“The Gloucestershire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust reduces violence and aggression on its wards.

Despite the Health Commission Audit on violence in mental health units which states that more than half of nurses on mental health wards report being physically assaulted at work, the Gloucestershire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has seen a decrease in security incidents, with the biggest decrease being seen in violence and aggression figures. Violence and aggression incidents for periods in 2006 were 290 compared with the same periods in 2007 which were 110 a 62% reduction.

This reduction is because the Trust has highlighted areas of good practice in its wards where the majority of incidents occur with patients who have learning disabilities and have very challenging behaviour patterns. However the Trust has substantially reduced violence and aggression within this group as part of their treatment programme.

Jon Thomas a Modern Matron within the Gloucestershire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said “If you take the time to get to know the patient and understand their needs you can sense when a situation is developing and you use your skills and training to de-escalate it so it doesn’t become a violent situation. Not every potential violent incident develops into one”.

Shaun Clee, Chief Executive of the Trust said, “Our staff work alongside the small percentage of service users with serious mental illness who are capable of violence to diffuse potentially violent situations. It is paramount that our service users and our staff feel safe on our wards. I am extremely proud of our staff and the dedication that they show to their patients is a credit to them and this Trust. In order to minimise Violence and Aggression the Trust has an ongoing training programme for its staff in Conflict Resolution as part of our overall strategy to improve safety and security for staff, visitors and patients”.