Excellence brochure 2013

Excellence A

2013

wards

Recognising and celebrating our staff Thursday 7th November 2013

Welcome

to Excellence 2013

Every day our staff work together, striving for quality so that the Trust can deliver its mission of enabling people to reach their potential and live well in their community.

Every day our staff find innovative ways to enhance the services we provide; working in partnership and involving people.

Every day our staff deliver excellence.

Tonight we will celebrate and recognise this excellence and the difference that our teams – both clinical and non-clinical – make to the lives of local people.

We are joined tonight by staff from the shortlisted entries - along with service users and carers and by members of our Trust Board, Members’ Council, partner organisations and other guests.

We are also pleased to welcome a number of the Excellence judges, who gave up their time to score all the entries received this year.

We hope you enjoy the night and learn more about the fantastic work that goes on in our Trust every day.

Programme

In this brochure you will find descriptions of all shortlisted projects, in alphabetical order. All this information will also be available on our website, along with the photographs shown tonight and details of all the winners.

Photographs taken tonight will also be available to view on our website and will be made available to download.

Welcome Dinner Awards presentation

• Excellence in clinical care • Partnership and involvement • Compassionate care Short film • Quality Academy • Creative Minds • Innovation • Winner of winners

Opportunity for additional photos Bar closes at midnight

What happens if your entry is announced?

If you are here because you have been shortlisted for an award you may be worried about who should collect the award and having to make a speech! Don’t panic, there’s no acceptance speeches required!

Here’s a short guide to how the awards presentation will work.

There are five projects/teams shortlisted in each category. In each category there will be two runner-ups, a commended, a highly commended and a winner. Every project/ team will receive a certificate and a framed team photo.

The results will be announced in the following order:

• Commended • Highly commended • Winner If you are announced as one of the above please make your way up to collect the award and then have your photo taken.

Communications staff will guide you to where you need to go.

It is up to you who comes to get the award and have a photo taken - it can either be the whole team or just a couple of you; there is no pressure to be in a photo if you don’t want to. Please be aware that all photos will be used in Trust publications and on our website.

Excellence Runner-ups will not be presented with their certificate and team photo during the awards due to time restrictions but they will be brought to your table. There is also an opportunity after the formal presentations for runner-ups to have photos taken with your certificate.

Just make your way to the photo area if you would like to.

Any teams wishing to have additional photos are also welcome to do this after the formal presentations.

All photos will be available to download from the Trust’s website.

If you have any queries, please ask a member of the communications team. You’ll find us near the photo area, on the table to the left of the stage (as you look at it).

A big thank you to the Calderdale Inclusion Support Service who have produced the hand-made frames presented this evening with the team photos.

Excellence in clinical care Recognising clinical excellence in Trust services.

This award is for any type of clinical excellence - in any business delivery unit - by a service or team. This could include service delivery, improving access, seamless pathways or managing change and transformation.

Entries demonstrate how they have achieved excellent clinical outcomes for people who use Trust services, understanding what they truly need and delivering consistently high quality care.

Epilepsy transition clinic Paediatric and adult epilepsy services, Barnsley The clinic ensures patients and families feel supported and empowered when moving from a child/young adult service to adult services. To do this, co-ordinated and uninterrupted health care is provided for everyone involved; encouraging communication, decision making and self care skills for the patients and families.

By providing a continuity of care for the families of the young person the service is ensuring a smooth handover from child to adult services. This builds a picture of continuity of care and working in partnership with adult services. It also improves the quality of life for the young person through improved understanding of their condition.

The new transition clinic has provided an excellent and seamless service to the clients involved. The clinic also provides excellent integration of clinical services.

Sue Wing, deputy director of operations

Excellence in service accessibility Focus team, Forensic Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, Wakefield The Focus team provides forensic mental health support to young people in contact with criminal justice. The team has reconstructed the referral route to ensure that service users feel engaged, understood and supported throughout their referral.

