Share review of The Whiteleaf Centre

The Whiteleaf Centre 2018-04-30 Person 5 5 0

Positive Observations: Range of activities good and staff respond to ideas and suggestions. Rachel and Laura particularly approachable, compassionate and encouraging. Really feel I was listened to and my interests catered for. Having a named nurse both daily and overall has given me confidence to gradually confide in staff. Information is clearly effectively shared with other staff. Ward round: though daunting has always felt positive and I have always felt Dr Thomas has listened to my thoughts and views and treated me with compassion. The housekeepers are very friendly, approachable, easy to talk to and vital part of the ward in making me feel comfortable here. Staff have always been proactive in acquiring/printing a variety of useful literature to aid my recovery. The quantity and quality of the fruit available 24/7 is great. Food for those who want it is available at all times. Planning mtg AM is a good time to get to know people. Tea/coffee encourages people to stay longer. The vast majority of staff make time for 1:1, queries, requests despite being busy- not showing how stressed and hassled they may actually feel! Others may not agree but for me this has always been the case. Gym and exercise sessions have been great for me as this was one of my stress relievers. Joe is very approachable and easy to talk to. Thank you, Joe! Finally: my thanks to... Laura for always being happy, positive and interested in me. Rachel for always making sure my interests are catered for eg baking. Joe for his 1:1 gym sessions and encouraging me to talk when no one else could. Lauren for always making time to talk and all her proactive solutions. Casey for sitting with me at mealtimes and encouraging me to talk. Fay for introducing me to mindfulness and encouraging me to believe in me. Rea, Stella and Humaira for their compassion in my medication issues. Possible suggestions for improvement: More support on admission to explain ward routines, who is who, obviously at an appropriate time depending on each individual. I was frightened, unwell and ‘lost’ for several days. As someone with an eating disorder it would be nice for staff to sit at the table with us at mealtimes and engage in conversation - would make me feel more relaxed and take away the “them and us”. Casey has done this - thanks. I’d rather have my pudding with my main meal in the evening and lighter yoghurt, fruit, cheese at lunchtime. I hate the medicate queue. Greater links/use of the recovery College Greater use of the activity room - open more and weekend activities (and evening). Use of a large pool of agency staff who don’t know patients - 3 times I have been if I’d like to leave when trying to sign back in. They thought I was the visitor. Greater use of volunteers for specialist skills and activities eg crafts, gardening etc