Gold star service wins again

The Triangle of Care team

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An NHS team which has dramatically improved information sharing with carers across Greater Manchester, has scooped another prestigious award.

At a celebratory event in front of 200 people, the Triangle of Care team won a CARES award from Pennine Care, which runs NHS services from almost 300 different locations across Greater Manchester.

Out of 65 nominations, the team were successful in winning an award for demonstrating real vigour in ensuring carers are included at every stage of their loved one’s care. This includes having carer champions in place in all adult mental health wards, community mental health teams and rehabilitation and high support units.

The team also delivers monthly carer awareness training, jointly designed and delivered by staff and carers. Over 500 staff, including nurses and support workers have received this training, helping to spread the message of how important a carer’s role is in a service user’s journey. 

Janet is a carer for her son; she said: “Before the Triangle of Care, staff wouldn’t engage with me. But since the Triangle of Care, I have been listened to and informed of my son’s treatment.

“During my son’s last admission to hospital, there was a carer champion on the ward and it made such a huge difference I was made to feel welcome and encouraged to ask questions and give background information. My family and I felt part of the process of recovery and involved in future plans.”

Gemma Mlambo, Modern Matron at Pennine Care said: “The role carers play is invaluable. They are the eyes and ears for us as professionals. It’s important we listen to them as they are often the only constant in a patient’s life, they can tell us when the person is well and when they’re not.”

The Triangle of Care is a national initiative which was initially developed by carers and staff seeking to improve carer engagement in acute inpatient services. It is based on the principle that care is made better by ensuring there are good working relationships between the service user, the mental health professional and the carer. It has now been extended to cover all mental health and community services.

This award follows the team’s successful awarding of the Stage One Triangle of Care (ToC) Award, picking up a gold star accreditation for work with carers in March 2018.