Pages
A peek into the future for Walton Hospital’s development
https://dchs.nhs.uk/news/peak-future-walton-hospitals-development
NHS England Healthier Futures Action Fund
NHS England Healthier Futures Action Fund - applications open now!
https://dchs.nhs.uk/my_dchs/show-me/staff-news-my-download/nhs-england-healthier-futures-action-fund
Introducing Hollieguard for lone workers
https://dchs.nhs.uk/my_dchs/show-me/staff-news-my-download/introducing-hollieguard-lone-workers
Files
Guidelines for assessing pain in patients with Cognitive Impairment and or communication problems (G203)
Within DCHS 4 pain assessment tools have been provided to help meet patient’s individual needs: PAIN ASSESSMENT TOOL FOR PATIENTS WHO ARE ABLE TO COMMUNICATE – PAIN ASSESSMENT TOOL FOR PATIENTS WITH COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT (Abbey Pain Scale) PAIN ASSESSMENT TOOL FOR USE WITH FAMILY AND CARERS OF PATIENTS WITH COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT DISABILITY DISTRESS ASSESSMENT TOOL (DisDAT)
Cauda Equina Warning Cards (G101)
Symptom Warning Cards for Cauda Equina
Oral Suction Guidelines for Adults (G186)
Many people require oral suctioning to help with clearance of difficult secretions. This document is to support those using the equipment and administering the suctioning.
Electronic Clinical Record Keeping Guidelines (G333)
All record keeping, using whatever medium should take account of the need to maintain communication between the multi-professional health care team providing care/treatment for the patient/client. All staff should ensure the correct record is opening by checking three patient identifiers: • The patients name; • Date of birth • And, NHS number/unique patient ID prior to opening the electronic record The following applies to electronic record keeping: The principle of confidentiality is equally important when electronic clinical records are being used, including those sent by email, and should comply with the Trust’s code of confidentiality, e-mail policy and information governance policy. Registered clinical staff are professionally responsible for making sure that whatever system they use it is fully secured and managed in such a way that confidentiality is maintained.
SOP Titration of Heart Failure Medication by Designated Nurses (S8)
This procedure has been developed to support trained designated nurses to alter the dosage of cornerstone therapies and loop diuretics for this specific group of patients
Safe Use of Bed Rails and Bed Area Equipment Within Inpatient Areas Policy (P22)
Some people in hospital may be at risk of falling from bed for many reasons including poor mobility, cognitive impairment, e.g. dementia, brain damage, visual impairment, and the effects of their treatment or medication. The National Audit of Inpatient Falls 2015 reported that twenty two per cent of patients who fall in hospital do so from their bed. The use of bed rails can be challenging. This is because bed rails are not appropriate for all patients and can create a barrier to independence that can create a greater risk of falls to mobile but confused patients who may attempt to climb over the rails. However a review of literature indicates that falls from beds with bed rails are usually associated with lower rates of injury (NRSL 2015). Bed rails and other pieces of bed equipment are not appropriate for all people, and using bedrails, bed levers etc. involves risks. National data suggests around 1,250 people injure themselves on bed rails each year. This is usually scrapes and bruises to their lower legs. Based on reports to the MHRA and the HSE, deaths from bed rail entrapment could probably have been avoided if MHRA advice had been followed. Staff should continue to take great care to avoid bed rail entrapment, but need to be aware that in hospital settings there is a greater risk of harm to people falling from beds.
Identification Policy for Patients (P70)
Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust (DCHS) aims to take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety of patients by having robust systems in place to confirm a patient’s identify. This policy provides guidance for staff to reduce the risk of misidentification of patients using the guidance issued in the National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) Safer Practice Notice (2007) “Standardising wristbands improves patient safety”. This policy aims to: • Reduce the potential of harm to patients caused by misidentification; • Ensure compliance with National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) advice.
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Picture of neck anatomy
2-2½ year review Best Practice Guidelines (G211)
This Best Practice Guidance gives clear guidance on the minimum standard expected of Specialist Community Public Health Nurses (Health Visitors) when undertaking a 2 – 2½ year review. It outlines the goal and essential components of the 2 – 2½ year review offered to all families in Derbyshire when their child is 2 – 2½ years old. This document also supports a commitment to ensure evidence-based tools and training are embedded within practice, supporting the national commissioning for outcomes recommendations, and offering assurance that the service is focused on personalised and needs based care.
Deployment of Approved Clinicians Policy (P98)
The policy aims to provide clear guidance on the training, role, retention, deployment and support of multidisciplinary Approved Clinicians. • ensure that the hospital mangers have an policy and protocols for appropriate deployment of Approved Clinicians • ensure that DCHS is able to ensure patients access high quality care in line with appropriate legal frameworks such as the Mental Health Act and Mental Capacity Act. • ensure compliance with the Mental Health Act 1983 and subsequent Code of Practice 2015. • ensure robust governance arrangements that are transparent in their nature. • support the Trusts ambition of providing patients with a suitably skilled Approved Clinician to progress care according to the guiding prinicples of the MHA . • ensure the specific needs of all patients are met in a fair and equitable way.