Final Report on the Enhanced Care Model

The Enhanced Care Model was created using the evidence and learning arising from the implementation of the Framework for Safe Nurse Staffing and Skill Mix in General and Specialist Medical and Surgical Care Settings.

The Report outlines a new model of care for patients in acute hospitals who need dedicated one to one care or ‘enhanced care’. What this means is that enhanced care will be delivered by a team of specially trained Health Care Assistants, supported by the nurses on the ward and senior nurses throughout the hospital.

Enhanced care is provided for patients who may be disoriented, have altered cognition or behaviour or a non-acute mental health illness. Preventing falls, confusion and agitation are the most common reasons that patients may require enhanced care.