Awen Induction Information
Awen Mission StatemenT
“Women have the right to appropriate care and treatment
in a safe, integrated, dedicated secure care environment,
where their individual mental health needs and risk
behaviour can be understood and skills developed to
manage these behaviours. By developing their emotional
strengths, women are enabled to take greater control of
their lives and fulfill their own unique potential.
WE BELIEVE THAT PERSON CENTRED CARE AND TREATMENT BASED
ON THE RECOVERY APPROACH PROVIDES A HOLISTIC VIEW OF
MENTAL ILLNESS AND SUPPORTS PATIENTS TO HAVE FULL
CONTROL OVER THEIR LIVES.
Such care and treatment should be provided in the least
restrictive environment”
THE RECOGNITION OF EACH PATIENT’S INDIVIDUALITY IS AT THE
CENTRE OF THE WORKING PHILOSHOPY OF Awen.
Awen Ward Statement of Purpose
Awen Ward is a 16-bed medium secure unit at Llanarth Court Hospital for
women. It specialises in the care and treatment of women with mental
health problems, including Personality Disorder and Mental Illness who
require secure care due to their offending or other risk behaviours.
Awen ward aims to provide the highest quality of care. The clinical team
consists of a Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist, Associate Specialist
Psychiatrist, Charge Nurse, Forensic Psychologist, Clinical Psychologist,
Social Worker, Occupational Therapist, Therapy Support Worker,
qualified nurses and health care workers, and has input from a GP,
physical health nurse, pharmacist, adult tutor, and sports therapist.
Our aim is to provide a safe environment in which patients can receive the
care and support they require whilst empowering them to gain the
knowledge and skills to promote their recovery. Developing a trusting
therapeutic relationship is a priority. We develop clear treatment plans in
collaboration with the patient to ensure that the patient is central to their
care and treatment.
Many of our patients have complex needs, often with a history of trauma,
abuse, and substance misuse. Many have low self-esteem, and have
difficulty in regulating their emotions and impulses, or in forming healthy
attachments with others. We provide a full DBT service as the primary
model of psychological therapy to help with these issues, along with
pharmacological and occupational therapies, and other brief
psychological interventions as needed.
Some of our patients are also mothers, and our social work department
provides
help and support in achieving or maintaining contact with
children and other family members as appropriate.
The model of care is both risk-focused and Recovery oriented. The
development of each patient’s risk and treatment needs are individually
formulated. The patient and clinical team works collaboratively with other
agencies through the CPA process to help plan their future care pathway.
Awen Staff
Charge Nurse – Sarah Jones
Deputy Charge Nurses – Margaret Reardon and Ceri Hall
Position
DCN
DCN
Staff Nurse
Staff Nurse
Staff Nurse
level
4
4
4
name
Ceri Hall
Margaret Reardon
Vanessa Evans
Leanne Hill
Nomvuyo Magobolo
Specialist Area
DBT Therapist and manual handling trainer
Self harm and learning disabilities
clinic
DBT therapist
Staff Nurse
3
Sadie Hustwayte
DBT therapist and Basic life support
DBT therapist
Staff Nurse
Staff Nurse
Staff Nurse
3
2
2
Carrie Underwood
Louise Ford
Belinda Morris
Staff Nurse
2
Charlotte O'Connor
Staff Nurse
Staff Nurse
1
1
Charlotte Reynolds
Zoe Taylor
HCW
4
4
Gary Brooks
Tmva INSTRUCTOR
Drug and alcohol trainer
Security lead and TMVA Instructor
HCW
HCW
HCW
HCW
HCW
HCW
HCW
HCW
HCW
HCW
HCW
HCW
HCW
HCW
HCW
HCW
HCW
HCW
HCW
3
3
3
3
3
3
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
Linda Brute
David Bainham
Jan Greenway
Tracy Lewis
Sandra Norton
Keri Patterson
Jennifer Watts
Katie Cleaton
Tracey Figueroa
Louise Meredith
Christie Reames
Carol Rowson
Peter Walker
Kelly Williams
Gemma Edwards
Karyn Hillier
Janis Morgan
Sarah Morgan
Charlotte Pugh
Basic life support
DBT coach
Security lead
lifeguard
Ward Based Security Support Guidance
Introduction - Why is organisational security important?
