist staff by allowing them to respond without difficulty. Can I smoke? There is a smoking shelter attached to the ward. Smoking is not allowed in any other part of the ward or anywhere on trust property apart from in designated areas. Smoking and smoking material remains a major cause of fires within inpatient services. Protocols are in place to protect patients, visitors and staff by restricting and controlling use of ignition sources on trust premises. On admission, you would have been asked to hand in any lighters or matches to the ward staff. These will be returned to you when you leave the ward. If you would like help to stop smoking, please ask a member of staff for more information.
12 Safety and observation on the ward To ensure that you remain safe on the ward staff may monitor you closely as part of your care plan or as part of your assessment. This is known as observation and there are four different levels. Some of the levels of observation may seem intrusive at first. For example level two means that a nurse will check on you at random intervals and levels three and four mean a nurse will be with you, or near you, at all times. The purpose of observations is to ensure your safety and wellbeing. Items brought to hospital Many people who use our services are particularly vulnerable to risks posed either by themselves or from others. In order to maintain a safe environment for everyone, it is necessary to control the entry of potentially dangerous items on to the ward. This means we will make a list of your property on admission, and where we have concerns about safety, and it is legal to do so, we may need to conduct further personal or property searches.
Housekeeping - section 7 13 What personal belongings do I need? During your time on the ward, bed linen and towels are provided on request. There is a lockable cupboard or safe in your room to keep personal belongings in. There are separate toilets and bathrooms for men and women but your room may have its own ensuite bathroom. All patients are given a small pack of toiletries on arrival to the ward. This will ensure you can attend to your personal hygiene needs. There is a washing machine for your own laundry but you will need to provide your own washing powder. Please make sure you look after your personal belongings as, on rare occasions, items have gone missing from the ward. A member of nursing staff will be able to put any valuable items in a safe while you are on the ward. If this happens, you will be given a receipt and can withdraw your belongings at any time during office hours. Any dangerous items will also be put away and returned to you when you are discharged. If you have any weekend or overnight leave, please take all your personal belongings home with you since the ward cannot store these for you. Use of sleep out beds Unfortunately, there are a limited number of acute care beds in London. If at any time there are more people in need of these beds than are available, the beds of people on leave may have to be used. Should the problem become very serious you may be asked to sleep on another ward. However, this will only happen if your mental state is stable and you are near discharge. The ward staff will discuss this with you to ensure there is minimum disruption. If you are asked to move beds, your belongings will be locked away for safe keeping. What happens at meal times? During your stay all meals will be provided on the ward. There will be a selection of meals to suit most tastes, cultures and religions. If you have special dietary requirements please tell your primary nurse as soon as possible. Menus are displayed in the dining room and on the ward notice boards. Tea, coffee and soft drinks are available on the ward throughout the day. For safety reasons service users do not have access to the kitchen. We are working towards protected meal times. This means that you will be able to enjoy your meal in a relaxed atmosphere with staff there to ensure that there are minimal disruptions. We would respectfully ask all carers, family and friends to stick to visiting times. If this poses particular difficulties for you, please raise this with the ward team. Mobile phones Mobile phones may be used on the ward but please do so with consideration for the ward environment and other patients. You can avoid disruption to others by making phone calls in your bedroom or in a private area of the ward, and by having ringtones on silent or at low volume. The use of any camera/video functions is prohibited in all areas. Please look after your phone as the trust will not accept responsibility or liability for loss or damage to personal mobile phones.
14 Our environment We are constantly striving to ensure that you have a clean and pleasant ward in which to recover. You can help us by: Keeping your room clean and tidy Tidying up the tea corner after you have made your drink Leaving the toilet and bathrooms in a state you would like to find them Keeping the laundry room clean and tidy after use Returning any borrowed items when you have finished with them, for example hairdryers and games Doing your part to prevent the spread of infections by washing your hands regularly, especially before meal times. Please feel free to use the hand sanitiser gels on the ward to keep your hands clean Having consideration for others on the ward. If you should find the ward facilities in need of cleaning or repair please report these to the nursing staff before you use them. Post and messages Post and messages, including sickness notes, will be distributed from the ward office. Outgoing mail can be sent through the office if the postage is paid. Stamps are available from local shops.
