Safewards is an evidence based clinical model that introduces a number of interventions that increase safety and reduce coercion, improves relationship between staff and patients, resulting in fewer incidents, making wards more peaceful places.
The Safewards implementation pilot programme at Cygnet Health Care started in July 2016. After the success of the pilot, in which seven wards across the group were involved, applications for a ‘second wave’ were submitted in April 2017. After a successful application the team on Sunrise Ward started the process of nominating staff and service user champions to undertake initial training in July.
Clinical Team Leader Theodora Akpan, Assistant Psychologist Angela Mullins and Senior Health Care Support Worker Suzi Parsons were nominated Safewards champions alongside 3 service users on the ward. Together the champions put together a number of training sessions for both staff and service users to generate awareness and interest in the project.
The programme has been truly co-produced by the combined efforts of the service users and staff on Sunrise ward. In preparation for the launch, the ward formed a singing Choir group and the service users designed and produced some amazing poems and artwork which were on display during the launch last Friday.
“I am truly grateful to Theo, Suzi, Angela and Julie and all the service users on Sunrise Ward for delivering this launch and hope that the programme will further cement our co-production and service user led service in Ealing.”Emmanuel Onukwube, Hospital Manager
Sunrise Ward provides a highly specialised eating disorder service for women aged over 18, including those with extremely low BMIs. The service is accredited with the Quality Network for Eating Disorders.