Case Study: Scenario

The new diversional therapist (DT), Jo, has suggested that the TLE Services Aged Care Facility develops a newsletter to let the residents and their family and friends know what is going on.

You have joined the committee that is looking at the feasibility of a newsletter; how to set it up, what content it will cover and what the costing will be. You are going to be paid for 4 hours a week and have to diarise how that time has been spent. The committee is yourself, another Assistant in Nursing (AIN) who is a friend of Jo's, and 2 Elders with publishing experience. There is Jo and an RN from the Dementia unit.

You have had 2 meetings and are ready to attend a third. The DT considers this her baby and doesn't have an agenda and isn't interested in minutes and documenting the work. She really wants it all to be done by herself and her friend. She has told you that the rest of you are only on the committee to keep the Director of Nursing (DON) happy. The RN from the Dementia unit is only there to get 4 hours a week break from the unit.

In the last meeting you brought up issues of privacy, confidentiality and dignity when the DT said she wanted funny stories to put in the newsletter and wants to go around taking photos of Elders in funny situations. She is not happy about your concerns and feels that it is a ridiculous thing to consider as it is only an 'in house' newsletter and not for the general public. You have a meeting scheduled with the DON after this meeting to give her a progress update.

Question:

Complete the following memo to send to other staff so that all are aware of any issues