Things you need to know - section 8 15 Useful information, tips and advice from other service users 1. Let your friends and relatives know the public telephone number on the ward and arrange a convenient time when they can contact you. 2. Keep some change available for the public telephone if you want to make a call. 3. Look after your personal belongings. If you are in a public/shared area of the ward, do not keep valuable items in your sleeping area. The ward staff may be able to store small items for safe keeping or you may wish to send things home with family or friends. 4. Get to know the nurses and other members of staff as these are the people who will be able to help if you have any problems. 5. Arrange for clothes and personal items to be delivered to the ward as soon as possible. Also find out where the washing machines are and how they work. 6. There are lots of activities to do on the ward, including puzzles and board games and some reading books can be made available. 7. Ask the nurses if you need to see a chaplain or spiritual advisor, they will be able to arrange this for you. 8. Enjoy any escorted leave you are given. This will be a chance to visit shops, the library or the park, for example. 9. Make full use of any unescorted leave you are given. The ward staff will be able to help you with walks, places to visit and local attractions. Leave arrangements and time off the ward All wards have access to a garden. All service users are asked to inform a staff member when they are leaving and returning to the ward. This is so the team knows at all times who is on the ward, and who is not - for example, in the event of a fire. If you are on the ward voluntarily you have the right to leave the ward, and the hospital if you wish. If you wish to leave, please discuss this with the ward team. Leave off the ward is given gradually to ensure that you feel safe and comfortable and will be discussed and agreed with you. Leave may be escorted or unescorted and when you are well enough you will be encouraged to get out and about during the day to go to the park or do some shopping, for example. It is important to inform staff how you feel your leave has been and if you have encountered any difficulties. Staff may wish to speak to your carers or family and ask them for their opinion. This assists the team to have an overall picture of any improvements. Special provisions apply to people detained under sections of the Mental Health Act (see separate mental health act leaflet titled Patients rights). Leave without agreement We want to work with you to ensure that you have leave as and when it is safe and appropriate, and to allow you to continue with your everyday life outside of hospital with minimal disruption. We want to ensure that discharge plans are followed through and agreed by all involved. Please do not leave the hospital grounds without discussing this with your team beforehand.
Visitors - section 9 16 Visiting Visiting a friend or relative on the ward can be a difficult experience particularly as there are other people who may be behaving in an unusual manner. It should be remembered that all service users on the ward are suffering some form of mental distress. We try to create a therapeutic environment on the ward to reduce this distress. To safeguard the privacy and dignity of all patients, visitors are not permitted in patient bedrooms. If you would like a more private space for your visit, please speak to a member of the ward team who will try to facilitate this. Visitors are not permitted in the smoking pods - these are for patients only. We would ask that visitors treat the ward, staff and service users with respect and care. We also ask that visits are kept to within visiting times. Children visiting It is important for children and young people (under 18) to be able to visit their parents or relatives in hospital. Before a child or young person can visit the hospital their guardian must contact the ward to ensure it is possible for them to visit. All visits with young people must be planned with ward staff. They will provide a private space for your visit and ward staff will make suitable arrangements to maintain the privacy and safety of service users and visitors. will be informed of any decision and this will be kept under review. Visits can only take place when it is safe for the child or young person. Visitors code of conduct The trust has a zero tolerance policy to ensure the safety and privacy of service users, staff and visitors to this site. Visitors are asked to adhere to the following code of conduct: Alcohol and illicit drugs are not permitted on the site. Any visitor found to be or suspected of, bringing these or other prohibited items onto the site, or being intoxicated, will be asked to leave and rights to future visits may be withheld or restricted. Violence, threatening behaviour or verbal abuse directed towards staff, service users or other visitors will not be tolerated. Any such action may result in police action and will lead to removal from the site and rights to future visits may be withheld or restricted. Visitors should also note that appropriate action will be taken if service users are assisted in absconding from hospital or are encouraged to do so. It is sometimes necessary to refuse child/young person visits, either in advance, or on the day of the visit because of safety issues for the child. If this is the case you