The team developed its referral routes to enable social care and other local authority services to make direct referrals; this has created shorter waiting times for assessments. Referrers can access the service directly and professionals working with high risk cases can also directly access support and advice to manage risks.

This shows how reflective practice and service evaluation is incorporated into business planning and service development progress.

Within less than 24 hours of making a referral we were contacted directly…we received the report in less than a week of referral…we found you to be extremely approachable…your willingness to assess our client at short notice was greatly appreciated. I would highly recommend your service to other practitioners. Solicitor, Howard League for Penal Reform

Maximising service efficiency and eliminating waiting lists Children’s speech and language therapy service, Barnsley By implementing LEAN the service utilised their resources by identifying special skills and areas of waste.

This was put into practise with the creation of an effective referral system, care packages and discharge criteria.

This was supported by a new, easy to use website that enabled a seamless pathway from referral to discharge with no waiting lists.

This streamlined customer care within current budgets and staffing resources without compromising client care. By constantly monitoring client satisfaction the service ensures it is continually working with service users and professionals which ensures transparency and cooperation in the future.

The whole team were enthusiastic, they challenged each other and found solutions to difficult problems. Their success is down to their commitment to making their service the best it can be for their clients.

Karen Barnett, LEAN facilitator

My physical health Trinity 1 and Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit, (PICU) Wakefield The unit identified that service users with psychiatric illnesses have an increased risk of poor physical health. ‘My physical health’ monitors the basic physical health needs of service users and ensures the results are available for other services.

Since undertaking this project all aspects of physical health monitoring have improved significantly. This person centred approach has seen waiting times reduce and improved the support and education that the service user receives. This provides a more effective and consistent approach to specific physical health care needs.

This project shows a seamless development and transition of care which has been cost effective, consistent and delivered to a high standard.

The physical health package is now a much more comprehensive and robust package providing me with a resource to access. I can undertake a service users physical care needs and identify any physical health changes. This ensures treatment is correctly and safely carried out and that monitoring is reviewed regularly. Kate Lynn, staff nurse

Raising awareness and building stronger bones Falls and bone health service, Barnsley The unit is raising awareness of falls and osteoporosis by ensuring education and early detection is at the forefront of the Trust and in the community. To do this they provide regular GP updates, care home training and delivery of mandatory training for Trust staff. To increase public awareness sessions were delivered in supermarkets, high streets and at an annual educational programme. Service users are also involved in service planning.

This programme of education and support has improved early detection of patients at risk of fracture. This ensures that the unit delivers a high quality service when the service user needs it the most.

I am so glad I came today. I was shocked to be told I had osteoporosis at such a young age. I had been taking my medication incorrectly so the educational programme has been invaluable. Although I was very emotional, now I’m less afraid of the condition and its consequences. Service user

Excellence

Partnership working and involvement

Recognising effective partnership working and/ or involvement.

Entries highlight work with individuals or organisations that has significantly contributed to improved outcomes, ensured service users and/or carers are true partners in care and embedded the philosophy of ‘no decision about me without me’.

Community café lunch club Newhaven occupational therapy team and Wakefield community food and health team The community cafe lunch club encouraged service users from Newhaven to cook for older adults at the community cafe. This promoted healthy eating in both groups and developed cooking skills for Newhaven service users.

The mainstream community setting gave an opportunity to develop social skills with members of the general public. The self esteem and confidence of the service users benefited enormously from the social interaction. This is an excellent example of collaborative working between two different parts of the health service which served the needs of both members of the public and those of service users.

It’s brilliant going down and cooking for the old folk, it makes me feel great. I want to go again. Service user

Knit-a-thon challenge Wakefield health and wellbeing development worker team Groups and individuals were invited to community venues to knit the longest scarf in Knottingley which was then turned into a blanket for a Castleford night shelter.

Older people’s health promotion has been challenging in this area but this new approach promoted important winter health messages, as well as offer the opportunity for social interaction.

