LPFT Clinical Team of the Year – Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Nominee Information

The Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT) Clinical Project Team was established 3 years ago, led by two senior mental health clinicians with over 40 years’ experience in mental health nursing. Its brief – to influence the designs of LPFT’s new inpatient wards for the next 5 years, representing the voices of fellow clinicians, experts by experience and carers so the design of the new wards is a true co-production, every voice is heard and every consideration reviewed so the environment will create a new standard in mental health care.

The establishment of multiple groups facilitated and chaired by the Clinical Project Team enabled every voice to be heard. The shared values and beliefs to help people to live well in their communities are the foundations of everything they do – enabling patients to recover in an environment fit for purpose, to meet the individuals needs of the patients and to empower them to feel safe and supported. At the heart of every group facilitated by the team there is an expert by experience with lived experience of an inpatient ward and a clinician who provides the care to support the patient to recover and get home as soon as possible.

Through these groups, conversations identified both the needs of patients and staff, offering possibilities to improve the patient experience. The introduction of single person bedrooms with ensuite facilities brought with it many privacy and dignity gains. What was highlighted through these groups was also potential feelings of isolation, therefore a multi-media solution was explored. The clinical team led groups reviewed options available including TVs, radio and electronic tablets, but none fully met the needs. However, the clinical team were aware of a product that could meet both patient and staff needs but it was not designed for adult acute environments, and it was not budgeted for within the build. The team made enquiries on behalf of the groups with a company called Recornect. They met with the Design and Quality group, facilitated by the Clinical Project Team, made up of experts by experience and other key stakeholders. Through collaboration, a new solution was created by Recornect, the CowinPlay, which met all the needs of our patient group. Simplistically, it could be described as a large electronic tablet that gave many benefits to patients and staff. As a means of communication, it can share confidential personalised care plans, Mental Health Act information, activity plans, relaxation aids, as well as entertainment.

The Clinical Project Team recognised the many gains this product would bring for both staff and patients as an engagement tool for staff and an aid to recovery for the patient, enabling them to be empowered with information and in a language of choice. The Clinical Project Team then presented an options appraisal and cost benefits analysis to the Trust Board to secure additional funds. The clinical argument was provided and debated before being overwhelmingly supported by the Board. The voice of the patient was truly recognised.