During your stay at Skylark

  • Your Ward Team Leader is:
  • Your Matron is:
  • Your Primary Nurse Team are:
  • Primary Nurse:
  • Consultant Psychiatrist:
  • Associate Nurse:
  • Telephone numbers for the Skylark are:

Main Reception 01772 215 074

Ward 01772 215 073

About the Skylark Older Adult Ward

The Skylark Older Adult ward is an 11-bedded ward in the Avondale building of the Lancashire Teaching Hospital site at the Royal Preston Hospital. Skylark provides care and treatment for older adults with acute mental health problems. Patients who use the Skylark Unit will be from Lancashire, predominantly from the West Lancashire, Chorley, South Ribble and Preston areas. The Skylark Unit forms part of the Central Lancashire Older Adult Mental Health network.

Team purpose and vision

Collaborating as a community of care to support and empower our patients to work towards their individual goals by:

  • Working towards a successful and appropriate discharge

  • Providing quality, person-centred, compassionate care that values inclusivity

  • Working towards positive outcomes with our patients

  • Creating a positive and engaging environment for our patients

Your care and treatment

On arrival to the ward you will be allocated a Primary Nurse Team. Your Primary Nurse Team will work with you to focus on your individual care and treatment needs. If you have any worries or concerns, or just need a chat, then your Primary Nurse Team should be your first point of contact. Of course, you are welcome to speak with any member of staff about any concerns or worries at any time should you wish to do so.

Care plan

On admission to the ward you will work in collaboration with your Primary Nurse to develop your care plan. This care plan will describe the treatment you will be receiving during your stay. The nursing staff will support you in agreeing the care plan and ensure your needs are being met. Your care plan will be reviewed and updated with your input on a regular basis.

How will my care be reviewed?

Your care will be reviewed daily by the ward multidisciplinary team. If there is anything about your care and treatment you would like to be discussed, please inform a member of the nursing team who will raise the issue for you.

You will also have a personalised care and support planning meeting to discuss and agree your care and treatment. These are formal meetings involving the team of staff involved in your care. You and your carer/family will be involved in this process unless you tell us otherwise. If you wish to request a review please ask your Primary Nurse or the Nurse in Charge. Your Primary Nurse and your Care Coordinator/Key Worker will ensure that regular reviews take place, even if you do not request them to ensure your needs are being met. Some people may find these meetings a bit overwhelming – if so, please raise this with your Primary Nurse, who will support you.

Physical Health check

When you are first admitted to the ward you will be asked to have a physical health check. The admitting doctor will ask you questions about your physical health and any problems or needs you have in relation to your physical health. Routine tests on admission include blood, urine and heart monitoring. Throughout your stay the care

team will also focus on continuous monitoring, health promotion and health screening to ensure your physical well-being. This includes well women and well men checks, healthy eating and lifestyle etc.

Handovers

Ward staff have a handover meeting when two different shifts of staff meet. This enables the finishing shift to update the oncoming shift with anything that has happened during these periods. This will include an update of each patient’s care, treatment and presentation.

What happens during the day?

There is an activity room on the ward that includes a television, games, books and art materials, amongst other things. There will be various group activities organised by the Health & Well-being Workers throughout the day. Working alongside our Occupational Therapist these staff provide a range of interventions to support people in maintaining and improving their ability to function in everyday tasks. The Health & Well-being Workers work individually or with groups, offering varied and enjoyable activities, including cooking, crafts, music and excursions, to help enable better recovery and prepare people for discharge.

The Occupational Therapy Team will meet with you to discuss your interests and inform you of any activities that you may attend whilst on the ward. There are also activities run by the nursing staff on the ward that you will also be encouraged to participate in.

You will also be able to undertake daily activities in your bedroom such as watching television or listening to music.

The Patient Affairs office is situated in the reception of the Skylark Unit and manages access to patient money and storage of patient valuables. This can be accessed by patients Monday to Friday 9.00am– 5.00pm. Please ask your ward team for details.

Patient community meetings

There are regular patient community meetings held that provide an opportunity to talk about ward activities, issues and concerns. The staff will attend the meetings to ensure any actions are addressed. Your input and comments on ward issues are very welcome at any time; please raise these with the nurse in charge.

