This is just something we have been reviewing as patients with capacity can open bank accounts and we can support them to do so, sometimes needing to provide letter to confirm identity as not all have docs. So just work within the MCA policy. We do also have a property inventory and so try to note as ‘property’ what is coming into the hospital but realised this can be challenging if patients are drawing monies out on leave and putting in their own safe, so instead we are now just rolling out a contract around patients having their own monies at their own risk at site. They can have what they want in their own safe but off the top of my head there is a limit to what can be kept in the ward safe. Cygnet Bierley

We have patients who manage their own monies too. We encourage and support service users to have a savings account set up and offer budgeting workshops regularly. We offer support to purchase shopping online too as this helps to monitor what they are buying as well as how much they are spending and how often. Itineraries also cover this. As they are adults and have capacity, I understand how difficult this can be when we are trying to work in their best interest as well as supporting the individual who is vulnerable. Waterloo Manor

We do not have any specific policies or standard operational procedures around patients having their own bank accounts. We actively encourage patients to have their own bank accounts, the only ones who do not are detained prisoners. Patients who we assess as being vulnerable, we will ask them to keep their bank cards in the ward safe. We sometimes put it on as a condition of their Section 17 leave that they cannot take their bank card on leave, especially those at risk of going absent without leave or may use the money to obtain illicit drugs. Many patients use mobile internet banking as well. Forest Lodge

We don’t have a specific policy. Trust policy give broad guidance on the management of patient property and money but not details re the specific management of accounts. It is a thorny area and difficult to monitor I think if you have assessed capacity is impaired then it is probably easier. Many service users have bank accounts in the community and as they are granted further leave, they have access to online and branch accounting. A supportive approach is taken as part of recovery-based interventions to enable a service user to manage their finances safely. Newton Lodge

We actively encourage patients to have their own bank accounts to promote independence and be ready for moving on into the community. Where there are risks or concerns patients may have an individual care plan or leave condition i.e.: bank card to remain in safe, bank card not to be taken on unescorted leave if there is a limit on amount of money to be taken. North Lincs

Staff aren’t allowed to have mobile phones on the wards therefore they keep them in offices/lockers/staff room. Cygnet Bierley, Respondent 1

Lockers are provided for staff in the staff room – staff are asked to not take mobile phones onto the wards. Random searches are conducted to check for phones on the wards. Staff have explained that they don’t feel safe leaving their property in the staff rooms which is to be reviewed further however as a rule we ask that staff do not take phones onto the wards. Waterloo Manor

On the low secure ward, I manage we do not allow staff to have their personal phones on the ward. They are locked in a locker in the staff room where they can access them on their breaks. Cygnet Sheffield

Mobile phones are a restricted item for all staff, they are not allowed through the air lock into the secure area. Staff have to leave them in their cars, we do have a limited amount of storage within our security lodge for staff who use public transport. staff are not allowed their phones on the ward or within the secure area. Stockton Hall

Here at Forest Lodge whilst we encourage staff to take their mobile phone with them on leaves etc. we do not allow mobile phones on the ward. Staff are asked to lock this away in their lockers etc. They are able to take a call in the office if required. Forest Lodge, Respondent 1

We ask staff not to use their mobile phones on the ward, instead we ask staff to keep them in their bags or personal drawers. Forest Lodge, Respondent 2

Staff do not have mobile phones on the ward, and breeching this will initiate management review by the Ward Manager, and restrictions may be issued. Mobiles should be kept in lockers, and if there is the possibility where family may need to contact a parent or relative, then information relating to ward phones can be provided for personal use. Moorlands View

Staff are not permitted to have their mobile phones with them on the wards (low and medium secure). We have staff lockers near reception, which allows staff to store their phones and any other personal belongings until the end of their shift. We have also set up a “quiet” room which is past the airlock but not within the internal perimeter or ward areas, this space provides phone lockers which staff can lock their phones away whilst on shift but allowing them to check their phones during their breaks without leaving the perimeter. Roseberry Park, Respondent 1

In Ridgeway staff are unable to take their mobile phones into the secure perimeter. Although this increases the security on site, limited access to mobile phones can impact on staff wellbeing (for some staff). We are keen to learn from other secure services what policies/procedures are put in place to safely manage staff having access to their phones on site. Roseberry Park, Respondent 2

No at Cygnet Hospital Bierley they must be locked away in lockers. Work phones are provided for escorts. Cygnet Bierley, Respondent 2

We are medium secure. We don’t allow personal mobiles onto the wards at all. They can be kept in lockers in reception or left in vehicles where staff can come and access them on their breaks. Wathwood, Respondent 1

