We are listening – enhancing communication

Hello My name is,

Anne,

We know that good information and clear communication is essential if we are to provide person-centred care for you, as this allows you and your family (if you wish) to be involved in decisions about your care and treatment.

Your understanding and expectation of treatment outcomes, the care you will receive and your planned rehabilitation plays a big part in your recovery. It means we are able to agree a personalised treatment plan with agreed goals; you are likely to be in hospital for a shorter time, experience fewer complications and recover more quickly when returning home.

Ward 11 at Hairmyres has been using a medical summary sheet to try and improve communication between patients and staff. The medical summary sheet is updated daily by staff and the patient and is kept by the patient who can then use it to share information with their family members or to refer back to themselves.

                        The Ward 11 Team who are enhancing communication

It includes information about planned investigations and/or treatments, a planned discharge date and there is a section for patients to jot down any questions or concerns they might have. This enables the relevant member of the healthcare team to address any questions or anxieties at the earliest opportunity.

Not all patients elect to use a medical summary sheet, but the majority of patients who have, felt that it enhanced communication; particularly with doctors answering questions during ward rounds.

The other key benefit is that families are up to date with what is happening and this improves shared decision making. It also means that relatives aren’t always waiting to speak to nursing staff for an update when visiting.

If you have an experience of Hairmyres Hospital you would like to share, please speak to a member of staff, respond on Patient Opinion, or visit the “Your Feedback” Section of the NHS Lanarkshire website to see the other ways to get in touch www.nhslanarkshire.org.uk