Older People’s Inpatient Acute

Being in hospital could affect benefit entitlement.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Patients must notify the benefits agency of your admission. Benefits will continue to be paid for a further 28 days and will then stop. The benefits agency must be informed of discharge so the
benefit payment can commence again.

Failure to do this may result in a fine.

Personal Independence Payment telephone number: 0800 121 4433
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.

Attendance allowance

It is important to inform the department for work and pensions of any changes to circumstances which may affect attendance allowance. This includes any hospital admissions
exceeding 28 days.

Department of Work and Pensions Attendance Allowance helpline: 0800 731 0122
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.

Community Law Service

Community Law Service is an independent advice provider in Northamptonshire. They can offer free advice on welfare benefits, housing and debt.
Northampton - 01604 621 038
Rushden - 01933 313 020
Wellingborough - 01933 278 248

PALS is a helpful and friendly service which can provide you with information on services, places, and people in the Trust. PALS can also liaise with you and the people involved in your
relative/friend's care to resolve problems.

PALS wants to know what you think about the service you are receiving. Any comment you make is valuable in helping the Trust to improve its services.

Ask a member of staff for a comment card.

If you have any concerns about the care and treatment your relative/friend has received, you can contact the ward manager or the PALS service. Likewise, if you would like to give a
compliment about the service you can contact PALS as well.

Email: pals@nhft.nhs.uk
Telephone: 0800 917 8504

On your relative/friend's admission, and throughout their stay with us, they will be asked if they are happy for information to be shared with carers/family/friends. If they say no, you will be advised the only information that can be passed on is that they are safe and well.

NHFT operates a 'Common Sense Confidentiality' policy which means if at any time your friend/relative withdraws their consent for us to engage with you, we will still gladly receive your views and concerns despite being unable to give you any confidential information.

We ask you respect the privacy and confidentiality of other patients on the ward. 

There is a carer and family support lead who works across all older people's wards who will be able to support you and provide you with regular updates at agreed intervals, whilst your relative is in hospital.

On the ward we welcome your involvement in the care of your relative/friend and their care plan. Your relative/friend will be allocated a keyworker who will be responsible for coordinating their care. You may also be invited to attend a ward round with your relative/friends' Consultant. You may be contacted by the ward administrator to arrange this, or you can speak to the nurses on the ward.

There is a leaflet called Carer's Confidentiality which is available should you wish to request one. Please ask a member of staff for more details.

At our 3 older adults wards we work alongside Northamptonshire Carers.

We have a carer and family support lead, who will be able to support you and provide you with regular updates at agreed intervals whilst your relative is in hospital. Our carer family support lead can also offer Carers Assessments, alongside Northamptonshire Carers. They will make contact with you once your relative/friend is admitted to discuss any carer support on an individual basis.

Please ask staff for details.

You can also be referred for a Carer's Assessment if you feel you need extra support. Staff may offer this to you and refer on your behalf (with your consent) or you can self-refer by:

Completing an online form at:

www.northamptonshire-carers.org/completeself-assessment

Or

Call the carer's support line on: 01933 677907 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm)
In main reception there is a dedicated free phone line to Northamptonshire Carers.

The Ward Matrons are available Monday - Friday between the hours of 9am - 5pm. If you would like to have a discussion with them, please speak to a member of staff or pass this request via the carer/family support
lead.

Do you have a complaint about your relative/friend's NHS treatment or care?

POWHER is independent. This means the advocate is independent from Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT) and staff that provide support to your relative/friend.

The advocate will always work on their behalf and not for the professionals involved in their care.

How it may help

If your relative/friend is detained under the Mental Health Act, Advocacy is a free and confidential service. The advocate will listen, without judgement to what your relative/friend say and what they want.

Advocates can support you to:

• Explore the different ways to resolve your issue
• Understand your rights
• Express your views and wishes
• Support you to self-advocate - taking the lead to resolve an issue 

The advocate works on your relative/friend's instruction. They will always gain consent before doing anything on behalf of your relative/friend.

Advocacy is not:

• Counselling or befriending
• Offering advice, legal advice, or legal support
• The advocate will not make decisions about your care or treatment 

How to contact POhWER

If you would like to speak to an advocate about the free, confidential support service, please call on: 0300 456 2370.

Alternatively, you can speak to a member of staff who will be able to refer you. 

We want feedback about the service

You have the right to make a suggestion, compliment or complaint about the advocacy service. The advocate will provide you with a POhWER compliments and complaints leaflet for more information.

We are using body worn cameras (BWC) on this ward. 
Everybody's safety matters.

For the safety of staff and patients, some of the staff that respond to incidents will be wearing body worn cameras (BWC). These cameras will only record when activated and staff will let  individuals know when they are being recorded via the camera and audio recorder.

