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Where I work service users are involved in various areas of the hospital's Clinical Governance processes such as recruitment, service user forums, training of staff. We have ward representatives who have the opportunity to attend other meetings and input into the running of the hospital however I struggle to get commitment in their attendance.
I would appreciate suggestions on how to further develop ward rep roles/commitment. What have you tried and tested? What worked and what didn't and why?
Thanks
I facilitated the running of a service user engagement group for nearly two years. These were service users with a learning disability with the aim of the group being for them to be involved in the service and how it is run at every level, and to develop pieces of work and improvements for the service and beyond (e.g easy read information we use such as appointment letters, easy read information for CAMHS and dental services). One of the most difficult things for me was having the time to do this on top of my caseload and having little support from higher management. What worked well was meeting once a month/6 weekly and the fact that we were able to pay the attendees (after all they were doing a job) which was an added incentive for them to attend. Also making sure the sessions were meaningful to them and that they were planning what they wanted to work on and improve within the service.
In relation to ward reps are you referring to staff? I can only imagine their lack of engagement and attendance is in relation to time constraints. Could you get them to speak with their managers and explain that it is important and part of their development and CPD and important that someone is engaging patients in developing the service?
Can you ask the representatives why they are not attending?
Hi Yas!
Thanks for the Forum post. As we only launched yesterday, you are officially our first OT Hub Forum contributor! Word is spreading fast, but there may be a little delay in getting other replies - as visitors start to find and get involved in the forum...
It sounds like you're talking about peer-led services? (I was once interviewed for a mental health support worker role - by both a manager and current service user. I think it's so important to involve everyone. Especially as service users know best what they want from support!)
Is motivation a big barrier where you work? Perhaps you need to re-look at your therapeutic use of self and building rapport early on? I imagine if it's a secure setting where service users are held involuntarily, attending meetings and contributing to running the hospital may not be high on the their volition priorities?...
Perhaps you should highlight to them more strongly the value and transferrable skills gained from being a ward representative. If they understand that this could speed up transfer into lower-supported/more independent accommodation, maybe their motivation would improve?
Jamie.