Support and advice - section 10 17 Support for relatives and carers We aim to provide a service that listens to the views of service users, their relatives and carers. Therefore, the views and involvement of all of these parties are appreciated. With your consent, relatives and carers are actively encouraged to attend your ward rounds, clinical reviews and CPA meetings. There may be times when a member of your care team needs to speak to you confidentially and we ask that carers, relatives and friends respect this request. We understand this can be a difficult time for your family and friends and we aim to support them as well as you. Therefore, any concerns or issues which they feel may be relevant to your care can be raised with ward staff. If these concerns cannot be dealt with at ward level, the member of staff will direct them to the appropriate person so that their concerns can be dealt with quickly and effectively. Many of our units facilitate family and carer support groups. These groups provide practical information and support in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Meeting and talking with other people in similar situations can be a helpful means of support. If your family or friends would like to attend, please speak to the ward staff. Who can provide me with independent advice? Advocate Advocacy services are independent from the trust. An advocate will be able to help you plan what you want to say to staff, attend any ward or CPA meetings with you and make sure your views are listened to. Information about the advocacy services available in your area can be found on the ward notice board. Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA) The role of an IMHA is to provide information or help to obtain advice on any rights that a person or others, such as their nearest relative, may have under the Mental Health Act (MHA) (1983), on any MHA powers being used by professionals which affect them, and any medical treatment offered to them, or being considered, in connection with their care under the MHA. You can ask your care coordinator or primary nurse to complete a referral form for you or you can contact IMHA yourself. Please ask the ward staff for the number for the IMHAs in your area. What rights do I have if I don t agree with what is happening to me? You will be involved in all discussions regarding your care and treatment and your consent will always be sought before an agreed treatment plan is changed. If you are not happy with the service you are getting you can tell us about your concerns by talking to a member of staff of by contacting PALS or the Complaints Department (see contact details on the next page).
18 Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) PALS is run by Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust with a focus to improve trust services. PALS offers confidential on the spot advice and support, helping people sort out any concerns they may have about the care provided by the trust. For more information about the PALS service please ask to see the PALS leaflet or call Freephone: 0800 917 7159 Email: pals@oxleas.nhs.uk Your opinion matters We welcome your views on the services we provide. If you would like to comment, make suggestions or make a complaint, please speak to the person you normally see or ask to speak to the team manager. How to make a complaint If you would like to take the matter further, please contact: Head of Complaints Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust Pinewood House Pinewood Place Dartford Kent DA2 7WG Tel: 01322 625751
Equality and human rights - section 11 19 Emotional, spiritual and cultural support We believe that the emotional, spiritual and cultural needs of every person are important. During your stay our aim is to ensure your needs are met and that your needs are responded to in a way that is appropriate to your traditions, identity and beliefs. Such needs might include: Advice or support relating to local community groups and activities, such as lesbian, gay or bisexual support groups Counselling and befriending Dietary provision Support for older or younger people Making sure that facilities and activities are accessible for disabled people Making sure that information is easy to read and accessible for people with disabilities Spiritual guidance and contact with faith groups Receiving sacraments such as Holy Communion and anointment or the reading of sacred texts Specific times and places for prayer and meditation. A member of the ward team will be able to talk with you about how we can support you, and will also be able to arrange a time for you to meet with a chaplain or spiritual adviser. We will do all we can to meet your needs.
Ready to leave - section 12 20 Discharge from hospital as well as admission to hospital can be a major life event for you, your relatives and carers. You have been involved in the discussions to plan your discharge and we hope that the care you will receive in the community builds on your inpatient care and you continue to recover. Home Treatment Team Also known as the Crisis Resolution Home Treatment Team. They work to keep admission times as short as possible they understand that admission to hospital can be very disruptive to people s lives. During your admission you may be referred to and assessed by this team. They work to support people in crisis, to provide an alternative to hospital admission, work closely with inpatient wards and support individuals in early discharge from hospital. Being discharged from hospital Shortly before you are discharged from hospital, a discharge plan will be discussed and agreed with you at a meeting. This plan will outline the follow-up arrangements needed and the services that will be offered to help you settle back into the community. You may like to invite a relative, friend or carer to this meeting. In certain circumstances, you may be discharged with little notice. If this happens your primary nurse will ensure that all the necessary arrangements are made and notify those involved in your care before you are actually discharged.
