Department of Health

Safewards Victoria

The Safewards model and associated interventions have been highly effective in reducing conflict and containment, and increasing a sense of safety and mutual support for staff and patients.

Safewards in Emergency Departments - trial

As part of a commitment by the Victorian Government to progress Safewards Victoria, The Office of the Chief Mental Health Nurse are currently trialling the Safewards model in Emergency Departments.

The Safewards story

The purpose of implementing Safewards is to create safer mental health services for staff and patients and to reduce the use of restrictive interventions, including seclusion and restraint.

Safewards evaluation and locations

The evaluation of the Trial was conducted by researchers at the Centre for Psychiatric Nursing, the University of Melbourne. Safewards had a highly favourable impact in terms of staff and consumer perceptions of increased safety and positive inpatient environments.

Safewards Consumer Advisory Group

The Safewards Consumer Advisory Group (CAG) was formed and meets every quarter throughout the course of the Safewards implementation, chaired by the Safewards senior consumer advisor.

Safewards Faculty

The Safewards Faculty consists of Safewards experts supporting and monitoring the effectiveness of the Collaborative.

Safewards Collaborative

The Safewards Collaborative enables participating services to learn from peers and subject matter experts to support improvement activities.

Safewards Community of Practice

The Community of Practice provides a supportive environment to discuss ideas and challenges related to implementing Safewards.

Safewards videos

These videos describe the model and interventions and demonstrate how the interventions look in practice.

Safewards training resources

Resources include the Safewards Handbook, a series of workshop resources and train-the-trainer resources.

Reviewed 30 May 2023

Health.vic

Safeward links

Sector leadership and support

Safewards Collaborative

Contact details

Safewards Victoria Department of Health

CMHN@safercare.vic.gov.au
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