Every member of the ward staff should be part of the care team

Obviously nurses, doctors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists and all other medical staff are key members of the ward team.

But the best wards ensure that the ward receptionist, domestic staff, kitchen staff and volunteers also feel that their contribution is vitally important too. These people often observe the patients in a different way and their observations can make a difference to the care that is delivered. Through casual conversation, they may discover something about the patient that may, on the surface seem small, but could be hugely relevant to their treatment and their social wellbeing.

A sensitve medical team should be able to harness these 'extra pairs of eyes' to enrich the patient's experience of the ward.

Nicola