Hospital trust employs more mental health nurses
A steady increase in hospital attendances by patients experiencing mental health issues has prompted the trust to recruit an additional ten Registered Mental Health Nurses (RMNs).
The Enhanced Observation (EO) team currently supports up to 60 patients each month, with conditions ranging from anxiety and depression to more complex diagnoses such as schizophrenia and personality disorders.
Matron Akua Seinti said: “We have seen a noticeable rise in attendances since the Covid-19 pandemic, and it is unrealistic for non-mental health nurses to manage these patients.
“This is not within their skillset, and situations can feel particularly intimidating when a patient is agitated. Staff are often under significant pressure, while these patients often require a high level of observation and support.
“The reality is that there are not enough mental health beds available in specialist units. Although we have cubicles rooms set aside in Accident and Emergency and the Acute Medical Unit, these are intended for short-term use.
“In some cases, individuals may remain with us for up to a fortnight while waiting for a specialist bed to become available. It is far from ideal, but we must work with the resources we have.”
The EO team operates across three hospital sites, and the recruitment of ten additional nurses will bring the team to a total of 19 RMNs, strengthening its ability to meet demand.
“The majority of our workforce currently consists of healthcare assistants, so having more mental health nurses to support them and manage more complex cases is very welcome.
"The majority of hospital patients are elderly, and a significant proportion are living with dementia, which keeps us busy.”