We are strictly no personal mobile phones to be taken into clinical areas, staff found to have their mobile would be disciplinary. We have lockers in reception area for personal belongings and mobiles, this also includes smart watches. This includes staff/contractors/ visitors etc. Wathwood, Respondent 2

Mobile phones are banned items for all staff whilst on clinical ward areas within Newton Lodge, medium secure service. They tend to be stored in staff lockers situated off ward areas whilst on duty. They can only be used in non-clinical areas such as locker rooms or staff rest rooms. Mobile phone access is controlled under our banned items policy. It highlights that disciplinary action may follow where this mandate is not followed. Newton Lodge, Respondent 1

Staff are not permitted to have phones on ward areas under any circumstances and are expected to keep them locked away off the ward in lockers provided. This is on the basis of security and unauthorised access/loss of these items. Newton Lodge, Respondent 2

We do not allow staff to bring mobile phones into the workplace. They are not permitted through the airlock. North Lincs

Our policy states that we should not have our mobiles on the ward. They should be place into the staff members lockers. Moorlands View

Staff are not permitted to take phones on the ward but can leave them in a locked area accessible from the ward office. Staff are asked to give the ward phone number to school/ nursery/ hospital etc if emergency contact is required and are supported to check their phone more regularly if there is a specific problem. Some agencies tell their staff to use their phone for observations instead of a watch. We provide fob watches. Forest Lodge, Respondent 3

We do have set temperatures on the ward. However, those patients whose risk is significantly reduced can have it risk assessed and care planned to access hot water in a flask from the kettle. They must keep this in their bedroom and not walk through the ward with it. Or take it out on leave with them. Cygnet Sheffield

We now use hot water geysers. Our temp is set at 92, as by the time you add cold milk it will bring the temperature down even more. We have never had any incidents of hot water scolding anyone. Forest Lodge, Respondent 1

All geysers in our trust are set to 92 degrees which our health and safety staff have assured might smart but will not cause permanent skin damage. Forest Lodge, Respondent 2

All food and drink brought in should be sealed. If a patient is wanting to share a takeaway with visitors this goes through MDT and risk is managed appropriately. We also encourage our patients to socialise with visitors on S17 leave in the local community as part of their rehab. Humber Centre

So, at Cygnet we have a takeaway and food gift log and advice leaflet – so people can bring, and we log it, even in the secure setting. If patients have an individual security risk this would be risk assessed and managed in line with the RRP and positive and safe policies, with individual restrictions (so for example if contraband or restricted items were a concern). Cygnet Bierley

Here at Forest Lodge due to the nature of our service, whilst we encourage families to bring foods etc for their loved ones, we do have to search this, as we have had drugs coming into the wards in foods before. Families would normally bring foods and we go through the search process. We do not allow opened foods/drinks unto the wards. Forest Lodge, Respondent 1

At Forest Lodge (Low Secure) we allow family / visitors to bring our patient food to be consumed on the ward. If we have concerns that their maybe contraband / restricted items / drugs concealed in the food, we make sure it is thoroughly checked and if we still have concerns then we do not allow the patient to be given the food and let the visitor take it home. In the past 5 year it has only happened twice that we have not allowed a patient to be given food from a visitor, and on both occasions it was the same visitor trying to conceal drugs. Forest Lodge, Respondent 2

All food and drink brought in should be sealed. If a patient is wanting to share a takeaway with visitors this goes through MDT and risk is managed appropriately. We also encourage our patients to socialise with visitors on S17 leave in the local community as part of their rehab. Humber Centre

So, at Cygnet we have a takeaway and food gift log and advice leaflet – so people can bring, and we log it, even in the secure setting. If patients have an individual security risk this would be risk assessed and managed in line with the RRP and positive and safe policies, with individual restrictions (so for example if contraband or restricted items were a concern). Cygnet Bierley

Here at Forest Lodge due to the nature of our service, whilst we encourage families to bring foods etc for their loved ones, we do have to search this, as we have had drugs coming into the wards in foods before. Families would normally bring foods and we go through the search process. We do not allow opened foods/drinks unto the wards. Forest Lodge, Respondent 1

At Forest Lodge (Low Secure) we allow family / visitors to bring our patient food to be consumed on the ward. If we have concerns that their maybe contraband / restricted items / drugs concealed in the food, we make sure it is thoroughly checked and if we still have concerns then we do not allow the patient to be given the food and let the visitor take it home. In the past 5 year it has only happened twice that we have not allowed a patient to be given food from a visitor, and on both occasions it was the same visitor trying to conceal drugs. Forest Lodge, Respondent 2