Cameras will be activated if staff believe safety is likely to be compromised or when responding to incidents. The BWC's are a part of the Trust's Violence Reduction Strategy. Footage from the cameras may be used in a criminal prosecution, but patient identifiable data will not be shared with any other organisation without permission from the subject.

If you would like to know more about our procedures or give feedback, please ask the ward staff or contact R&I@nhft.nhs.uk

*All recorded data will be processed in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998

It's important staff, patients, relatives and carers respect each other's privacy and dignity. Patients have a right to receive high quality care which is safe, effective and respects both of your privacy and dignity.

While in our care your relative/friend can expect to be:

• Shown respect and treated with dignity
• Treated as an individual and offered a personalised service
• Supported to maintain the maximum level of independence
• Fully involved in care planning
• Helped in alleviating loneliness and isolation
• Able to complain without fear of retribution.

Verbal or physical abuse will not be tolerated. They must not shout, swear or hit other people.

Discrimination against others due to their gender, sexual orientation, age, ethnic background, disability or religious beliefs will not be tolerated.

We are a non-judgemental, non-discriminatory environment and we will try to accommodate each individual's needs.

Staff will show respect for the opinions of patients and their visitors. In return, we expect patients and their visitors will show respect for staff. Any disruptive or potentially dangerous behaviour will be challenged, and you may be asked to leave.

Entering and leaving the ward

The safety of our patients is a high priority. All wards at the hospital operate controlled access. This means the ward entrance is locked for the safety and security of the patients.

For patients and visitors requiring access to the ward, you will need to use the ward bell located near the ward entrance for staff to allow you access.

Visitors wishing to exit the ward will need to speak to staff so the ward entrance can be opened.

Patients wishing to exit the ward should speak to a member of staff about this. Leaving the ward will be dependent on whether they are here voluntarily or detained under the Mental Health Act and the agreements of leave between them, their Consultant and ward staff. For patients who have an agreement for leave in place with their Consultant and wish to use their leave, we request that you attend the daily meeting to request this. This enables us to more effectively plan any escorted leave required throughout the day.
If a patient has concerns about someone visiting them or does not wish to be visited by certain people, they will need to make a member of staff aware and those individuals will not be allowed access to the ward.

Informal patients 
If your relative/friend is an informal patient, this is because they have agreed to be admitted. They will be given a leaflet about their informal rights.

Formal patients
If someone is a formal patient, then they have been detained on a section of the Mental Health Act (1983). A member of staff will explain their rights and a leaflet will be made available to them for their reference. Other leaflets are available for information regarding an independent mental health advocate, second opinion regarding care and the process for appealing against a section. They will be assigned a keyworker who will speak to them about their care and treatment and formulate care plans/set goals to work towards their recovery. They will work with them and liaise with you. In addition, a co-worker will also be assigned and they will work under the direction of the keyworker.

As part of admission to hospital your relative/friend will be seen by a doctor. They will carry out a physical examination to check their physical health. After admission they will have an electrocardiogram (ECG) so we can see how their heart is functioning and a routine blood test.

Physical health is very important to us. The nursing staff will measure oxygen saturation, temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, weight and height if it has not already been done.

We do understand some of the medication prescribed can increase appetite and this may affect weight. If you or they have any concerns about this please speak to a member of staff who can advise how to manage this. We may also refer to a dietician.
The physical health nurses will work with your relative/friend to achieve specific health goals.

We advise valuables are not brought on to the ward. If your relative/friend does have any valuables with you, please hand them to a member of staff, or preferably give them to a relative or friend to look after. We cannot take responsibility for items not handed in.

Mobile phones are allowed on the wards unless there are concerns about patient safety.

Please ask staff for details.

Each patient will have their own room with all rooms having an en-suite shower (shower temperatures are set for patient safety). Patients will be able to keep their personal belongings in their room. However, certain items may require removal for safekeeping by ward
staff if deemed a risk, this is assessed on an individual basis. Staff will be happy to discuss this with patients and relatives/friends. Room checks will be carried out during each shift for health
and safety purposes.

All bed linen will be changed once weekly and all mattresses will be flipped and cleaned. If you need any extra blankets, please ask staff for these.

During your relative/friend's stay within the mental health inpatient unit should they require urgent assistance and are unable to leave their room to alert staff, there is a call system in place. The call button is located in the bedrooms and is fixed to the wall by the bed. There is also one located in the ensuites. By pressing the call button, our staff will be alerted that your relative/friend needs assistance and they will be able to quickly respond to them.

There are many communal areas on the wards that include lounges, quiet rooms, dining rooms, activity rooms and the outside courtyards. There is also a laundry room with access to a washing machine and tumble dryer.

There is no CCTV in patient bedrooms or private meeting rooms.

