The team initially devised a plan that would mean all of the CAMHS services at the hospital would work together to ensure consistency and high quality care.
They worked closely with Experts by Experience to fully understand how admission into hospital effects the family dynamic. They adapted their approach to care and treatment with this in mind to put families and carers at the heart of their loved one’s care.
To ensure this approach was embedded across the services Ali Curtis, previously ward manager on Unicorn Ward, was appointed to the new role of CAMHS Lead for the hospital. Ali works with all three CAMHS wards to continue to develop person centred high quality care, promoting our Cygnet Values and striving to achieve positive experiences across all three wards.
Since the team developed this model with more emphasis on family collaboration and invested in a CAMHS Lead they have received some really positive compliments from family members, the young people and from senior members of NHS England.
A selection of compliments for each ward can be found below:
Pegasus Ward
“Experience we have had with the hospital has been fantastic, they have always kept us informed with what’s happening, the staff are very friendly and very helpful with any question we have needed answering. I cannot thank the hospital enough for the help they are giving to my daughter. Thank you to Cygnet Hospital Sheffield.”
Unicorn Ward
“Wow what can I say about Unicorn Ward? My daughter has formed amazing relationships with the staff and felt listened to whilst reliving her darkest moments. As staff got to know my daughter, they managed to know what keeps her grounded and ways to support her – staff made time to actually know my child and recognise her needs emotionally and mentally. I also, have been supported by staff, many times I would ring up, feeling very emotional. It’s difficult being a parent whose child is in hospital. Staff reassured me that my daughter is safe and being well cared for. For any parents reading this, yes it’s a scary and, an emotional journey, however the brilliant staff will look after your child, and spend time reassuring your child (even if it takes hours)…Unicorn Ward – you are all amazing. I will miss you all. Thank you for your time, patience and support – you’re my heroes.”
Griffin Ward
“Our son has been a patient on the Griffin Ward since late January 2020. His ‘look on life’ has improved immensely since then and believe this is down to the professional and helpful staff they have on hand, which is 24/7. The staff are also fantastic at putting the patient’s loved ones at ease giving advice and comfort where possible. It was such a worrying time before he was admitted, no parent ever wants to see their son/daughter have problems with mental health and of course wanted the best help possible for our son. The care he has is the best we could ever have hoped for and the support we get from all the staff is wonderful. I take my ‘hat off’ to all the staff, especially the Griffin Ward. My only wish is that when our son is home, his carers come with him, as they have become part of our family.”