Vaughan Thomas Ward is an acute adult mental health inpatient ward for men.

The person who nominated the team for this award has a son who is a patient on Vaughan Thomas Ward. The ward staff were praised for their exceptional compassion shown to patients and their families. This patient story demonstrates the understanding and consideration shown towards loved ones.

The mother praised the team for giving her a voice, listening to and being respectful of her opinion. The team have involved her from the start, providing updates and considering what the mother, as the main carer, needs to be put in place for a safe discharge, which has become a part of the discharge plan and will hopefully reduce the risk of re-admission.

The staff, with a special mention to Nurse Jane, have asked questions, shown interest in the patient’s journey, and never made the mother feel they are too busy. The team have shown empathy to a caring mother, being supportive and reassuring. The son speaks of how staff members showed him such compassion when he was acutely unwell at the beginning of his admission.

CEO Grant Macdonald said:

“When teams receive feedback from loved ones, it shows the difference they make to people’s lives. The team at Vaughan Thomas Ward are compassionate and respectful, ensuring they think of the patient first, working together on their recovery journey. I am delighted to present this award to Vaughan Thomas Ward, one of our many great mental health wards, acknowledging their efforts and the challenges they can face”.

Ward Manager Hussein Dirisu:

“Vaughan Thomas Ward is truly honoured to have been able to accept this Exceptional People team award. This award is a testament to the collective passion, dedication, and collaboration of the MDT team here at Vaughan Thomas ward. It is an honour to be recognized for our collective efforts and the impact of the care we provide on both patients and families that come through our service. This award has inspired the Vaughan Thomas team to keep pushing boundaries with the exceptional care that we can provide.”

The nomination

The Vaughan Thomas Ward team were nominated by a patient’s mother – for the care her son received.

The mother commented:

“My son has complex mental health issues and can be challenging to care for. Despite all this the team on Vaughan Thomas Ward have shown exceptional non-judgemental care for my son. Everyone member of staff has been approachable, respectful, and professional.

“Vaughan Thomas Ward staff have been exceptional in the care of my son. My son has had several previous admissions, however, this admission I feel he and I have received exemplary care, showing fantastic compassion, empathy, and a shining example for the Trust on how to treat the patient and family with care and respect. Every interaction I have had with the care team has been positive, even during the challenges that my son has posed to the team.

“Vaughan Thomas Ward staff should be the Trust’s flagship of how their Trust values are upheld to the highest. All staff, from the housekeepers to the consultants, are caring – I felt my son was safe in their care. The care and communication were excellent.”