Enter & view: The implementation of John’s Campaign at University Hospital of North Tees
Download (PDF 602.8 KB)Summary of report content
Healthwatch Stockton-on-Tees conducted an enter and view visit on the University Hospital of North Tees to evaluate how the implementation of John's campaign pilot scheme (a scheme with the aim of encouraging Trusts, to make a commitment to enable family and carers of patients living with dementia, to remain with them in the hospital setting, outside of visiting hours; also to support with care needs) had worked.
Healthwatch Stockton-on-Tees planned an Enter & View visit to capture feedback on how the University Hospital of North Tees has implemented the pilot scheme, and to gather feedback from staff, patients, family members and carers on how it has impacted on them. They visited six wards on their visit.
Conclusions from the enter and view team included:
- It is evident that a commitment to patients, families and carers to support vulnerable patients in the University Hospital of North Tees is ongoing. Although, inconsistent in terms of support to carers, distribution of information, and staff knowledge of the phased programme. The roll-out of original plans to formalise a process to support carers, in line with the pilot scheme principles, has not been implemented with the development of the programme’s three-phased approach being disbanded, due to the Programme Lead changing post.
- It is disappointing that University Hospital of North Tees has not committed to signing up to the campaign and implementing it, as other trusts have done, since 2015.
- It is evident that University Hospital of North Tees is working towards developing some processes to support the care of those living with dementia, such as all staff being dementia champion trained. This training is being rolled-out across the hospital, but evidence suggests this training has not reached the majority of staff on the wards visited by HWS.
There are 9 recommendations made in the report, including:
HWS recommend the University Hospital of North Tees sign up to John’s Campaign.
A designated ‘Dementia Volunteer’ role(s) to be created to support patients and families of those with a diagnosis of dementia.
Flexible visiting hours to be available on all wards, wherever possible.
More support for patients with dementia at mealtimes – assistance with feeding and filling in meal order forms.