Hospital and ward security is a concern for each individual employee. Llanarth
Court is a medium & Low secure hospital and security is an integral feature of
the environment of care.
Caring for patients in a secure setting requires security and the therapeutic
environment interconnect - one cannot exist without the other as both go hand
in hand.
Due vigilance and competence in security ensures the safety of the patient, staff
and visitor as far as is reasonably foreseeable.
Llanarth Court endorses the important principle that each individual employee
has a duty to maintain a secure environment, fulfil security activities
competently and report security breaches or concerns promptly.
Ward security applies equally to both the Health Care Worker and Registered
Nurse. Undertaking the role of security nurse as a delegated activity is
applicable to both the Health Care Worker and Registered Nurse.
PROHIBITED/RESTRICTED ITEMS POLICY
The following information applies to all patients, their relatives/friends,
professional visitors and staff, irrespective of the department in which they are
employed.
As part of the risk management process, it is deemed appropriate to introduce
such restrictive practices that would be necessary to eliminate the risks of
patients harming themselves or others. As such, it is necessary to restrict use
of some items within the ward environment due to the potential risk they may
pose and these will be subject to MDT risk assessment and approval being made
available. Some patients in Woodlands may have access to certain items, which
are restricted within the medium secure setting. This needs to be managed,
following risk assessment and care planning process. These items are as
follows:
Restricted Items
 Lighters
 Chewing Gum
 Electronic Iron
 Pool cues/balls
 Darts
 Razors
 Electric Hair Clippers
Other items are prohibited due to concerns about potential health and safety
and security risks and these are listed as follows:
Prohibited Items
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Lighters (prohibited in secure wards, but allowed off ward subject to
individual MDT risk assessment and contact)
Matches
Knives
Sharps/Glass (including mirrors, needles – sewing/knitting, scissors)
Pornographic Materials (e.g. videos, magazines, DVD’s)
Lighter Fluid
Alcohol
Drugs (illicit and medication that is not prescribed)
Firearms
Mobile phones
Cameras
Tools, DIY products (e.g. screwdrivers, screws)
Glue
Aerosols
Aluminium/metal foils (e.g. takeaway cartons, drink cans)
Rope
Building materials
Condoms
Metal coat hangers or coat hangers of plastic/metal combination
Potentially harmful chemicals (e.g. peroxide, solvents – including
solvent-based marker pens, nail varnish/remover)
Any other items that staff may have concerns about being potentially harmful.
PROVISIONS FOR VISITORS
All personal visitors will, as per hospital policy, have to be approved by the
MDT.and visits for adults occur in the visitors rooms on Awen In addition, until
such time as an alternative venue is developed, child contact can be held in the
child visiting suite if booked in advance. Visitors who were formerly patients
From time to time, former patients may visit or express a wish to visit the
hospital.
Former patients will be treated with the respect and courtesy afforded to any
other visitor. This procedure aims to provide guidance in the event of former
patients visiting or requesting to visit the hospital.
Former patients may visit the hospital, as long as they do not pose a risk to the
safety and security of the hospital community.
Former patients may visit for a variety of reasons, which include:
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Support of the hospital in its development of advocacy and the quality of
patient participation
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Maintaining links with current patients
All visitors must be pre-arranged and any proposed visitors be agreed to
beforehand.
In the circumstances of former patients returning to support the hospital in any
advocacy, befriending or patient participation programme, approval must be
granted by the Head of Department organising the initiative after consultation
with the Director of Medical and Clinical Services, the Director of Nursing and
other relevant senior staff. Such consultation will inform the risk assessment as
to the suitability of the proposed visit. In the event that a request is not granted,
the relevant head of Department will write to the former patient informing
him/her of the decision.
All requests from patients to receive a visit from a former patient will be
discussed with the relevant multi-disciplinary team, when risk issues and any
special supervisory requirements will be discussed prior to any agreement for the
visit to go ahead.
