Ironing out the cancer nursing challenges during Covid-19 webinar

Yesterday (December 1st) I attended a webinar about the cancer nursing challenges during Covid -19. It was very informative.  It was interesting to hear about staff too scared to come to work, even experienced staff, due to the Covid-19. And to think, the Royal Marsden hospital did not have enough PPE supplies.  The ever-changing rules of the corona roller coaster can cause stress, and this can impact your health, energy, and immune system.

How have nurses responded to the Covid?  The emotional connection from seeing your patients face and them seeing their nurses face is now gone due to everyone wearing masks, so now patients and nurses must rely on body language and eyes to get that emotional connection.

Another issue that nurses have to work on is that when a patient comes in with a cough, is it Covid-19 or could it be something else? When do they send the patient out to investigate if it could be lung cancer?  Patients feel they are not getting the care they need, and will it contribute to the shortening of their lives? Care for cancer patients has not stopped, it has slowed down.  Those who are already in a trial are continuing their trials, but those who were about to start their trials have experienced some delays. How do the nurses reassure these individuals? These are the challenges that nurses face.

They also talked about Genomics which is the study of our genes (DNA) and their interaction with our health.  It can link those with the BRAC 1 and BRAC 2 genes.  Everyone has the BRCA1 and BRCA 2 genes, it is just that some people have an inherited mutation in one or both of these genes that increase the risk of breast cancer.  These mutations can be passed from parent to children and can increase the risk for cancer in both men and women.

BRCA1 mutations are associated with an increased risk of triple-negative breast cancer, which is very difficult to treat.  BRAC2 mutations are associated with increased risk of breast, ovarian, pancreatic, gallbladder, bile duct, and melanoma cancers.  For other types of cancer, they have now discovered different biomarkers, and these biomarkers can be used to determine the best course of treatment.

Overall the webinar reflected that the challenges we face taking care of our patients, clients or service user are real and we have to do the best we can to get across the messages we need to from behind the mask and hope that they can relate.

Sophia Wilson, Clinical Nurse

/by

Specialist training from a dedicated Clinical Nursecated Clinical Nurse

Total Community Care’s (TCC) training is delivered by a clinical nurse with appropriate experience in the client’s diagnosis and health care needs. All support worker staff complete key competency training specifically related to meeting the client’s needs. This is underpinned by clinical supervision and observation of care delivery.
Specialist trainers are also employed by TCC. These experts work alongside the care team in the early weeks of the care package commencing to ensure best practice and hands on support for the staff. This supports the clinical nurse and enables the client and the team to have access to training at a time when needed and issues are likely to be encountered.
The dedicated clinical nurse’s role includes:
Practical training
Classroom/theory training
Achievement of required person-centred skills
To determine any necessary shadow shifts
Care planning
Identification of clinical issues
Supervisions
Risk assessment
Review and refresh sessions
Professional development
Coordination of training dates
Monitoring
Quality assurance
Audit
As a bespoke care provider we will recruit a team specifically for the care package. The client, family and where appropriate health care professionals or case managers are involved in the recruitment and selection of the care team. The appointed staff attend a paid four day ‘Induction’ programme. This includes mandatory sessions and a person centred day specifically on the client’s health, emotional and social care needs.
All care planning, risk assessment and associated documentation is undertaken by the appointed Clinical Nurse ensuring a person centred approach and an awareness and insight into the client’s needs. Management monitoring visits are undertaken and these provide an opportunity to review care provision, care records and any issues or incidents arising. All care records are audited along with incident management.
All support staff have a minimum of six supervisions and at a minimum an annual review of any development needs post completion of their competency training. TCC are experienced in managing complex care packages and recognise the importance of ensuring that the highest standards of care are maintained at all times.
Staff receive training on a wide range of competencies specific to each client’s needs which are identified in the care plan. Examples include: moving and handling; bowel management; bladder management; skin care and management; medication management; pain management; personal hygiene;  autonomic dysreflexia; respiratory care; temperature control;  enteral feeding; health and safety; first aid; record keeping; infection control and hygiene; safeguarding of vulnerable adults; standing and circulation; privacy and dignity; corporate induction; equality and diversity; fluids and nutrition; mobility and allergies. All clinical care is overseen and monitored by the TCC Clinical Director Chris Freestone RN. He line manages the Clinical team ensuring effective care delivery and clinical governance.
TCC’s Clinical Nurses and Trainers attend a monthly meeting held at TC’s head office. The forum is used to discuss and review clinical incidents, ensure professional development and promote clinical supervision and feedback.
A robust quality assurance framework is also in place that monitors clinical incidents such as medication errors, infections and clinical issues arising. All care plans and associated documentation are formally reviewed a minimum of 6 monthly. All staff undertake annual refresher training to ensure best practice and updates of evidence based care.
 “I have audited a significant number of Total Community Care’s past and current care packages within my role as a Care Expert and I am confident that they have robust and professionally led systems in place, with well trained and clinically managed support workers. As a result, clients and their families are happy with the services they receive.”
Care Expert     

