Ward housekeepers in mental health environments

Purpose – In the year 2000, the UK Government promoted the concept that hospital services be shaped around the needs of the patient to make their stay in hospital as comfortable as possible. In recognition of this, the Government advocated the introduction of a Ward Housekeeper role in at least 50 per cent of hospitals by 2004. This is a ward-based non-clinical role centred on cleaning, food service and maintenance to ensure that the basics of care are right for the patient. Much of the guidance for the ward housekeeper role has focussed on its development and implementation in an acute hospital setting. The aim of this research is to illustrate how the role has been adopted and implemented successfully in mental health environments and the subsequent impact for patient services. Design/methodology/approach – Four case studies were undertaken in a variety of mental health settings, the principle method of data collection was qualitative semi-structured interviews. Findings – Common themes were identified from the case studies relating to experiences of developing and implementing the ward housekeeper role. This paper suggests models of best practice which relate to six main areas of: role, recruitment, induction, training, integration and management. It also demonstrates that the role has been successful and is highly valued by nursing staff. Research limitations/implications – The study was largely qualitative based and therefore the results do not lend themselves to be generalisable across the NHS. Originality/value – The paper suggests how the ward housekeeper role should be adapted for mental health settings.