Former patients wishing to visit in order to maintain links with current patients
must adhere to the requirements of the Visitors Policy, which includes signing in
and wearing a visitor’s badge at all times.
Any unannounced/unplanned visits should not be facilitated.
Any breach of security, or concerns regarding the conduct of visitors, must be
reported to the relevant Charge Nurse or, outside of normal hours, to the senior
nurse on duty. The visit may be terminated and the visitor escorted off the
grounds.
A report will be made to the police of any breach of security which involves an
illegal act, for example, possession or supply of illicit substances or possession of
a weapon.
Visitors are kindly requested not to smoke whilst on the hospital premises. This
request is made to promote good health and in the interests of other visitors,
patients and staff.
CHILD VISITING
(Child-Patient Contact)
The revised Mental Health Code of Practice (1999) requires that all hospitals
that take detained patients should have written policies on the arrangements
about the visiting of patients by children, which should be drawn up in consultation
with the local Social Services authorities. A visit by a child should only take place
following a decision that such a visit would be in the child’s best interests.
Decisions to allow visits should be regularly reviewed.
Blaenau Mynwy Area Child Protection Committee consider that whilst the
statutory guidance (Health Circular HSC 1999/160) only applies to the Special
Hospitals, it is good practice to apply the same standards in respect to any
request that the Social Services Department might receive. This applies to any
hospital where mentally disordered patients are detained.
Llanarth Court Hospital is within Blaenau Mynwy area and, therefore, it is
expected that our establishment will follow these guidelines and, indeed, have a
set of child protection procedures in place.
Principle Concepts
Most visits by children to patients are central to the maintenance of normal
healthy relationships with parents or other relatives who are in hospital.
However, it is essential to ensure that, for the child, the experience of visiting a
relative is appropriate and not a harmful or stressful event.
All staff should be aware of the vulnerability of children and young persons
visiting the hospital. There are legal responsibilities placed on the relevant
authorities to investigate any untoward incident that has caused harm or
introduced a significant risk of harm to a child. Harm may include emotional harm
as well as physical injury or sexual assault.
Within this, there must be adherence by all to the principal concepts of:
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The welfare of the child being paramount
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The child’s welfare being safeguarded and promoted by al staff within the
hospital
The child’s contact with family members being supported whenever that
contact is in the child’s best interest
All visits by children take place in child visiting centre and are properly
supervised by nurses who have received training in child visiting.
Underpinning Principles
This policy should be framed in the context of the principles that underpin the
operation of the Mental health Act 1983 and the Children Act 1989, as well as
being mindful of other relevant national policies including Code of Practice.
Good practice suggests that this policy will apply to all patients within Llanarth
Court Hospital, regardless of their detained status.
Procedure
The following assessment has to be undertaken for any patient who wishes
contact with a child visitor, regardless of their detained status or
circumstances.
No child/children will be allowed to visit this hospital without prior consent
and permission, the appropriateness of such having first been investigated
following the process of assessment outlined below.
A child should only be allowed to visit a patient when the patient has parental
responsibility and/or a significant relationship that is in the child’s best
interest to maintain, develop or restore.
A significant relationship is determined as follows: sons, daughters, siblings
and grandchildren, including half and step relationships, will be permitted to
visit a patient. However, there may be exceptions, which will be closely
examined prior to permission being granted.
A patient wishing to receive visits from a child will be asked to provide the
following information:
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The child’s full name
Date of birth
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Gender
Address of the child
Patient’s name
The relationship of the child to the patient
The name and address of the parent or guardian having the current care
of the child
Forms for this purpose will be kept by the ward social worker and, once
complete; will be brought by that social worker for discussion at the patient’s
first available ward round.
These forms enable patients to give permission for the clinical team to contact
those persons having parental responsibility, and the Social Services
department for the child, by signing the authorisation on the form requesting
the visit, thus initiating initial investigations.
The parent or guardian, who may not be the patient, can also request a visit by a
child though making initial contact with the ward social worker who will initiate
the assessment process.