We ask that bedrooms are respected at all times. Damage to property must always be reported as soon as possible.

There is a café and a small shop that sells basic items on the hospital site.

Whilst your relative/friend is on the ward, staff will carry out general ward observations. They will be checked on by a member of staff each hour to make sure they are safe and well. At night, they will still be checked but this will be done through the hatch in your door. There may be occasions when your relative/friend requires more frequent observation. If there is a need for this staff will discuss this with them.

If there are any incidents during your visit, please go to your relative/friend's room or follow direction from lead members of staff. If you have any concerns for your personal safety please speak to a member of staff.

Your relative/friend is able to smoke in the ward courtyard. There are designated times for this to keep the area smoke free for others.

Your relative/friend will not be allowed to keep a lighter or matches on the ward, and will need to hand these in on admission to the nursing station. This is to ensure that everyone remains safe.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy is available to all service users to help manage their cravings.

Alternatively, patients own e-cigarettes and vapes can be brought in.

Please ask staff if you would like more information.

Mealtimes:

Breakfast: 8am-9pm

Lunch: 12pm-1pm

Dinner: 5pm-6pm 

We operate protected mealtimes, and therefore restrict visiting during these times. This allows our staff to prioritise supporting patients. However we do support John's Campaign for patients living with dementia which staff would be happy to discuss this with you.

Visiting outside of the stated mealtimes can be flexible but we would ask you to be mindful of the therapy sessions that happen between 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday. 

We welcome visitors to the ward within reasonable times during the day. 

You are welcome to come onto the ward for your visits. Visits can take place in the communal area or in one of the side rooms.

Young people under the age of 18 years are not permitted onto the ward but there is a family room within the hospital where children can visit. Please call the ward ahead of your visit to check the room is available. Visits are encouraged and it is hoped that visits from relatives/friends will become part of the recovery process.

What can you do to help?

• Wash hands/use hand sanitiser provided before and after visiting the ward
• Cover any exposed cuts or grazes with a waterproof dressing
• Inform a member of staff immediately if you have episodes of diarrhoea or vomiting

All wards enable a variety of activities for your relative/friend.

These include arts and crafts, pampering, going for a walk in the grounds, reading books from the library, board games, socialising with other patients and much more. Our sports instructors can induct them to use the on-site gym and offer variety of physical activities as part of the therapy programme.

As part of your relative/friend's treatment and recovery plan they will be encouraged to take part in group or individual activity sessions provided by the occupational therapy and physiotherapy team or psychologist. These will vary depending on their needs and will form an important part of their day and recovery.

Occupational therapists (OTs) will work with your relative/friend to understand how their illness and difficulties affect each of the activities and roles that are important for them to live your daily life. Together they will set goals so that these can be worked on in preparation for discharge and beyond.

OTs use activity as the main form of treatment and so in hospital a therapy programme is devised to help regain and improve skills your relative/friend may find challenging. The programme is also important in providing routine and structure to their day in the temporary absence of the usual routines, roles, and day to day activities they would do at home.

OTs will also work with your relative/friend to consider any physical health issues they may have and suggest equipment to help with personal care, walking, eating, dressing and other daily tasks.

Physiotherapists are also part of the therapy team. Your relative / friend may be referred to physiotherapy if they have a physical condition that impacts their ability to carry out the day-to-day tasks they need and want to do. Physiotherapists mainly work on an individual basis to create a plan of specific exercises, pain management, mobility aids and equipment. They may also offer group sessions that focus on physical health and wellbeing through targeted exercises as part of the therapy programme.

As being physically active can help with your mental health and overall wellbeing, there is access to a gym, subject to an introduction and medical clearance. 

The therapy programme changes depending on need and the sessions may be ward based, in the central therapy department or local community. A weekly timetable will be displayed on the ward.

Whether your relative/friend holds a faith or not, the spiritual wellbeing team are also available to support them during their admission by listening, providing resources or through spiritual exploration. They have various groups such as 'Finding Peace Through Art' that people may wish to try.

The Tribunal is an independent panel which can decide whether your relative/friend should be allowed to leave the hospital. It will hold a meeting with them and with staff from the hospital who know them. This meeting is called a hearing.
Your relative/friend can ask someone else to come to the hearing to help them if they want. This may be a family member or advocate. Before the hearing the members of the Tribunal will read reports from the hospital about them and their care. Your relative/friend should receive a copy of these reports.

They will be asked some questions by the Tribunal panel, along with their doctor and others who have been involved in their treatment. The Tribunal panel will then make a decision about the appeal and your relative/friend will be informed of this decision.
Your relative/friend can ask a solicitor to write to the Tribunal for them and help them at the hearing. The hospital and the Law Society have a list of solicitors who specialise in this. It is free of charge under the Legal Aid Scheme.