Enhanced Care

Patient/carers/friends/family information factsheet

Overview

• Enhanced Care (EC) provides extra support, supervision, and reassurance during your hospital stay, when you need it most.
• You may hear this described as “one-to-one care” or “enhanced observations”.
• This means a member of staff may stay near you, for periods of time, to support your safety and wellbeing.
• We provide this care when someone may be at increased risk of harm, feeling confused or distressed, or finding it difficult to make safe decisions.
• Enhanced Care is:
  • Personalised to your individual needs
  • Always compassionate and respectful
  • Temporary, and reviewed regularly with you and your care team.
• We will work in partnership with you and those important to you, so you feel safe, supported and understood while you are unwell.

Why might I need this added support?

• You may need extra support (enhanced observations) temporarily if:
  • You feel confused, upset, or not yourself
  • You are at risk of falling or getting hurt
  • You are finding it difficult to understand risks
  • You are finding it hard to make safe decisions
  • You may try to leave the ward or department when it is not safe
  • You have a physical or mental health condition that affects your safety.
• Your needs will be assessed by a team of healthcare professionals.
• Wherever possible, we will involve you and your family or carers in these discussions.

What will staff do?

• Staff providing Enhanced Care are there to support you.
• They will:
  • Stay nearby or with you to help keep you safe and reassured
  • Talk with you, listen to your concerns, and explain what is happening
  • Support you with everyday needs
  • Offer comfort, reassurance, and distraction if you feel anxious or unsettled
  • Always treat you with kindness, dignity, and respect.
• Please ask questions or share your concerns, at any time.

How will this help me?

• Enhanced Care is designed to:
  • Reduce your risk of harm, including falls or injury
  • Support you if you feel confused, distressed, or overwhelmed
  • Help you feel safe, calm, and cared for
  • Provide reassurance to your family and carers.
• Our goal is to support your recovery, independence, and wellbeing.

Your privacy and dignity

• We are committed to respecting your dignity and privacy.
• Staff will:
  • Maintain your dignity during personal care, such as washing, dressing or using the toilet
  • Explain what they are doing and why, before providing care
  • Give you space and independence whenever it is safe to do so
  • Consider your personal preferences, culture, and values.
• Please let us know if anything makes you feel uncomfortable: we will listen and respond.

How long will it last?

• Enhanced Care is temporary and regularly reviewed.
• Your needs will be reviewed at least daily by your care team.
• The level of support may increase, reduce, or stop, depending on how you are feeling.
• We will reduce your level of support as soon as it is safe to do so.
• Where possible, we will keep you and your family or carers informed about these decisions.

Can I say No?

• We respect your voice, choices, and rights.
• Staff will always explain your care and involve you in decisions.
• If you are too unwell or confused to make decisions, we may provide care in your best interests to keep you safe.
• Your wishes, feelings, and values will always be considered.
• We will involve your family or carers, where appropriate.
• If you have concerns about your care, please speak to a member of staff.

If you have questions or worries

• We want you and your loved ones to feel heard and supported.
• Please speak to:
  • The staff member supporting you
  • The nurse/midwife in charge of the ward or department.
• We are here to work with you, making sure your care is safe, respectful, and focused on your needs.