Looking at wards and clinics through a patient’s eyes is helping to improve community healthcare services in Lincolnshire.
Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust (LCHS) is using the 15 Steps Challenge to capture first impressions of service areas with the help of volunteer members of the trust.
The challenge, which is part of a national scheme, sees teams of four or five people, including patient representatives, clinical and non-clinical staff and non-executive directors visiting different locations to recognise positive ideas and make recommendations on how improvements can be made.
The project was inspired by a parent who said she can tell what kind of care her daughter will receive within 15 steps of walking to a ward.
Improvements to community healthcare services in Lincolnshire as a result of the challenge have included a review of information provided for patients and their relatives, the redecoration of a children’s waiting area and supply of new toys to make it more appealing, and clearer signage for services.
Keith Rossington, Clinical Governance Manager for the north east of the county at LCHS, said: “We have already made improvements to make our patients’ experience better through the 15 Steps Challenge and further visits across Lincolnshire have been arranged.”
Anyone interested in becoming a member of LCHS can fill in an application form online at www.lincolnshirecommunityhealthservices.nhs.uk
Those interested in participating in the 15 Steps Challenge programme can also contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on 0845 602 4384.