10th May 2024
Nursing teams from Craigavon Area and Daisy Hill hospitals have enjoyed some productive time out at a conference to celebrate their success and collaborate on how they can improve their services.
The ‘Connected’ conference gave nursing staff a break from their demanding roles to reflect on their achievements over the past year including, Julie Dudgeon, winning RCN Healthcare assistant of the Year and both teams placing as runners up in the Trust’s ‘Our People Awards’ frontline team of the year.
They also took the opportunity to share the learning from their many quality improvement initiatives over the past 12 months including the Purple Heart (identifying patients with dementia); mealtimes matter; diabetes; hydration, observation and pressure relief for ambulance patients; and homeless appeal.
A number of new staff development programmes have been introduced including a nursing induction programme, chemical major incident training, British casting course educators, training matrix and escalation log.
The teams have also been involved in new service developments including the short stay and clinical decision units opening at Daisy Hill and the introduction of a new triage pathway from ED to the early pregnancy and problem clinic at Craigavon Area Hospital.
Mary Burke, Assistant Director for Unscheduled Care and Chief Operating Officer for Daisy Hill Hospital, gave a presentation focussing on patient safety, ongoing challenges and new initiatives being taken forward to improve patient outcomes, patient experience and patient flow. Staff explored how they can work well together as ED nurses to improve their environment, processes and wellbeing and developed a plan for how they aim to further improve their services over the next 12 months.
Head of Service, Paul Smyth and Divisional Medical Director, Dr Gareth Hampton paid tribute to their nursing colleagues for their fantastic performance and dedication in often very difficult and busy circumstances, always determined to work with the other professionals in the team to get the best outcomes for their patients.
Clinical Psychologist Fra Agnew spoke to the nurses about the importance of looking after themselves and each other in such a demanding workplace. Over lunch, the occupational health team offered advice and signposting information on available support and led a relaxing Chi Me session.
Lead Nurse for Emergency Departments Gabrielle Smyth said: “Our entire multi-disciplinary ED team works tirelessly, in a really challenging environment, providing high quality care with compassion, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We are absolutely delighted to have this protected time out for our nursing colleagues to recognise their efforts, allow them to connect with each other and learn about self-care strategies. The event offered a platform to hear their opinions, challenges, and ideas for improving teamwork and advancing our services for the benefit of our patients.”
The overall feedback from the day was overwhelmingly positive. Staff particularly enjoyed the opportunity to reflect on their own health and wellbeing and supportive networks and opportunities available to them.