” Within this service we care for some of the most vulnerable patients within the intensive care ward. These patients, due to their unresolved risks to others (violence) were being cared for under conditions of Long-term segregation (LTS).”

Because of the significant risks, these patients were unable to consistently gain access to the wards communal/social areas, socialise with their peers, enjoy the gardens areas and activities on offer. Furthermore, having restrictions to face to face family visits, presenting themselves during legal proceedings, attending medical appointments and attending to personal hygiene etc. Theretofore, due to the long periods of isolation, impacting on their mental and physical health. Mr Darbar did just that, not only did he present his new safety device, Mr Darbar brought along his skills, knowledge and expertise, that in turn professionally challenged current practice and provided safe least restrictive alternatives to consider, a real masterclass.

UK Pods were adopted and were proven very successful within all areas of the service. Within the intensive care ward, providing practical safe and individualised solutions that without doubt changed the care and treatment for these patients, dramatically improving their quality of life, reducing incidents of restraint and the use of restrictive practices.

More importantly, improving the therapeutic relationships and for the majority, significantly increasing the time spent outside of their locked rooms. Without this intervention, all hope was lost, staff were burnout and traumatised, staff expressing compassion fatigue, patients already traumatised where being retraumatised by the restrictions, vicious cycle of aggression and violence.

The ward environment changed, less banging and shouting, less incidents of restraint especially prolonged incidents, reduced injuries, to quiet periods with staff and patients chatting and laughing, patients and staff dining together and enjoying activities and social events

The UK Pods go beyond being just being a piece of equipment, it has become a culture driver and an essential change agent within the drive to change attitudes, eliminate dated practices, a tool that’s a simple piece of furniture to relax, self-comfort and when necessary, support individuals during a crisis, safely administer prescribed treatments and when only necessary, safely contain incidents of self-harm, aggression and violence.