Legal News
Mental health trust nominated for Patient Safety Awards, in Care of Older People category (14 June 2016)
Date: 14/06/2016
Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust (BEH) has been nominated for the Patient Safety in Care of Older People category in the Patient Safety Awards.
The team nominated identify and manage health problems in elderly residents across Enfield’s 45 care homes. The trust says that recognising health issues at an early stage may prevent the need for acute care.
The team has close links with other key community services such as dietetics, physiotherapy and podiatry, where they can signpost or make referrals to.
Manager of the service, Melanie Pettitt, said:
“We’re delighted to be shortlisted for the Patient Safety Awards for the second year running.
“We cover a number of areas – including managing falls, signposting, end of life care, rapid response, and training for the care home staff. This can really make a huge difference to the residents living in care homes.
“For example, in terms of falls, we have Consultant Geriatricians who lead clinics within care homes. They review an older person’s health, encourage exercise, assess their living environment and more.”
The trust says that, since the launch of the service four years ago, there has been a significant improvement in the quality of care and health outcomes for residents.
“Among our triumphs, we’ve found a reduction in A&E attendances by care home residents – and we hope this figure will continue to drop, said Ms Pettitt.
“It’s so much better to be able to care for elderly people in an environment which they are familiar with – it avoids confusion and worry for the person.
“That’s why we are so proud of what we do – our patients are at the very centre of our approach.”
Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors
Duncan Lewis is the UK’s largest provider of Legal Aid mental health services and can advise mental health patients on a wide range of issues – including access to NHS mental health services and detention under the Mental Health Act.
Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors regularly visit NHS hospitals and police stations to advise on mental health law – and are available nationwide at short notice for hospital and police station appointments.
In some cases, Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors may be able to advise the nearest relative or carer of a mental health patient on a range of issues, including initiating treatment reviews, where appropriate – as well as advising on Lasting Power of Attorney or Court of Protection cases involving vulnerable or elderly family members.
For expert legal advice on mental health law, call the Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors Helpline on 0333 772 0409.