The challenge was a low-budget, simple idea but had a high impact, reaching well beyond the 70 people directly involved.

It taught people a new skill, created partnerships and took place in the heart of the community. Three blankets were created as well as 72 pairs of mittens and it opened up countless conversations about health.

It highlighted the importance of keeping warm in winter, it got everybody together.

We made a difference and helped other people. We could all get involved. Some people gave wool and it was good for all levels of skill – you didn’t have to be a good knitter to join in. Service user

Outside In wellbeing theatre project Children, young people and families wellbeing, priority action group, Barnsley Outside In is a collaborative piece of work based around an original drama script that tackles the stigma of mental health alongside other key emotional health and wellbeing issues for young people.

Co-working with Darton College, students contributed to the development and ensured its relevance to young people The script highlights the difficulties and dilemmas that young people may experience during their lives. Messages in the play challenged attitudes; encouraged and empowered young people to speak openly about their concerns and access the appropriate support. The wellbeing model brought together partner agencies locally and a DVD and toolkit was produced for practitioners ensuring its sustainability.

Getting the message across is the most important thing, when we see how people have been affected by the play we know we have done that.

Ellie Hunter, student, performer

Safe scoot Wakefield health and wellbeing development worker team The safe scoot programme provides scooter users with safety awareness, practical training and guidance on the Highway Code and legislation. The half-day event also includes relevant health education messages around physical activity, falls prevention and weight management.

By joining forces with local mobility retailers, neighbourhood policing teams and service providers we’ve been able to roll the programme out across the Wakefield District. This highlights the benefits of partnership working. Through increased mobility service users feel their confidence rise and their interaction with the wider community increase. They also learn the importance of road safety.

Come to one of these scooter talks. Advice can go a long way – like a scooter! It’s about knowing important stuff like safety, where you can go to use it and how you use it. It stops you being housebound. When you’re housebound, you don’t have nice thoughts.

Service user

Women’s centre satellite clinic Calderdale substance misuse service

The clinic recognised that many vulnerable women were not engaging with the substance misuse service. The women’s centre satellite clinic offered the opportunity to access various agencies under one roof, providing a safe haven for the women and tailoring services to their needs. Women can also be seen in the crèche area so they can bring their children along to a safe and fun environment.

Through consistent engagement and support from the service, the clinic is able to help with recovery from substance misuse and prevent re-offending. Various courses are also run at the centre to encourage personal development and interaction.

My drug workers are brilliant. They listen to my needs and have taken care of my mental health. Without this service I would have been dead. I was using crack, heroin, speed, cannabis and alcohol. I was always in court.

This service has cleaned me up. I am now drug and alcohol free thanks to their help.

Service user

Excellence

Compassionate care

Recognising a team or service who show a real commitment and dedication to person-centred care.

Dedicated to the memory of Noreen Young, former director of Nursing, Clinical Governance and Safety at the Trust.

All care in our Trust must be delivered with the person first and in the centre; this is one of our core values. This award celebrates excellence in putting people in the centre and truly delivering the Trust’s values and mission. Entries demonstrate how our values are brought to life for the people we care for and how compassionate care is consistently delivered for every person who needs us. They are also examples of the 6 C’s in practice – care, compassion, competence, communication, courage and commitment.

Caring for carers project Ward 18, Priestley unit, Dewsbury and District hospital Caring for carers raises awareness of the support and advice carers need at the point of admission of their loved ones and throughout their stay. A series of coffee afternoons were arranged by ward staff for carers and carers support workers. This gave them an opportunity to have their voices heard directly, ensuring the ward staff were aware of their needs. This has had a positive impact on the wellbeing of both the service user and carer.

Through partnership working it has been possible to bring the relevant health professionals and carers together, closely supported by the inclusion team and its existing networks.

