Coming to our Senses

The Sydney Children's Hospitals Network

Coming to our Senses
Minimising the use of seclusion and restraint practice for adolescents in mental health inpatient units through early de-escalation is a priority for safe care.

The Saunders Unit at Sydney Children’s Hospital (SCH), Randwick, identified the need for a Sensory Room to offer early time-out to our young people when they are distressed, giving patients and staff a safe and healthy environment. The room empowers our inpatients to de-escalate and/or self-soothe safely. 

Adapted Experience-based Co-Design was used to bring inpatients together with hospital staff to design and paint a mural in the sensory room, and to share their collaborative experience. This change was part of an overall strategy to reduce the likelihood of seclusion and restraint practice.

​Reducing Injuries in a Mobile Workforce

HealthShare NSW

Reducing Injuries in a Mobile Workforce
The HealthShare NSW Patient Transport Service (PTS) provides non-emergency transport for NSW Health patients to and from health facilities. Patients are regularly transported to and from locations such as residential homes, general practitioner surgeries, and medical imaging facilities, with varying access.

In May 2017, PTS had a high incidence of workplace injuries. Many of the injuries were the result of manual handling tasks associated with loading and unloading patients. HealthShare NSW took a broad ranging approach to improving workplace safety through prevention strategies, improved workplace injury management and creating a culture that values safety. 

Resulting from these initiatives, PTS has vastly reduced safety risks to staff.

​Transforming After Hours Medical Care - Junior Medical Officer Evening Staffing Model

South Western Sydney Local Health District

Transforming After Hours Medical Care - Junior Medical Officer (JMO) Evening Team Staffing (JETS) Model
All health facilities have a mandatory responsibility to take all reasonably practicable actions that ensure the health and safety of its workforce. Staff and external surveyors expressed the need for improvement in the environmental design of storerooms, in order to improve staff and patient safety needs. A multidisciplinary approach allowed for a range of perspectives to build a standardised inventory management process, empowering staff and promoting the ownership of the change. 

This change involved implementing just-in-time ordering, customising the current imprest list to the department’s requirements, improving shelving, storage processes and signage. 

Evidence has already highlighted an improvement in workplace safety, whilst patient safety and experience has indirectly improved as there is now greater access to stock without delay.
​
Current as at: Wednesday 26 September 2018
Contact page owner: Strategic Communications and Engagement