Process
1. When the patient, parent or guardian contacts the appropriate ward social
worker, information will be gathered to establish whether the proposed visit
is in the best interest of the child. Issues such as the age of the child,
relationship with the patient and the purpose of the visit will be discussed.
2. The ward social worker will explain to the patient, parent or guardian that the
information they have provided will be presented to the Clinical Team, in the
first instance, for a full discussion as to ‘in principle’ agreement for such
contact and for further investigations to take place.
3. The applicant will be made aware of all environmental factors relevant to
Llanarth Court Hospital, given its medium secure remit. All potential visitors
will be sent relevant information in the form of a specific information leaflet.
4. Should the patient, parent or guardian still wish the proposed visit to take
place, then a full assessment will be undertaken, which may include discussions
with Social Services Department, in order to complete a risk assessment and
a decision to be made about whether the visit will be permitted.
5. It will be made clear that, during the child’s visit, it will be the responsibility
of the accompanying relative to care for the child. This does not negate the
duty of our staff to supervise the visit as a whole.
6. Children will not be left, under any circumstances, under the direct supervision
of Llanarth Court staff. The hospital cannot accept liability for any injury or
loss arising from non-compliance with the policy.
7. Children will not be permitted to visit the hospital whilst their parents or
guardians are attending Care Programme Approach meetings, Mental Health
Review Tribunals or other such meetings.
Assessment of Proposed visit by a Child
The following process of assessment will be undertaken in all cases where it is
proposed that a child may visit a patient.
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The ward social worker will present, to the first available ward round, all initial
information gathered from the patient using the appropriate documentation.
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The ward MDT will then make a decision as to whether this application should
proceed.
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If the decision is “yes”, the ward social worker, in the first instance, will
approach the parent or guardian by writing to ascertain their permission to
proceed. If the parent or guardian gives their consent/parental agreement to
proceed, this should be obtained in writing using the appropriate
documentation. In addition, information on the assessment process will be
given to them so that they can make an informed choice.
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In conjunction with this contact, the ward social worker will complete the
patient/child contact risk assessment documentation Parts 1-11.
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On receipt of this written consent and parental agreement, this, together with
the ward social worker’s risk assessment documentation, will be handed over
to the Nominated Officer who is trained in, and aware of, Child Protection
issues for the risk assessment to be conducted in conjunction with Social
Services if appropriate.
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The Nominated Officer will complete his/her own risk assessment and will
make a decision as to whether further information is required.
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If no further information is required, the Nominated Officer will complete
the risk assessment using the appropriate documentation, to include a
summary of recommendations.
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If further information is required, the full risk assessment cannot be
completed until this is obtained and the Nominated Officer is happy with such.
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Once completed, these recommendations are to be presented, by the relevant
ward social worker, at the patient’s next available ward round for
consideration by the patient’s MDT, and it is then the decision of the MDT as
to whether, having considered all aspects of the risk assessment, the contact
can go ahead.
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The MDT should have a core membership of the patient’s Responsible Medical
Officer, ward Social Worker, Occupational Therapy – Therapy staff,
Registered Nurse and Psychologist if involved with the patient and the MDT’s
decision recorded.
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Should the visit/contact be agreed at this meeting then arrangements will be
made to provide a safe environment which minimises, so far as is practicable,
any risk to the child. There will be no contact with any other patient or access
to the ward areas.
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It is the responsibility of the ward social worker to notify the patient and
parent or guardian of the decision of the Clinical Team.
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All visits involving children will be adequately supervised in accordance with
instructions of the Charge Nurse of the ward. Only qualified members of
staff should supervise visits.
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Details of the visiting arrangement will be contained in a pass of authorisation,
which includes a description of the child. A copy will be kept in the patient’s
ward file and pass sent to the accompanying adult or guardian.
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The visit then takes place.
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The authorisation pass has to be brought with the parent or guardian when
they visit as, without such documentation, they will not be allowed to proceed
with the visit.
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Responsibility for admitting visitors to ward visiting areas and checking
documentation will remain with nursing staff at all times.
