Ward spotlight: Ruby Ward leading the way in trauma-informed care
As part of the Mental Health Act Quality Improvement Programme (MHA QI), our Trust has been working to enhance patient experiences, particularly for individuals from diverse backgrounds and those with learning disabilities or autism. A key aspect of this work is ensuring our staff feel supported, confident, and equipped to provide the best possible care.
Ruby Ward, a specialist forensic mental health ward for women, was chosen to take part in the MHA QI initiative. However, changes on the ward meant the patient group became less diverse for a time, making it harder to measure the impact of specific interventions.
In response, the team took a proactive approach by developing bespoke trauma-informed care training for staff. This tailored programme has helped deepen understanding of trauma and its effects, enabling staff to provide care that is sensitive, supportive, and empowering.
By investing in staff development, Ruby Ward has not only strengthened its team’s skills but also enhanced the experiences of the women in its care. Their dedication to learning and continuous improvement is a fantastic example of how small changes can lead to meaningful improvements in mental health services.
We are incredibly proud of the Ruby Ward team for their commitment to delivering inclusive, compassionate, and person-centred care.
Here’s what some of our staff had to say about the training:
“I really valued the interactive elements of the presentation. They encouraged discussion and gave us the opportunity to explore trauma in depth. This approach made it much easier to understand how to apply trauma-informed care in my role as a Physical Health Nurse."
“The yoga session was a brilliant addition. It provided a chance to experience mindfulness and body awareness—both of which are essential elements of trauma recovery."
Participants also shared:
"The trauma-informed training was delivered so smoothly, the sessions were perfectly timed and full of valuable information. The focus on staff wellbeing was a real highlight, and the food provided was a lovely bonus that everyone enjoyed!"
“The TIC session has improved our understanding of the power of collaboration, empowerment, and positive engagement in promoting trust and safety between our patients and us as staff. The TIC framework is effective in fostering healthy relationships and gives patients hope for recovery with our support. Lastly, I enjoyed every part of the day, including the mindfulness session and the delicious meal provided. Thank you!
Ruby Ward’s commitment to trauma-informed care is making a real difference, not just for staff, but for the women they support every day.
From learning new ways to build trust and empower recovery, to enjoying moments of mindfulness and community over a shared meal, it’s clear the day offered something truly valuable to everyone involved.
Together, we’re continuing to build a culture where care, safety and healing come first—for both our patients and our people.
