Conolly Ward

Our philosophy

Service users can expect:

• To be cared for in a safe environment.
• To have a care plan based on your individual needs.
• To have the right to privacy.
• To be listened to, and any concerns addressed promptly.
• We will treat each other with dignity and respect.

We will provide:

Care which is individual to you, and does not discriminate against:

• culture
• ethnicity
• gender
• age
• sexuality 
• religion and / or disability

Together we will:

• Develop a plan of care which enables your recovery.
• Create a plan of care which encourages your independence, personal choice, and develops your self esteem.
• Agree on how you wish your relatives and carers to be involved in your care.

Working together

Expectations of patients:

• Patients will be involved in the planning of their own care.
• Patients will participate therapeutic activities that are considered part of their recovery plan.
• Patients will let staff know if leaving the ward and for how long.

Expectations of staff:

• Each patient is offered one to one time with a named worker every day.
• Each patient will see their named nurse (or a nominated other) on no less than three occasions per week.
• Each patient will be involved in planning their own care.

Staff who may be involved in your care

Staff will introduce themselves to you on the ward.There is a display board with staff photos opposite the office, so that you can recognise members of our team more easily. All staff wear a name badge which also states their role.

The list below aims to give a brief explanation of staff roles:

Consultant psychiatrist 

The responsible medical officer in charge of your care.

Named nurse 

A nurse who is identified as your key worker who will spend allocated one to one time with you making sure your stay in hospital is therapeutic.

Senior house officer

A doctor working with the consultant psychiatrist who will review regularly.

Care coordinator

Works in the community who coordinates your care when you leave hospital.

Occupational Therapist (OT)

Looks at how you cope with your everyday needs and will help you to manage them better. The OT will work with you in hospital and in your home.

Physiotherapist 

Promotes physical methods to promote healing through a range of physical activities and exercise.

Social worker

Works as part of the multi-disciplinary team who looks at your social needs.

Nursing assistant 

Supports registered nurses with the essentials of your care, this may include therapeutic activity and other practical support to help aid your recovery.

Psychologists

Their work involves assisting in the assessment of the mental health needs of patients and undertaking psychological therapies with individuals.

Activity coordinator

Provides a range of social and therapeutic activities on the ward.

Ward secretary

Available to assist you with any benefit information that you may require.

Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP)

Responsible for organizing and coordinating, as well as contributing to Mental Health Act assessment.

What practical items might you need?

What should you bring?

• Toiletries
• Changes of clothes
• Coat
• Nightclothes
• Dressing gown
• Slippers
• Books & magazines
• Reading glasses
• Personal stereo
• Address book
• Telephone numbers

What should you not bring?

• Large amounts of money
• Valuable items
• Sharp objects
• Television
• Camera / recording equipment
• Stereo equipment that will disturb other patients
• Medication (you are required to hand any medication over to the admitting nurse)

Visiting times

Visiting is currently in place, however, could be suspended if there was a COVID outbreak 

Your friends, relatives and carers are welcome to visit you at the following times:

• Monday to Friday :  6pm to 8pm
• Weekends and Bank Holidays : 2pm to 4pm, 6pm to 8pm

Family room

There is a room available on the ward if children are visiting. A toy-box with a selection of books and toys is also available.

Anyone wishing to visit outside of these times can arrange to do so with staff beforehand.

Protected therapeutic time:

11am to 12 noon weekdays (during this hour the ward staff are not available for meetings/outside visitors as the focus is to spend direct time with patients).

Meal times

Breakfast ​​​​7.45 to 8.45am

A selection of cereals, toast, hot and cold drinks

Lunch 12 noon

A choice of hot meals are served

Dinner 5pm

A range of cold sandwiches and salads are served

Hot and cold drinks and snacks are available throughout the day from the dining room. If you have any special dietary requirements please let the staff know.