Medication and medication information

For your mental health to improve you may need to take medication. If this is the case, and you want more information on any medication you are taking, please ask a member of staff and/or request to speak with the ward Pharmacist, who will happily discuss your medication with you. They will also provide you with medication information that you require. Should you experience any side effects from your medication please let the ward staff know.

Medication times are 9am, 2pm, 6pm and 10pm, depending on the medication you are prescribed. However, these times may be altered to meet your individual needs. You may not receive medication at all of these times and some medication may be given outside of these times. Whilst in hospital, we ask that you only take the medication prescribed by the ward doctor. If there is other medication that you require prescribing please speak with your named nurse team or ward doctor to address this.

Staff will:

  • Tell you their name when they introduce themselves

  • Inform you of who your Primary Nurse is

  • Assist you to get ready in the morning, if needed; offer one-to-one chats and ask throughout the day how you are feeling/coping

  • Offer time to discuss concerns about treatment and medication, including side effects and possible consequences of not taking medication

  • Work with you to formulate your care plan

  • Respond to you in a timely manner

  • Wear identification in an appropriate place so everyone can read and introduce themselves when on the ward

  • Remember that you are an individual with a specific need and illness, and will be patient

  • Will assist you in feeling safe and secure, and provide you with a structured programme of care

  • Give you the medication you need at the right time and explain what it is for

  • Ensure you have a copy of your programme of activity and know who is running the group or activity

  • Ensure you know and have access to drinks or snacks any time of the day, when meals are served and what’s on the menu

  • Let you know when relatives and friends can visit and where

  • Ensure you have regular contact with your consultant and other professionals involved in your care

  • Let you know when your next meeting with the multidisciplinary team is and will collaboratively set your discharge date and goals to achieve this

  • Ensure you have all your physical and mental health care needs met either on the ward or by a specialist who will come to the Skylark Unit

We ask you to:

  • Respect others and their personal property and space, including bedrooms

  • Avoid using alcohol and illicit substances, including legal highs, in the hospital and whilst on leave from the Skylark Unit

  • Return from leave when agreed or contact the ward if you are going to be late

  • Avoid offensive remarks or bullying of any kind, e.g. in relation to religion, race, ethnicity, age, appearance, beliefs or disability

  • Not bring anything valuable, or anything that holds sentimental value and cannot be replaced, to the Skylark Unit

  • Refrain from aggression and try to walk away from any potentially aggressive situation and talk to staff

  • Refrain from playing loud music at night and keep the noise to a minimum

  • Not smoke within the Skylark Unit or surrounding site

  • Help keep the ward clean and tidy by putting your rubbish in the bin

Please remember that some personal items may be restricted and will need to be given to staff. To ensure everyone’s safety, staff will check all bags and your person on arrival to the ward. Money brought into the ward and valuables may be kept with the Patient Affairs Office as mentioned earlier.

What items are restricted?

There are items that are not allowed on the ward or that you will have restricted access to. This is necessary to maintain ward safety. Examples of restricted items include lighters, matches and knives.

Some items may have to be removed and stored separately, or your family will be asked to take them home.

Use of Mobile Phones, Tablets etc.

You can use your mobile or tablet on the ward. We request that you respect the confidentiality, privacy and dignity of other patients and staff by not the using any camera/video or sound recording capability on your device during your stay at the Skylark Unit.

Satisfaction questionnaire 

It is important for you to give your views and opinions about your stay as this will inform future developments of the service. You may therefore be asked to complete a questionnaire on discharge. Ask about our Friends & Family Test.

If you have special needs, please discuss this with your Primary Nurse, who will endeavour to accommodate your requirements.

Where do I sleep?

You will have your own bedroom – all rooms at the Skylark Unit have an en-suite bathroom, storage and television. You will have your own fob to grant access to your bedroom.

Where do I put my belongings? 

Your belongings will be stored in your bedroom. You will also have a locked cupboard to place some items. We ask that you keep your bedroom and en-suite tidy as this will assist the domestic staff when cleaning your room.

The Trust will not accept any liability for lost or stolen property that is in your possession.

What can I bring with me?

  • We suggest you bring with you:

  • Clothes and shoes

  • Nightwear

  • Money

  • Toiletries

  • Anything that makes you feel more comfortable and relaxed can be brought in, within reason. There may be items or activities you enjoy that help you relax and which will aid your recovery. Please discuss access to these with the ward team.

