Implementation of the Productive Series

Productive Mental Health Ward and Productive Community

Overview of the Project

The Productive mental health ward programme Releasing Time to Care (NHS Institute for Improvement and Innovation 2007) aims to improve the effectiveness, safety and reliability of mental health wards and Community Services and release nurses time to spend with patients. It is important that the Productive Ward/community project isnot seen as a stand alone projectand that the key to its sustainability is in embedding this programme into other key national and Trust work streams, to prevent duplication of work with the sole aim of improving quality and efficiency of services.

There are many pressure put on wards and teams and as a leader I have had to ensure that teams do not see the Productives as another must do but as a vehicle for enhancing patient safety and the patient experience. I have had to realise that I can not do everything but lead by example.

Results
One ward used the LEAN 5s methodology (Set, Shine, Sort, Standardize, Sustain) and were able to demonstrate the following: The time saved by moving a store room and completing the 5's process was 6.7 minutes in finding patient belongings. This process was completed at least four times a day, so overall saved 26.8 minutes. This equates to 3.13 hours per week and 163 hours per year, and 22 shifts in a year, all reinvested into spending more time with the patients. By returning unwanted stock the ward also saved 619.71. All Wards have implemented the Productives and 50% of Community Teams.

Leadership Challenges
Leadership challenges have been many but mainly with staff engagement and the amount of teams and the geographical spread of the organisation across a whole county. Communication has had to be paramount at all levels from Ward to Board.

Contact Information Donna Eldridge Deputy Director of Nursing Kent and Medway NHS & Social Care Partnership Trust donna.eldridge@kmpt.nhs.uk 01622 721800