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For patients, staff, visitors and volunteers
DECEMBER 2017
Page 7 Fundraisers add festive cheer
Page 3 Project hits patient milestone
New unit opens in the Emergency Department
Amy and Marian are a credit to their profession and symbolise what real care should look like.
A new unit which will improve patient experience and reduce congestion in the Emergency Department has opened at QEHB. The Emergency Observation Unit (EOU) is a short stay assessment and observation area for patients. It is separated into two areas, male and female, with each area having nine recliners and one trolley. The new area is managed by the Emergency Department (ED), located on Level 1 of QEHB, and will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Dr Umesh Salanke, one of the unit’s medical leads, said: “The unit provides a consultantled service for patients who are mobile and independent, but have certain medical conditions we need to investigate, initiate treatment for, and organise appropriate specialist follow-up, without a need for an overnight hospital stay.
Dr Steve Sturman Consultant Neurologist
Amy Shapiro and Marian Byrne were the winners of the inaugural Chief Nurse Award, presented in memory of the late Philip Norman by his husband Jason
Trust recognises the best in care In a special evening of celebration, staff, patients and volunteers applauded shining examples of ground-breaking work, the immense dedication and the unwavering passion of staff and volunteers who go ‘above and beyond’ every day. The annual Best in Care Awards, which this year took place on Thursday 23 November, recognised innovation and achievement and gave thanks to those who go the ‘extra mile’ to provide excellent care. Amy Shapiro and Marian Byrne, winners of the much-anticipated Chief Nurse Award, which recognised those befitting of the legacy left by the Trust’s late Chief Nurse Philip Norman, were revealed via video message from their nominator, consultant neurologist Dr Steve Sturman. Dr Sturman spoke of the positive impact Amy and Marian had made to not only patients but to the entire team: “Once in a while things
Page 17 Support to take on research projects
happen in life that you hardly notice at first. Then gradually it dawns on you that things are different, that the wind isn’t blowing as hard, you aren’t being blown off course and the crises and struggles are being overcome and won. “Neuro-rehab is quite tough work. After all, you are there to pick up the pieces when everyone else has done what they can and moved on. It’s all down to you to give back some hope, work out a way forward and restore some dignity and self-worth to the person at the centre of it all and all those around who have been affected. “Amy and Marian’s wonderful acts of kindness and dedication told the people at the centre of it all: ‘you matter’. There were exemplary efforts to get multiple agencies to work together and get the right solution for the patient instead of serving self-interest. “Above all there was nursing expertise that solved and prevented problems that
had previously threatened the very survival of vulnerable people on the rehab pathway. Prioritising the most personal details is a true test of whether you care 100%, and Amy and Marian have consistently used their skills to give people back their dignity when they needed it most. “The impact on the team has been huge, real synergy of purpose, with others being enabled to do their bit of the jigsaw more effectively. And there are never any grumbles, complaints or demarcation disputes; just the patient at the centre and their wellbeing the ultimate goal. “Amy and Marian are a credit to their profession and symbolise what real care should look like. We have been honoured to have such colleagues and it is our privilege to recognise their contribution.” Read more and see all the winners from the Best in Care Awards 2017 on pages 9–12
The new Emergency Observation Unit will provide a better environment and experience for our patients. Steve Cumley Deputy Chief Operating Officer “We hope the new area will improve our patients’ experience as they can be observed and monitored in a more comfortable environment.” Patients will check-in at the main Emergency Department reception desk and go to the waiting room until they are assessed by one of the clinical team. After assessment, patients will have tests ordered and those who would benefit from being seen in the EOU will be triaged into the new area as soon as possible. A team of doctors and nurses will then take over the care of the patient until they can be safely discharged home. Steve Cumley, Deputy Chief Operating Officer, added: “Our Emergency Department has seen a significant rise in the number of patients who are able to walk in unaided but need urgent medical attention. The new Emergency Observation Unit will provide a better environment and experience for these patients, and also create more space in the main Emergency Department.”
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