NHS Trust celebrates success of innovative learning programme

Staff, carers and people who use services at a local NHS mental health trust are celebrating completing a six week pilot programme into the prevention and control of infection.

The programme was run for service users with learning disabilities from Newton Lodge, a facility that provides mental health services for people who require care in a secure environment. The service is run by South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and is a specialist regional service caring for people from across Yorkshire.

The six week programme encouraged service users to take part in practical activities to improve their knowledge of how to control and prevent infections. Activities included using ultraviolet photographs and a glow tent to highlight the importance of hand hygiene practices.

Those who successfully completed the programme will be awarded a certificate at a special event at Newton Lodge in recognition of their achievement. They will also become infection prevention and control champions for their ward and be responsible for raising awareness amongst others about the importance of preventing infections and sharing good practice with them.

Anne Todd an advanced nurse practitioner at Newton Lodge said, "Good infection prevention and control practices are essential to ensure that people who use health services receive safe and effective care. This innovative programme has been a joint learning experience involving staff and the men on the ward. I am pleased that they have engaged in this programme and am encouraged by the enthusiasm which they have shown to take part in sessions. I look forward to working with other service users in the future as they take part in the programme."