Mia's experience as a Deputy Lead
by Mia Maxwell
I have to step back from my role as the Deputy Team Lead (CNS LOROS) and return to my other role as a CNS from the 01/04/2024.
I am immensely grateful for the opportunity I've had to serve as Deputy Team Lead and for the support and collaboration of each and every one of you during this time. Your dedication, hard work, and commitment to our patients have been inspiring, and I have full confidence in our team's ability to continue thriving and delivering exceptional care.
As I transition back to my role as a nurse, I will do everything in my power to ensure a smooth handover to Kelly as the Team Lead (LOROS CNS). All responsibilities i.e. health roster, TOIL, education and annual leave will go back to Kelly.
I look forward to continuing to work alongside each of you within my capacity 😊.Â
by Kelly Richardson
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mia for taking on the role as Deputy Team Lead with such enthusiasm and professionalism. On my return to work from an episode of long term leave, Mia was a great support to me and the team, including our Community Outreach Service Lead Caroline Plumb. Mia enabled time for me to be updated with operational and managerial updates and supported with changes within our team and service. Mia has been pivotal in the development and education within our team, working with the LOROS education team in setting up a CNS mandatory training day to meet our needs and encourages development within our team. Mia will continue to be the link and educator for the CHC/fast track training for the service. She has put on several valuable workshops and will continue to do so as needed.
Mia has also commenced on the Non-Medical Prescribing Course which is going really well for her. Â
Mia has excellent IT skills which has enabled her to support the team with any concerns and has been very proactive in managing the teams working roster, annual leave, TOIL, data quality and devising new spreadsheets for accurate record keeping.
Mia has received lovely and positive feedback from her colleagues across the service whilst in her deputy role. She has no doubt been a great support to her colleagues/team as a Deputy Team Lead and has took the opportunity to learn and developed her leadership skills that she can take forward.
Mia has not only been a great Deputy Team Lead but she is a compassionate CNS and receives heart-warming feedback from her patients and their carers/relatives.
Mia is also a great support to her colleagues within her hub.
Thank you Mia 😊
A day in the life of an HCA
Logging onto SystmOne
Begin the day by logging into SystmOne to check patient visits.
Review any medication changes, condition updates, overnight care notes, and determine any supplies needed for the day.
Liaising with colleagues
Coordinate with colleagues to confirm visit times and exchange any additional necessary information.
Visits
Personal care visits: Assist patients with their personal care needs, guided by their preferences. This may include washing, checking for pressure sores, repositioning, and providing mouth care.
Family support: Answer family questions, offer support, and refer them to additional services if needed.
Assessment visits: Evaluate new patients, particularly those recently discharged from the hospital. Determine care packages, order necessary equipment like profiling beds, and sometimes coordinate with services like the fire brigade.
Information sharing: Provide families with service leaflets and information on various aspects of care and support.
Documentation
Document each visit in SystmOne.
Provide verbal handovers to the late team if necessary.
Raise any concerns or equipment needs with the coordination team.
Document and report any pressure area issues, uploading photos and completing necessary forms.
Bereavement visits
After a patient dies, visit to collect medical equipment and medications.
Offer families information on bereavement services and further support.
Syringe driver boxes/supplies
Collect and return syringe drivers to base for cleaning and restocking.
Check stock levels in the stock room and inform admin if supplies are low.
Prepare grab bags with essential equipment and supplies for visits.
Training and supervision
Stay updated with mandatory training on ULearn.
Participate in supervision sessions to discuss case studies, patient experiences, equipment, and other relevant issues.
Hello, goodbye and congratulations!
Welcome to:
Clare Turner (ICSPCT Operational Lead) based at New Parks Health Centre in the Co-ordination centre
Hollie Templeton LOROS CNS
Rachael Bale LPT CNS
Toni Smart LPT CNS
Alex Skinner LOROS CNS
Elizabeth Cherry LPT HCA
Zack Cain Rapid Responder
Goodbye to:
Melanie Rushton who retired in March after many years serving as a CNS within UHL and then in the community for LOROS.
Congratulations to:
Tina Corner Charnwood LOROS CNS, on passing her Non-medical Prescribing course and Georgia Brader on the birth of her baby boy.
Good news stories
The European Certificate
The European Certificate in essential palliative care course which commenced again on 15th April with CNS’s and Rapid Responders from LOROS and LPT commencing on the course. ECEPC is a highly respected qualification in palliative care founded and coordinated by Princess Alice Hospice since 2001.
Well done to all studying this qualification!
LOROS inpatient MDT
LOROS inpatient MDT now has attendance from a representative from the community CNS on a rotation basis and has proven to be beneficial for communication and collaborative working to meet the needs of our patients and families.
ISCPCT is also held weekly and welcomes services from LOROS compassionate neighbours, day therapy, Enablement, SW and Counselling to work more collaboratively and utilise services and meet the needs of our pts and families, great support for the community CNS’s too.
Patient and carer feedback
"The 2 nurses Kelly and Hollie put my brother’s mind at peace. Thank you so much, you can’t improve on the best thing is someone’s life."
"I wanted to express my deepest gratitude for the incredible care and support provided by the LOROS Palliative Care team, with a special mention to Natasha Kazinski."
"During this challenging time, Natasha’s presence made us feel that we weren’t alone. We cannot thank you enough for the outstanding care and support that Natasha and the LOROS team have provided, we are grateful beyond words."
"Hollie listened, she gives us time, she helped with personal care. All my friend wanted was a shave and she did that. Our opinions mattered. Thank you and your team for making us feel listened to."
