Watling Ward is a 20-bed medium secure forensic male inpatient ward at Marlborough House, Milton Keynes.

Ward Manager for Watling Ward Ajao Adewale said:

“The Exceptional People Team Award means so much to our team, as it truly reflects the hard work, passion, and unwavering commitment we all share. Each day, we come together, not just as colleagues, but as a family, united in our mission to provide the best quality of care for our service users.

“This recognition fills each, and every one of us with immense pride, and gratitude for the honour bestowed upon us by the award, knowing that our collective efforts are making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we care for and the fact that it is recognised. It’s a testament to the dedication and compassion of every member of staff on this ward. This is a demonstration of our unity as a team, our passion as well as rugged resilience in making a recognised difference.

“We do not take the honour of the award for granted the award team is highly appreciated. Thanks ever so much!”

The nomination

The Watling Ward team were nominated by Watling Ward Registered Mental Health Nurse Rachel Jones – for working well with the patients and striving to do the best they can in an often high acuity environment.

Rachel commented:

“Watling Ward continually strives to provide great person-centred care. They take in many different patients of various complexities and dual diagnoses and never give up on someone even when other wards have.

“Colleagues have a safe environment to work in, and when it isn’t, staff support each other and treat each other like family. If a violent incident has happened, we always check on each other, call each other, and support each other when it is time to come back to work. If someone is having a personal difficulty at work, staff always support each other with the required jobs and are able to deviate from the planner as required with a sense of calm.

“The team are always willing to engage with patients. No patient is too complex for Watling! The Watling Ward has dedicated family champions and social workers who work with families to ensure they are involved in their families care as much as possible.”