Publish date: 12 September 2024
July's Employee of the Month winner is Anjola Folorunsho, CYP Crisis Response, nominated by Samantha Schug for the value of respect
I would like to nominate Anjola for this award for the outstanding work she has completed with a young person open to the CYPMHS Response Home Treatment Team. The young person originates from Brazil, Portuguese is the first language, and now slowly learning English. I feel that Anjola has gone above and beyond in her commitment to providing a high-quality intervention, embracing the language barrier. Examples of this is that Anjola has obtained copies of ROMS in Portuguese, made personalised handouts in Portuguese for each session. In addition to working with a variety of translators to ensure effective psychological intervention and communication with family has been prioritised, despite the language barrier.
I am often impressed and proud of Anjola's work but feel this particular case has really demonstrated her commitment to promoting inclusivity and diversity. I think this is even more inspiring taking into context the CYPMHS Crisis team that we work in, the high-pressure environment and high levels of risk, and Anjola has still prioritised promoting inclusivity and diversity, and ensuring language/cultural barriers have not impacted on this young person and her families experience of care. Well done, Anjola!
July's Team of the Month winner is Weaver Ward nominated by Aparna Kapoor for the value of continuous improvement
Weaver ward have come a long way in the past three to four years. Following historical incidents on the ward, the team have worked relentlessly with senior managers to improve the ward environment, and the care delivered to patients on the ward. Weaver ward remained in oversight until May, and in the last 12 months the ward has noticeably made a shift in a positive direction. The team, under Zoe's leadership, have displayed a commitment to reducing restrictive practice on the ward - this can be evidenced by the reduction in seclusions and restraints on the ward, the embedding of PBS into the ward culture and the feedback from both patients and staff. The staff team have welcomed psychological input on the ward and have dedicated time and space for reflective practice sessions, where they think together about solutions to overcome challenges and provide the best care for patients during their acute crises. Staff makes an effort to learn about their patients and provide trauma-informed care.
Reduction in restrictive practices has had a direct impact on staff who feel confident utilising other skills to support distressed patients, including PBS plans, self soothe skills, and de-escalation. This is embedded in the ward culture and staff report the dynamics on the ward are more positive. This also has an impact on patients, who are supported by staff in a trauma-informed way, where restrictive practices are last resort. Patient feedback is positive, their attendance and engagement in the therapeutic offer on the ward is evidence of this. Psychological support is accessed regularly by both staff (via reflective practice) and patients, and the team are constantly reviewing how to improve their ways of working. The team work as an MDT, sharing ideas and views. The team have made links with community services (MIND, CGL, gym, ChAPS, etc.) to support patients towards positive discharges. I feel incredibly proud being a part of this team.