Board Communication
In this section:
The State Hospital is unique in that the general public do not directly access its services as patients are admitted (detained) under mental health legislation. However, there is a responsibility to provide information on who we are, what we do, and how we do it.
External communications activity is an essential part of ensuring the Hospital enhances awareness and understanding of mental health issues, and is often the first impression many people have of the organisation.
A coherent, consistent and integrated approach to internal and external communications is undertaken. The Hospital avoids ‘spin’ and communicates the factual things it does.
A Communications Annual Report is presented to the Board every August.
Internal & External Audiences Explained
Given the nature and organisational arrangements of the Board, patients are uniquely viewed as internal communication stakeholders in addition to Non-Executive Directors, Volunteers, the Spiritual & Pastoral Care Team, Advocacy and staff. Carers, the public and the media are included within external communication arrangements.There is a duty to keep external stakeholders informed of activity and decisions not only through the Annual Review process but through regular communications that are clear and understandable.
The State Hospital’s Website remains a quality key communication tool in order to achieve this for the general public and other external stakeholders. It enables the Hospital to report on performance against targets and objectives, and ensure legislative requirements are met in terms of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010, and the Equalities Act 2010.
Presentations to Community Groups
Upon request, The State Hospital will deliver presentations to local community groups. These general presentations focus on who we are, what we do, and how we do it. Just email tsh.info@nhs.scot