The fact that at long last a Consultant and her team from the ward have recognised the role that carers play in supporting their loved ones is fantastic. The caring for carers project is the first time that carers of inpatients have been given a voice. Andrea Bye, Carer

Family contact DVD Paul Dews, music and arts practitioner, Newhaven A family contact DVD was created for an inpatient service user who was experiencing difficulty describing his surroundings and feelings to his family.

The DVD showed the unit and was voiced over and filmed by the service user with the aid of Paul.

The DVD has had a positive impact on the service users’ behaviour on the unit and brought a degree of reassurance that he could communicate appropriately with his family and show them his present circumstances in a DVD. This is an example of putting a service users’ needs at the centre of a problem and finding a solution to it.

This has made me feel so much better, knowing that people know what it’s like where I am.

Service user

Fostering attachment group Barnsley Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) Children who are unable to live with their birth parents are often the most troubled and vulnerable young people in society. The fostering attachment group helped carers provide a secure home for young people.

Providing an effective and compassionate intervention for children who have attachment difficulties and related behavioural problems helps give parents and carers strength to remain positive and not slip into conflict and rejection.

This is an essential element to preventing escalation of many problems, including mental health problems. This improves the quality of life for everyone involved and benefits the wider services as the child will feel supported and stay in their new home.

This group provides a substantial contribution to helping children and young people who are vulnerable and at high risk of developing severe and enduring mental health problems.

Working directly with adoptive/ foster parents and kinship carers, children are indirectly enabled to live and learn in family settings.

Janet Foster, service manager, lead nurse

School nursing team Hoyland school nursing team, Barnsley The team visited the school to offer support at a time of school bereavement.

They devoted their time to support and care for the pupils, parents and the wider college staff that were affected. On a daily basis the team saw between 8 to 10 young people, school staff and parents. They also provided an effective communication tool which identified a pathway of service provision available.

The team attended meetings with the educational psychologist and school staff to focus everyone’s efforts and develop an

action plan. The benefits were the timely support for the school community at a sensitive time.

This was an unusual situation. The school nursing team showed empathy and provided support, information and guidance, to help them through a difficult time. The team utilised leadership skills in managing and prioritising work to meet the needs of the school staff, young people and families/carers which was over and above their normal role.

Andrea Scholey, professional lead for school nursing

Supporting young people in the criminal justice system Kirklees Youth Offending Team This service supports young people with learning disabilities within the criminal justice system and ensures that their needs are adequately identified, addressed and supported. The needs of the individual are embedded throughout the service from police interviews through to court appearances and delivery of the order. This involves promoting understanding of the impact that learning disabilities can have in relation to the offence.

The service has a strong multi professional team that ensures the individuals’ needs are at the centre of tailor made interventions. With ongoing support at the end of the order this ensures that the likelihood of reoffending is reduced.

All thanks to the team who have worked really hard to understand my daughters’ needs and to get a diagnosis. It’s the first time we didn’t feel aggrieved or hard done by.

A parent

Excellence

Quality Academy Recognising a non-clinical corporate team or service who are consistently achieving excellence.

All corporate, non-clinical support services are included in the Quality Academy – such as HR, corporate development, service improvement, finance, IT, professional leadership and facilities. Entries in this category highlight work that supports staff in business delivery units to fulfil their roles efficiently, providing a high standard of service, that is consistent, innovative, done in collaboration and facilitates improvements.

Clinical pathway with mental health currency (Payment by Results) Clinical pathway with mental health currency team Mental health currency worked with the care pathways packages project and the Department of Health to develop clinical pathways. The methodology is based on the Mental Health Clustering Tool in which service users are assessed and assigned a cluster. This identifies the individuals’ needs and creates a tailored care package that is to be agreed. The project supports good evidence based clinical practice that includes a clinical information system and ensures that Payment by Results is a co-enabler for clear, transparent clinical care.

The measures of outcomes are enhanced through reporting at service level, team level, business delivery unit level and organisational level.

This project is person centred. It has given the increased awareness, realisation and structure of all the frameworks that are needed in clinical practice to ensure we provide consistent, safe, equitable care.

