As part of ongoing improvement work to strengthen person‑centred nursing documentation, new care planning documents are being introduced across in patient ward areas.
These changes are designed to support effective documentation of the patient’s individual needs, enhancing communication between teams and improve clinical decision making.
The revised documentation aligns closely with the nursing process, encouraging consistent assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of care throughout a patient’s admission. By providing clearer structure and purpose, the new care plans aim to support staff in delivering care that is both safe and person centred, while also meeting professional and legal record keeping standards.
Three redesigned care plans are now in use; each applied according to the anticipated length of a patient’s hospital stay. The 72‑Hour Care Plan will be used only in receiving units as this supports early assessment for patients who remain beyond their initial admission period. For patients with short admissions, the Daily Care Plan promotes ongoing review of care needs and activities of daily living, ensuring changes in condition are identified promptly. The 7‑Day Care Plan is intended for longer admissions and supports continuity of care over time, reducing unnecessary repetition while maintaining regular evaluation.
Lise Axford, Chief of Nursing at University Hospital Hairmyres, said: “The launch of the person-centred care plan reflects our shared ambition to see every individual as a person first. This approach strengthens assessment, planning and evaluation while ensuring dignity, compassion and choice remain central to care.
“Person-centred care is not an added task, it is how excellent care is delivered. The introduction of the new care plan gives staff a clear, consistent way to work in partnership with patients and families to achieve the outcomes that matter to them.”
All staff who complete or handle nursing notes were asked to familiarise themselves with the new documentation and associated guidance prior to go‑live.
Nursing staff maintain overall responsibility for ensuring that care plans are accurate, up to date and reflective of the care provided.
A range of support is available to assist with implementation, including frequently asked questions, record-keeping standards and guidance from senior nurses and practice development teams.
These resources are intended to support staff confidence and promote consistent, high-quality person-centred documentation across all areas.
