Annual report 2010/11 - East Cheshire NHS Trust

Key achievements over the past year:• Further embedding of the unique one page patientpassport.• More staff attending training sessions.• Awareness raising drama presentation for staff by thelearning disabilities drama group Speaking Up SpeakingOut (SUSO).• ‘Top tips’ posters developed for wards and departments.• Visits to hospital arranged for students from Park LaneSchool so that they are familiar with wards anddepartments in the hospital should they need to beadmitted.• Following the ‘Big Health Day’ conference for people withlearning disabilities and their carers, maps fromoutpatients to pharmacy have been produced usingsymbols and photographs.• More accessible information has been produced includingphotographic journeys to prepare for hospital visits.• Working on a care pathway for patients with learningdisabilities that are clear, simple and accessible to all staff.Patient health informationThe Information Standard is a nationwide scheme thatenhances the credibility and reputation of an organisationand demonstrates that patient information is reliable andevidence based.In March 2011, Information Standard assessors reviewed thetrust’s patient information processes and have made someminor suggestions which, if achieved, will enable the trustto be recommended for certification.Key achievements are:• Developing a network of ‘Information champions’ andvolunteers• Information can be made available in audio CD, brailleand translated into other languages• Leaflets are available to download from the trust’swebsite.With more than 800 patient information leaflets which arereviewed every three years, the trust is keen to ensure thatpatients receive information about their condition that istimely, accessible and up-to-date. This means that patientsand carers can make informed decisions about theirtreatment and medical conditions.Only 14 NHS trusts are currently certified members of thescheme, therefore achieving Information Standardcertification will be a great achievement for East CheshireNHS Trust.Further details can be found at www.eastcheshire.nhs.ukDignity and respectTreating patients with the dignity and respect they deserveis a key priority for the trust.Initiatives which have highlighted the trust commitment tothis are:• Raising awareness – dedicated teaching sessions withinStatutory and Mandatory training have been scheduledthroughout the year to reach new and existing staffmembers to raise awareness of the importance of dignityand respect for all.• Patient surveys during hospital visits ensure that the trustengage with customers, providing real time feedback onwhich the trust can demonstrate its commitment andmake informed changes where required.• Improving Same Sex Accommodation is a Department ofHealth requirement for all trusts.Same sex accommodationThere is a commitment across the NHS to eliminate mixedsex accommodation within hospitals.During 2010/11 East Cheshire NHS Trust has made manychanges in working practice with patients to ensurecompliance with the Department of Health guidance and tomake sure patients privacy and dignity are respected.Some of these changes have included;• Extra bathroom and toilet facilities.• Changing ward layouts.• Same sex treatment lists.• Information for patients.• Dignity awareness sessions for all staff.Trust results are reported directly to the Primary Care Trustand Strategic Health Authority on a regular basis.The trusts declaration of compliance can be found atwww.eastcheshire.nhs.ukNutritionDuring 2010/ 11 the trust has been committed to ensuringthat good nutrition for every patient is available regardlessof medical conditions. As such the trust has introduced:• The red tray scheme to assist patients. Patients whorequire help with feeding are given a red tray so that theyare easily identified to staff as requiring assistance.• Protected meal times ensure that patients are left alonewithout visitors or medical interruptions in order toensure patients are afforded the time required to eat.• Patient surveys have been carried out to ensure that theprovision of food at the trust meets patient’sexpectations. Results are good. (See PEAT scores overleaf)• New adult nutritional policies provide advice on goodnutrition care for adults. These include guidance on theuse of supplements, artificial feeding and recognisingmalnutrition through inpatient screening.• Recognised mealtime help volunteer scheme where trustvolunteers assist staff and patients at mealtimes withinward areas.5455