Sit and See in an Acute Hospital Setting Allison Cannon Associate Director of Safeguarding Adults at Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals

Definition of an Acute Hospital Short-term medical treatment, usually in a hospital, for patients having an acute illness or injury or recovering from surgery

Care in the NHS A recurring theme in most investigations into neglect in the NHS indicates that low level concerns about the quality of care and compassion were evident, but were not noticed until large scale concerns were identified and investigated

What we expect from all Staff At BSUH we expect all front line staff to hold the skills to confidently recognise and effectively manage situations where they suspect a person in our care is at risk of harm, abuse or neglect, including poor practice. This is done the use of the sit and see, mandatory training and staff development.

Brighton & Sussex University Hospital “Our everyday practice” Trained over 40 people in “sit and see” Used as a tool to support staff look at their ward Used when there are concerns raised about areas.

Case Studies Ward X Complaints Safeguarding Alerts Staff raising concerns

PositivePassivePoor General Care (Domain A) 431 (82%) 79 (15%)22 (4.%) Patient/ Visitor Engagement (Domain B) 565 (87%) 63 (10%)18 (3%) Infection prevention and control (Domain C) 293 (86%) 47 (14%)

Linen trolley need to be emptied. Patient with dementia bed was pumped up high whilst cleaner cleaned under left in the air whilst other beds cleaned under. Limited natural light. Linen left on the top of lockers. Food not cut up appropriately. student nurse observed not talking to patients. spillage ignored by staff. patients pain ignored told must be hungry. patient told to “hang on”. no eye contact with patients.

Cluttered bedside tables Drinks out of reach Patients placed on commodes instead of being wheeled to the toilet Curtains not fully closed Nurse didn’t speak to patient whilst administrating iv drugs Patient dressed in a urine gown which had previously had urine spilt on it Rubbish left on the floor Hand gel not always used Dr came and interrupted conversation between nurse and patient Technician ignored patient when patient asked what she was doing.. Not referring to patients by name Hot drinks which have gone cold drinks left on table for long period of time. Unit very noisy

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” ― Maya AngelouMaya Angelou For further information on Safeguarding at Brighton & Sussex University Hospitals contact: Allison Cannon on ext 4740