Celebrating BWC Spirit
We are highlighting the amazing things our colleagues have done and achieved during the pandemic.
Our teams have bravely stood by the side of our patients, changed how they have worked to keep key and emergency services running and gone beyond the Trust to help colleagues in other parts of the NHS.
They have done so with an approach and spirit that is uniquely BWC and we want to celebrate that and what has been achieved.
From frontline clinical colleagues to our unseen and often unsung heroes in labs, offices and in our corridors - everyone has had a part to play and we’re sharing some of their stories over the next two weeks.
If you would like to thank individuals or teams either by sharing some kind words, pictures or a short video we would love to see them. You can submit your messages, pictures or videos by emailing bwc.communications@nhs.net
Ocean Ward
By Verna Salmon, Ward Manager, and Lianne Sheard, Deputy Manager
What was your experience of the pandemic?
The pandemic was a positive experience for Ocean Ward. It highlighted that we can all work strongly together as a team in such difficult stressful circumstances. All staff supported each other and other wards around the trust, to ensure all standards of patient care were met, and were not jeopardised due to the pandemic. During the pandemic we did exceptionally well with sickness. No staff went off sick during the peak of the pandemic.
What was the hardest part?
The hardest part was wearing the full Personal Protective Equipment (masks etc) as it was very uncomfortable however staff were given frequent short breaks to ensure they were hydrated and had pressure relief from the FFP3 masks.
How did you cope?
As a team we coped very well. We all supported each other and other wards around the hospital. We ensured there was break cover as it is highly important for staff to have their rest time in order to manage during this difficult stressful time.
What did you learn?
We have learnt that our long term ventilated patients can be discharged home safely within a shorter time frame. This is a very positive aspect as it demonstrates our patients do not need to be hospitalised for up to a year providing there are no complications. We were able to put the care package in place, train parents, organise home equipment and prepare discharge folder in 6 weeks.
How do you think it changed the team?
Being able to discharge patients safely in a short time frame has given the team positive inspiration to continue to work at this level if able to do so providing there are no complications such as housing, training etc. The pandemic has made our team pull together and show our trust values to colleagues, families and patients.
Beyond your team, who has inspired you during the pandemic?
During the pandemic the CMIC team have been our inspiration as they have gone above and beyond during the pandemic to ensure our patients had the correct equipment to be discharged home. They also ensured the care packages were in place and the carers were trained up ready for discharge. They also sorted out housing and risk assessments. Without their continued hard work and support, our patients would not have been discharged home during the pandemic.