What is Enhanced Care and what will it mean for my relative or friend whilst in hospital?

This leaflet contains information about enhanced care and what this means for your relative or friend, whilst in hospital.

Please ask about anything you do not understand or if we have not included anything important to you.

What is Enhanced Care?

Some patients require extra observation, for a variety of health conditions and behaviours, to prevent harm to themselves and/or others.

If a patient has been identified as requiring enhanced care then an additional staff member will be asked to support on a one-to-one basis, where possible.

Enhanced Care is a vital part of your hospital care plan and it ensures the monitoring of patient’s behaviour, mental state, and supports how to manage any issues that can increase challenging behaviours.

It supports;

• Reduction of unsafe behaviours
• Creating positive relationships with staff
• The use of meaningful activities

All whilst maintaining patient and staff safety.

This may be required for all of the time of a patient’s admission or for periods of time depending upon the patient’s changing needs.

Who are the Enhanced Care Team?

The Enhanced Care Team is made up of registered professionals and support workers, who assess and support vulnerable patients presenting with challenging and high risk behaviours.

How is a patient assessed for Enhanced Care?

The decision to use enhanced care will follow a multidisciplinary assessment organised by the Enhanced Care Coordinator. The decision will consider each patient’s physical and mental state, including social and environmental factors at the time they are assessed.

A reason for the decision will be recorded and suitable ideas will be made available for all staff caring for the patient.

What will it look like for me/my relative?

This means a member of staff will be allocated (on a rotational 12hr shift basis), to remain with your relative/friend at all times (where possible), until they no longer require this level of support whilst in hospital or are discharged.

Staff providing one-to-one care will engage your relative/friend in meaningful activities and conversations, as well as providing support/supervision with personal care.

Why might my relative/friend need Enhanced Care?

There may be a variety of reasons why someone may need Enhanced care. For example:

• They may have a Learning Disability which alters their ability to keep themselves safe.
• They may have a mental health concern which alters their ability to keep themselves safe.
• They may be attempting to harm themselves or be at risk of harming others.
• They may be confused, distressed or agitated. This could be for example, part of their long term condition, or as a result of an infection.
• They may be pulling out IV lines (small plastic tubes which are inserted into veins) or removing oxygen support, both of which are required for treatment.
• They may be experiencing drug or alcohol related withdrawal and need support throughout this.
• They may be at risk of leaving the ward or hospital.
• They may be at risk of falls.

Documents you may see

Being a patient in hospital can be unsettling and unfamiliar. We would like to make every patient’s time with us as comfortable as possible.

We would like you to help us make sure that your relative/friend’s hospital stay is comfortable, personalised and safe.

Therefore, you may find that we use different documents to help support us to provide person centred care.

These include:

• John’s Campaign.
• All About Me.
• Hospital Passport.
• The Herbert Protocol.

Activity Based Interventions

Our staff have access to a range of resources (such as dominoes, playing cards, newspapers, crosswords, music, etc.) to promote social interaction and distraction. If there is something your relative/friend has an interest in, please let us know.

Contacts

Should you wish to speak directly with a member of the Enhanced Care Team ask the nurse looking after your relative/friend or contact the team directly on 01642 624767 between 8:00 am and 4:00pm.

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Patient Experience Team is here to try to resolve your concerns as quickly as possible. The office is based on the ground floor at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. If you would like to contact or request a copy of our PET leaflet, please contact:

Telephone: 01642 624719

Freephone: 0800 092 0084

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm

Email: [email protected]

Out of hours

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.

Telephone: 01642 617617

Data protection and use of patient information

The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospital of North Tees, TS19 8PE or:

Email: [email protected]