Langworth Ward
Langworth ward is an 18-bedded specialist assessment and treatment unit for people with dementia experiencing complex problems and needs. The ward is not an isolated service. It links with our community based services to provide short term intervention at times of crisis, that cannot be safely managed in a community setting.
The purpose of admission to the ward is to enable the safe and timely assessment and treatment by specialist staff, and the development of a long-term plan of care. The aim is to return you to a community setting as quickly and effectively as possible.
Our philosophy of care
The team value everyone as individuals. We strive to enable by working to identify, engage and enhance individuals:
- psychological
- spiritual
- social and physical needs
- strengths and potential.
The safety, dignity and respect of those we care for are upmost. The team actively support collaborative engagement of both patients and carers in the design, planning and delivery of care. The team promotes an open and honest approach wherein the support of carers is essential and feedback on service quality is valued.
What to expect when you arrive
When you arrive a member of the nursing team will spend time with you and your family or friends (if also present) to discuss and explain:
- the reasons for your admission
- the purpose and nature of the ward
- how we will deliver your care
- provide you a copy of this leaflet and answer any questions you may have about being in hospital
- be shown around the ward.
They will also need to check key bits of information around events leading up to the admission and any past or current history that is important to your care. With your permission we will also ask if family or friends can work with us to assist in your care.
A doctor will also introduce themselves to you. They will talk to you about your current health and needs, and prescribe your medication (if required). They will carry out a physical examination, such as listen to your chest and heart and take a blood pressure
A partner in your care
We feel that the best outcomes in care are achieved by working in close partnership with you and your family or friends. Examples of this two way process of care include your input into:
- ‘Life-Story’
- ‘Memory Box’ therapeutic work.
both of which benefit from personal input.
The ward has a locked door policy and conducts hourly visual observations for your protection and safety. Unless indicated by law patients are free to leave the ward following discussion with the nursing team. A leaflet called “Your rights as an informal patient” is available on the ward.
A multi disciplinary approach to your care
Langworth ward applies a collaborative multi disciplinary team approach to care. This is the participation of people from a number of professional disciplines to provide comprehensive treatment and care.
A photo board showing you pictures of the key members of the multi disciplinary team should be clearly visible as you enter the ward to help identify who the individual members of the team are.
Members of the muti disciplinary team
Nurses and nursing associates
Nursing staff (registered mental health nurses and registered nursing associates) are available 24 hours a day. They have continuing responsibility for assessment and planning of your needs for nursing care. A named nurse will be identified who will be responsible for your care and any of your concerns. When they are not on duty an associate nurse will be available. You will also be allocated a healthcare support worker on the ward.
Occupational Therapists (OTs)
OTs are trained to assess capabilities in managing activities of daily living and to provide continual promotion of independence. They also organise therapeutic activities (both group and individually) on the ward.
Doctors
The ward has consultant and junior doctors responsible for providing your medical care.
Healthcare support workers
Healthcare support workers work closely with the trained nursing staff to support them to provide essential nursing care input that we have identified with yourself and your carer.
Activity coordinator
In addition to the OTs, the activity co-ordinator is a role dedicated to the provision of appropriate and meaningful therapeutic activities and enhanced social engagement, as part of your care.
Other members of the multi-disciplinary team who may contribute to your care (but are not ward based) are:
Physiotherapist and physiotherapist assistant
They provide a range of assessment and treatments to help reduce pain, improve mobility and maximise physical abilities.
Pharmacist and pharmacy technicians
The pharmacy staff provide specialist advice and support with any issues relating to medication.
Social workers
Social workers help arrange services to support discharge such as:
- housing
- care packages
- placements.
They can also help with financial matters.
Community psychiatric nurse (CPN)
A CPN may have been involved with your care prior to admission. They will continue to support you during your in patient stay and following discharge.
Physical health care nurse
The physical health care nurse provides specialist advice and guidance in the management of physical health care issues.
Chiropodists
Chiropodists are specially trained to treat or advise on all problems related to the feet.
Chaplain
The chaplains provide a service of spiritual care to:
- patients
- their carers
- friends
- family
- staff.
Dieticians
Dieticians look at dietary needs and may advise staff on any specific individual needs.
Speech and language therapists (SALT)
Specialists who assess and advise on the management of problems with speech, language and swallowing.
How will your care be reviewed and managed?
Collaborative working and involvement in key care decisions are supported by regular ward rounds and the application of a process called the Care Programme Approach (CPA).
Ward rounds
These are regular collaborative meetings between you, your family and friends and the multi-disciplinary team involved in your care. The aim of the ward round is to discuss and agree decisions about:
- your care
- treatment
- discharge plans.
The Care Programme Approach (CPA)
The CPA provides a framework for effective care for people with complex needs. All individuals admitted to Trust inpatient beds receive care and treatment through the CPA process.
