The implementation of Safewards at The Limes
by Rebecca Robinson
Forensic Psychologist, The Limes
The implementation of Safewards began at The Limes at the beginning of 2022, led by Rebecca Robinson (Forensic Psychologist) and Claire Langley (Patient Engagement Lead). Due to the nature of The Limes service, we have a wide range of service users with different needs. It was felt that it would be helpful to introduce new ways of involving the service users in how the ward operates and empowering them to take an active role in this.
We also have a wide range of staff from different disciplines, and we wanted to introduce a framework that encourages and supports everyone working together to achieve a common goal.
Throughout January and February 2022, staff training sessions were run to ensure staff of all grades and disciplines were aware of the overall aims of Safewards (to reduce conflict and increase containment on the ward) and understood how they could contribute to its successful implementation, both individually and working together as a team. Following the training, ten champions were recruited to lead on each of the ten Safewards interventions. Our champions are staff members from a range of disciplines including OT, psychology and HCA’s. Over the next few weeks, we introduced all ten interventions across the ward. This involved co-produced working within the service user involvement group where service users gave their input, including designing posters to advertise the interventions. Safewards is now a standard item on the community meeting agenda so that service users have a forum to provide their feedback and ideas. It is also discussed on a monthly basis within local governance
Service users have been involved in the implementation of Safewards across the ward. Safewards helps to promote and maintain a compassionate culture which is service user centred. It empowers service users to support one another and take a proactive role in their recovery. Safewards encourages staff and service users to work together and strengthen therapeutic relationships, and peer relationships.
Within the service user involvement group, service users have given their input into some of Safewards interventions. This has included designing posters to advertise the interventions and deciding what items they would like in the ‘Relaxation Box’. During community meetings, service users worked together to develop their ‘Mutual Expectations’ (how they would like all staff and service users to behave towards one another) which is now displayed on the ward. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday service users take part in the ‘Mutual Help Meeting’ where they are able to make suggestions about how the ward can be improved, offer each other help and support, request help from others and thank one another.
The formal evaluation report will be written in July 2022, and will include staff training evaluation data, a review of the number of incidents since the implementation of Safewards, staff and patient quotes and a comparison of how staff and service users feel about the social climate of the ward pre and post Safewards implementation. Informal feedback from service users so far has been positive. They have commented that the mutual help meetings make them feel like part of a group and that it creates a safe and accepting environment. The relaxation box has been a particular favourite, with lots of herbal teas and face masks being used!
Learn more about The Limes, Mansfield, on the service page.