Public Board papers 31.03.22

Ward 11 became an independent ward in March 2021 with many of the experienced staff choosing to move to ward 2 leaving a deficit of experienced staff on ward 11. This pressure of did contributed to low staff morale on the ward, along with general fatigue amongst the team. However, new members have been recruited which has helped to support the team. The clinical environment does require an update. • Achievements I commenced in post as the new ward manager in April 2021 and supportive measures by me and the senior nursing team were put in place, e.g. proactive engagement with the ward team regarding future changes and further recruitment to the team of various roles/grades. The staff have and continue to adapt accordingly and I am immensely proud of their continued positive professional attitude throughout these uncertain times, their exceptional teamwork, their resilience and their unwavering care and compassion for the patients. I am engaging in coaching to develop my leadership skills to support the ward further. Ward 12 Ward Managers professional judgment (achievements & challenges) July to December 2021 presented multiple challenges on ward 12 to maintain service and patient and staff safety. As part of the bed escalation process, ward 12 was designated the Covid “red” ward, accepting both red and amber patients – covid positive and contact patients. Covid Ward Challenges: • Ensuring all staff on the ward, and all staff visitors to the ward are ‘fit-tested’. • Ensuring all staff are kept up to date with the SOP for the ward this included disseminating information not only to the ward team, but also various teams/personnel visiting the ward • Ensuring the ward were supplied with adequate and easily accessible PPE • Managing the day to day running of the ward when it was fully red. Covid Ward Achievements • Several PPE stations have been set up on the ward • We have liaised closely with IPCT to ensure all staff on the ward are fit tested (all new staff are fit tested on their first day) • During shift changeover and mid-morning huddle, all changes are explained to staff. These forums all allow for questions to be asked and points to be clarified. Visiting Challenges • For a period of time visiting was paused within the hospital so liaising with families and NOK became paramount. It was particularly a challenge with acutely unwell patients and those in the last days of life, although individual visiting decisions were made with the support of the senior nursing team. • Managing the care of patients in the last days of life and their visitors in a compassionate way, whilst keeping within the SOP and keeping the rest of the ward and hospital safe.

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