Lisa Connor, practice governance coach

Fieldhead labyrinth Pastoral and spiritual care team The Fieldhead labyrinth is made from recycled materials from across the Trust to keep the costs to a minimum but impact to a maximum. Services across the Trust were involved to embrace the idea of horticultural therapy and gardening as a form of exercise.

The labyrinth helps service users with their overall recovery and wellbeing and also helps improve the wellbeing of Trust staff in line with the wellbeing at work strategy. It shows how one project can embrace many different goals and agendas of the Trust, from sustainability in the recycling of materials to wellbeing at work in helping staff.

The labyrinth is a really wonderful and beautiful thing. It’s lovely that the NHS can do this. Everyone can get something from this. It really works. You go in all mashed up and come out feeling a lot better. Most times anyway. Don’t miss having a go.

Shirley Sattar, befriender

Making quality research happen Research and development team

A new research department was brought in-house from 2011 to increase research activity. This was a fantastic opportunity to increase the amount of quality research projects to benefit our service users and carers. We now have over four times the number of service users involved in research and research-active staff.

The growth of quality research offers service users new treatment options, better diagnosis, more check-ups, time with expert staff and increases the reputation of the Trust. Staff members can also now use the service user records to match them to research opportunities that they might be interested in.

I think the research carried out in the Trust, supported by the research team, is innovative and can help patients, carers and those responsible for health care to get a better understanding of how research can improve services and the wellbeing of those using them. Keith Hardcastle, research involvement group member

Performance on a page: electronic team dashboards Performance and information team

This innovative tool uses a range of charts, indicators and ratings to help services improve mental health clustering. This shows the performance against all the mental health currency data and quality outcome measures available on a single page in an easy to use format.

The dashboard allows managers to easily recognise where improvements need to be made and the immediate availability of the underlying data enables them to concentrate efforts in the right places. This tool is essential to assure commissioners that the Trust is meeting the needs of

service users, meeting quality outcomes and standards and is achieving best use of resources.

In Kirklees we are delighted that the team dashboards are available. We are optimistic that they will not only provide obvious benefits like performance management and benchmarking; they also provide great opportunity for us to involve and energise staff to ‘own’ their performance and motivate them towards continual improvement. Judith Joyce, recovery service manager

Right first time, every time initiative The right first time initiative team

‘Right first time, every time’ engaged front line staff who meet, interact and help people who use Trust services. Families and carers highlighted how contact with staff and their attitude can impact on a person’s experience and treatment outcomes. Over 250 staff working in customer facing roles attended training events to understand the initiative and how they play a part in offering the best experience possible.

The initiative embraced the important role front line staff have in making a service users experience a positive one and realising how the important daily contacts a service user experiences can set the tone for how they relate to our services.

Whatever our role in the Trust – we can make that a good or poor experience for service users. Greeting someone, saying ‘hello’ as you pass by, answering the phone, offering directions in the Trust car park or serving tea in the café – we all have an opportunity to make a good impression.

Steven Michael, chief executive

Excellence

Creative Minds

Recognising a project carried out as part of Creative Minds.

Creative Minds underlines the Trust’s commitment to having a creative approach to service delivery as well as promoting more opportunities for individuals/groups to develop and grow creatively. Entries in this category include Creative Minds projects that are innovative and inclusive and have directly improved the quality of life for service users and/or carers. Any project or partner organisation that has received support and/or funding through the Creative Minds initiative could make an entry in this category.

Arts train exhibition Holme Valley Sharing Memories, Kirklees The arts train encouraged older people, mental health service users and young children to engage with local groups to create artwork that would reflect their own personal ‘journeys’. These were shown at a two month visual art exhibition.

The final exhibition included two public workshops where a creative approach was used to explore some of the issues raised during the project. The project gives participants the opportunity to express themselves, develop skills and participate in the wider community. The project is a clear endorsement of ways in which creativity can benefit health and wellbeing and lead to a greater sense of confidence.

