As we approach the new financial year, our thoughts turn to the plans for the coming year. The Trust launches this process by starting with the people at the heart of the service; particularly those that use our services and those that we employ. It is for this reason that we start the process with surveys of both staff and service users and their families, to find out what they think about the services and to elicit from them what we need to do differently. These views inform our plans and priorities for the coming year.
So what do service users say? Generally it would seem that we are along the right track. Those that live with us generally feel their rooms are of a good quality. They like the food and the choice they are given. Families are also very positive. There is still room to offer more activities and this will be a focus of our attention in the coming twelve months. These activities must reflect the rich range of interests people do have. This objective builds on the crucial importance of Dignity in Care which was highlighted last week when there was a Dignity in Action day (1.2.12) (www.dignityincare.org.uk). We are also going to work harder at communication with families who use our services for the day, so they know what their relative did, and how they were.
Two recent independent assessments assessed the homes as the top 5*. We hope that this reflects the importance the Trust affords to the dignity of the individual which we believe is paramount in the delivery of excellent care and support. There is no doubt that it is often the little things that can make the biggest difference, like taking the time to notice.
We look forward to raising the bar again next year, to improve the experience of all those that use the services of the Trust.
Hilary Rowland
Chief Executive
9.2.12
