Logan Hospital is leading the way to improve access to its mental health services, becoming the first in Metro South Health to introduce clearer, simpler and more welcoming signage across the wards.
The move follows consumer feedback from 15 Steps Audits that Metro South Addiction and Mental Health Services (MSAMHS) facilities displayed too many warning signs, which detracted from the sense of a welcoming, recovery-focused environment.
In response, a working group was formed, bringing together representatives from Quality and Safety, Communications, distributed Care, and Person-Centred Care, to review the design and distribution of signage across the wards.
Logan Hospital’s mental health inpatient areas were chosen as the review site, complementing other ongoing work around consumer and carer information.
Project Lead Guy Hancock said the review showed there was room for improvement including making signage clearer and less overwhelming.
“Together with the Nurse Unit Managers, other staff with lived experience, and a working group, we found that some of the temporary signs could be worded in a way that made more sense to our consumers,” Mr Hancock said.
“We also found the long ‘For Our Patients’ Safety’ list could be simplified into a short statement asking people to check with staff about what can and can’t be brought onto the wards.”
Guy said recommendations by the working group also resulted in the removal of outdated and duplicated signs, while introducing a single, trauma-informed safety message on ward doors.
“The longer ‘For Our Patients’ Safety’ list will still be available but displayed inside wards instead of on the doors.”
Logan Hospital’s trial will set the direction for a consistent approach across Metro South Health, balancing safety with a more welcoming environment.