Heartbeat: Lyndon 5 had a blast celebrating their first year of success
October 24, 2018
It’s one year since Lyndon 5 ward was opened and the important milestone was marked with celebrations.
The Lyndon 5 team have enjoyed a successful year – and it’s no wonder – colleagues working on the ward have achieved the highest number of ‘golden patient discharges’ (which means patients are discharged before 10am) and successfully implemented a new initiative which has resulted in zero falls with harm.
Heartbeat visited the team’s birthday celebration and spoke to Ward Manager, Vikki Howard to find out about the team’s journey.
“I’m so proud of my team for their hard work and dedication. During the year we have been open, we have established rhythm of the day, where staff know exactly what happens on their shifts, the processes in place, and the discharge plans,” said Vikki.
“One of our proudest achievements has to be the implementation of the ‘grab bags’ scheme. These contain all the necessary equipment for patients, such as wipes and towels, and they are placed outside toilets on the ward.
“This means that when a nurse takes a patient to the toilet, they have the right items to hand. Thanks to this simple and safe initiative, there have been zero falls with harms since June.”
Vikki has been credited for the team’s success. Her colleagues believe her determination has built a positive environment on the ward.
Dr Asim Majeed, Consultant Geriatrician, said: “I truly believe that Vikki’s leadership makes a big difference to Lyndon 5.
“It is no longer an extra capacity ward, but a substantive team now. Doctors feel more confident when working on the ward and have actively chosen to come and work here, as they see how the ward is safely run and well-coordinated.”
Helen Barners, daughter of patient Edward Griffiths, also praised the team. She said: “My father has been on the ward for six weeks and he has been treated so well.
“The nurses and healthcare assistants always give him extra help and spend time talking to him. We do feel that the clinicians are part of our family and I can’t thank them enough for the care that they have been giving to my father.”