Published at 11:43, Saturday, 02 August 2008

The Maple C/D team have used patient feedback as a basis for developments and improvements to services.

You’re welcome: Prompted by feedback, Maple C/D team introduced special ‘welcome cards’ for new patients, explaining hygiene controls and how they are a joint responsibility

This is turn has created a real sense of pride among both staff, patients and visitors.

One of the key factors is encouraging cleanliness to help combat hospital superbugs.

Inspired by the Matron’s Charter, which promotes the ethos Our Ward, Our Problem, Our Solution, the team decided to look at how they could make changes for the better.

Feedback revealed to staff that patients had a lot of misconceptions about MRSA and general hospital cleanliness.

This prompted them to introduce special ‘welcome cards’ for new patients, explaining hygiene controls and how they are a joint responsibility.

It also certified that their bed frame, mattress, locker, table and other equipment had been thoroughly cleaned prior to their admission.

The response has been excellent, with staff receiving lots of positive comments from patients who felt reassured and more relaxed as a result.

The welcome cards are now being rolled out across the Trust and some community hospitals. They have even been approached by the Edinburgh Royal Hospital, who are keen to launch a similar scheme, while Nursing Standard magazine recently carried a feature about the welcome card scheme.

Ward sister Clare McKenzie said it makes patients more aware of what has been done and how they can help to control the spread of infection.

Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk