19 November 2013

Medical Ward nurse Tina Sigvertson and clinical nurse manager Colleen Hill test Wanganui Hospital’s new 'Patient status at a glance' boards

 
Whanganui District Health Board (WDHB) director of nursing Sandy Blake’s push to have ‘eye-catching’ Patient status at a glance boards installed beside every patient’s bed became a reality this week in Wanganui Hospital’s Medical Ward.
 
With a quick glance, clinicians can now see the level of assistance a patient requires, whether they are at risk of falling or developing a pressure ulcer, their care plan for the day, and if the patient has written down any questions in the space provided.
 
Mrs Blake first saw the boards at Auckland Hospital and on realising their potential, formed a working group tasked with adapting, and making them visually appealing for Wanganui Hospital staff, patients and family/whanau.
 
“It’s invaluable for our clinical staff, patients and their supporters to look at these Patient status at a glance boards and very quickly understand what the patient’s risks and needs are,” Mrs Blake says.
 
“They’re helping us encourage patients to take an interest in what their care involves, to understand what goals have been set for the day ahead and to write down any notes or questions they might have for the staff caring for them. They’re also being welcomed by staff who start their shift not knowing a patient.”
 
Mrs Blake says now the boards have been installed in the Medical Ward, they’re being trialled in the Surgical and Assessment, Treatment and Rehabilitation (ATR ) Wards to see if they need to be adjusted for use there. The ATR Ward has requested space on the board for information on patients’ dietary needs.