Ward swap at Good Hope to improve patient care

It was all change for staff and patients in two of Good Hope Hospital�s wards this weekend � and it was all to improve the quality of patient care.

Ward 10 in the Sutton Coldfield hospital�s Richard Salt Unit has become a new haematology and stroke ward � while Ward 8 in the same building is the hospital�s new respiratory ward.

The reorganisation has taken place to create dedicated beds for haematology patients. This includes better access to single rooms for patients, which are needed for some haematology patients who are more susceptible to infections because of their weakened immune systems.

The change creates up to 16 dedicated haematology beds. There are also now 16 beds for stroke patients and 34 beds for respiratory patients.

Julia Jackson, the Matron who coordinated the move, said: �A recent peer review of our cancer services recommended providing dedicated beds for haematology patients. The aim is to significantly improve the quality of care for all patients involved.�

The changeover has been planned for several months and took place at the weekend. On Saturday, equipment was swapped over between the two wards and then on Sunday 14 patients were moved.

Nurses and doctors have also swapped wards to stay within their clinical specialties.

Julia Jackson said: �It was quite an enormous job. As part of the process, both wards were deep cleaned, we�ve also created a new counselling and relaxation room for patients and visitors on Ward 8.

�This has been an opportunity to make important improvements to the patient environment on both wards. Clinical staff are also receiving training in the delivery of chemotherapy to support the new clinical haematology unit on Ward 10.�

For more information, contact Andy Comber, Head of Communications, at Good Hope NHS Trust: 0121 378 2211 ext 1146, Mob: 07974 575104.

Source : Good Hope