21 When you are well The main function of an acute ward is to provide supportive and individualised care for patients who require assessment and treatment of an acute episode of mental illness, within a hospital setting. We will ensure that all discharge arrangements are discussed with you prior to your discharge and your views will be taken into consideration. We cannot accommodate service users who have been deemed well enough for discharge to remain on the ward. When your care team think that you no longer require any medical treatment that could not be provided to you in the community you will be discharged CPA reviews CPA reviews will continue regularly with the staff from community mental health services. These reviews are where the most important decisions are made about your care. Before the review it is important to think about what support you need and discuss this with family and friends. Your care coordinator and primary nurse will help guide you through the process. Their names and contact numbers will be in your care plan. How will I know when my CPA reviews are? Your care coordinator or primary nurse will tell you in plenty of time. They will ask you if you want to invite a family member or friend, or a representative. Simply ask your care coordinator or primary nurse to do this for you, or invite them yourself. At each CPA meeting, a date for the next review will be set. Why is CPA important? It gives you a chance to tell health and social services staff about what help you want and need from them. For example, decisions are made at CPA meetings about: When you will see your doctor Your medication, if any, and how much you should take Your support at home (for example, whether a social worker or community mental health nurse can help you) Whether you need occupational therapy or day care Whether you need to attend a day centre What level of psychological support you need (for example, whether you need a counsellor or therapist) Support in finding work or making social contacts Your housing or financial needs Cultural or personal needs that are important to you. What will be the outcome of each CPA review? Following a review, a care plan will be written or amended for you outlining details of the decisions made. The care plan represents Oxleas commitment of care towards you until your next review meeting. A copy of your care plan will be given to you so you can keep a record of the decisions taken. If you do not understand or are unsure of any part of your care plan please ask your care coordinator or primary nurse to explain.
About Oxleas House - section 13 22 Oxleas House provides 24 hour mental health services for adults and older adults living in Greenwich. It is based on the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) site and is managed by Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust. The unit provides care for people who require inpatient assessment and or treatment. It offers a range of therapeutic programmes including occupational therapy, psychological therapy, groups and activities that provide care based on individual needs. There are five wards in Oxleas House: Avery - acute ward for patients living in Thamesmead and Eltham Maryon - acute ward for patients living in Charlton, Blackheath and Greenwich Shrewsbury - acute ward for patients living in Plumstead and Woolwich Tarn - psychiatric intensive care unit for people who live in Bexley, Bromley or Greenwich Shepherdleas - ward for older adults over 65 who live in Greenwich. There is also a Home Treatment Team and Day Treatment Team who work with people in crisis and can, at times, provide an alternative to hospital admission. Protected engagement time Included in your treatment package is an expectation that you will take part in Protected Engagement Time (PET). The focus of PET is to increase the amount of quality time staff spend with patients, improving your quality of care. This may involve any of the following: One-to-one time with your nurse Getting involved in groups and activities on and off the ward Making good use of time off the ward Discussing your care plans or preparation for ward round Discharge planning. There is a timetable of groups delivered on the ward on the notice board. Please try to attend some groups and activities. This is seen as part of your ongoing care and treatment whilst on the ward. If there is a particular activity or group you would like to see being run on the ward, please discuss this with staff and we will consider your request. PET takes place daily at the following times: Morning - 10.30am -11.30am Afternoon - 3.30pm 4.30pm