I popped along to see the exhibition not knowing quite what to expect and it was awe-inspiring. The time and effort that had gone in to producing the work, by both young and old, the stories told and revealed, was first class.

Mark Wisbey, creative minds co-ordinator

Equine therapy Wakefield older people’s services

The equine therapy programme provides therapeutic activities with horses for service users to improve their general health and wellbeing.

This included grooming, helping in the yard and riding.

Service users feel a sense of purpose caring for the horse and develop social skills as they work alongside volunteers and other service users.

These elements all improve social, communication and interactive skills.

This is a successful partnership project which demonstrates the ability of people to both enjoy existing skills and develop new skills at all stages and episodes of life.

I’m 68, I lost my wife 6 months ago, life was dark. I was given an opportunity with the horses; brushing, combing etc. I was able to give/ receive unconditional love and fulfil a boyhood dream to ride a horse. The group has given me hope, trust and quality of life. Michael Twist, service user

Packhorse gallery Support 2 Recovery, Kirklees The Packhorse gallery is a project that provides creative art opportunities to the people of Kirklees and aims to reduce the stigma experienced by people suffering with mental health issues. Individuals who attend that are affected by anxiety or depression, are encouraged to begin dialogue in an impartial setting.

The gallery serves to unite artists and foster an open environment, irrespective of any mental health labels. This has helped to breakdown stereotypes and barriers which enables individuals to

identity as an artist or gain employment following our volunteer opportunities. The regular craft fairs are an opportunity to turn a hobby into a small business.

The Packhorse gallery is a unique initiative that the people of Kirklees have welcomed wholeheartedly. The gallery provides interactive and inspiring opportunities that everyone can benefit from on many levels – but in particular they create and inspire, challenge stigma, create conversations and offer mental health support and advice. Mark Wisbey, creative minds co-ordinator

The Dales challenge Pathways and Active for life

The Dales challenge was aimed at individuals with severe mental health problems who were leading inactive lifestyles. The challenge was to attend weekly walking sessions for 10 weeks that resulted in a nine mile climb of Whernside, the highest peak in the Yorkshire Dales.

Within the challenge participants learned walking safety, basic first aid and map reading skills. All the participants successfully completed the challenge.

The project focussed on issues of motivation and used various techniques to improve commitment of participants.

The encouragement of team work, focussing on a group challenge and increasing physical fitness improved the quality of life of the service users.

I’ve benefitted from the Dales challenge, being part of a team and enjoying the company of others. This has improved my confidence. I have noticed a great sense of achievement, especially in other members who physically struggled but successfully climbed Whernside and have gone on to do other physical activities.

Paul Brown, participant and service user

The Summit Insight early intervention team, Calderdale This ten week rock-climbing course was to develop confidence and skills to enable individuals to become instructors. This has led to the group becoming self sufficient with the more competent individuals helping others who have struggled to put a lesson plan together.

The project has challenged individuals to identify their own resources and it has provided a framework in which self development can be processed safely with clear guidelines and time limits to ensure effective progression. It has empowered the service user by instilling self belief and enhancing communication. This has encouraged friendship and broken down barriers.

Climbing has helped me to develop as a person, enhanced social interaction and given me something to look forward to. It is rewarding achieving goals. I am gaining a qualification and now use my expertise to support novice climbers. It has a positive impact on all who participate.

Thomas Nicholson, service user

Excellence

Innovation

Recognising innovation in either clinical or support services.

This category highlights projects or initiatives that have been introduced to resolve an issue or boost quality - for example improving access to services, care planning, record keeping, reporting or staff wellbeing, or enabled a better way of delivering existing work. Entries showcase originality and problem solving to achieve better outcomes, quality, efficiency and productivity; making best use of resources and talent.

Cook and Eat cook books Therapy services, Horizon centre, Wakefield The Cook and Eat books are a series of four cookery books for individuals with learning disabilities. It was developed by an occupational therapist with the help of key staff and service users. Service users were central throughout the project, they feature in a promotional film and had key roles and responsibilities at the Cook and Eat launch event.

