Health and Social Care

Power of integrated partnership working recognised at prestigious awards night

November 28, 2014 by Linda White No Comments | Category Awards

An innovative partnership project working to improve the lives of older people across North Lanarkshire has won a national award for its exemplary partnership working.

The Psychology Project triumphed in the Health and Social Care Integration Category at the 2014 Herald Society Awards on Thursday November 6. The night celebrated the dedication, imagination and the vital impact of some of the best work taking place in the public and voluntary sector.

The project has seen frontline health and social care staff trained in basic psychology techniques by small team of NHS Psychologists. Staff, including North Lanarkshire Council Home Support workers, are then using the core skills to improve outcomes – and lives – of older people in local communities.

The project has been set up been through the national Reshaping Care for Older People (RCOP) programme, which aims to make independent living a reality to growing numbers of older people by providing more support and care in the community, at home or in homely settings.

Jenny Hutton, Service Manager, Older Adults Team at North Lanarkshire Council, has played a lead role in the team. She explained:

‘We’re delighted to have been recognised in this way and it’s testament to the hard work and commitment of all involved.’

Jenny continued: ‘The weeks following a significant event such as a hospital admission, a fall, or a sudden episode of poor health are critically important in terms of people’s health beliefs.

‘They also present a window of opportunity to change expectations about coping and the future in positive and empowering ways.

‘The psychologists are well placed to work with staff groups, like Home Support (who can assist with tasks such as washing, dressing and domestic duties) on equipping them with psychological approaches that support and empower people to live well at home.’

Janice Hewitt, Chief Officer of the North Lanarkshire Integrated Joint Board, said:

‘Integration is about a whole system, a whole journey and having the best people in place to provide support that’s needed.

‘This award reflects the strength of our partnership and bodes well for the future.’

Councillor Jim Smith, Chair of the Transition Integration Board for North Lanarkshire and depute leader of North Lanarkshire Council, added:

‘This recognition underlines the expertise, innovation and commitment of staff working together to improve the lives and outcomes for people.’

The NHS Lanarkshire Psychology team consists of a Senior Psychologist, Dr Susan Ross, and two Health Psychology Trainees, Heather Locke and Catherine Murray, who work within North Lanarkshire Council Older Adults Team.

Dr Ross said:

‘In essence, we’re training staff to try and understand the thoughts and emotions behind the behaviours – and then seek to address these to change the behaviours.

‘The general focus is on self-care, working closely with an individual over a limited time to build up skills and confidence and maximise their ability to live independently, safely and well.’

For more information about the Psychology Project, contact Jenny Hutton.

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