RCN Learning Disability Award Joanne McConnell
The setting up of the 'Quiet Room' and autism awareness in the Emergency Department (ED) was
the brainchild of deputy sister Joanne McConnell.
Joanne realised after a specific patient journey
that it could be a very traumatic experience for
patients attending the ED who were on the Autistic
Spectrum.
The noise, business and volume of people in the
Department resulted in some patients becoming
distressed, frightened and left feeling traumatised
after the event.
There were several members of staff across the
Multi Disciplinary Team (MDT) who had experience
of autism and Jo brought them all to brain storm
improvements that could be implemented.
An ED passport was also developed which allows
patients to express what may trigger their distress.
Several compliments have come into the Department praising the efforts put in by staff to improve
the patient journey and commenting on the effort that was put in to assisting patients through the
process.
One compliment mentioned Jo specifically saying: "I want this lady to know even just the basic
stuff she did made a big impact on both my son and myself".
(L - R) James Willis, Priory Adult Care,
Joanne McConnell, winner of the Learning
Disability Award and Janice Smyth, Director
of the RCN in Northern Ireland.
Royal College of Nursing NI Nurse of the Year Awards 2018
RCN Nurse Leadership Award Roisin Devlin
Roisin was nominated for her leadership of the
3 Emergency Departments in the Trust through
a period of significant change. The unrelenting
pressures in Emergency Care Departments are
well documented.
Roisin introduced a new key performance
indicator for monitoring pain relief and has
prioritised meeting the needs of older people
attending Emergency Departments through a
range of initiatives.
Key performance indicators have improved
significantly as a result of the measures Roisin
has introduced.
In the words of her nominator: "Roisin is an outstanding leader and brilliant colleague who is
changing the face of Emergency Department services in the Trust".
The judging panel commended Roisin's passion and compassion, her advocacy for patients and staff
alike, together with her willingness to undertake courageous conversations to promote change.
(L - R) Geraldine Brown, Silverdale
Care Home, Roisin Devlin, winner of the
Brownlee-Silverdale Leadership Award
and Janice Smyth, Director of the RCN in
Northern Ireland.
Medicine
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