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Should the visit not be permitted, the Nominated Officer will respond in
writing to the patient, and parent or guardian, whilst operating within the
boundaries of confidentiality. The patient and parent or guardian may make
further requests for a child visit. However, this will only be considered if
there have been significant changes which may influence the decision making
process.
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Following completion of the visit, it is the responsibility of the supervising
ward to complete a visit feedback sheet and return to the Nominated Officer.
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Subsequent visits requested are to be made to the Nominated Officer using
the appropriate documentation.
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If agreed the Nominated Officer will authorise the issue of relevant
passes pertaining to this planned visit.
Changes in Circumstances
If, in the event of the patient’s mental state and/or social functioning
deteriorating after a visit from a child has been agreed, the Charge Nurse should
consult, as widely as practicable, with the Clinical MDT, including the Nominated
Officer. If the visit is not in the child’s best interests, it should not be permitted
to proceed and the ward social worker or Charge Nurse, at the earliest
opportunity, should inform the parent or guardian.
It will be necessary for the visiting parent or guardian to telephone the ward
on the morning of the authorised visit to enquire if it is to proceed.
Child-Patient Contact Outside of the Hospital
It is recognised that patients/parents/guardians may wish child-patient contact
outside of the hospital whilst patients are on periods of Section 17 leave, such as
home visits. The policy’s guidance and consideration of principles also applies to
this type of contact and the risk assessment process, as documented, must be
adhered to. Thus, all documentation used reflects this dual purpose, with the
exception of the issuing of passes.
PROTECTION OF VULNERABLE ADULTS (POVA)
Provision of appropriate care for detained mentally disordered adults is a complex
professional task that raises challenging issues for staff working within a
medium-secure unit (in the statutory or independent sector). At times, the task
necessitates a focus on the protection of others from the detained patient. It
is necessary to recognise the vulnerability of the client group to ensure they are
adequately protected from abuse.
The core values and principles underpinning practice should ensure that each
patient experiences respect for their privacy, dignity, opportunities for
independence, self-determination, freedom of choice, respect for their rights
and opportunities for fulfilment.
To prevent abuse, it is important for the organisation to develop a positive service
culture. It will entail inter-agency working, as it relates to the sharing of
information, agreeing decisions and follow-up procedures.
Llanarth Court Hospital is committed to inter-agency working at all levels to
protect vulnerable adults and prevent abuse.
Issues relating to the protection of vulnerable adult patients at Llanarth Court
Hospital could arise in the following areas of patient care:
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In ward environments.
When patients who, for any reason, are leaving ward premises e.g. during
ground leave (escorted); during ground leave (unescorted); during escorted
community leave; during unescorted community leave.
Referral may be made:
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On the disclosure of information by patients.
By Llanarth Court Hospital staff.
On information provided by family members.
On information provided from any other source.
Information received from other patients.
Via the hospital complaints process.
The decision-making process consists of key stages:
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Staff aware of allegations/suspicions.
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The member of staff receiving the allegations/suspicions, or witnessing the
incident, must complete a VA1 Form and fax this to the appropriate Social
Services nominated officer. Staff should also attempt to liaise with the
relevant Social Services POVA contact by telephone to discuss the case with
them. Details of the incident should also be recorded in the patient’s daily
clinical record and in the daily ward report.
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A copy of the VA1 Form should be attached to the daily ward report. The
information contained within this should be sent to Healthcare Inspectorate
Wales by the Director of Nursing, or their appointed deputy, as per reporting
requirements of Regulation 27.
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The VA1 form must then be forwarded to the Complaints Officer so that a
central record of all POVA incidents and complaints can be compiled.
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In those circumstances where a complaint is not raised at ward/departmental
level, but is sent directly to the Complaints Officer, the Complaints Officer
will be responsible for completing the VA1 Form.
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Decision is taken re complaint (see policy 59) or POVA process.
 Preliminary information gathering.
 Level and nature of risk identified.
 Strategy discussion/meeting convened.
 Planned action and investigation.
 Case conference.
 Adult protection plan.