/by

Managing the Neurogenic Bowel: Skills and Competency Training

 

Last week I attended a one day training course, run by the Spinal Injuries Association, SCI Nurse Specialists Carol Adcock and Debbie Green, and hosted by Wolferstans Solicitors in Plymouth.

The day was entitled Managing the neurogenic bowel: skills and competency training, for Registered Nurses. There were seven other delegates present, all from different nursing areas. From the beginning, this was a fully informative and incredibly interesting session, all based around the importance of the correct and effective management of the neurogenic bowel.

Carol and Debbie gave us an overview of the anatomy and physiology of the spinal cord, the digestive system and the related implications of SCI. The day included activities, a test and a practical element, all of which had to be completed in order to receive a certificate.

We also had the pleasure of meeting Graham Anderson, a Peer Support Officer for SIA, and his talk gave us a clearer understanding of his role, the structure of SIA and the resources available.

Each element of the day was delivered in a straightforward and professional manner with enthusiasm, warmth and kindness. Debbie and Carol have a clear passion for the important work they do, and I have come away empowered, with a better understanding of the condition, and access to some excellent resources and learning tools. I would highly recommend this course to RNs.

https://www.spinal.co.uk/learn/healthcare-professional-study-days/

Eileen Lynn – Trainer

/by

Reflection on The Spinal Cord Injury – A National and Local Picture Learning and Education Day

On Wednesday 12th June Team Cornwall; Alex and Gemma (Care Managers) with Carole and myself (Clinical Nurses) had the opportunity to attend the above conference. The event was facilitated at The Headland Hotel in Newquay so we knew we were going to have a good day!

Sir Ludwig Guttmann (1899-1980) proclaimed “Spinal Cord Injury was the most depressing and neglected subject of all Medicine “ This quote was used as an introduction to the day and again at the end of the afternoon, when once information had been shared the statement would hopefully not ring true.

In total 101 delegates attended this informative educational session. The audience ranged from Health Care Professionals and members of the local community who had sustained a spinal cord injury.

The itinerary was bumper filled and amazingly each speaker kept within their allocated time! Areas covered included Bladder and Bowel care. Pressure Area Care, Autonomic Dysreflexia but most importantly a patient’s perspective of a Spinal Cord Injury.

Personally for me it was the hard work and dedication of a locally formed Spinal Cord Injury Group which stole the show. This small team of approximately 50 members have tirelessly worked together with the Safeguarding team at Royal Cornwall Hospital to form pathways and introduce Hospital Passports for patients with a Spinal Cord Injury. This form identifies all care needs required during a hospital stay for the SCI patient, promoting a positive experience for the individual during admission. Ward staff present from the hospital believed this to be a positive implementation by the Trust and agreed this will improve current care provided.

As a Clinical Nurse for TCC I have the privilege of working with SCI clients and have an insight into the daily challenges they face. I found that the patient perspective session was greatly received by all delegates as it made them think and realise the impact an SCI has on each individual person and their family.