  • The medication you have at home – please give this to ward staff immediately

Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust is committed to improving the health and well-being of the people who use our services and the staff who provide those services. As a smoke-free Trust, smoking will not be allowed within Lancashire Care buildings or grounds. We understand that some people may smoke up until admission and we are committed to supporting all patients in managing their nicotine addiction during their time with us. Our nurses can provide nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) to patients as soon as they are admitted to the unit. NRT is very effective at managing nicotine withdrawal and we will also provide diversional activities to help people manage any tobacco cravings they may experience.

As we are a smoke-free Trust we will ask you to send home with visitors any lighters, matches and cigarettes that you may have brought to the ward. If there are no visitors available to take these items home for you, staff members will keep these items safe until you are discharged from the ward.

Can I wash my clothes?

There is a laundry room available on the ward and washing powder is provided. Please ensure you move your washing from the room

when dry to prevent items getting mixed up. We ask that the laundry is used by one person at a time. If you wish to iron, please ask a member of staff who will assist you with this.

Where can I get clean bedding?

There is a linen cupboard on the ward. If you need fresh bedding you can ask staff to provide you with it. You are responsible for changing your own bedding, although staff will help with this if needed.

What are observation levels?

Whilst you are on the ward the staff will check on you. Sometimes you may not even notice them checking; other times it may be more obvious. There are different levels of observation. Some patients may be checked more frequently than others. Some patients may have a

member of staff with them at all times; this may be the case when you are first admitted to the ward. The observation level will be individual to you and your particular care and treatment and they are there to support patients who require extra time with staff.

What is leave?

Leave is an agreed period of time away from the ward as part of your treatment. The process for getting leave will depend on your individual circumstances. If you are of a voluntary or informal status you can request leave from the ward at any time. You will usually be asked to agree the period of time you want with the doctor. The doctor will offer their advice on whether they think you are well enough for leave.

If you are detained under the Mental Health Act, you will need permission from the Consultant Psychiatrist. If they agree you are fit for leave, they will sign a Section 17 leave form. You will be required to follow any conditions of leave stipulated.

Prior to any period of leave, whether informal or detained, you will be given a care plan by your named nurse team which stipulates, times, contact numbers and conditions of the leave etc.

Where can I find more information about the mental health act?

The ward staff and the Mental Health Act Administrator can provide you with all this information; leaflets will also be provided to explain your rights etc.

How will my spiritual needs be met?

Where possible we will support you to attend services in the local area. The ward has links with faith organisations within the community and can arrange for visits to the ward.

When are meals and drinks available? 

You will be provided with breakfast, lunch, dinner and supper during your stay at the Skylark Unit. Water, tea, coffee and cordials are available at any time day or night. Tea and coffee may not be advised throughout the night if this is affecting a healthy sleep pattern.

Takeaway food nights can be organised on your wards with staff support.

When are visiting times?

Families and friends are welcome to visit the wards and visiting time is 1pm to 7.45pm. We understand that sometimes people may not be able to visit at these times; if this is the case, please speak with the nurse in charge.

If your visitors bring anything in for you, the nursing staff will ask to check this before it can be handed to you. This is to maintain the safety of yourself and others on the ward.

There are designated visiting areas on the ward as we ask, for reasons of privacy and confidentiality, that visitors do not wander around the ward. You may also attend the café area with your visitors, with prior agreement from your care team if this is required.

Can children visit?

Yes they can, although anyone under the age of 18 cannot visit on the actual ward. We would encourage you to have your visit with children off the ward. There is a room that can be booked in advance so please speak with the ward staff in to ensure an appropriate room can be booked for you.

How do I contact people and how do people contact me?

You can use a designated ward phone or your own mobile phone. If someone wishes to contact you they can phone the ward office and one of the staff will take the call, which will be passed to yourself if you are available, or a message will be taken for you.

Is there support available for my family or carers?

We welcome you and your carer and/or family members being actively involved in meetings about your care and the service. Please speak to the ward teams regarding this.

To find out more about how to get involved with mental health services, contact the Head of Patient and Public Involvement on 01772 695300.

How can I access my medical records?

In the first instance you can ask for informal access. Some doctors and health professionals may facilitate patients seeing their records if asked. Formal access is when you require a copy of your records, or when informal access is not possible. You can request formal access by writing to the Mental Health Act Administrator at the Skylark Unit.

