Common Sense Care

Tips for improving your visiting /experience

& how you might contribute to the overall wellbeing.

All common sense stuff so apologies in advance if I am stating the obvious. Nevertheless, I have decades of experience of observing bedside behaviours and continue to see things which could easily be improved for all concerned with at no cost

This is not prescriptive: this is about working in collaboration with patients, relatives and staff. If everyone adopted this approach, if everyone considered adopting some of these measures, I am confident that all would benefit.

·        Tips for visitors:

·        Aim is to :

 to prevent hazards of spillage which then results in a major procedure of changing beds, pyjamas etc.

Gathering information
i) Read in advance the information provided from the relevant internet sites for the specific ward you are visiting. Including visiting times, restrictions, infection control, Job roles, uniforms etc. Check the relevant hospitals webpage; finding this out in advance will enhance your experience, as well as preventing unnecessary demands upon busy staff.

Staff Roles: And remember, there are three hundred NHS roles known! So, fathoming out who's who and what their responsibilities are ensures that you are talking to the right person, and that your expectations will be realistic.Here's a informative webpage from a leading NHS hospital.

ii) Shift patterns (when the staff work either early – afternoon (overlap), evening, night session operate a 'named nurse’ system.  If in doubt about what to do, check with the member of staff who has been allocated to look after your particular relative for the current shift.  Typically they will be managing half a dozen patients (dependent on level of need) in the same bay or adjoin bedrooms, 'Who has been allotted to look after your relative for the particular shift? They may be working alongside a Health Care Assistant along with the Domestic cleaners (who are not usually permitted to provide hands on patient care), and the housekeepers who bring around the water jug and allotted times as deal with food ordering, provision. Where needed on high dependency wards, staff are deployed to help assist with feeding. This might be something you want to help out with, Check first with the named nurse Plenty of common sense, e.g. if food needs cutting up placing serviette to prevent spills to clothes/bedding

iii) Recharging: Hospital is as much about rest so do not feel it’s necessary to /entertain then overtax the person. They will be happy to have the company of a familiar face

iv) Avoid fussing & go with what they want. Encouraging them to do what they are able for themselves

v) There is normally kit available to each patient as electronic bed lifts. Call buttons etc. You might ensure these are within hands reach and that they are able to operate themselves.

Common Sense: I hope this information is not coming across as patronizing. I mean no harm and believe we can all work together to maximize care provision to those in need, and an improved experience for patients/relatives/staff. If you want to know more about where I am coming from, Read the blog and comment. Let’s Spread the word...

this en suit is gold standard .and is usually reserved where  patients needs necessitate  a separate room.

vii) Urine bottle. Don't be afraid of this essential bit of kit. It’s imperative that the patient is able to relieve themselves bedside if unable to walk to the toilet (which has to be the preferred option, however if you escort to a nearby toilet  check with the named nurse first that it’s OK and you are confident. Sometimes urine output is recorded from the bottle.

vii) Bed tables are sometimes a bit awkward. They normally rise automatically to touch and lower by pressing a leaver. These are best positioned such that the patient can readily access the things they most need i.e. a drink of water (if allowed sometimes there are restrictions on medical grounds. If in doubt ask the named nurse). All common sense really. An uncluttered table is always going to be preferable  to prevent hazards of spillage which then results in a major procedure of changing beds, pajamas etc .particulalarlyy where food ,juice and food is spilt as this may look unsightly and . Prevention is always better than cure

Uncluttered bed table within ready access to patient.
Free of potential Hazard. Upright posture being preferable 

viii) Positioning including meal times: There are options i) get your relative to electronically raise  themselves with the kit provided if available into an upright sitting position  which aids normal breathing and  helps to prevent chest infection. At meal times the back rest to a regular eating position that suits them.Have you ever successfully lay prone and tried to eat drink without spilling?.Common sense. ii) Check with the named nurse if it’s OK for the person your are visiting are able to to sit upright in the adjoining chair with the table ideally placed or sit on the edge of the bed with feet on floor. With a drip (intro venous) infusion in your arm, confusion its sometimes tricky to poor oneself a drink of water from the jug or to cut food items. This is something you might consider.

When first getting on to the bed, think where first to place ones posterior and where it’s likely to be until the next excursion. Then swing legs up onto the bed, Prevents unnecessary lifting etc.