Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust Quality Account 2016-2017

At the end of the process the assessment result and feedback is provided to the ward sister/charge
nurse and support is offered to the ward to implement their ward improvement plan by their matron
and organisational development. The ward sister/charge nurse shares the result of the
accreditation visit together with the improvement plan with their team.
The results and action plans from the assessment contribute to individual service reviews, and the
data collated as a whole will provide the Board with comprehensive information regarding care
delivery within the organisation.
When a ward’s overall rating is ‘Red’ on two consecutive occasions and there is little or no
evidence of improvement, the Matron, the divisional Associate Director of Nursing and the Director
of Nursing, Midwifery and patient Experience will consider the actions that are required.
The Best Possible Care Assessment and Accreditation works at various levels:
Patients -receive the ‘best possible care’
Ward teams – develops ownership and promotes healthy competition between wards
Division – Can assess nursing care in their areas
Trust Board – demonstrates the quality of nursing care across the Trust
Improving the Care of Patients with Dementia
Finger Food
Finger food is an addition/alternative to the present hospital menu and can be of particular benefit
to our patients living with dementia as it has been shown to improve independence and selfesteem.
Finger food was introduced as a meal option as a pilot in July 2016, followed by a
hospital-wide roll-out. The food can be eaten standing up or on the move, it can renew an interest
in eating and provide more choice. Positive feedback has been received from families of patients
who have used the option of finger food. Other areas have also benefited such as our children’s
wards, maternity and post-op recovery.
Twiddle Muffs
A twiddle muff also known as a twiddle mitt/distraction mitt or muff is a unique multi-coloured
knitted sleeve with buttons, bobbles, ribbons and other additions in and outside. This is for patients
to put their hands into, to keep busy, distracted and to offer comfort. It may prevent patients
picking or pulling at cannulas and dressings for example. T
Twiddle muffs are a single use item largely provided within the admission areas and remain with
the patient throughout their hospital journey and can then be taken home when the patient is
discharged.
The twiddle muffs were launched in September at the Silver Link Conference. All wards and some
departments are provided with twiddle muffs. Regular supplies of twiddle muffs are obtained from
local knitting groups WI, staff members and volunteers.
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