23 Housing The Mental Health Housing Resettlement team consists of a small team of resettlement officers who provide short term housing related support services. The support offered is aimed at helping service users achieve independence and prevent homelessness. The service is for Greenwich residents who are linked to Oxleas mental health services. Service users can apply directly to receive a service from this team, or a professional, carer or friend can make a referral on the service users behalf. Please talk with your primary nurse if you would like to see someone from the resettlement team. The staff can support your application where appropriate but we have no direct influence on accommodation issues and cannot guarantee alternate arrangements prior to your discharge. Benefits If you are not currently receiving the benefits you believe you should be or are having problems applying for benefits please talk to a member of staff. We can refer you to a specialist benefit worker who may be able to assist you to fill out the correct forms. Please be aware that this may take some time and we have no direct influence over this process. Around Oxleas House Post office The nearest post office is located at 178 Shooters Hill Road, Blackheath, SE3 8RP. The 386 bus from the hospital going towards Greenwich will take you there. Alternatively the main post office branch is located in Powis Street in Woolwich town centre. Cash machine/banks There is a cash machine within the main QEH hospital. In Woolwich town centre you will find branches of NatWest, Halifax, Santander and HSBC banks. Supermarkets There are a number of local supermarkets and convenience stores near the hospital. The nearest one is the Co-Operative located at 196-200 Shooters Hill Road, which is a five minute walk from Oxleas House. Library Woolwich Public Library The Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, Woolwich SE18 6HQ Tel: 020 8316 6663 Hairdressers and barbers Fig 184 Shooters Hill Road, Blackheath SE3 8RP Tel: 020 8319 2427 Trims 28 The Village, Charlton SE7 8UD Tel: 020 8856 6499 GI Barbers 70 Herbert Road, Woolwich SE18 3SH Tel: 020 8316 7999 Dentist Plumstead Dental Surgery 12-14 Herbert Road, Woolwich SE18 3SH Tel: 0845 004 7919 Opticians Paine and Hunter 50 Herbert Road, Woolwich SE18 3SH Tel: 020 8316 1040
24 Travel information Bus routes from Queen Elizabeth Hospital Route Towards 161 244 291 386 469 Eltham North Greenwich Abbeywood Queen Elizabeth Hospital Plumstead Common Queen Elizabeth Hospital Woolwich Greenwich Erith Queen Elizabeth Hospital 486 Bexleyheath North Greenwich Trains: There are a number of local rail stations near to Oxleas House: Woolwich Arsenal Woolwich Dockyard Blackheath Charlton. Car parking: There is a limited pay and display car park on the hospital site All rail stations are within a 10 15 minute bus or taxi ride away from Oxleas House. Most London and local destinations are served by trains from these stations such as London Bridge, Blackheath, Charing Cross, Erith and Dartford.
25 Local independent advice Greenwich MIND Regularly visit each ward in Oxleas House to meet with patients and can offer independent advice. You can contact them directly at: Greenwich MIND 54-56 Ormiston Road Greenwich SE10 0LN Tel: 020 8853 2395 (office and admin) Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) CAB helps people resolve their legal, money and other problems by providing free, independent and confidential advice. You can contact them at: Old Town Hall Polytechnic Street Woolwich SE18 6PN Tel: 08451 202 931 Email: greenwichcab@btopenworld.com The Patients Council The Greenwich Patients Council is a group of people who are based in Oxleas House and have volunteered to represent the views and experiences of service users to the trust. The main aim of the Council is to help improve services provided at Oxleas House. The Greenwich Patients Council visit all of the wards in Oxleas House on a regular basis and speaks with service users to find out what is really important to them. These issues are then brought to the attention of ward staff and where possible any matters of concern are resolved locally. The Council also have input in unit wide meetings with clinical teams and managers to ensure the voices and opinions of the service users are heard and service is improved. The Greenwich Patients Council is completely separate to the service provided by PALS.
26 Useful contact numbers Oxleas House Queen Elizabeth Hospital Stadium Road Woolwich SE18 4QH Tel: 020 8836 6692 Recovery Teams 68 The Heights Charlton SE7 8JH Tel: 020 8269 4110/4111 Assertive Community Treatment Team Ferryview Health Centre 25-27 John Wilson Street Woolwich SE18 6PZ Tel: 020 8319 5509 Home Treatment Team Oxleas House Stadium Road Woolwich SE18 4QH Tel; 020 8836 6692 The Intake and Liaison Team Ferryview Health Centre 25-27 John Wilson Street Woolwich SE18 6PZ Tel: 020 8319 5500 The Short Term Intervention Team (SIT) Ferryview Health Centre 25-27 John Wilson Street Woolwich SE18 6PZ Tel: 020 8319 5500 Mind Mental Health Charity Tel: 020 8853 2395 Alcoholics Anonymous Tel: 020 7352 3001 PALS Freephone: 0800 917 7159 BAGRA (Bexley and Greenwich Resource for Alcohol) Tel: 020 8304 6588 Samaritans Tel: 020 8692 5228 Rethink Charity Tel: 020 7330 9100 Housing Benefit Tel: 020 8921 2049 Disability Living Allowance Tel: 020 8710 2918 Incapacity Benefit Tel: 01227 596700 Income Support Tel: 0845 377 1000 Open Space Trinity Youth and Community Centre Burrage Road Woolwich SE18 7JW Tel: 020 8319 5500
Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust Pinewood House Pinewood Place Dartford Kent DA2 7WG Tel: 01322 625700 website: www.oxleas.nhs.uk