On the Wards

In October last year, Noah’s Ark Appeal supporters were introduced to just some of people who make the Children’s Hospital what it is – warm, welcoming and friendly. So impressed were we with these caring, dedicated staff that we decided to meet some more.

Join Appeal staff Matt and Jasmine as they wander the wards and meet the people who care for sick children every day.
 

Helen
Our first stop of the day found us in the assessment unit, where we met Staff Nurse Helen. She’s worked for the Children’s Hospital for two and a half years, and we asked her to tell us about what she does.

“I work in the Assessment Unit which means I meet initial arrivals to the hospital, along with children who have been referred to us by their GP. It can be hard seeing the parents so worried for their children but I like being able to comfort and reassure them.”
 

Stella & Carolyn
Stella is a nurse on Land Ward and Carolyn works in Transitional Care.

Stella: “I love the variety of ages that I get to work with on Land ward. I initially planned to be a teacher, so I always knew I wanted to work with kids. Land is a fun ward to work on but when you’ve got children from two to sixteen years together, the older ones can get bored. Patientline, which The Noah's Ark Appeal funded, has been a great help.”

Carolyn: “In transitional care, there are a maximum of two patients to every nurse, so I get to build a great relationship with the children and their parents. The care can be short term to long term, and it’s been great seeing the reaction of kids to the Children’s Hospital. They especially love the art work and you’ll see them drag their parents all around the winding floor patterns!”
 

Erica
Erica is a Paediatric Surgical Nurse Practitioner.

“I specialise in extended nursing. I assess patients, admit them, and prescribe medication. I have eighteen years experience in my field and work with a team of five surgeons. I’ve always had a deep interest in surgery, as generally children will go into the operating theatre and come out better. It’s fantastic being a part of that journey.

I enjoy every aspect of my job – building relationships with children and their families, and seeing them from initial admittance to waving them home. It’s challenging work – some days when the ward is full I just won’t stop. Experience has taught how best to tailor my day around the patients and their needs, often through putting them as in charge of their care as possible. Although on the whole, kids are so resilient. They bounce back faster than you’d think.

I can’t wait for the new surgical wards in Phase Two. At the moment, patients going from the wards to and from surgery have to be transported some distance through main corridors, which can be very distressing for patients and visitors.”
 

Heather
Heather has worked as an auxiliary nurse for 28 years. 11 of these spent in paediatrics, and she says she never wants to leave.

“I love the amount of patient contact my job gives me. I get the chance to form close bonds with the patients and their families every day. I mostly find myself working with children on a long-stay basis. The days can be hard, but even if you’re tired and stressed, a smile or a hug from just one child will pick you right back up again. I like being a permanent fixture on South Ward, because if kids come back for repeat treatment, they’ll look out for you as that friendly face – it’s great to be a comfort to them.

I’m looking forward to Phase Two. Phase One already has a huge impact on the families – they really like the look and feel of it.”
 

June
Receptionist on South ward, June has worked with children for over 17 years.

“I’m the first contact for children and parents when they arrive in South ward. I’ll have their notes ready, book them in and show them to their bed. I love the amount of patient contact in this post, but currently the ward is bit clogged. That’ll change with Phase Two and I look forward to a new reception desk and an office better suited to the services we provide.

There’s a lot of variety on this ward, and even as I get older, I still find myself surprised and cheered by young people. I’ve enjoyed getting to know everyone and I can’t wait for the new opportunities that Phase Two will bring.”
 

Sam
Our last stop is the high dependency unit, where we meet Sam, a student nurse.

“I started out working in childcare but decided that nursing was the career for me. This job can be hard, especially when a young life ends. It’s an emotional challenge for staff as well as parents.

But I like seeing the way families can support each other, especially siblings. The young tend to adapt the quickest. In the HDU we get a lot of variety and there are only two patients to every nurse, so we have a lot of time with them. I love meeting new people and I’m glad to make a difference.”