Our expectations and respect for each other

The hospital and ward team do not tolerate:

• Threatening behaviour to other patients or staff.
• Verbal or physical abuse to other patients or staff.
• Damage to property or theft.
• Use of substances detrimental to your mental well being eg. legal highs, alcohol or illicit substances

We will take appropriate action against any individual who fails to respect these policies.

Ward requirements

Consent policy

We operate an informal Consent Policy. You will be asked to sign a confidentiality statement as to whom you wish any information to be given.

Meetings with relatives

The team are happy to see relatives, please make an appointment with a member of staff.

No smoking policy

To create a healthier environment for everyone, staff, patients and all visitors are not allowed to smoke anywhere on LPFT sites. There is support available for people who smoke to help them through the change This can be whether they wish to stop smoking permanently or for the duration of their appointment or stay with us. E-cigarettes are permitted in designated areas.

Activities on the ward

Activity coordinator

There is an activity co-ordinator on the ward whose role is to discuss your interests with you and look at ways you may want to spend your time whilst you are in hospital. The activity co-ordinator will organize groups and activities on the ward.

Morning meetings

A brief meeting is held every morning in the lounge to discuss what activities and groups are available both on and of the ward.

Groups on the ward

A number of different groups are offered on the ward. Please see the activity board for details.

Community meeting

The community meeting is a weekly get together for patients and staff to discuss issues effecting the ward and gain feedback and suggestions about the ward.

You said, we did

Your suggestions are valued and acted upon. Please see the ‘You said, we did’ board for examples of the changes made on the ward following patient suggestions.

Resources available on the ward

There are lots of resources available to you on the ward such as:

• Art materials
• Stereo
• Console and games
• Musical instruments
• TV / DVD player
• Magazines / Newspapers
• Books

Facilities available

Patient gym

There is a gym downstairs which has a good range of fitness equipment such as treadmills, cycling machines. Prior to attending the gym a physiotherapy staff member will speak with you to assess your needs.

Library

A great range of books are available to borrow from the ward.

Computers

Two computers are available for use downstairs.

Multi-faith room

A quiet room is available near the unit entrance for time for reflection/ prayer. There is access to specific faith books - please ask a member of staff if you require a faith book whilst on the ward.

Cash point

There is a cash point at the main hospital.

Shop facilities

Every morning a local shop provides a trolley service to the wards. A good range of newspapers/magazines, confectionery and snacks are available to buy. There are also several shops at the main Lincoln County Hospital site.

The Hub

The Hub is an area for in-patients to use for therapeutic social and recreational activities. You can access this area with a member of staff. There is a great range of activities available.

These include:

• Wide screen cinema
• Xbox Connect
• Karaoke
• Air hockey
• Football table
• Arcade machine
• Pool table
• Badminton
• Musical instruments - piano, keyboard, drum kit and electric guitar

Medication

How is medication dispensed?

Medication is dispensed at regular times from the clinic. A registered nurse will dispense this to you when it is due. They will let you know when to attend for this (we try to discourage people from queuing for medication from the clinic). The type of medication you are prescribed will be discussed as part of your review.

Can I get advice on medication?

Written information is available on the ward about the different medication types. You may also discuss medication with your nurse or doctor and you may also request to see a pharmacist.

Pharmacy have a drop in session for patients and carers every Friday from 3pm

Ward reviews

On arrival to the ward you will be allocated your ward review day and time. You will also be informed who your doctor will be.

What is a ward review?

Your ward review is an opportunity to discuss your current care, plan and make arrangements for your future care. This is also called a Care Programme Approach Review (CPA Review)

Who will be at the ward review?

There will be people in the room involved in your care. They will include a nurse, doctor, and may also be an occupational therapist, social worker, psychologist etc.They will be introduced to you, or will introduce themselves.

What if I feel too uncomfortable?

If you feel uncomfortable with many professionals in the room, please feel free to say so, and appropriate alternative arrangements will be made for you to see your consultant. Your consultant will then discuss your care and treatment. If you are unable to express your wishes, your carer or nurse may speak for you.

