We can concentrate on hitting targets and meeting budgets but what matters more than anything in our Trust, is that we make a difference to people’s lives – no matter how long or short they may be.
So that’s why the winners of August’s Team of the Month award have made such an impression on me and the other judges because of the outstanding compassion they have demonstrated.
I am pleased to announce that the very worthy winners are our colleagues on Ward 4, our Medical Admissions Unit (MAU.)
This caring team was nominated by Lead Nurse for Palliative Care, Liz Price, who told Let’s Talk: “The ward has provided outstanding care for two patients who have been approaching the end of their life.
“One patient received the devastating news he had just days to live, and within hours the ward had arranged for him and his girlfriend to be married on the ward. Staff then arranged for them to stay on the ward overnight as a family, providing a cot so their one-year-old could also be with them.
“In the final hours and days of this patient’s life, they supported him and his family at this difficult time, demonstrating care and compassion at all times.
“The ward also supported another patient whose wish it was to die at home. The Ward 4 team worked with other teams to ensure the patient was discharged with the relevant care package and equipment in place, which enabled him to die peacefully at home with his family, several hours after leaving hospital.