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Professional Concern is a group of 24 professional retired nurses. They formed two years ago following reports that nursing care across the country was falling below standard. Basic nursing care seemed to be slipping off the agenda, so instead of complaining about it the group thought they would do something useful and constructive to help to improve it.
They were invited to meet the Director of Nursing and have since:
- participated in audits on the rehabilitation and stroke wards
- attended training for aseptic non-touch technique and we will be observing staff on the wards when this is carried out
- contributed to the trust's nutrition policy.
One group member attends the nutrition steering group of which senior nurses and medical staff are present. All means of nutrition are discussed and any problems addressed. This group has been successful in making positive changes. For example:
protected meal times
introduction of nutritional feeding assistant
introduction of housekeepers and the ward hostess
In the future the group will be involved in the Productive Ward Project which involves looking at what the nursing staff do with their time. This is due to start later in the year due to the Derbyshire Royal Infirmary closing
and all acute services are being transferred to a brand new hospital - Derby City General.
Derby Hospital's Deputy Director of Nursing said "We have been delighted to have the support from retired nursing colleagues who have a long history of nursing at Derby hospitals and we welcome their expertise in feedback on modern-day services"
For more information about Professional Concern email bkeal@btinternet.com or Maddy Hackett mdhackett@hotmail.co.uk or visit the Professional Concern website
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