Clark ward (Barnsley)

About the service

Clark ward is controlled access, female-only 14 bed inpatient unit which provides support to those experiencing an acute mental crisis where there are significant risks to themselves/and or others.

The nursing team on the unit provide assessments for both informal service users (those that have agreed to stay voluntarily) and service users detained under the Mental Health Act 1983. The assessments undertaken take into account emotional, behavioural, socio-economical, environmental, and cultural factors.

Care plans are developed in partnership with service users to meet their individual risks and needs.

Clark ward aims to create and maintain a safe, supportive and therapeutic, recovery focused environment to support the physical, emotional and mental wellbeing of all service users who are experiencing an episode of mental ill health.

Why would someone choose the service?

Clark ward, situated within Kendray Hospital, is a modern environmentally friendly building with up to date facilities including:

• Therapy suite
• Relaxation room
• Computer room with internet access
• Service user kitchen
• Gym
• Games room
• Family-friendly visiting rooms

Clark ward is a female only ward which houses individual, en-suite rooms which have all been recently re-decorated to a high quality.

The team is committed to collecting service user feedback which is used to shape the service, improve practice and help with staff development.

In a recent survey:

• 75% of service users felt that they were treated with dignity and respect throughout their stay
• 100% felt there was some improvement in their mental health, whilst 50% reported feeling ”a lot better” on discharge from the ward
• 100% reported that they felt involved in their care and treatment planning

Staff you may meet

Activity co-ordinator

Activity co-ordinators are responsible for implementing a range of therapeutic activities. Examples of activities provided include social, recreational, leisure, communication, sensory or educational sessions.

Dietitian

Dietitians use the science of food to help people to make good choices about food and lifestyle. Nutrition is an important part of recovery and wellbeing. All service users admitted to a Trust ward have their nutritional state assessed.

Doctor

There are more than 60 different specialities that doctors work within the NHS. Each is unique but there are many characteristics which are common. Roles range from working in a hospital to being based in the community as a GP.

Domestic

Domestic staff have a vital role in helping to care for patients. They work in one of three key areas; catering, cleaning or laundry services. All of these services play an important part in aiding an individual’s recovery.

Non-clinical support staff

There are many people who work behind the scenes to keep services running and you may meet them in hospital or community settings. They include porters, cleaners, plumbers, electricians, decorators receptionists and secretaries who all work to make sure healthcare settings are kept clean, tidy and safe.

Nurse

Nurses who choose to specialise in the mental health branch of nursing work with GPs, psychiatrists, psychologists, and others, to help care for patients. Increasingly, care is given in the community, with mental health nurses visiting patients and their families at home, in residential centres, in prisons or in specialist clinics or units.

Nursing assistant

Nursing or healthcare assistants work in hospital or community settings under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. They help doctors, nurses and therapists give people the care and treatment they need.

Occupational therapist

Occupational therapy is the assessment and treatment of physical and psychiatric conditions using specific, purposeful activity to prevent disability and promote independent function in all aspects of daily life.

Other clinical staff

The NHS employs a wide range of clinical staff, it wouldn’t be possible to list them all on this website! All our clinical staff are skilled, dedicated professionals who adhere to high standards of training and work-place practice.

Physiotherapist

Physiotherapists help people to improve their range of movement in order to promote health and well being. This can help people to live more independently.

Porter

Porters work within the Trust facilities team moving and delivering post, equipment and medication to locations across the organisation. They also help to move frail and often very ill patients between different departments and wards in safety and comfort.

Psychologist

Receptionist

Receptionists are the first link for many patients and visitors. They often work on their own or with one or two other receptionists, greeting patients as they arrive and check them in. They might also collect patient notes and ensure that these vital records go to the right healthcare professional. In a clinic, they may make appointments and arrange patient transport.

Specialist advisor

We have a range of specialist advisors working in our Trust – they give advice on a wide range of different things, depending on what service they work in. So it could be, for example, mental health, stopping smoking, healthy eating or diabetes.

Ward staff

On a ward you will see many different members of staff, not all of them are clinical staff! Non-clinical staff include housekeepers and administrators. Ward housekeepers work with other staff to make sure everywhere is clean and tidy and that you have good food. Administrators have clerical and admin roles, like keeping patient notes filed safely, and they can often help you with general enquiries. If you’re not sure who anybody is please ask them to explain.