Evenlode ward is a medium secure psychiatric unit located at Littlemore Mental Health Centre. It caters for 10 individuals with intellectual and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Consultant forensic psychiatrist, Dr Hasanen Al-Taiar said:
“We are a fantastic team and really proud of the care we provide. We work as a team to identify what is needed and complete a holistic care plan and risk assessment with everyone’s views. The team is approachable and respectful at all times, always looking at what our patients can do rather than what they can’t do. An example of this would be encouraging service users to have their annual health check, letting them know what to expect and why the check is important, and attending with them for moral support.
“The team is always looking at ways to develop. We recently had a sensory room built, and have great input from the patient involvement lead in delivering easy read material to our patients. The Experiences of Patients on a secure unit during lockdown was launched in an easy read book format in late 2020.
“We have several projects in progress, but the common theme is enabling our service users to be as independent as possible, whether it’s looking at their own app for their specific exercises for physiotherapy or providing leaflets in easy read format.
“Our Client Opinion Group are service users with a learning disability who give true insightful and honest feedback, and they have supported our team leaflet production and attend our interview panels. “
Endorsing the nomination, Trust Chair David Walker said:
“NHS staff have been battered and bruised by Covid, by high levels of service demand and perennial questions of resource. In such circumstances, enthusiasm and lively interest in innovation and improvement are often victims.
But some teams keep alive a spirit of excitement, even adventure in providing healthcare. The Evenlode team is one of them. They don’t want to stand still but to move along, emphasising the independence of service users; collaborating with partners; seeking new therapies and interventions. I am very happy to commend the team as worthy candidates for the award.”
Executive Managing Director Mental Health & Learning Disabilities Debbie Richards said:
“I am delighted Evenlode has been shortlisted for the Team of the Year in their specialist category. It is a recognition of their considerable hard work and focus over the last year to deliver a person-centred, considerate and innovative approach that aims to foster independence and holistic wellbeing for all our patients. I am very proud of this team and wish them all the luck in the November awards gala – but being shortlisted is an achievement already.”
The winners of the RCPsych Awards will be announced at a virtual ceremony on Thursday, November 11.
Published: 7 September 2021