The day also reaffirmed to me that TCC are experts in their field and most importantly our client`s needs are at the centre of the care we deliver.

At a time when we constantly hear how our NHS is failing, it was refreshing to hear that in Cornwall the Hospital Trust is listening and working in close collaboration with SCI patients to improve services provided.

For further information re Hospital Passports which are also available for other impairment groups you can contact RCH Safeguarding team on 01872 2543551

Selina Gibbons – Clinical Nurse

/by

Wolf Run – We did it!

Well we did it! 🏆🏅

Our team of 6 joined a larger group of runners raising monies for the big difference charity.

A brief 10 minute warm up with a Mr Motivator and we were off. 10 km of ropes, slides, tunnels, climbs and of course oceans of mud.

Who knew that with perfect weather that the mud could be so deep! We all got completely stuck at points but the whole day was filled with people encouraging and supporting each other. Everyone found some of the obstacles hard and help was needed.

We all completed it safely with only minor knocks and bruises. Finished with a big slide into the lake and suddenly we were all promising to do it again.

A huge thank you to those who have supported us and liked these updates. An even bigger thank you to friends, colleagues and family members who came and encouraged us in person, and of course those who have sponsored us. We are thrilled to have raised in excess of £550 for the Big Difference Charity

Reg Perrins – Commercial Director

/by

Spinal Cord Injury Care – A National and Local Picture, Learning and Education Day

Spinal Cord Injury Care – A National and Local Picture, Learning and Education Day.

Myself and Colleagues are attending a conference, on Wednesday 12th June at the Headland Hotel, Newquay. The day has been organised in order to share best practice in supporting and caring for patients with a Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) in both community and hospital settings in Cornwall.

The day will offer information and advice, from a variety of guest speakers on a range of topics including:

Pressure area care -Damian Smith, Specialist Nurse, Salisbury Spinal Cord Injury Unit

Bladder and bowel services – including autonomic dysreflexia – June Skinner, Nurse Specialist, Cornwall Foundation Trust

NICE Guidelines – Sally Plumb, Specialised Commissioning, NHS England

Spinal Injury Association (SIA) and Peer Support –Graham Anderson, Support Worker for SIA

Community Peer Support Group – Dr Katherine Stone & Steve Paget

Manual Handling – Damian Smith and Carol Walpole, Specialist Moving and Handling, RCHT

Spinal Injury and Solicitors – David Healey, Solicitor

I am very much looking forward to the event to gain further knowledge and understanding that I can cascade to clients, staff and professionals in order to raise awareness of what pathways are available for individuals with an SCI in Cornwall.

Gemma Thomas (Care Manager)

/by

Rutland Sailability

I have had a lovely unexpected visit to Rutland Sailing Club, and am pictured here with Jenny.  Jenny  has been attending Sailability at Rutland Sailing Club for the last year;

“I joined Rutland Sailability a year ago . I enjoy sailing twice a week on Thursdays and Saturdays! I’m getting to know all the aspects of the boat, stern – front, bow – back, for and aft left and right I can pleased to say that I can now steer the boat by myself!
I have a fantastic sailing instructor (one of many at the club) James, who has supported me from when I started. Rutland sailing club is a friendly sailing club and the instructors are out going and have great communication. I get on well With all the other sailors and the volunteers are very helpful.  We are looking forward to sailing in the long boat with the TCC team next time! Jenny”

If you are in the area and would be interesting in this, you can find out more information via the following website; https://www.rutlandsailability.org.uk/

Kim Shortland – Care Manager

/by

Wolf Run Training Has Commenced!

Training is underway for the Wolf Run. Having never done anything like this before I wanted a challenge and thanks to Natasha I was “volunteered” for a 10 K run in the mud with many obstacles to be climbed over or swum underneath. I could say that I have enjoyed every minute of the training, but that would be a lie! There are two main reasons why I am doing this:

1. To help raise money for the Big Difference Company – a charity that supports a number of initiatives aimed at supporting children and adults living healthily in their communities.
2. I have been fortunate to have recently had two new hips, and being able to attempt a run like this was something that I just could not have contemplated doing for many years.

