Finalist: Excellence in the Provision of Mental Health Services Award
In 2021, the Wyong Mental Health Inpatient Unit (WMHIU), began a major transformation to improve patient care and outcomes.
The team noticed that they weren’t meeting Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for seclusion rates per 1000-bed days, surpassing state averages in frequency and duration. To address this, they used the Safewards model, which helps reduce conflict and restrictive practices like seclusion and restraint.
Despite resource constraints and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the team remained undeterred and launched the initiative “Safe Ways of Working.” This initiative focused on addressing critical aspects in need of immediate change by implementing a select number of evidence-based interventions from the Safewards model. These interventions led to significant improvements in patient safety, quality of care, and team culture.
The success of this program has led to the rollout of the “Safe Ways of Working” model across the Central Coast Local Health District Mental Health Service in May 2024, setting a new standard for patient care and safety.
Meet the other finalists for the Excellence in the Provision of Mental Health Services Award.
