Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has introduced a ‘Tea for Two’ initiative in its Discharge Lounge to help improve patient experience and staff wellbeing for patients using the service who are waiting to go home.
The new programme encourages staff working in the Discharge Lounge to pull up a chair and have a cup of tea and a chat with patients, providing support, answering questions and giving the opportunity to get to know patients better to ensure the final part of their stay at the Trust is comfortable.
Naomi Rowley, Discharge Lounge Lead Nurse, explained: “I saw a similar initiative at another Trust that encouraged nutrition, hydration, and social interaction through having a cup of tea with patients. As the Discharge Lounge Lead Nurse, I am extremely passionate about continuous improvement and patient care being the top priority.
“Staff are very patient focused, and our health care assistants and housekeepers support patients with their physical needs and sit with them for periods to support their psychological wellbeing. Staff and volunteers explain the Discharge Lounge process and are encouraged to interact with patients during what can sometimes be a long wait.”
So far the initiative has been a great success, with patients able to feel supported prior to going home.
