News

Merton healthcare team honoured for their work with stroke recovery woman

Summary:

A Merton woman’s recovery from a stroke has seen her team of healthcare professionals receive a special award for their hard work.

By Abbi Parris

A Merton woman’s recovery from a stroke has seen her team of healthcare professionals receive a special award for their hard work.

Beryl Smith was discharged from St. Helier’s hospital on September 2 2009 and has learnt to walk and communicate again thanks to the Early Supported Discharge Team (ESD).

ESD has received a special award from the Sutton and Merton Community Services (SMCS) in their annual awards ceremony.

Sue Willlams, Beryl’s daughter said: “The team were always extremely patient and approachable, often going above and beyond the call of duty to ensure my mum received the care she needed. They truly deserve this award.”

Beryl could not move without the aid of a wheelchair and could not carry out everyday activities such as washing, dressing and cooking.

However the team, who help people return home and live independently, within seven weeks helped her to walk independently with a frame, communicate and become more involved with everyday activities.

SMCS provide medical front-line staff to the community, including nurses, occupational therapists and physiotherapists, and staff and the public can nominate a medical team for an award.

Linda Mcquaid, Chief Operating officer of SMCS said: “They are the unsung heroes of their local health service. These staff awards are a great way to give credit where it is due and recognise how our staff are improving the lives of local people by constantly improving services.”

The Cannon Hill Cluster 7 Community Nursing Team won the “Improving Patient Care” category by spending more time with patients.

Amanda Greenham, Community Staff Nurse and Trish McGinley District Nursing Team Leader improved team organisation and re-evaluated the way services are carried out in the community.

Runner-ups were Caroline Bardey and Lorraine Galloway who visited primary schools to collect information on children’s measurements and provided them with information on leading healthier lifestyles.

Other awards went to Karin Freemantle, Team Leader Community Nursing, Rachel Wylie Team Administrator and Julia Russell, a Respiratory Nurse.

Related Articles