Inspirational ward keeps patients active

Main image: Back row from left - Sister Julie Andrews, staff nurse Saskia Howell, health care support worker Ria Williams. Front row left, health care support worker Ann Thomas and housekeeper Debs Gidney

Hair and nail days, bingo, puzzles, chair aerobics, singing and themed celebrations have become routine on an inspirational ward.

Not only do sister Julie Andrews and her team make sure their older patients get dressed and move around – a key step in preparation for leaving hospital – they have come up with a whole programme of events to keep minds active and spirits up.

Their work on ward 8 in Singleton Hospital is being highlighted during Active August, a month the health board is dedicating to helping older people move more to boost their overall health and wellbeing.

We know that by helping people do the simple things in a way which suits them, we can keep them well for longer and, if they’re in hospital, improve their outcome.

“There is this historical idea that people go into pyjamas and nighties when they come into hospital, despite the fact we have been trying to quash that for years and years,” said Julie.

Together with her team she was transferred to Singleton from Morriston Hospital, where they had been nursing surgical patients, who were often very unwell.

Faced with completely different circumstances at Singleton, where the majority of patients on the ward are older, have completed their treatment and are awaiting additional support to go home, the team got their thinking caps on.

Gifted with extra space, they have created a day room for patients with spectacular views over the seafront and a comprehensive activity programme. Patients are also encouraged to eat their meals at the table in the day room.

Patients enjoy games in the ward 8 day room supported by staff Credit: Julie Andrews

Ward housekeeper Debs Gidney said having the day room encourages those patients who are able to, to get up and get dressed.

“When I go in to see the patients in the morning with their breakfast they ask me if they’re going to the bingo hall today. That’s how they see the day room,” she said.

The staff have also decorated the day room for special occasions such as Wimbledon and the 80^th anniversary of D-Day.

Ward receptionist Katie Tracey, a former hairdresser, also joins Debs to offer hair styling sessions and other members of the team do nails.

Debs added: “Sometimes we even take the patients outside if it’s sunny, as long as they are well enough. We take them down to the seafront and to look at the wonderful flower beds.”

Julie said: “The whole team are amazing. Charge nurse Francesco Bonifacio and sister Samantha Beamond have been instrumental in setting everything up, but everyone plays a part.

“The support we have had off the Singleton management has been great too.

“I do see changes in the patients from when they come here to when they go home. They are genuinely very happy. I definitely see an attitude change.

“Even if they can’t come to the day room, the team will make sure they are engaged in activity while in bed. Staff throw balloons back and forth for them to catch or they play cards with them.”

Matron Ann Bevan said: “This team is inspirational.”

Ward 8 receptionist Katie Tracey, a former hairdresser, styles a patient's hair. Credit: Julie Andrews