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Care Opinion

Genuinely caring people

Posted By capricornusbg39

"Genuinely caring people"

About: South West Acute Hospital / Ward 7 Western Health & Social Care Trust / Dementia companion service

(as a relative),

My Granny was in ward 7 of the SWAH for a long period of time whilst she rehabilitated from a hip operation. Her care was absolutely fantastic- it was evident to our family that she was being well cared for by the way the staff interacted with her and vice versa. In an environment so alien to her in her 90s we could see that  she was very content.

I should say a special mention to Brendan, Dementia Companion, who  took time to visit her, have wee chats and take her out for spins in the wheelchair. As a family that meant so much to us. Granny always looked well and you could tell she had exceptional personal care. It is so reassuring to know there are such genuinely caring people looking after your loved ones when you can’t be there. Thank you all so much. 

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Responses

Response from Ann Taylor, Ward Sister, Ward 7 SWAH Care of Older Person, WHSCT 4 days ago
Ann Taylor
Ward Sister, Ward 7 SWAH Care of Older Person,
WHSCT

Submitted on 26/04/2024 at 17:50
Published on Care Opinion on 27/04/2024 at 08:59

I want to start by thanking you so much for your feedback. It is lovely to hear that your granny was well cared for and content in Ward 7.

It can be difficult being in hospital for such long period of time during her rehabilitation. Therefore the relationships built between patients and staff is vital for good interaction and positive experience. Brendan and the other Dementia Companions on Ward 7 have a vital role in the experiences of our Dementia patients.. They could engage with your granny having wee chats, activities and taking her out in the wheelchair.

It is a delight to hear that she always looked well and had exceptional personal care. To hear you say "it is so nice to know that there are genuinely caring people looking after your loved ones when you can't be there" is really important because it really acknowledges what an important role our staff have in looking after patients.

I will feedback your response to Brendan and all the staff in Ward 7. I hope your granny continues to make a good recovery from her surgery.

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Response from Nicola Hayes, Dementia Service Improvement Lead - Acute & Non Acute, PCOP, WHSCT yesterday
Nicola Hayes
Dementia Service Improvement Lead - Acute & Non Acute, PCOP,
WHSCT

Submitted on 29/04/2024 at 02:53
Published on Care Opinion at 02:53

picture of Nicola Hayes

Dear capricornusbg39

My name is Nicola Hayes and my substantive post is Dementia Service Improvement Lead for Acute Hospitals and I manage the Dementia Companion Team.

Thank you for your feedback story 'Genuinely caring people' and thank you for taking the time to post this story at a time when your Granny was not at her best health.

I am glad to hear of your positive experience that you and your Granny had of the journey through Ward 7, SWAH.

Coming into hospital can be a fearful and stressful time for any of us, never mind for someone living with dementia and in your Granny's case, it is great to hear the positive impact that the Dementia Companions had with the care provided.

The care and treatment provided is essential to ensure that any hospital journey is person centred, particularly with your Granny's ill health at that time. Those special 'wee chats' and 'spins in the wheelchair' are how care can become more person centred. Brendan is becoming a natural at these now - constantly on the move ensuring patients get outside as much as possible.

The Dementia Companion Team strives to provide individualised care to people living with dementia while in our acute hospital care settings.

What you have witnessed with Brendan is the core of the Dementia Companion Team and the values that we promote as a team. I am delighted that you and your family had the experience of the Dementia Companion Team and the role that they can play with people living with dementia who are admitted to our acute hospitals. I will share this post with Brendan and his fellow Dementia Companions, which they will be delighted to receive.

May I thank you again for taking the time to share your experiences with us on care opinion.

Your feedback is very welcome to ensure safe, effective, compassionate and well led care is delivered.

Best Wishes

Nicola

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