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Chapter 5 Findings
The interview and observation data did not reveal how staff plancare or include
residents or each other in the planning of the day:
“Well I suppose it’s all very structured here, you don’t have to get
or do very much. You are told what section you’re going into and
you’ll be working with whoever else is in it and it’s all structure
then. At half eight we’re going to feed the patients so cleaning and
washing and all that stops. Then that’s usually all done by 11.30
and then we all have our own little jobs. It’s all laid out for you, it’s
not like we have to plan it as such. That’s really the way it is here.”
(H03)
“Staff start their morning work and there is no verbal planning of
the day. A routine or a pattern is evident.”
(Obs – Day 2: 07.30-09.30hrs)
“At 3pm there were 13 residents back in bed and only three of these
were observed making that decision themselves.”
(Obs – Day 2)
However, despite the impersonal nature of routinised care the interview and
observation data revealed a friendly ward atmosphere. Two family participants
expressed that they found the staff friendly and welcoming:
“I think the atmosphere here is friendly.”
(F01)
Some staff participants held positive opinions of the unit:
“But there is, there’s a lovely atmosphere here and you have your
ups and downs but I think there are a lot of patients and a lot of give
and take and I really do I think it’s a very positive, warm, caring
atmosphere.”
(H03)
Other staff participants held negative opinions:
“It is just so hospitalised you know, and it shouldn’t be.”
(H03)
“A few people that knew I was coming here said ‘what are you
moving out there for?’.”
(S11)