In some cases, a specific incident triggers a referral, but it may arise from a
build up of concern. Senior Management will address handling information from
an anonymous informant. If there is any suggestion that a criminal offence has
occurred, the matter must be referred directly to the Police. This will ensure
that no issues are overlooked and that the police are involved at the earliest
stage. From a police viewpoint, the best possible service must be provided and,
if necessary, the police can determine if a crime has been committed or not.
Police inquiries will take precedence over internal inquiries. Guidance should be
sought from the police on preserving evidence and what internal process can take
place.
Decisions on POVA or the complaint process is based on definitions used by
Monmouthshire Social Services.
Please refer to the POVA policy as necessary.
EQUALITY
Llanarth Court policies and staff training have been developed to make sure that:
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Patients receive care which is cost effective and culturally sensitive.
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No patient will be treated less favourably because of their gender, age, race,
ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability or marital status.
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The hospital meets all laws and is guided by codes of practice relating to
equality of opportunity.
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Staff are trained to raise their awareness of equality issues to help them
provide services and advice which can meet individual needs.
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There are laid-down procedures for patients and their relatives to complain
about any kind of discrimination. There are also specific complaints
procedures relating to allegations of harassment and bullying.
BULLYING
There is an anti-bullying policy at Llanarth Court, which aims to prevent any
bullying attitudes or activities. Bullying is not acceptable at any level. We are
committed to ensuring that all patient, staff and visitors are treated with respect
and in an environment free from harassment.
If a patient feels that they have been treated unfavourably, they are encouraged
to speak with their Primary Nurse or, if this is not possible, they will be
encouraged to contact the Advocacy Service.
COMPLAINTS
If a patient is unhappy with any aspect of our service, or has a complaint or
suggestion, this should be directed, in the first instance, to the Primary Nurse or
the Charge Nurse of the ward, their Doctor or Social Worker. If this is a
problem, they will deal with this and take the action necessary to resolve this
problem. If, however, the matter cannot be resolved locally, it will be referred
to the hospital’s Complaint Officer.
A complaint can be made, in writing, directly to the Complaints Officer who will
determine the best way to investigate the complaint and will advise you of the
outcome of this investigation. The opportunity to involve an independent
advocate, at any stage, will always be given.
If a patient is not satisfied with the outcome of the Complaints Officer’s
investigation, there is recourse to appeal to the Managing Director of
Partnerships in Care. If a patient is still dissatisfied then contact can be directed
to the patient’s own Health Authority, the Mental Health Commission, the
Independent Healthcare Association’s Independent External Adjudication Panel,
the Care Standards Inspectorate for Wales and/or the Health Service
Ombudsman.
ADVOCACY
A GENDER-SPECIFIC Advocacy service managed by Hafal is available to female
patients on Awen ward. This service will be extended to patients residing in
Woodlands. Dates of the Advocate’s visits will be provided so that patients can
contact the Advocate to arrange meetings.
SPIRITUAL CARE
The women’s service currently receives religious advice and support from an
ordained chaplain through the Church of Christ and Mary Magdalene. The
Chaplain, Rev Bill McDonald, provides spiritual care and guidance and hold regular
worship sessions for those of the Christian faith, and also non-denominational
services. This service will be extended to patients residing in Woodlands.
MULTI-CULTURAL NEEDS
Minority ethnic publications and copies of various newspapers and magazines can
be provided for patients, on request.
Particular religious needs regarding food can be accommodated by liaison with the
Catering Department.
Should a patient’s first language not be English then provision can be made for an
interpreter to be provided.
David Kwei (Awen/Woodlands Charge Nurse) provides diversity training for staff
and liaises with Community BME groups.
ISSUES OF SEXUALITY
In line with existing Llanarth Court Hospital policies it is recognised that patients
have sexual needs and rives. The emphasis of ward policy is to strike a balance
that recognises that the hospital has a duty of care to prevent particularly
vulnerable patients from being exposed to materials that depict, or the primary
purpose of which is associated or linked to, either offending behaviour or past
victimisation, whilst not, however, wishing to automatically deprive patients
access to materials that would be readily available in the average newsagent
where this is deemed to be appropriate.
