Hi Salli, we'd be really interested in hearing how you go - we will be establishing a brand new OP functional ward on our unit in the near future, and I think it would be excellent to open the unit with Safewards ready to go - keen to learn!
Sian

I work on a 20 bedded functional older adult ward in Berkshire. We have implemented all 10 inteventions.

The only real change we have made is doing the mutual help meeting twice a week, while reminding clients through the week what they offered to do, as the pace of the ward is much slower.

The know each other folder includes photo's of the staff to aid memory.

It has been very enjoyable to do, I will upload photo's soon.

Sam - OTA, Orchid Ward, Prospect Park Hospital

Hi all, Orchid Ward is a 20 bedded older adult functional ward. We have implemented safewards. Not many things had to be altered.

The mutual help meeting is held twice a week, with reminders throughout the week to individuals. Sometimes meetings are done by seeing patients 1:1 in their rooms who have mobility issues.
The discharge tree and the know each other folder are colourful and bright. Due to the slower turn around of patients, inspirational quotes were put on tree as well.
The calm down box includes breathing toy pets and mood lighting.
Due to the more settled nature of the ward, especially at the time of implementing safewards, some of the interventions have been rarely used (such as bad news mitigation). But a tick list for the month is in the handover room so staff can record what they are implementing.

We have had really good feedback from patients! Hope this helps.

Samantha Hobbs
OT Assistant