Existing recipe books need to be read and interpreted for people with learning disabilities whilst the Cook and Eat books enable independent cooking and gives a sense of achievement for the individual. It also highlights some of the issues faced by people with learning disabilities around having a healthy diet.

This project will be brilliant, it gives everyone a chance to do cooking… I enjoyed it because it got me doing cooking that I’ve wanted to do for years…It got me involved with a project that would help a lot of people… I’m proud of the project.

Neal Pudsey, contributor to the cook books

Multi-professional diagnostic forum (MPDF) Barnsley dementia service MPDF is a fully integrated way of working and is constituted and supported by the professionals that make up the Barnsley dementia service. MPDF encourages a culture of learning and shared approach to care delivery. The introduction of this change has impacted positively on team morale, enhanced the service user experience, and paved the way to ‘non medical delivery of diagnosis’.

The development of the forum has enhanced the benefits of multidisciplinary working, promoted cost and time savings

yet maintained the quality experience of early seamless diagnostic delivery.

From the first diagnosis we have felt that we are among friends who are always there for us… so considerate and helpful, explaining anything we were unsure of. My husband is always treated with the utmost dignity and they show consideration for my feelings too. Everyone should have such care… MSNAP report – carer questionnaire comments

Reducing double handed care in the community Equipment, adaptation and sensory impairment team, Barnsley Double handed care is normal practise for service users with severe mobility problems and requires the use of a hoist or other equipment to assist them with transfers.

The team realised that 2 carers for each care call is not always necessary.

Through close working with service users and their families and putting the service user at the centre of all decisions, the team reduced double handed care. The feedback from service users was that this had improved their dignity and flexibility; which in turn empowered them and made them feel in control of their lives. Through the reduction of care there was also a net saving of £1296.47 per week.

When I was forced to have two carers I felt I had been given a hoist I neither needed or wanted. I found this restrictive and it was taking away my independence. Going down to one carer made me feel happier and more in control of my life.

Margaret Taberner, service user

Sports sessions in forensic services Newhaven occupational therapy service, Wakefield Service users came up with the idea of the external sports sessions which included rugby and cricket sessions. These sessions motivated people and gave them an opportunity to integrate with other service users from different parts of the forensic business delivery unit. The rugby sessions were led by Paul Dooley from Castleford Tigers and the cricket sessions were led by the Yorkshire Cricket Club.

The activities provided opportunities to access sport for a disadvantaged group of service users who have limited access to community facilities. This empowered the service users and improved social skills. This project also shows the success of working in partnership with third party agencies.

We were delighted to join forces with the Trust to introduce service users to the game of rugby league. Our aim was not only to improve the physical health of the participants but also their social and emotional wellbeing.

Alex Green, community manager Castleford Tigers

Therapy garden Joint therapy team, Mount Vernon hospital, Barnsley The therapy garden is used on a daily basis with in-patients at Mount Vernon hospital for physical rehabilitation. Patients use the area to work on physical goals such as balance, standing tolerance, leg strengthening and upper limb rehab.

The garden provides a meaningful activity and provides respite from the restrictions that can frustrate patients during a hospital stay. It also encourages engagement with other patients; building camaraderie so that they can support each other throughout their journey in hospital.

The team have implemented a treatment media that is traditionally seen as mental health focussed but it has provided very good outcomes within physical rehabilitation.

The garden area is brill. I just love it. It makes a real difference to feel included, just because I can’t stand or walk, doesn’t mean I’m useless.

This area has helped pick me up again and give me something to look forward to. No other hospital does that!

David Bisby, service user

Excellence

www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk/excellence

Excellence is organised by the Trust’s communications team. comms@swyt.nhs.uk 01924 327234 Artwork reproduced with kind permission from Andrew Williams who used our services.

Job no. 5609 Oct 2013