Enhanced Care: putting the needs of our patients and their loved ones first
At United Lincolnshire Hospitals, we aim to work in partnership with our patients and their carers/family/next of kin with the intentions of maximising patients’ experiences of care in our hospitals whilst protecting our patients from avoidable harm.
Enhanced care is put into place for patients who, without additional supervised observation, may be at risk of harm from e.g. falls, deterioration or isolation.
What might Enhanced Care look like?
If a patient has been identified as requiring an enhanced level of supervision, this can either be provided on a one to one basis or as part of a cohorted group. In a one to one situation, a member of staff will be allocated (on a rotational basis) to remain with the patient at all times. This constant supervision includes bathroom visits, as accidents can happen in a bathroom and are quite common in patients who feel unwell. Please don’t think our staff are being inappropriate when joining an enhanced care patient in the bathroom, it is for their own safety.
Cohorted care may see a group of patients with similar supervision requirements, being monitored by a dedicated member of staff (on a rotational basis). This staff member may offer distraction therapy to the group through talking or ward based activities, please feel free to join in or offer advice if there is something additional that could be introduced.
Being a patient in hospital can be unsettling and unfamiliar, we would like to make patients’ time with us as comfortable as possible. We would like you to help us make sure that your/your relative’s hospital stay is comfortable, personalised and safe.
Please let us know any aspects of care or the usual daily routine which you feel we need to continue with while you/they are here with us.
- The staff member delivering enhanced care will actively contribute to the person’s daily needs, for example – washing, dressing, cleaning and tidying bed/bay area, offering/encouraging and supervising eating and drinking and providing assistance to the toilet where needed.
- Enhanced care takes priority over any alternative tasks that staff may be asked to complete, as they must remain with their patient(s) to maximise their safety.
- You will see staff completing food and drink records, daily assessments, care rounds, care planning and documenting Enhanced Care 30 minute observations.
- If you have any questions regarding the care being given, please ask the staff who will be happy to assist you.
- If you are a Carer or you provide support to someone who is now in hospital, we ask that you let us know what they are usually able to do at home, particularly their hobbies or interests.
- You are welcome to join in during mealtime; the ward staff will be able to confirm mealtimes for We want you to feel involved, supported and part of the team.
- For carers, just knowing that you are there can be a great help to the patient; having a familiar person available can be very Your involvement is always welcome.