RD&E portering manager's wheelchair innovation
Patients requiring the use of wheelchairs at the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust are enjoying a better service thanks to the creative skills of a member of staff.
Jason Maddocks, portering manager at the RD&E, came up with an idea of how to improve the design of the current hospital wheelchair intravenous (I.V.) poles – an idea which also scooped an award at the hospital’s spring Extraordinary People Awards.
While transferring patients across the hospital, Jason had noticed that some medical pumps tended to slide down the current I.V pole and others became lodged behind the pole. When this happened, patients had to carry the pump on their laps, making journeys less comfortable.
He set to work designing an I.V and pump pole which makes it possible for medical pumps to be held securely in one place.
He said: “One of the porters told me that it was not possible for medical pumps to be securely held on the current wheelchair pole. This made things uncomfortable for our patients and meant the pump could easily break; in some cases patients had to carry them on their laps.
“I quickly identified the problem and contacted our wheelchair supplier to adapt and make a pole to the best possible specifications. The new poles mean that medical pumps can now be held securely in place and make things easier and safer for our patients.”
Diane Ody, general manager for operations at the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, said: “This is a great example of how our staff are making suggestions that lead to improvements that enhance patient care.
“Even the smallest of changes can make a real difference to our patients and can help to ensure they have the best possible experience when visiting our hospital.
“As always we invite our patients, their carers and their families to get in touch if they have any suggestions on how we could improve things at the hospital. We’d invite them to visit our website on www.rdehospital.nhs.uk to find out more.”
Jason won an Extraordinary People award for his innovative idea in the Spring awards season. The autumn awards are now up and running, and nominations are being taken until September 9.
Patients can nominate in the Excellent Care category. This award is for members of staff who have gone above and beyond normal expectations to care for patients with exemplary kindness, dignity and respect. The 'Extraordinary Volunteers Award' is to recognise volunteers who provide invaluable support to staff and patients.
To make a nomination, go to the RD&E website: http://www.rdehospital.nhs.uk/trust/extraordinary_awards