Can I invite anyone to the review?

Yes. If you wish to have a family member, friend or advocate to support you in the review then please advise staff.

Preparing for your review

It may be helpful to write down any questions you think may be relevant before the review. Any member of staff will assist you with this. If you would like some paper and a pen to do this please ask a member of staff.

If there is anything you do not understand during the review, please ask your doctor or the nurse present in the ward round to explain either in the review or afterwards.

Moving on from hospital

Being involved from the start

You will be involved in making plans regarding your discharge from hospital to ensure you feel this occurs at the right time, and you are offered the right support in the community. A discharge liaison nurse will support you with making plans for your discharge.

Before you are discharged you will be given a Discharge Plan. This will provide you with relevant information about your after-care and who to contact if you require support.

It may be suggested that prior to being discharged you have a short period of leave from the ward to make sure the transition from hospital to home goes smoothly.

Support while you’re on leave

Whilst you are on leave, you may contact the ward or Crisis Team for support:

Conolly Ward: 01522 573535

Crisis Team: 01522 573648

Your personal safety

Alarms sounding on the ward

You may hear a variety of alarms on the ward. Staff will inform you if you need to take any action and direct you of what to do. The Fire Alarm is tested every Tuesday morning.

Open door policy

The ward operates an open door policy but there may be times when it is necessary for the safety of patients to lock the door. All patients will be informed if this occurs. If you are eligible to leave the ward, please ask a member of staff to open the door.

No smoking policy

A no smoking policy operates throughout the building and hospital grounds.

Physical interventions

If you observe staff using physical interventions with another patient please do not try and get involved. Staff are trained in how to do this safely to prevent further harm to anyone. Please remove yourselves for your own safety.

Nurse alarm call system

The nurse call alarm is a red button located in your bed area. In the bathroom and toilet, the nurse call button is on a pull cord. If you are not certain please ask a member of staff.

The nurse alarm call should only be used in an emergency when requiring immediate assistance.

Four levels of observation

On the ward there may be times when you may be considered vulnerable and at risk. We will make every effort to keep you safe until you are able to keep yourself safe. This is done through a system of observation.

All service users are observed as part of the delivery of care. Some people may require extra support which will mean increasing the observation level and staff may have to check on you more often, or even be with you at all times. As your mental health improves, the amount of observation reduces.

General observation

This is the minimum level of observation which most patients can expect during their stay in hospital. The nursing staff are required to know where you are all of the time. If you are allocated leave from the ward you must let us know as you leave and return.

Intermittent observation

This is an increased level of observation. It is used to ensure that nursing staff are regularly available for you to improve your wellbeing and help you to feel safe on the ward. Staff will approach you every 15 minutes to see how they can best support you.

You will also be given the opportunity to discuss what you feel is helpful as part of your care-plan. You may be able to leave the ward but this needs to be agreed with the staff involved in your care.

Within eyesight observation

This is a higher level of observation to enable your care team to support you at all times. The nursing staff will not always be close to you, but they will be within eyesight. The care team will always discuss with you your individual needs around your privacy and dignity.

You may be allocated escorted leave from the ward and your key nurse will be able to discuss this with you.

Within arm’s length observation

This is the highest level of observation we use to enable a member of the nursing staff to be close to you at all times to help you with your current needs. The care team will always discuss with you your individual needs especially related to privacy and dignity.

Any leave off the ward is usually only allocated in exceptional circumstances whilst you are being nursed on this level of observation. Your care team will explain why this is necessary

Debriefing sessions

If there has been in incident on the ward that has affected you in way, the nurse in charge will ensure that you are offered debriefing session. This will give you the opportunity to:

• discuss what has happened
• consider the likely reactions to such an event 
• receive immediate support and guidance.

Incidents include:

• witnessing an incident that has upset you
• being physically or verbally abused by another person on the ward
• being physically held by staff for your own protection or protection of others
• medication being administered by injection in an emergency for your safety or the safety of others.

