Implementation of the Safewards model on inpatient wards

This chapter describes the development of the Safewards model for inpatient mental health wards, originally developed by Professor Len Bowers. There is an account of how the model was implemented locally by Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust on their inpatient units for adults of working age and older adults and included in the prevention and management of violence and aggression training. It led to reduced conflict and ultimately reduced violence and aggression. The perceptions of patients on the impact of the Safewards project on their level of feeling safe are explored. Staff feedback and challenges encountered are also discussed.