Supported Services

Nursing staff and healthcare assistants are on the unit to assist you and support you to do as much for yourself as possible with your daily routine and medical needs. They provide specialist services such as tissue viability, continence care, infection control and phlebotomy.

The Nursing Department is responsible for the provision of nursing and care services to our residents and includes resident/patient and staff safety, risk management and household services. The Nursing Department works in partnership with the other disciplines to provide a high standard of evidence-based care and support to all our residents.

Occupational Therapy (OT) Department provides a service to long term residents, residents of the Clevis and rehabilitation clients. Referrals can be made via the electronic HSCP referral system. The OT team works closely with the activity facilitators to ensure that residents are engaging in activities that are appropriate from a cognitive and physical perspective leading to a positive impact on quality of life.

Therapeutic interventions include:

• Activities of daily living
• Seating, pressure care and 24-hour positioning
• Splinting
• Assessment for and provision of adaptive equipment
• Therapeutic activities both on a group and individual basis
• Sensory intervention, doll therapy, weighted equipment
• Facilitate a safe discharge home for rehab clients

The physiotherapy team provides assessment of long term residents, residents of the Clevis, rehabilitation and day centre clients following referral on admission and when clinically indicated. This assessment forms the basis for personalised physiotherapy intervention. This may include individual treatment or exercise or group exercises. This may be delivered in the physiotherapy department or at unit level and may include strength and balance exercises, transfer and mobility practice, falls prevention and management, pain management and 24 hour positioning.

Dietetic service is available on a part-time basis only. Dietitians assess, diagnose and treat nutrition related issues. They work closely with the medical officer, IDT, catering and all support staff to ensure dietary advice follows SLT assessed texture modification requirements in addition to specific therapeutic needs while considering each resident’s own dietary preferences.

The speech and language therapist assesses a resident’s feeding, eating, drinking, and swallowing so that their risk of aspiration and
choking is minimised. Recommendations are made in relation to food, drinks, posture,  equipment  and strategies in the context of person-centred care,  positive risk management and quality of life. The SLT also assesses a resident’s communication challenges in order to optimise their communication abilities using talking mats, amplifiers, picture boards, gestures, communication technology, staff training etc.

The role of the social worker is to provide emotional and practical supports to residents. Social work helps with the transition process to long term care for both residents and their families. Social work provides information and advice on issues relating to decision making capacity. Assistance is also given to regarding social welfare applications/queries. The Senior Medical Social Worker is also one of the Designated Officers for safeguarding.

Pharmacy work closely with the medical and nursing team and other healthcare professionals to make sure that residents get the best pharmaceutical care possible. They monitor and review all medications regularly and promote the safe, effective and economical use of medicines.

Podiatrists enhance people’s independence and quality of life by providing preventative care, diagnosis and treatment of a range of problems affecting the feet, ankles and lower legs.

The activities team facilitates residents to engage and participate in meaningful activities. As activities are a core component of occupational therapy (OT), the OT staff use their skills and knowledge to support the activity facilitators and others, to present activities in a person-centred manner suitable for resident’s abilities, and to enhance their experience. This in turn aims to bring residents joy, satisfaction, relaxation and provide overall engagement opportunities.

Chaplaincy offers pastoral care and emotional support to residents, their families and loved ones, and to staff members. Chaplains work as part of the interdisciplinary team and work co-operatively with other hospital departments.

Fostering a sense of community, togetherness, belonging, meaning, fun and joy is an important aspect of the chaplaincy role. End-of-life care is another important aspect. Our Chaplain is actively involved with the Caru Group and has been trained to facilitate End-of-Life reviews.