Ward 3 team at Queen's Hospital Burton recognised by UHDB for creating lasting memories for end of life patient
The respiratory medicine team on Ward 3 at Queen's Hospital Burton (QHB), who supported a patient to fulfil their final wishes and gave "their family some beautiful memories", was recently recognised with an End of Life Care (EoLC) Achievement Award presented to them by the End of Life Care team at University Hospitals Derby and Burton (UHDB).
While being treated by the team, the patient in his thirties, requested to spend time during his last days with those closest to him, especially his family and his beloved dog.
The team on Ward 3, although not a palliative or end of life ward, pride themselves on having the passion and knowledge of getting things right for their patients. On more than one occasion, the team were able to organise for this patient to spend time with his family and his dog in the garden next to the ward.
By making a side room available where the patient could see into the garden and putting soft lighting in his room to make if feel less clinical, he was able to spend time with his wife and family in a comfortable setting.
As being outdoors was important, the team made it possible for him and his family to have time in the garden. The patient's dog was also brought along for the visit and the family were able to create lasting memories and take photos.
Despite the challenging nature of their work, the team on Ward 3 never faulted in working with empathy and integrity. Netty Webster, Ward 3 Senior Sister, explains, "it can be tough emotionally, but each day we pull on our uniforms and put our own emotions aside to bring compassion to help create lasting memories for our patients."
The department also receives support from Susy Insley and David Lindo in the Chaplaincy team at QHB, who are both regular faces on Ward 3. Netty explained: "They often drop in to see patients and come and check that the staff are also okay. They know we have a tough time, and we don't always have to call, they just appear! It's nice to be able to offload ourselves."
Ward 3 received an EoLC Accreditation in 2023, which was the first at QHB, and are proud of being recognised twice for their compassion in this area.
Mark Hill, Director of Nursing at UHDB, expressed his gratitude for the team for their "display of compassion, empathy, dignity and respect to a patient and their family - enabling there to be memories made to meet with a patient's final wishes."