Mental health wards to be less scary

NEW information aims to make mental health wards seem “less scary” for service users, their families and carers in Warrington.
The 5 Boroughs Partnership NHS Trust, which provides mental health services for adults and children, across the boroughs of Warrington, Halton, Knowsley, St Helens and Wigan, is leading the way on providing information on its wards.
It is providing a new information folder including a brochure, fact sheets and DVD, which are made available to in-patients either before or just after admission. The information focuses on issues related to privacy and dignity, such as sleeping arrangements, bathing and toilet facilities.
The project was supported with funding from NHS North West’s Challenge Fund, which supports schemes linked to single-sex accommodation.
Joanne McDonnell, head of nursing and trust lead on privacy and dignity, said: “It can be quite daunting coming onto a ward, not just for service users but for family and friends too.
“This information is attractive, informative and can be given to people to look at in their own time and to support the information staff give. It helps make an unfamiliar environment seem much less scary.”
Service users, carers, ward staff and representatives from older people’s groups were involved in the planning and development of the information packs and DVD.
One of those involved in the project said: “You can actually see what the bedrooms and bathrooms look like. Seeing them on film makes a real difference.”
A staff member said: “It will be a great tool to help us to answer questions that service users and particularly their carers have. It will begin discussions and prompt questions.”