Last updated
22 July 2007

Partnership working

Integra seeks to work closely with its partners to ensure it is providing the best possible service for its clients and those Integra works with and for.

We promote proactive communication with our partners and a flexible responsive approach to their needs.

We value cooperation with referrers, other agencies and community organisations and view this as key to our success.

In all our activities, we endeavour to provide efficient, effective solutions tailored to the needs of our clients and partners.

In particular, we seek to:

 Always work closely with, and be guided by, the responsible clinical team, reporting regularly and proactively as required

 Ensure that the client's Action Plan (Service User Plan), which sets out how Integra will meet the client's needs, is followed closely and that it evolves as all parties identify the path forward

 Seek ways to improve working practices and training through shared ownership of issues, needs and resources

 Develop contracts and working practices that give our partners clear value for money, transparency and flexibility

 Obtain regular feedback on our performance from our partners.

Proactive feedback and reporting

Integra will always work closely with and be guided by the relevant community clinical team reporting regularly and as required.

Integra values the feedback received from its partners and recognises that by being proactive in communicating with partners, this benefits the client who will receive better quality care, support and rehabilitation as a result of quicker responses to changing needs over time.

The importance of monitoring small changes in behaviour over long periods of time is stressed to all staff as part of their regular training and Integra seeks to ensure the daily monitoring of clients through staff shifts is accurately recorded in client progress notes.

Each client has their own Client Action Plan, which will set out how the home will meet the client's needs. The plan will also include details of 'limitations upon choice', identified risk areas, associated care plans, and client identified goals. This plan is a living document evolving as the client and their key worker identify the path forward.

The plan will be reviewed as part of the regular report forwarded to the CRMO/CMHT for their consideration.

Risk management and monitoring

Keeping closely within the parameters of agreed care plans, we believe in the value of controlled and graded exposure to activities so that clients may discover and develop levels of mastery at their own pace.

Using high quality risk management procedures, we can comfortably involve clients in activities that will encourage personal development while maintaining acceptable and manageable risks to staff, clients, and our visitors.

We recognise risks exist in everyday life and cannot be avoided, especially where vulnerable people are encouraged to engage in new activities. We value the ability of our staff to undertake risk assessments, to judge and assess risk and to explain the rationale behind that judgement.

As part of our risk management culture, we appreciate the importance of recording, assessing, discussing and reporting small changes in behaviour over long periods of time.

Our policies, procedures, and training are regularly reviewed to ensure a safe and healthy environment is maintained for all. In particular, we encourage a non-blame culture where incidents and 'near misses' are recorded and analysed in order that we may improve our approach to risk management and share best practice.

Specific therapeutic interventions

Under the direction of the responsible community mental health team, we will facilitate the carrying out of specialist interventions as required, such as:

 cognitive remedial therapy

 cognitive behavioural therapy

 anger management

 assertiveness and social skills

 substance and alcohol misuse support

 communication training

 complementary therapies (e.g. reflexology, acupuncture)

We will proactively advise referrers as to potential suitable therapies and interventions as appropriate and after full consultation with the client.

Where additional therapeutic techniques or specific therapies, counselling, education or training are required as part of a client's care plan, Integra will discuss whether it is a technique or session that can be supported by Integra's staff or whether an external provider is required (whether NHS or otherwise).

Development of services

Integra aims to work in partnership with local health boards and local authorities in developing services to meet required needs and will purchase homes as a result of anticipated needs within Wales.

Integra aspires to provide a range of mental health services within the community and would like to work with commissioners and clinicians to design services that best meet local and individual needs.

We welcome the opportunity to tender for new contracts in South and Mid Wales.

Please contact Peter Max to discuss your requirements.

Integra Community Living Options

The Maltings, East Tyndall Street, Cardiff CF24 5EA  02920 494445  admin@integraclo.org

1107G Copyright Integra Community Living Options 2004 to 2007  Photo credit: Jamie Carroll

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