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North Mid’s newest campaign, North Mid Loves Our Patients, received hearts upon hearts of support during its heartfelt launch on the most fitting occasion of the year, Wednesday 14 February, Valentine’s Day.

The campaign aims to hit the hearts of both patients and our wonderful communities, by showcasing how we have listened and acted on patient feedback taken from the Friends and Family Test, a survey where patients and carers share their experiences at North Mid.

Launched for our proactive stance on patient feedback—both positive and negative—the campaign aims to encourage patients to send their feedback on the quality of care we provide at North Mid. This initiative demonstrates our commitment to actively listening, taking prompt action, and genuinely caring for the well-being of patients.

North Mid has introduced a range of innovative features to enhance patient care. These represent just a glimpse of our shared commitment to innovation in healthcare. As our hospital and community sites continue on its journey of improvement, patients and their families can anticipate more pioneering initiatives aimed at elevating the standard of care and ensuring a positive healthcare experience. Stay tuned for further advancements and enhancements in the days to come.

Introducing the patient bereavement bags: a compassionate response to valuable feedback

The implementation of patient bereavement bags is a conscientious step taken in response to feedback from bereaved families and relatives regarding the handling of belongings of deceased patients.

These specially crafted patient property bags are designed to provide a dignified and respectful method for collecting the personal items left behind by those who have passed away. It is our commitment to ensuring that these belongings are treated with the utmost care and sensitivity as they are returned to grieving families.

The graphic design on these bags serves as a poignant expression of our love, care, and profound respect for both the departed and their bereaved family members. This initiative underscores our dedication to enhancing the overall experience of families during challenging times, reflecting the core values of empathy and compassion that define our approach to patient care.

Soothing silence: enhancing patient rest with 'Listening Ears' initiatives

We have implemented the use of ‘Listening Ears’ devices in our wards marking our significant stride in our ongoing commitment to the reducing noise at night and other times. These devices act as tangible support, aiding our collective efforts to create a quieter and more restful environment for our patients.

The 'Listening Ears' are not just symbolic; they serve as practical reminders. Illuminating in green, amber, or red, they visually signal the varying noise levels in real-time. This allows the ward team to promptly identify increasing noise and take proactive measures to reduce avoidable disturbances, ultimately fostering an atmosphere conducive to rest and recovery.

Encouraged by the positive impact witnessed, we are currently devising plans to procure additional 'Listening Ears,' extending their installation to more wards within our healthcare facility. This proactive expansion underscores our dedication to continually enhancing the overall well-being of our patients through innovative and considerate initiatives.

Quieting wards: illuminating innovation to foster serenity for seriously ill patients

In response to feedback, hospital wards can often become excessively noisy, even in the presence of seriously ill patients. A pioneering solution to this issue involves the installation of a lamp within the wards, acting as a visual cue to prompt awareness of the noise levels. The illumination of the lamp serves as a collective reminder to exercise restraint, fostering an environment of respect and consideration for both the seriously ill patients and their families. This innovative approach seeks to bring tranquillity to the healthcare setting by encouraging a more mindful and serene atmosphere.

Empowering patients: introducing QR Codes for timely updates on emergency department waiting times

In direct response to extensive patient feedback gathered through a national survey, we have launched a pioneering initiative – the QR Code system. This innovative solution addresses the recurring concern expressed by patients regarding information on waiting times and treatment updates during their wait in our Emergency Department.

Now, with the implementation of QR Codes, patients can easily access real-time information about their waiting times, on full display on screens in the waiting areas, ensuring transparency and empowerment in their healthcare journey. This digital approach reflects our commitment to enhancing patient experience and providing timely updates while waiting for attention from our dedicated multidisciplinary team.

Enhancing the parental experience: introducing 'Welcome to Rainbow Ward' posters for informed and supportive admissions

In direct response to valuable feedback from parents during in our parent forum, expressing a desire for more comprehensive information about the ward during admission, we have taken proactive steps to address this concern. The result is the creation of the "Welcome to Rainbow Ward" poster, a collaborative effort involving both staff and parents.

These informative posters, strategically placed by each bedside, offer a wealth of relevant details, including specific times, meal schedules, visiting rules, and other helpful information. Staff members are now equipped and encouraged to personally guide parents on admission, ensuring they not only receive the necessary information but also feel supported and informed throughout their stay. This initiative reflects our commitment to enhancing the overall experience for both parents and patients on Rainbow Ward.

 

Introducing the carer's passport: empowering support for hospitalized patients and their caregivers

The introduction of the Carer’s Passport aims to provide essential support to carers during the admission of vulnerable patients to the hospital. This initiative encompasses several key benefits, including the issuance of a Carer ID card or badge by the responsible nurse, facilitating flexible visiting hours to enable participation in mealtimes and personal care, along with the provision of rest and respite opportunities. Additionally, reduced car parking fees and food discounts are available upon presentation of the Carer’s Passport ID Card. One passport per patient is issued at the discretion of ward staff, with renewals on a weekly basis.

Empowering healthcare access: the implementation of the hospital passport

The hospital passport is a nationwide document for individuals with learning disabilities, aimed at breaking down communication barriers and ensuring fair access to healthcare. It includes essential information such as communication preferences, anxiety management strategies, medical history, and treatment plans.

Individuals or their carers are encouraged to bring it to hospitals, and staff should review and act upon its recommendations to provide effective care. At North Mid, we ensure the hospital passport is implemented.