Hi Lou,
Thank you for creating this discussion. Within the high/medium/low secure hospitals I work in, we have at present ceased all off ward activity and stopped all Section 17 Leave – which I imagine will cause frustration for those who have progressed to lengthy periods of either escorted/unescorted period of leave from the service. We have developed programmes that can be delivered at ward level, whilst still maintaining the principles of social distancing. I think the focus across all services at the moment is supporting the ward staff and maintaining some consistency for the service users. We have circulated "easy read" documents for service users around information on COVID-19, detailing information on how to keep themselves safe and well, hygiene procedures and information to reduced anxiety. The staff have also distributed resources to promote ideas around self directed activities and visual materials around keeping occupied and engaged in meaningful activity whilst self isolating. In the MSU, the Therapy Staff have developed resources to be used on the wards to support service users in keeping busy and have completed a revised interest checklist document.
We have also circulated easy read letters to the patients to notify them of any treatment groups that have had to be postponed to help manage their expectations and reduce anxiety.
At the moment, everything seems to be changing frequently and there is a lot of uncertainty. However, it has been positive to see how supportive, creative, flexible and committed staff have been during this time.
Thanks,
Tori
