"'my journey has been up and down'"

Hi Viczt55, thanks for your story. It's great to see that you are taking the time and making the effort to provide this feedback. I'll make sure that it is shared with the ward team to highlight the areas of fantastic practice mentioned and equally the areas where improvements can be made.

I provided feedback to you on the workforce planning 'Hurst Model' and how we organise this, in your last posted story so I won't repeat this information. If you do have any questions relating to this the Nurse Manager on the ward will be able to answer these.

I note that you have raised quite a few varied other points so I'll break them down separately and address each one in turn;

Staffing - recruitment & retention; Seacole currently has 83% of their staffing establishment either in-post or recruited to post. Another advert for HCA's is due to go out this week on the back of your story - so thank-you for the prompt!

Hospital Grounds; Like you. I really appreciate the hospital grounds. You can see how well maintained they are by the fantastic ground staff and the investment that has gone into them over recent years with the increase of seating areas, outdoor gym equipment and mindfulness area. Keep using this great space and encourage others to do the same.

DBT & other therapies; firstly you are correct in pointing out that the lead therapy on the ward is DBT. Across the IPU we have five fully trained DBT therapists, plus a member who is trained to deliver the skills training group and also a DBT assistant. On top of this we (the IPU) are also working closely in collaboration with another IPU who are equally rich in skilled and trained staff. Further to the other therapies mentioned CBT is currently available to those patients who it is clinically appropriate for.

The therapy timetable is reviewed on regular basis and I would encourage your input in devising this, please speak to the ward OT. You will also be aware of other therapies that are provided on a regular and as required basis, such as; Nursing both mental physical health, Psychiatry, Occupational Therapy, Social Work, Psychology, Education, Sports & Exercise, Speech & Language, Physiotherapy, Vocational Skills

Staff training and development; at St Andrew's we are very fortunate that as a charity there is a significant investment into staff training and development. All HCA's who work within the charity will as a basic standard be trained and will hold a 'Care Certificate' a nationally recognised qualification. In addition all HCAs are encouraged to complete the Learning Through Work (LTW) qualification, this is an accredited qualification and is completed in collaboration with the University of Northampton. There is an abundance of training available to all staff and this is available through an on-line prospectus and I agree the more training and experience our staff receive is going to benefit not only them as individuals but also the patients they care for and the teams they work within.

Carers Centre; The centre has been designed to act as a hub for carers to meet and access support, information and signposting to valuable services. There are plenty of rooms and visiting suites for family visits to take place and there's also the availability of the Tompkins Centre and local community.

I hope I have covered all of your points raised and you are happy with the response. If you have anything further to add or question please don't hesitate to get in touch directly.

thanks

Barry

Update on recruitment: HCA advert is confirmed out. so fingers crossed the response is fantastic.