Care Opinion

Text size

Theme

Language

Videos in BSL or ISL
Help with language translation
Help with reading or listening

A lack of structure and safety

Posted By Disgw57

"A lack of structure and safety"

About: Stratheden Hospital / Adult mental health

(as other),

I was appalled to see the lack of structure and safety for patients on the Lomond ward. 

I observed a patient smoking in bed, staff were made aware of this but never acted on it. There was no reprimand or action taken to confiscate smoking materials. 

Some of the other patients are strongly medicated and are asleep. What if a fire was to start?

The staff seemingly had absolutely no back up from ward management and had to endure vocal and physical abuse when trying to intervene.

Maybe if the patients had some sort of daily occupational health activities to do rather than just walking the ward all day, it would help to curb the boredom and monotony?

The only intervention I witnessed was when eventually patients kicked off and were medicated. Surely it would be better to avoid such extreme measures by a more conducive calm and structured approach!

More about:
Do you have a similar story to tell? Tell your story & make a difference ››

Responses

Response from Deon Loudon, Clinical Services Manager, Mental Health, Acute Services, NHS Fife 5 months ago
Deon Loudon
Clinical Services Manager, Mental Health, Acute Services,
NHS Fife

Submitted on 31/12/2024 at 11:48
Published on Care Opinion at 11:48

Dear Disgw57

Thank you for sharing your feedback via Care Opinion. I am very sorry to read of your concerns and would welcome the opportunity to support exploration of these further and would encourage you to contact our offices to enable us to liaise directly with you and arrange further discussion. I would seek to reassure you that wards provide a no-smoking service in line with Scottish Government legislation. Whilst we recognise this can be challenging for patients who would prefer to smoke, staff do their best to support patients adhering to this. The ward follows the Safewards approach to recovery and engagement, supporting all patients with individualised care plans, encouraging all patients to become active participants in their care as recovery progresses. Please also be assured that fire safety training is available for all ward staff and all wards are fitted with fire safety equipment. Please contact Personal Assistant Ann Bain via telephone 01334 696004 if you would like to arrange to meet with a member of our senior team.

Thank you

Deon

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful

Update posted by Disgw57 (other)

Thanks Deon for your response.

However this is a long standing situation that all staff are already aware of.

Surely there should be some sort of action plan implemented for continous disregard of rules?

Who is responsible for ensuring rules are adhered to?

Opinions
Next Response j
Previous Response k