NHS Orkney Case Study
1. Community Reference Group
The Community Reference Group was set up in 2006 with a remit to advise
NHS Orkney on how we should communicate and engage with the public as
part of the Creating Sustainable Service Programme.
The membership of the group was drawn from NHSOpen and chaired by
the then Chair of Community Social Services. The Executive Director of
Voluntary Action Orkney and the Community Council Liaison Officer were
also part of the group. The Local Officer of the Scottish Health Council was
invited in an advisory capacity. The membership was expanded to include
representatives from the outer islands. The Chair was also a member of the
CSSP Board.
The group have been involved in all parts of the public engagement,
challenging and advising on how we should proceed. They have attended
events and been able to give verbal feedback which has helped shape the
process. The Community Reference Group advised us to have independent
facilitators as part of the consultation process, this role was taken over
successfully by the local Voluntary Sector staff who provided an
independent facilitating role which enabled the public to feel more able to
speak out openly and honestly about their fears and comments on each
proposal.
2. Spiritual Care Committee
NHS Orkney’s Spiritual Care Committee was established in June 2006. The
membership is made up of representatives from the Public, staff and the
different faith groups (and those of no faith) as they exist in Orkney.
The group have approved a Spiritual Care Strategy and a yearly action plan.
They are also involved in leading the Songs of Praise and staff events
including the carol singing. Members of the committee provide emergency
cover in the chaplaincy. A small workgroup has been formed to discuss
worship in the hospital. It was agreed that songs of praise would continue in
the Chapel and St Ninian ward. CD’s would be purchased for the other
wards with worship of local services recorded and made available to
patients on the wards.
An appeal has been for people to tell us what worship aids are needed so
that all faiths and non can use the chapel which has been designated a
quiet room.
NHS Orkney Case Studies 2007/08
3. Public, Patient and Carer Involvement Induction Pack
An induction pack has been developed with consultation and input from
NHSOpen members. The pack is used for any member of the public joining
a workgroup, committee, monitoring team, etc.
The pack has been welcomed by both staff and public partners as it sets out
what can be expected from both sides. At the induction process questions
can be asked and any additional requirements such as training or ensuring
venues are accessible, can be put in place so that the public partner can
take part on equal terms as members of staff.
Evaluation forms were given to both the public representatives and staff
who used the pack and the induction process. The feedback so far has
been very positive saying it helped to clarify how to involve and be involved.
It was also easy to read. Staff were able to clearly set out the purpose and
time commitments and the public representatives had clear guidance on
their role and time commitments.
Having a pack and an induction process was good for all involved one thing
that was asked for and is now provided is identity badges for the public
representatives.
4. Patient Survey October 2007
A patient survey has been carried out of all 286 patients discharged from
the Balfour Hospital in October 2007.
There were 87 questions 40 of which were the same as the 2003 survey so
that a comparison could be made. There was a 42% return of the forms, a
similar number to that in 2003.
An action plan will be drawn up from the themed responses. A direct
comparison can be made with the 2003 survey so any areas that show
improvement will be acknowledged and any areas where there is an
underperformance will be looked at to make sure of improvement.
The findings will be put on the website with copies available at libraries and
NHS Orkney premises with copies available on request.
NHS Orkney Case Studies 2007/08