What I have found out so far; Being a reasonable cyclist does not help at all. Out of all my training partners – only Bonny my dog has been reliable! (see picture from this a.m)

I think I might be able to run 10K in 6 weeks time, but I have not been immersed in mud yet, and so far my biggest obstacle has been a farm gate.

Please follow the progress of our team and, if able to, sponsor us in due course. Your support is very much appreciated.

Reg Perrins – Director

/by

Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Day

I was an extremely busy teacher for many years, and had an active social life, including going to the gym, dancing, seeing friends, and completely taking my life for granted. In the blink of an eye my life changed forever in March 2008!

My husband and I had been travelling back from Cornwall , after a family visit. We were only seven miles from home when we had the car crash from hell, whereby I sustained a SCI at C5, C6, C7, completely severing the spinal cord. We had rolled over three times and hit a tree, plus it took two hours to cut me out from the car.

All of the Emergency Services attended the scene and I was finally airlifted by the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance to Dorchester Hospital. I actually knew nothing about SCI and when a specialist told me that I would never walk again I said, “Don’t be so bl**dy stupid I’ve just bought a new pair of red high heels!”

I was in a critical situation because I was in Intensive Care for a week, then taken to Southampton Hospital to have my neck operation, followed by Poole Hospital and finally on to Salisbury Spinal Hospital for intensive rehab for a further nine months.

Eventually I understood that my life would never be the same again, as I was paralysed from the chest down, known as Tetraplegia or Quadriplegia. In addition to this I had scalped the top of my head, which required three further plastic surgery operations to redistribute my hair, so that all of the baldness was covered. I had to get to grips with this, especially being a female who has always liked all things girlie… hair, clothes, fashion and make up, etc.

The problem with SCI is that the general public know very little about it because we are a marginalised group in society, so less funding is available for Spinal Research. Another factor for me personally is that although more women are ending up with SCI today, the industry seems to still favour men when it comes to equipment, such as the style of wheelchairs. Also I’m short and probably classed as petite, so often I find that things are far too big for me. It is interesting to note that the specialist companies also charge costs that would make your eyes water!

Furthermore there are really hideous aspects that most of us with SCI have to overcome, such as problems with bladder, bowels and pain. Let’s just say that they are subjects no one likes to discuss! Many of us with higher spinal injuries suffer from ‘Autonomic Dysreflexia’ which needs very prompt medical attention, and at its worst could potentially lead to death.

Finally I would like to give my heartfelt thanks to all the Doctors, Nurses, Specialists, Surgeons and… last but not least… TOTAL COMMUNITY CARE, who have supported me over the last twelve years. I am able to interview my own Personal Assistants / Support Workers / Carers who enable me to live my life as independently as possible. 🙏👏🏻

  • Peggy Sutton.
/by

Spinal Injuries Association Cornflower Ball 2019

On Thursday 28th March Chris Freestone, Clinical Director, Reg Perrins, Commercial Director and I attended the Spinal Injuries Association (SIA) 21st Cornflower Ball fundraising event.  Chris and Reg were guests of Irwin Mitchell whilst Sarah was a guest of SIA. The annual event is attended by people from across the Personal Injury world and sponsored by Slater and Gordon

The evening was a huge success and brilliant fun was had by all.  The new SIA CEO,Nik Hartley, OBE even won the evenings Heads and Tails game winning a bottle of Taittinger Champagne which he kindly shared with the rest of his table.  More importantly the evening raised over £75,000 for the SIA.

 

Sarah Tennent – Business Development Manager

Spinal Injuries Association 21st Cornflower Ball

Spinal Injuries Association 21st Cornflower Ball

Spinal Injuries Association 21st Cornflower Ball

/by