FRIDAY, 5 JUNE, 2020

Photograph attached: Members of the IPCU team in November 2019 with their Mental Health Nursing Forum Scotland Award

Positive report for Carseview ward from Mental Welfare Commission

Staff in the Intensive Psychiatric Care Unit (IPCU) have been commended by Mental Welfare Commission Scotland following a visit to Carseview Centre in February.

Patients in the 10-bed ward spoke positively to inspectors about the care and support provided by staff, and said that nurses were helpful and approachable. Inspectors saw staff interacting and communicating with patients in a positive and supportive manner and saw patient feedback which is collected and displayed in the ward.

The report noted that nursing students felt well supported within the ward, and that staff said there is a positive culture with everyone working together as part of a team. This supportive environment was also observed by inspectors during the visit.

Care plans were found to be detailed, person-centred and clearly structured, with good information about specific needs, agreed goals and interventions. There was also evidence of patients being involved in the care planning process with some patients stating that they felt very involved in discussions about their care. Inspectors also heard about the identified carer link nurse and the ‘triangle of care’ approach which aims to improve interactions between carers and staff.

On its last visit to the IPCU in 2019, the Mental Welfare Commission was impressed with work undertaken on developing a ‘least restrictive practice’ focus and reducing the amount of time patients were on enhanced observation. The unit subsequently won a Mental Health Nursing Forum Scotland Award for its ‘From Observation to Intervention’ project – which saw a 95% reduction in one-to-one observations – and the inspection team noted that this focus had been maintained in line with the Scottish Patient Safety Programme – Improving Observation Practice Guidance.

Another positive development noted by the visiting team was that money had been allocated from endowment funds to buy outdoor furniture and equipment for the open space outside the ward, allowing it to be used as therapeutic space for patients.

One recommendation was made by inspectors which related to a lack of storage for patients’ belongings. This has since been addressed with new bedroom furnishings ordered where required.

Lead nurse for Mental Health and Learning Disabilities Johnathan Maclennan said, “This report recognises and demonstrates the commitment of the IPCU team to high quality, person-centred, rights-based least restrictive care. 

“The team should be incredibly proud of the work undertaken – and ongoing – to improve the overall care experience, which also includes working towards accreditation as part of the Royal College of Psychiatry Quality Network for Psychiatric Intensive Care Units.” 

Contact:

Louise Wilson

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 740718