"Uphill Ward"

Uphill Rehab ward were great for my father who needed mobilising and needed to be kept an eye on as he was confused some of the time during his stay. The nurses were very vigilant, he was never left just to sit there all day which has happened in previous wards/hospitals. Dad was mobilised several times daily, a doctor was on the ward at all times, he was taken to a dining table for meals if he wished and generally encouraged to mobilise. He didn't have one fall, whereas in Southmead Hospital he had 3 falls. he could have had a fall as he got up without his zimmer when confused but a nurse came to his aid straight away. The nurses work extremely hard and all staff are hands on which makes a huge difference. One nurse at Southmead got a bad report for being hands on with patients as on most wards the HCA's are expected to do the nursing care except for drug administration and hand overs. This can lead to more mistakes with care (which I witnessed) due to qualified nurses spending most of their time on admin. What a relief it was for me to see how good they are on Uphill Ward. Dad's mobility has improved incredibly quickly. Their work is both cost effective and better for patient's physical and emotional well-being. Dad doesn't like pressing his buzzer and won't if he's confused but he was checked on at regular intervals anyway and asked if he was alright or needed anything. Cups of tea weren't left until the tea lady/man came round, but were offered all day especially if more fluids needed. This ward should be used as a 'Best Practise Ward' for all others to follow. I have heard that even on stroke wards, patients aren't mobilised sufficiently so they rely on relatives. My Dad relied on me at Southmead Hospital, but I know he's being well cared for on Uphill Ward. I can't give them enough praise - what excellent management for care and well-being!