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
Ward 7 at the Children's Hospital
By Donna Rogers, Deputy Ward Sister, Ward 7
What was your experience of the pandemic?
Ward 7 continued to provide care with reduced capacity. The team also had some core staff that were shielding. We welcomed the support of others particularly from main outpatients that were reassigned to us and we made them feel part of the team, so much so that one of the staff members has stayed with us. This staff member is now a valued part of our team and regularly receives great feedback from our patients and their families.
We also had members to the team who had supported our adult colleagues over at Good Hope Hospital.
What was the hardest part?
The change to our visiting policy has proved quite challenging as our patients tend to be long term and this resulted in a negative family experience.
Staff fear and anxiety was a challenge. However, we worked really hard on staff support and resilience.
How did you cope?
We carried out Covid risk assessments for staff members. We encouraged staff to have their Covid vaccine.
We ensured staff managed a good work life balance and took regular breaks and annual leave. We have great communication as a team and are very supportive of one another.
What did you learn?
How great we work as a team on Ward 7. I learnt that we are very adaptable as a team and have great resilience. We a learnt a new way of working. For example having MDT’s, study days and meetings via zoom.
How do you think it changed the team?
I feel that as a team we have become closer as while we were not able to see our family and friends we were all able to see each other as colleagues. We were able to share our anxieties and support each other through a really difficult time.
Beyond your team, who has inspired you during the pandemic?
Ward 15 were inspirational on how they bravely nursed all of our covid positive patients and managed their fears and anxiety.