Ward 4 has been re-named the ‘Acute Older Person’s Ward’ and an afternoon of celebrations was held to mark the occasion and other recent enhancements to the care of older patients. This move followed the launch in October – by the Trust that runs Queen’s Hospital - of the Elderly People Assistance and Care (EPAC) model - believed to be the first of its kind in the UK.
The EPAC model was developed to empower all clinical staff to deliver an enhanced level of care to older patients, which addresses both their holistic and medical needs on an individual basis.
Cyril Burton, 89, who has been a volunteer at the Trust since 2007 and is Chairman of the Burton branch of the Alzheimer's Society, was the guest of honour who pulled a curtain to reveal a new sign and declare the ward open under its new identity. A fun-filled afternoon followed with talks, music, games, tea and cakes.
The event also celebrated the launch of a new enhanced care team and recent innovations such as the arrival of ‘Bobby the seal’, a cuddly, interactive robot pup who brings happiness and relaxation to distressed, elderly patients. http://fabnhsstuff.net/2015/09/14/robot-pup-gets-the-seal-of-approval-for-helping-dementia-patients-relax/The ward celebration also marked the first anniversary of the introduction of a specialist Frailty Team, which works with frail patients over the age of 70. Julie Thompson, Lead Nurse for Older Patients, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to have such engaged teams to take the model of care forward. This will make a real difference to our older patients and the quality of their care delivery.”