The Acorn project was set up to provide a relaxing environment away from the noise and stress of ward life. The project actively seeks out those who tend to isolate themselves and are reluctant to become involved in any other organised therapies or ward based activities. The projects goal is to provide equity so that everyone has equal access to participate in horticulture as well as to empower patients, maximise their participation, supporting recovery and reducing mental health stigma.

Rotational posts offered to newly qualified Mental Heath Nurses to enable consolidation of learning in a variety of Mental Health care settings. The nurse is supported in practice by a named mentor and undertakes the NES Flying Start programme (1) which also incorporates the NHS Ayrshire and Arran Newly Qualified Competency Programme.

Both wards were involved in piloting the Scottish Recovery Indicator (SRI) and following completion of the audit recognised the value to be gained by both staff and service users. Participation in the SRI has led to several changes in our practice. For example:

This approach was established for clients with a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder and mixed personality disorder. It was developed in response to chaotic, repeated crisis admissions to an acute psychiatric admission ward. Each individual will be on this programme for a four year period.

Use of General Electric (GE) process: KAIZEN to remodel Adult Mental Health Services in Royal Edinburgh Hospital helped swift movement towards identifying and implementing evidence based practice. The change process was enjoyed by all and supported at executive level.

Peer support workers in the in patient adult services Introduce peer support workers into the adult admission areas to promote recovery among service users