Developments in critical care are celebrated at special reunion
Former patients and staff gather at the Critical Care reunion event earlier this month
Advances in care for critically ill patients were celebrated at a special event on Tuesday 12 April 2011 at Poole Hospital. The event brought together staff and former patients, and marked the end of a successful refurbishment project that has resulted in significant benefits for patients.
Poole Hospital’s intensive care unit and high dependency unit have been combined to create one flexible critical care area, and new technology including state-of-the-art monitoring equipment and ventilation apparatus has been introduced to help staff provide the very best in care.
The new monitoring system allows all patients to be monitored centrally, and includes a small second monitor which moves with the patient – for example, if they need to go to the operating theatre or for a scan – thereby improving patient safety.
The reunion event was an opportunity for former patients to meet up with the staff who cared for them during their hospital stay, and was attended by around 25 patients and their family members.
Rachel Shear and Gary Burnley were amongst those attending the event. The couple were both brought in to Poole Hospital in November 2010 following a serious car accident - Gary in a coma with broken ribs and a punctured lung, and Rachel with multiple fractures.
Recalling her stay, Rachel commented: “The staff were just amazing. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t have my leg.” Gary added: “The attitude of staff here really helped with my recovery – they’re so positive. I couldn’t fault them.”
Tim Littler was admitted to the hospital in 2004 with pneumonia, and became critically ill with septicaemia: “I remember thinking, I’ve had it - why are they trying to save my life,” he recalled. “My organs failed one by one and I was kept alive by machines, but I slowly recovered. The staff were fantastic – I went through some pretty horrible things, but they did absolutely everything they could for you.”
Sharon Welch was admitted to intensive care in December 2010 after becoming seriously ill following swine flu. “I can’t thank the doctors and nurses enough for saving my life – several times,” she said. “I received excellent, excellent care.”
Welcoming guests to the reunion, Critical Care Matron Amanda Saltmarsh said: “It’s humbling to have you all here. It makes our job worthwhile.”
Explaining the reason for the event, she said: “The reunion came about as a result of the critical care follow-up service, which is run by senior staff in the unit and works to reduce the psychological effects of critical care and critical illness. The service is provided by staff who have the expertise to explain, support and advise patients about what they have been through and how to manage the ongoing effects.”
Dr Spike Briggs, Lead Consultant in Critical Care at Poole Hospital said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming back former patients – it’s wonderful to see people back on their feet and enjoying their lives after they have experienced serious illness.”
“The reconfiguration of our critical care department is also cause for celebration, and will enhance the excellent standards of care already given at Poole.”
Date: 21 April 2011