‘Nurses will do anything for us’

Photo: Darren Robinson

Fred Maguire was served lunch on a red tray — which tells staff he may need extra help to eat

Complaints about the care given to elderly people at the Royal Oldham Hospital prompted a nursing chief to speak out in yesterday’s Chronicle. Marian Carroll, Director of Nursing for Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust admitted there were “some failures”, but reiterated the hospital’s dedication to care. The matron of the hospital’s rehabilitation and stroke wards invited reporter Marina Berry and photographer Darren Robinson to see for themsevles. Here is what they found...

Veronica Daniels was in the rehabilitation ward for a second time, following a series of falls at home.

She was there for rest and physiotherapy for an injured arm.

Veronica’s meals are served on a red tray — which tells staff she needs extra help to eat and drink

“My knives and forks are put in the right place for me to reach, and I get help to cut up meat.

“When the staff see I need help they come across and ask what they can do.

“Everyone is very nice and we laugh a lot. Some of us at times are impossible — but then we try to make up at other times by being extra nice,” she laughed.

Veronica, one of the oldest patients on the ward, was taking advantage of the red tray scheme, which is one of several ways used to improve care.

Matron Adele Doherty explained: “On the rehabilitation ward we encourage patients to do what they can for themselves, because we are preparing them to manage well at home. But we are always there to assist if needed.”

Barbara Rourke (72), from Greenacres, was recovering from an infection which left her with mobility problems.

She called us over so she could place on record her praise for the care she has received over the last three weeks.

“The nurses work really hard,” she said. “I couldn’t use my hand when I came in and I would never have got through without their help. It’s great in here, I’m so pleased with the care, they will do anything for us. In fact I could do with them at home with me,” she joked.

There are 30 beds on the two wards, always full. Patients are transferred from other wards in preparation for discharge; most are 65 or over.

Staff meetings are held daily to monitor progress and the specific needs of each patient. The rehabilitation wards have had no formal complaints for over a year. Adele always holds ward meetings after any form of complaint to talk about failures and how to prevent further occurrences. She is contantly on the lookout for new ideas to improve care.

One in four of all hospital beds are occupied by people with some form of dementia, and many of the schemes introduced are aimed at helping such patients.

“The wards are always busy,” said Adele. “There is no getting away from that, but I encourage staff to talk to patients while they are doing something else, such as giving a bed bath.”

Other schemes include “dignity champions,” of which there one for each ward and department. They raise concerns about the treatment or hospital practices. Ward managers make ad hoc visits to other wards and report back on their impressions.

Adele is currently studying for a masters degree in healthcare leadership and management, with and emphasis on dementia.

“I am passionate about their care and nursing in an acute setting,” said the 42 year old.

Adele has been a nurse for 25 years, and matron of the rehabilitation and strole wards for the past six.

“Helping someone get back on their feet and go home is one of the most rewarding things you can do,” she said.

“The people I have recruited to work on the wards are absolutely passionate about caring for older people and rehabilitation. They are very caring, have a lot of patience, and are absolutely fantastic with patients.”