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
Wards 18 and 19
By Heather Petts, Head of Nursing, Ward 18 and19
What was your experience of the pandemic?
Haematology oncology as a whole had to adapt to different ways of working. Initially, the expectation was that activity would remain consistent but the demand for inpatient beds reduced for the majority of the pandemic. For staff knowledgeable in the specialty this was concerning as the time from symptom to diagnosis and appropriate treatment is significant on outcome. Supporting the concerned feelings of staff relating to this was difficult as there was little data initially to provide a rationale for the reduced activity. Stem cell transplant activity on ward 19 continued throughout.
What was the hardest part?
Ward 18 Restrictions to visiting was a particular challenge as many patients were in hospital for long periods. This was even more difficult at times of diagnosis or palliation (end-of-life care) when pre-pandemic the support of family and friends to the patient and their family would have been actively encouraged.
Ward 19 having a positive patient was a significant concern due to the positive pressure and specialised care the patient required.
Also, changes to advice and guidance initially proved frustrating and challenging but in hindsight obvious when dealing with unchartered territory.
How did you cope?
Coming to work meant that I personally did not experience the same social isolation that some people who were not working on-site would have experienced.
Staff support was paramount both practically and emotionally.
What did you learn?
Staff all have different levels of resilience and coping strategies along with different competing worries at different times.
How do you think it changed the team?
I think most staff members in the team were already very focused on the importance of health and wellbeing and their self-care. I observed more people looking out for each other and the strength of camaraderie grew even further.
More staff can say when they are not OK as we are going into recovery.
Beyond your team, who has inspired you during the pandemic?
Mary Hobin’s personal tenacity and determination to keep to the rules and keep all of us safe.