Due to patients’ differing clinical needs and backgrounds and decision to grant a
patient access to materials of a sexually explicit nature or products related to
sexual practices will always be reviews and risk assessed by the clinical team
beforehand and, where appropriate, will be care-planned. Where access to
materials is felt to be appropriate this will be contingent upon patients not sharing
these items with others and only using them in the privacy of their own bedroom.
Private time will be allocated for this to ensure patients’ privacy. (When not in
use such items must be kept within a locked drawer in the patients’ bedroom).
Any decision to restrict patients’ access to such materials must reflect the
individual’s needs and treatment plans and must be agreed by the clinical team.
Issues of access to materials for the purposes of treatment/assessment
programmes and delivery of sex education programmes will be coordinators by
the psychology department and will be in line with the Llanarth Court Hospital
policy on Patients’ Sexuality.
This policy will continue to be reviewed and updated in line with wider hospital
policy and in particular the work of the hospital’s Clinical Governance Group that
is reviewing the hospital’s policy on Patient Sexuality.
INTERPRETERS
At Llanarth Court Hospital, we value the diversity of our patients and staff and,
as with the National Service Framework for Mental Health, it is our aim to achieve
equality of access to our services for all. We acknowledge the need to make
provision for those whose first language is not English or who have special needs
in relation to communication.
Two levels of interpreter input have been identified, namely; those situations
where benefit can be derived from the social and recreational use of a patient’s
preferred language and, secondly, those more formal occasions, such as Mental
Health Review Tribunals, CPA meetings, Clinical Assessments etc where an
appropriate qualified interpreter is required.
The Hospital Director of Llanarth Court Hospital maintains a regularly updated
database detailing the language skills of members of staff within the hospital.
This includes the location, by department, of the staff involved and the level of
fluency that they have in the language identified. This database includes
information on those staff that are skilled in sign language, such as Makaton and
British sign language. Staff with the skills to communicate with the patient will
be identified and introduced to the patient as soon as possible after admission.
The primary purpose of this will be social and recreational, to enable the patient
to communicate in their preferred language and so reduce social isolation.
On those occasions, when a more formal interpreter is required, Llanarth Court
Hospital is able to access the National Register of Public Service Interpreters to
which Partnerships in Care has subscribed.
As far as possible and practicable, Llanarth Court Hospital will ensure that
written information, relating to the Mental Health Act 1983, is available in a range
of languages. These leaflets are available from the Medical Records Officer. Key
information will also be made available in Welsh. In addition to written format,
information is also available on audiotape and, again, key information will be
provided in Welsh.
Information on how to access the interpreter services is included in the Patients’
Information Booklet.
Awen
Female medium secure unit
Expectations
Please contact Awen at least a fortnight prior to you starting your placement and
speak to either the charge nurse or a deputy charge nurse. You will be allocated a
mentor and your first shifts will be a week of 9 -5 shifts. Following this you will be
expected to work shifts with your mentor, these are from 07:30 until 19:45 and at
least 70% will be with your mentor. These may include night shifts and weekends.
You are expected to wear clothing which is smart casual and is not ripped or
revealing. No slogans etc are acceptable . As this is a medium secure setting
security is very important including your personal safety and you are therefore
required to carry a personal alarm with you at al l times and communicate your
where abouts to the security nurse.
In return we can offer you the following learning opportunities in a supportive
environment with an experienced team of staff.
Learning opportunities for student nurses.
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Administration and monitoring of anti-psychotic medication
Sections of the current Mental Health Act, their renewal and appeal processes.
Learning about positive risk taking.
Making connections to the local community.
Enhanced observations, their purpose and importance
Learning to work in collaboration with the patients.
Maintaining family contact including child contact in a medium secure setting.
Collaborative risk assessments including START
Recovery model including STAR.
Learning about the last stage of a patient’s journey through the medium secure hospital
setting.
Individual and group therapy, the main form of therapy being DBT
Management and support of patients who self-harm
Physical health issues in women who are on anti-psychotic medication
Shift management on a busy ward
Reflective practice
Assessment of female patients referred to the female service
Individual care reviews, CPA and CTP process
The handover process
Working in a secure setting