Emergency floor transformation and staff investment proves a success
Over the past 12 months the emergency floor team has completed an innovative transformation resulting in zero nursing vacancies, less reliance on agency staff, an increase in positive feedback and a decrease in complaints.
The team recruited five agile trainee advanced clinical practitioners who rotate across the emergency floor providing much needed support to the busiest areas.
In addition to this, a new practice development team has had a significant impact on recruitment and retention, providing new starters with a supportive induction programme to help them settle into the new role.
They have welcomed two trainee emergency practitioners and a number of nurses from a variety of countries including South Africa, Nigeria, Spain, the Philippines, India and Portugal, who have all progressed into more senior roles since they joined our Trust a year ago.
Head of Nursing, Urgent and Emergency Care, Samara Lamb, said: “The investment and transformation we have been able to achieve within our Emergency Floor team, despite the demand on our services, is something all the team should be proud of.
“The development of roles and introduction of new staff will complement the ongoing estates building work meaning we will continue to provide resilient high quality urgent and emergency care services to our community.”
The recruitment of a band 7 senior nurse means that the Acute Assessment Unit now has senior nursing support, 12 hours a day, 7 days a week as well as the Emergency Department which now also has senior nursing support 24/7. A newly appointed Trauma Audit and Research Network Coordinator will ensure we maintain our reputation and compliance with the Trauma Network.
The introduction of senior healthcare assistants to the areas has reduced demand on the nursing teams as they are able to offer additional support with medical support and with training.
New departmental housekeepers are helping to keep our patients nutritional and hydration needs met, and two newly appointed senior stores assistants will ensure stock levels across the floor are maintained. The admin and clerical team have a new team manager responsible for overseeing ward clerks, housekeepers, porters and reception team.
The introduction of quarterly meetings for the entire emergency Floor means that everyone feels more involved and aware of key decisions meaning team morale has improved.
Every member of the team had their annual appraisal before the end of May, helping staff to reflect on progress, successes and ensuring that discussion around personal development and progression are prioritised to help them progress further.
All of this combined with the anticipation of the completion of our new £12.2milliion emergency care floor to co-locate our emergency department and urgent treatment centre will bring even more benefits for both patients and staff.