the Fundamentals of Care

Acute Medical Unit, Royal

Following a decrease in compliance of Waterlow risk assessments for pressure ulcers, the Acute Medical Unit (AMU) team at the Royal Liverpool Hospital has been focusing on a targeted initiative to increase compliance. The team smashed their target of 60% in their first month, achieving 80% compliance, thanks to the addition of two digital tablets in the AMU.

Marianne Valdez, Ward Manager, said: “There’s been a really positive uptake in Waterlow risk assessments, which is the scoring system we use to provide guidance on risk status, wound assessment and dressing. The addition of tablets rather than laptops makes access to the risk assessment much easier, and we can assess admissions in real time as the tablets are attached to our nurses. We’re now working to understand how we can make this a sustained improvement and ultimately achieve 100% compliance.”

Major Trauma Ward, Aintree

The team on the Major Trauma Ward at Aintree Hospital has introduced a Munchie Mobile, which is available three times daily between mealtimes and stocked with from donations from staff as well as hospital biscuits, crackers and fruit. It has been designed to support the nutrition, hydration and wellbeing of patients in their care.

Katrina Glover, Ward Manager, said:“We have a really diverse mix of patients on our ward with different preferences around what they eat and drink. The menu on offer for patients is great but we do notice that sometimes our younger patients prefer snacks and refreshments around the main mealtimes, so the team came up with the idea of the Munchie Mobile so patients can choose something they like at any time of day. It has proved really popular and is also a bit of a mood boost for patients when we can give them their favourite drink or snack at a time when they’re recovering from traumatic events.”