AHSN NENC Launch ‘Is my resident unwell?’ communication tool
The AHSN NENC were proud to launch the ‘Is my resident unwell?’ communication tool at their event at The Durham Centre on 4th March 2020.
The tool has been developed as part of the AHSN NENC’s Well Connected Care Homes programme which aims to have care homes which are internally and externally ‘well connected’ in the digital age.
This regional communication tool/resource will assist staff in care homes in recognising signs and will assist in recording a set of observations of residents. The regional resource is a structured communication tool which looks at and records soft signs, NEWS2, SBAR etc. It is hoped that the tool will be incorporated into the system and will be something that all care home staff in the North East and North Cumbria region will use.
“This communication tool has been developed by experts from across the region’s health and social care system to address needs identified by clinicians and care home staff to ensure care home residents receive the right care at the right time.
“We’re delighted with the response from everyone who joined us at the launch event. It’s encouraging to see the appetite for a resource of this nature and to hear from those who will be using the tool about the benefits it could bring to them locally – both from a service and time efficiency perspective but, more importantly, improving the care provided to care home residents.
“Early feedback from care homes that have been piloting the tool has been positive and we’re looking forward to seeing even more care homes using the tool in the coming weeks and months. This is just the beginning of the journey and we welcome feedback on the tool.”
Dave Belshaw, AHSN NENC Health Programme Manager
At the launch event last week, the AHSN NENC welcomed a cross-section of staff and managers from various care homes around the region, as well as commissioners and NHS community matrons. Delegates heard updates on the wide-ranging Well Connected Care Homes Programme projects taking place across the region from AHSN NENC Health Programme Manager, Dave Belshaw, and also plans for the future. Staff involved in a pilot of the ‘Is my resident unwell?’ communication tool also shared early insights into the benefits of the innovative resource, including seeing a reduction in hospital admissions in just a matter of weeks.