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WQ.63/2019
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES BY DEPUTY C.S. ALVES OF ST. HELIER
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 29th JANUARY 2019
Question
Will the Minister specify what work is being carried out on Orchard House in response to the statutory notice that was served on the department, as mentioned by the Minister during a Health and Social Security Scrutiny Panel hearing on the Assessment of Mental Health Services held on 10th January 2019?
Answer
Further to the Health and Safety Improvement notice issued in March 2018, a time-bound action plan and programme of work was formulated to address the recommendations made by the Health and Safety Inspector.
The programme of work was organised into 3 parts:
- Provision of safety alarms
- Provision of physical interventions training
- Improving the environment at Orchard House.
The plan attracted indicative costings of £2.5m and was approved by the Management Executive of Health and Community Services in August 2018.
Progress to date: Provision of Safety Alarms
A new personal alarm system has been installed totally replacing the previously outdated system. Staff were significantly involved in specifying requirements for the system and have evaluated its implementation positively. Staff receive regular training and supervision on its use and all new staff are inducted to use the system. The system is also routinely audited for maintenance and effectiveness purposes. For those staff who are not regular members of staff on the unit but who visit or attend the unit, arrangements are in place to ensure a safe system of work'. The actions required by the Health and Safety Inspector have been satisfied and notification received from the Inspector to that effect.
Provision of Physical Interventions Training
The Maybo physical interventions training programme was established as standard following recommendations made by the health and safety team. The programme is consistent with the evidence base for using least restrictive practice in situations that require staff to respond to those who present with behavioural and safety challenges. The aim of the programme is to keep both individuals and staff safe. The programme teaches skills in de-escalation, positive behavioural and cognitive support, and disengagement.
To date, over 100 staff have been trained. All staff working at Orchard House are required to go through the training including those who are bank and agency staff. There is a rolling programme of training in place delivered through a train the trainer' arrangement. The programme has been evaluated and competency continues to increase. Initial performance suggests the impact of the training is having a positive reduction on the level of incidence on the ward – this will be tracked and monitored as part of the service quality and performance reviews.
Both of the above improvements have secured compliance from the Health and Safety Inspector Improvements to the estate at Orchard House
A project team has been established to complete the work programme with monitoring and oversight by the HCS Management Executive.
A risk profiling exercise was completed to inform the work programme. The focus has been to reduce potential for incidents relating to ligature risk and safety hazards.
Progress to date has focused on improvement works that do not require significant structural change, but are designed to enhance the environment and improve maintenance.
The future options for Orchard House are currently being considered with regard to addressing its longer term future.