A key element of this is that you, or someone acting in your best interests, are enabled to participate as fully as possible in all aspects of the assessment process. Also to actively collaborate in the development and review of your plan of care
LPFT carer set CPA standards
To support this process you can expect the following:
- To be given information so that you understand how we will assess and plan your care and treatment.
- To feel able to approach any of our staff for assistance and reassurance.
- To have the full support of a team of professionals. We will explain the different team members and their roles.
- To be involved in the assessment process, helping us to understand who you are and more about you.
- To be invited to attend ward and other meetings about your care. To be given the opportunity to ask questions about the things that are important to you.
- To be offered the opportunity to help put your plan of care and treatment together
- To be involved in any important decisions that are made, taking into account your preferences and choices as far as possible.
Standards you can expect from us
As with all LPFT inpatient wards, we provide care under the fundamental standards of the Care Quality Commission (CQC)
Notice boards displaying information about the CQC standards should be visible on the ward. These include current ward plans to address CQC standards.
Facilities
The ward offers a range of facilities, including:
- Our chaplain visits regularly and can meet with you individually if you wish.
- A multi-faith spiritual room. We can arrange for your own minister or clergy to visit you.
- An enclosed garden.
- A physiotherapy gym.
- Family room.
- Bariatric suite.
- Cordless phone to make any private telephone calls, just ask a member of staff.
- Newspapers are delivered daily. Please let us know if you would like a particular paper
- A hairdresser is available on request.
- Computer and internet access. Can be used for Facetime to enhance contact.
Patient protected time. Daily from 10.30am to 11.30am.
This ensures all patients receive therapeutic engagement and activity from trained members of staff without interruption.
Therapeutic engagement
On the ward a number of therapeutic approaches are promoted to enhance mental and physical activity and engagement. These interventions play an important role in improving and maintaining well being. These include:
- Activities. a weekly timetable of activities is implemented. Examples include:
- Seated exercise class
- Word games/quizzes
- Art & crafts, baking
- Singing
- Bowling
- Walking
- Gardening
- Life-story work. Personal information about you that underpins the delivery of person centred care. It allows care to be tailored to your specific needs and history.
- Memory Box. Memory boxes stimulate reminiscence and conversation. This is important in promoting well-being. They are also a great way for staff to learn significant and meaningful things about your life in the past.
- Sensory stimulation ( eg.hand massage)
- Tovertafel (magic table)
Person Centred Care: VIPs
These activities are all provided within the overarching ward approach of person centred care where all patients are treated like VIPs.
Person-centred care encompasses four main elements. These elements are:
V : A value base that asserts the absolute value of all human lives regardless of age or cognitive ability
I : An individual approach, recognising uniqueness
P : Understanding the world from the perspective of the person in receipt of care.
S : Providing a social environment that supports psychological needs.
V S P I Taken from Brooker (2007) Bradford University
Things to bring to hospital
Usually admission to hospital is planned and you have had time to bring clothing and toiletries with you. However if you have been admitted in an emergency the following list may help friends and relatives to know what to bring the next time you visit.
The ward can provide emergency toiletries if required.
A list of basic items required are as follows:
- glasses, hearing aids etc.
- pyjamas or night dresses
- dressing gown
- slippers and shoes
- soap and toiletries on a regular basis
- shaving materials
- hairbrush or comb
- toothbrush
- socks and underwear
- a small amount of cash
- a coat - so you can enjoy outside activities.
There are laundry facilities on the ward that staff can do or assist you with. Alternatively, if possible your friend or relative can take and do your laundry for you. It would be helpful if items of clothing are marked clearly with full name.
Visiting times
Visiting guidelines
To meet the requirements set out in current Government guidelines and to ensure we can keep everyone safe
- Visiting is by appointment only for an hour
- Visiting off site is supported for longer periods dependent on safety needs of the patient
- Children are not permitted to visit on site. This is as part of our safeguarding responsibilities.
- 2 visitors per patient for onsite visiting.
- You will be asked to confirm that you and members of your household do not have symptoms of coronavirus through a self-declaration statement
- Staff will explain any restrictions or need to carry out discrete patient observations during your visit
Whilst we will do all that we can to support you to safely visit your loved one, please note that staff will decline a visit if they have any concerns regarding patients’ health, your health or safety of others within the service.
Visiting arrangements
Visiting can be undertaken by prior arrangement. This is based on visiting space within our wards.
Visiting hours are:
Weekdays 2pm to 5pm and 6pm to 8pm
Weekends 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 5pm
- Visiting is now open to friends/family and carers. However, there is a maximum number of visitors on each ward to ensure space and staff support as required.
- Specific spaces are allocated for visiting and not in patient bedrooms unless by prior agreement with ward team.
- In exceptional circumstances the length of visiting time can be extended. This must be agreed in advance when making the appointment with the ward team.
- In instances of End of Life Care a family will be supported in maintaining contact with their loved ones. A plan will be put in place that takes into account the needs of families and the patient.
- We encourage outside visiting. Visits can take place off ward, home or into local community dependent on the risk assessment for the patient.
