Members of the Adolescent Team - Glasgow |
The Adolescent Unit at Gartnavel Royal Hospital is the regional inpatient unit providing a specialist Tier 4 service for all the West of Scotland Health Boards. The Unit provides 16 beds for Adolescents aged 12-17 years experiencing a variety of mental health problems. The unit introduced Tidal Model in June 2005 and is the first Adolescent Unit in Scotland to work with the model. |
| Members of the Nursing Team pictured (L-R) Nursing Assistant Joe Campbell, Staff Nurse Rob Short, Staff Nurse Gillian Little, Nursing Assistant Carolyn Donaldson,
Nursing Assistant Donalda Clifford and Nursing Assistant Andy Leyden
|
My name is Anne-Marie McGill and I have been assisting the adolescent in-patient unit as lead nurse for the past 18 months. My awareness of the tidal model was heightened 3 years ago and my response was to embrace the philosophy with enthusiasm. My enthusiasm centered on its potential to improve patient care within the mental health setting so in turn I prompted a pilot of its implementation in the adult admission wards. I have also supported the recent pilot of the model in the adolescent unit and continue to observe its positive effects within this population. Measurement of its initial success is clear and therefore I will endeavor to continue its promotion within mental health settings under my leadership. | 
Ann-Marie McGill - Lead Nurse |
David Brand - Ward Manager | I have worked in adolescent inpatient psychiatry for approximately 4 years. The Tidal Model has made a significant contribution to patient care. This is due to the emphasis on person-centered approach which empowers both the young people and staff members. |
I have worked in the adolescent unit since January 2005. Prior to this I worked in various healthcare settings and have experience in both Learning Disabilities and Mental Health. I became interested in the Tidal Model several years ago and this interest continued to develop as the guiding principles of the model reflected my own beliefs. The experience of working with the model has been an invaluable learning curve. The model was implemented in June 2005 and quickly became the impetus for change within the unit. We were in a position where the young people we were working with were curious and excited by the changes taking place, they wanted to be heard and Tidal certainly gave them that opportunity! However it quickly became apparent that adhering to the principles and philosophy of the model not only impacted on the care of the young people. The staff team were also affected, communication improved between nurses and other members of the multi-disciplinary team. Feedback from the Nursing Assistants on the unit was very positive and they felt their role had significantly changed leading to them feeling more involved and having more input into the team. This led to the development of a second Tidal Model Co-ordinator role to monitor the model in practice. The Adolescent Unit is undergoing a period of continual transition and through this journey we shall continue to utilise Tidal as a model of care and as a vehicle of change. | 
Linda Coventry - Charge nurse/Tidal Model Co-Ordinator |
Jacqueline Dickie - Nursing Assistant/ Tidal Model Co-Ordinator | My name is Jacqui and I am a Nursing Assistant within the Adolescent Unit at Gartnavel Royal Hospital, and have worked there for over three years. Prior to the implementation of the Tidal Model the role of the nursing assistant was limited regarding the care of the young people on the unit. This was very frustrating for the nursing assistants as they felt that as they worked closely with the young people that they could have more opportunity to become more involved and assist in the longer term care for each individual. Six months ago the Tidal Model was introduced and we know have much more input into the daily and longer term care of each young person. We now work on a more involved role within the nursing team. We also write up daily nursing notes with the young people. Since the introduction of the model we now attend team meetings and review meetings regarding each patient. Where this previously would not be an option for a nursing assistant. We also work closely with other members of the multi-disciplinary team regarding any changes to each individual patient’s care. We are now fully involved in helping compile each young person’s individual care plan. Prior to the model being introduced nursing assistants had no input into the production of care plans as our main role would be to ensure care plans were followed. As a result each young person has the knowledge of having the best care and support network available catering for each of their individual needs. Since its introduction the Tidal Model has given nursing assistants a more valuable and involved role in each individual patient’s care. This has resulted in increased job satisfaction as we can now provide the best individual care and support to each young person. |
My name is Claire Wilson and I work as a charge nurse within the adolescent unit. I have been nursing adolescents for the past for years and have been privileged to have observed the positive evolution of the unit culture through the implementation of the Tidal Model. The model has allowed nurses to work collaboratively with young people in a manner that empowers them to take ownership of their experience of illness. To use an analogy, imagine the young person learning to drive and we the nurses are assisting in the passenger seat. The young person is in control and can choose the pace of their journey and destination. The nurse can passively participate in the journey however can access the pedals if the young person needs help to stop for a time or simply slow down. Embracing the philosophy of the model has ensured that care delivery is navigated by the real experts – the young people! | 
Claire Wilson - Charge Nurse |
My Name is Marjory Bond and I have been a Charge Nurse on the Adolescent Unit for 4 years. Since the Tidal Model has been introduced, I have found that the young people feel more empowered in the delivery of their care. I believe that the young people on the unit have built a collaborative relationship with all the nursing staff. Overall, the Tidal Model has changed the nursing process within the Adolescent Unit, ensuring that partnership and empowerment are key aspects of care. | 
Marjory Bond - Charge Nurse |
