Ward housekeepers in mental health environments

MAY, D. and SUCKLEY, Louise (2005). Ward housekeepers in mental health environments. Facilities, 23 (13/14), 608-620.

Preview

PDF fulltext.pdf Download (104kB) | Preview

Abstract

Purpose – In the year 2000, the UK Government promoted the concept that hospital services be shaped around the needs of the patient to make their stay in hospital as comfortable as possible. In recognition of this, the Government advocated the introduction of a Ward Housekeeper role in at least 50 per cent of hospitals by 2004. This is a ward-based non-clinical role centred on cleaning, food service and maintenance to ensure that the basics of care are right for the patient. Much of the guidance for the ward housekeeper role has focussed on its development and implementation in an acute hospital setting. The aim of this research is to illustrate how the role has been adopted and implemented successfully in mental health environments and the subsequent impact for patient services. Design/methodology/approach – Four case studies were undertaken in a variety of mental health settings, the principle method of data collection was qualitative semi-structured interviews. Findings – Common themes were identified from the case studies relating to experiences of developing and implementing the ward housekeeper role. This paper suggests models of best practice which relate to six main areas of: role, recruitment, induction, training, integration and management. It also demonstrates that the role has been successful and is highly valued by nursing staff. Research limitations/implications – The study was largely qualitative based and therefore the results do not lend themselves to be generalisable across the NHS.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	Published in Facilities, 2005, 23(13/14), 608-620.
Uncontrolled Keywords:	hospital management, mental health services, resource management
Research Institute, Centre or Group - Does NOT include content added after October 2018:	Sheffield Business School Research Institute > Service Sector Management
Departments - Does NOT include content added after October 2018:	Sheffield Business School > Department of Management Sheffield Business School > Department of Service Sector Management
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.1108/02632770510627589
Page Range:	608-620
Depositing User:	Ann Betterton
Date Deposited:	06 Aug 2008
Last Modified:	18 Mar 2021 14:05
URI:	https://shura.shu.ac.uk/id/eprint/918

Actions (login required)

View Item

Downloads

Publication Metrics