- We will ask you about your health on arrival and check for risks of Covid 19
- We will ask you to inform the team if you develop any Covid symptoms post visit. This will enable us to support your loved one.
To book an appointment to visit telephone Langworth Ward: 01522 508318
When you arrive
- Ring the doorbell please to alert staff that you have arrived. Staff will explain the procedure and direct you to the designated visiting area.
- Use alcohol hand rub. This is available at all entrances to Witham Court for hand hygeine.
- Face covering.To safeguard our patients we are advising the continued use of face masks but recognise that this is dependent on personal choice. Our staff maybe wearing masks dependent on the Infection control advice
- Personal protective equipment: This is required only if you are asked to, like an apron or gloves. This maybe in particular circumstances such as End of Life where there is an outbreak.
- Support social distancing space. Please respect the safety of other patients, visitors, and staff you may meet.
- Use only designated toilet facilities. Staff will advise you which facilities you can use
If you are unable to visit
We appreciate it can be distressing to be unable to visit your loved one in hospital. We have introduced a number of measures to help and support you at this time:
- You can telephone the Ward at any time or arrange with staff a mutually convenient scheduled telephone call to keep you updated.
- All our wards have access to iPads, so if you are unable to visit you can still have virtual visits. Please contact the ward or carers lead who will be happy to support you with this.
- If you wish to email photographs, letters or messages to your family member, please email them to lpft.
carers . They will be printed and taken to your relative.@nhs.net
Meal times
Breakfast: 8am to 9am
Lunch: 12pm to 1pm
Dinner: 5pm to 6pm
Light supper: 8pm
Additional food and drinks are readily available throughout the day. We can cater for a range of dietary requirements, including:
- diabetic
- gluten free
- vegetarian
- vegan
- halal and multicultural food.
Please inform a member of staff if you or the person you care for have any special requirements so that we can order this for you. If you miss a meal or require fruit or a snack, please tell a member of staff.
You will have access to hot and cold drinks throughout the day. We have limited ability to store personal food on the unit but please speak to a member of the nursing team.
The ward operates a protected meal times policy to support patients having time to eat their meals with support and free from interruption. There may be occasions where a family member will be able to attend to support you at meal times. This must be agreed with the nursing team and form part of your care plan.
We will offer you:
- a choice of dishes to suit your individual dietary needs
- a choice of portion size
- any help you may need at meal times.
Spiritual, religious and cultural needs
Your named nurse will ask you if you have any spiritual, religious and cultural need. Together you can agree on how we can best meet these needs. We can provide the following to meet your needs:
- An appropriate area for private prayer.
- Information on local religious support.
- An acceptable diet.
- A high-quality, confidential interpreting service.
- Books and written information in various languages.
Whatever your particular faith, the chaplain can arrange for you to receive suitable help and support.
Valuables
Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust accepts no responsibility for the loss or damage to property during your stay in hospital. Jewellery and items of sentimental value should not be bought into the ward due to the risk of items being misplaced or broken.
If you do have valuables staff can lock them in a safe if you so wish. Your bedroom has a lock on the door. If you want your door locked on leaving your room to secure your belongings, please speak to a member of staff.
Smoking
Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust operates a no smoking policy on inpatient units. If you are a smoker, you will be offered smoking cessation services.
Alternatively, you can smoke outside within the designated area. For safety reasons, all lighters and matches are to be kept in the ward office. All visitors must refrain from smoking.
Call alarms
There is a nurse call system on Langworth Ward, which allows anybody to call for help from all areas of the ward. Call buttons are available throughout the ward and in your bedroom. They can be used if you need any help or assistance.
Privacy and dignity
Langworth Ward is a mixed sex ward. We are committed to making sure that all patients receive high quality care that is safe, effective and focused on their needs.
Men and women are cared for separately in different areas. Bathrooms and toilets are designated male or female with appropriate signs. The nursing staff will ensure that your privacy and dignity will be maintained throughout your stay.
If you have any concerns about this, please talk to a member of the ward staff. We will try to provide care in surroundings that take account of your personal or religious needs.
Safeguarding
Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is committed to ensuring that people who use services are protected from abuse and neglect. You will be asked whether you have or are experiencing abuse or neglect.
Should you tell us that you have then our staff are trained to support and advise you on what can be done to ensure that you are safe and which other agencies can work with us to support you.
CCTV
As a team we would like to advise you that CCTV monitoring systems are present throughout the ward in the public and external spaces. The systems are designed and operated with the aim of enhancing the safety and security of relatives, staff and patients.
The systems are utilised in accordance with the Data Protection and Confidentiality NHS Code of Practice. There is a strict protocol in place that covers the recording, accessing and using of recorded information and images are recorded for 30 days and then erased.
If you have any questions then please do not hesitate to speak to the Ward manager or the Senior Nurse on duty.’
Contact details
Address
Langworth Ward
Witham Court
Fen Lane
North Hykeham
Lincoln
LN6 8UZ