Safety of your property

You are advised to hand over valuables to staff for safe keeping. You will be discouraged from bringing and retaining expensive valuables. We accept that this is not always possible, in which case a safe is available in the unit which is kept locked and housed in a locked room. This safe is generally for emergencies and overnight use only.

After that all money and valuables will be transferred to the main safe which is located downstairs. You can access your money and valuables between 10am and 1pm from our main reception, Monday to Friday.

There are also lockers on the ward where you can keep items safely locked away. A locker will be allocated to you on request. Please ask any of our nursing staff if you require a locker. We cannot be held responsible for you money or valuables if you do not hand over valuable for safekeeping

Mobile phone use

You are discouraged from bringing your mobile phone to the ward. There may be risk of loss or theft. There are also issues regarding confidentiality.

Mobile phones are allowed on the ward, however, if used inappropriately, use will be restricted via your Care Plan.

How to access your health care records

You are legally entitled to access your notes under the Data Protection Act 1998.

If you would like access your records you can contact:

Access to Records Team.

Tel:01529 222327

Email: records@lpft.nhs.uk

You may be able to look through your records at no charge. This request is something you may wish to discuss with the health professional in charge of your care. There may be a fee to cover the administrative cost of copies of notes.

Citizens Advice Bureau

We have a Citizens Advice Bureau located in the building.

You and your carers are able to access this service at the following time:

Friday 9.30am - 4.30pm

Please call in to make an appointment, or call 01522 573525 during the above time.

At all other times please call: 01522 828607 (this is an answerphone so please mention PHC in your message).

The Main Citizens Advice Bureau in Lincoln is located at City Hall, Beaumont Fee, LN1 1DD.

Opening times are

9.30am - 3pm

Mon, Tues, Thurs, Friday.

CAB Advice Line: 03444 111444

Website www.adviceguide.org.uk

Mental Heath Act information

Rights of detained patients – all Sections

A patient MUST be informed as soon as possible in both writing and verbally of the following:

• Their rights of appeal to both the Hospital Managers and the Mental Health Review Tribunal.
• Appropriate details of address/telephone numbers should also be given, along with guidance on how to make an application. (To include who will be at the tribunal, what reports will be produced, nursing staff, solicitor–advocacy can help with completion of the form.)
• That they have a right to legal representation at the Mental Health Review Tribunal. A list of franchised solicitors, who specialise in Mental Health Act matters, is available on the Ward.
• The right to give or withhold consent to any treatment and whether consent can be over-ruled.
• Their right to receive or send correspondence and whether there are any constraints on this right.
• The power of the patient’s nearest relative to request discharge or to make an appeal on the patient’s behalf.
• The patient’s financial entitlements whilst in hospital and how to secure them.

Rights of patients on a Section 2 or 3

A patient MUST be informed as soon as possible in both writing and verbally of the following:

• Their rights of appeal to both the Hospital Managers and the Mental Health Review Tribunal.
• Appropriate details of address/telephone numbers should also be given, along with guidance on how to make an application. (To include who will be at the tribunal, what reports will be produced, nursing staff, solicitor–advocacy can help with completion of the form.)
• That they have a right to legal representation at the Mental Health Review Tribunal. A list of franchised Solicitors, who specialise in Mental Health Act matters, is available on the Ward.
•  The right to give or withhold consent to any treatment and whether consent can be over-ruled.
• Their right to receive or send correspondence and whether there are any constraints on this right.
• The power of the patient’s nearest relative to request discharge or to make an appeal on the patient’s behalf.
• The patient’s financial entitlements whilst in hospital and how to secure them.

Rights of patients on a Section 3 only

A patient MUST be informed as soon as possible in both writing and verbally of the following:

• That if they are detained on a treatment order, should it be reviewed for a further 6 month period and they did not appeal to the Tribunal in the first period of detention, then the Trust will automatically refer the case.
• After care entitlement under Section 117 and the implications of this.