How do I make a complaint, compliment, or suggestion about Skylark?

We value feedback, both positive and negative, as it enables us to evaluate and develop the services we provide. If you wish to

complain about your care and treatment please approach a member of staff in the first instance as they may be able to resolve the issue immediately. You can also raise any concern with the Clinical Lead, Team Leader or Matron.

Alternatively there are leaflets on the ward about making a compliment or complaint, and the address to send these completed forms to is:

Complaints Team, LSCft Sceptre Point, Sceptre Way, Walton Summit, Preston,

PR5 6AW

If you have any questions please contact complaints@lscft.nhs.uk or the Staff helpline on 01772 676 028.

An advocate can also assist you with making a compliment, complaint or suggestion.

Staff and professionals you may meet

Advocate

The Advocacy Service is free and independent to your ward. An advocate can listen to you in confidence, help you make a plan of action, help you to speak up for yourself if you are not happy with the services you receive, put you in touch with other people who may be able to help you and give you support with your plan of care and treatment.

Advocates do not give legal or welfare rights advice. They do not make decisions for you and they do not make judgements about you. You can find the contact details for the Advocacy Service on the Advocacy notice board on the ward. There are information leaflets available on the ward.is an advocacy drop-in clinic at the Skylark Unit every Thursday. All of the advocates are Independent Mental Health Advocates (IMHAs).

Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP)

This is a mental health professional who has undergone additional training and has been approved to carry out designated functions of the Mental Health Act.

Associate Nurse

Your Associate Nurse is someone who you will be able to talk to in the absence of your named nurse.

Care Co-ordinator/Key worker

A Care Co-ordinator or Key Worker is usually a community social worker or nurse. They will ensure that a regular review of your care needs takes place to ensure that your needs are being met and to plan for your discharge. Their involvement in your care will continue upon discharge and they will arrange to see you within 48 hours following your discharge from the Skylark Unit.

Clinical Lead/Team Leader

Their role is to ensure that you have the best possible care during your stay and manage the day-to-day running of the ward. If there are any issues during your stay that ward staff are unable to resolve this can be discussed with the Clinical Lead or Team Leader.

Consultant Psychiatrist

The Consultant Psychiatrist is the senior doctor in the team caring for you. They hold the overall responsibility for your mental and physical health as well as any key decisions regarding your care while you are in hospital. For the purpose of the law, people who are detained under the Mental Health Act or those still under a Community Treatment Order must be under the care of a ‘Responsible Clinician’. During your stay at the Skylark Unit your consultant will be your Responsible Clinician.

Dietitian

They assess the need for assistance with dietary intake, nutritional support or support to manage dietary intake if linked to a medical problem such as diabetes.

Health and Well-being Workers

Working alongside the Occupational Therapists and Support Time and Recovery Workers these staff provide a range of interventions to support people in maintaining and improving their ability to function in everyday tasks. They work individually or with groups, offering varied and enjoyable activities, including cooking, crafts, music and excursions, to help enable better recovery and prepare people for discharge.

Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA)

An Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA) is someone who works with people who are detained or ‘sectioned’ under the Mental Health Act. Patients can also have free help from IMHAs if they are on Supervised Community Treatment Orders, under Guardianship or their treatment is subject to certain rules. IMHAs can:

  • Support you to receive information about how the Mental Health Act applies to you

  • Speak to professionals to ensure your views are heard

  • Receive information and explanations about your treatment

  • Appeal against a section

  • Access records relating to your detention

Patients entitled to help from an IMHA can contact the service themselves, or ask someone else to do this on their behalf. Details are on the Useful Contacts page at the back of this booklet.

Junior Ward Doctors

The Junior Ward Doctor can review any physical health problem and prescribe medication according to your treatment plan. They will talk to you about your mental health and feed back to the consultant and more senior doctors.

Matron

The Matron’s role is to ensure that the patient’s experience on the ward is the best it can be. They also ensure that the service develops continually to improve quality of care. They are available to speak

with patients, carers and family regarding care and treatment at any time. They ensure the 10 key standards of care are maintained and provide clinical leadership to the wards through role-modelling, coaching and supervision.

