Sirona Patients Helping Shape Future Of Services

People helped to recover by Sirona’s Reablement team are shaping the service for the future across Bath and North East Somerset.

Bosses at Sirona have pledged to listen to those who use the service and tailor its offering to those who use it.

This latest research will help those who need Sirona after recovering from illness as the reablement team offers a combination of health and social care.

The team which is made up of nurses and therapists aims to either prevent admission to hospital, help with planned discharge or with rehabilitation so people can stay in their own homes.

Janet Rowse, chief executive, said: “We have always said that our services wrap around those who need them. We want our services to fit around the person and not the person fit into our services.

“To be able to do this effectively, it’s vital that we really listen to what those we care for have to say.”

Martha Cox, Sirona’s Service User Involvement Facilitator, said: “People who use the service are the best to tell us when things need improving and what needs doing.

“We have been holding a series of interviews and surveys with service users

“We were asking questions as to whether the staff were well prepared, made the service users feel safe and cared for, whether service users felt involved in the care they received and whether the staff communicated with them in a way they could understand.

“The vast majority of the feedback was very positive and there were some good ideas as to how we can improve.

“We used the feedback to develop improvement plans and our teams have worked very hard to put changes in place. We want to thank everyone for their input and the initiatives we have introduced as a result include:

• Producing a new information leaflet outlining what happens to individuals after discharge.
• Providing more information on where people can go for advice regarding mental health.
• Improved service leaflets so they are accessible to all.
• Giving a number to call when equipment is ready to be returned.

Martha said: “Some of what was suggested was simple to do and others have required the involvement of other teams and we will now be assessing the impact of what has been done.”

Comments on the service included: “They really made a difference and improved my mobility.”

“Explained the reason for my problems and then assisted me in helping myself to progress.”

“They were always pleasant and patient, never rushed me and were interested in whatever I asked and tried to answer me in the best way so I could understand.”

“The nurses were perfect in my book – wish I had them longer!”