Occupational Therapist

The Occupational Therapists or OTs will review everyone who is admitted to the ward to identify if they have any practical difficulties (occupational needs) that may affect their recovery. They will provide interventions to help gain an in-depth understanding of any difficulties in self-care, domestic tasks, and work or leisure activities. Following this they will develop treatment plans that will start to address highlighted areas of need. The OTs may also be involved

in helping people to find the best type of support they need upon discharge and work with other professionals to ensure this is in place when they leave the ward. If you need further support after discharge you will be seen by an OT in the community, who will continue the support you were provided on the ward.

Peer Facilitator

Peer Facilitators, or Peer Support Workers, have lived experience of mental health services and use these experiences to support patients and their families receiving these services. They inspire hope and belief that recovery is possible – empowering our patients to achieve their hopes, dreams and goals.

Pharmacist

Pharmacists work alongside your consultant to make sure that your medication needs are met. If you would like to speak to the

pharmacist about your medication, please ask a member of staff, who will arrange this.

Pharmacy Technician

The Pharmacy Technician will work with the Pharmacist to check that you have the right medication when you arrive. They will speak with you shortly after you arrive about your medicines and are able to answer questions you may have about them. The Pharmacy Technician will order your medicines from Pharmacy when needed so that they are available for you when you need them.

Physiotherapists

The Physiotherapist provides an individual assessment, with a focus on mobility, balance and, in particular, the risk of falls. Group exercise and relaxation sessions are regularly provided. Physiotherapy interventions aim to increase mobility and confidence levels in preparation for discharge.

Podiatrist

You may be referred to a Podiatrist if necessary; they are a specialist in the diagnosis and care of foot disorders, including their medical and surgical treatment.

Primary Nurse

Your Primary Nurse will be a registered mental health nurse and will have a lot of input into your care and treatment. Your Primary Nurse will be responsible for developing care plans with you. They will also offer you time to talk in private about anything you wish to discuss, as will all the staff. You will also be allocated an Associate Nurse to assist if your Named Nurse is not on duty.

Psychologist

A Psychologist uses talking therapies to help people resolve their own problems. They often use methods called cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and psychotherapy, which both involve talking about your feelings and experiences.

Safety and Security (SAS) Worker

The Safety and Security Worker will monitor who enters and leaves the ward. They will also check the safety of the ward environment and any items brought onto the ward.

Shift Leader

The Shift Leader is a registered nurse who has been allocated by the Clinical Lead to be the nurse in charge for that particular shift. They will co-ordinate the shift and allocate tasks according to priority and need throughout the day.

Social Worker

A Social Worker can offer advice on practical matters such as day care and accommodation and can link in with other services. A Psychiatric Social Worker will work with you and your family and offer support in both a crisis situation and in the longer term. An Approved

Social Worker has undergone additional training and can carry out designated functions under the Mental Health Act.

Speech and Language Therapist

Speech and language therapy provides treatment, support and care for those who may have difficulties with communication, including hearing impairment, or with eating, drinking and swallowing.

Student Professionals

Throughout your stay you will meet students from various professions, for example student nurses, doctors or occupational therapists.

During their placements at the Skylark Unit they are valued as part of the team and are learning through experiences they encounter, through practice, teaching and talking to the patients and carers.

Support Workers

Support Workers work with the nurses helping with treatment and caring for a patient’s comfort and well-being. They will spend time talking to you and will feed back information to the Shift Leader. You will have an allocated Support Worker as part of your Named Nurse team.

Tissue Viability Nurse

Specialist nurses service for wounds that are taking a long time to heal, such as a surgical wound, leg ulcer or pressure ulcer. Tissue Viability Nurses carry out assessments and identify any problems that may contribute to delays in wounds healing.

Ward Clerk

The Ward Clerk takes care of sending the relevant documentation,

e.g. sick notes, to benefit agencies/employers. They also ensure the administrative running of the ward is organised and efficient.

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)

If you have some concerns, questions or need advice on our services, you can contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on 0800 234 6088 or email the PALS team.

Feeling low and need someone to talk to?

Call 0800 915 4640

Monday to Friday 7pm to 11pm Saturday to Sunday 12pm to Midnight

Need urgent help?

Call 0800 953 0110 24 hours a day, seven days a week

This leaflet is available in alternative languages and formats upon request. Please speak to a member of our staff to arrange this.