1 November 2018
Patients needing a high level of care are being given back their independence thanks to a creative team at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital (RSH).
Anthony Dukes was the first patient to use the new ‘wash table’ and described it as ‘marvellous’. Also pictured, from left, Susie Price (Healthcare Assistant), Corrin Dorsett (Ward Manager) and Sean Roberts (Carpenter).
Susie Price, a Healthcare Assistant (HCA) on the Intensive Therapy Unit (ITU), was caring for a patient when she had what she describes as a ‘light bulb moment’ that has resulted in a standard bedside table being adapted into a standalone unit that means patients can now wash themselves without assistance.
With the help of one of the hospital’s resident carpenter Sean Roberts, holes have been cut into a bedside table and different sized wash basins have been slotted into positions so patients no longer have to ask for help washing, shaving and brushing their teeth.
The first patient trialled the new invention today (Thursday 1 November) and described it as “marvellous”.
Mr Anthony Dukes, of Llanymynech, near Oswestry, said: “I am now able put a flannel in the water and wash my face without risk of knocking the bowl over.
“Being able to brush my teeth and have a shave just makes me feel so much better. Previously it wasn’t possible as the bowl was too high and not very stable.
“It’s always said that the simplest ideas are the best ideas and this is proof of that, and so typical of the excellent care I have received while on the ITU.”
Susie Price, who came up with the idea, is currently training to become a critical care rehabilitation practitioner and is working closely with physiotherapists to get patients better sooner.
She said: “The rehabilitation process is very important as it improves a patients’ quality of life and reduces the length of time they spend in hospital.
“Giving back a part of their independence is equally as important. Not everyone wants to be washed; in fact for some people it is very important that they are able to continue doing things for themselves.”
Corrin Dorsett, Ward Manager on ITU, said: “I am so proud of my team; they inspire me every single day.
“I also want to say a huge thank you to Sean Roberts for turning an idea into reality. He is incredibly talented and has produced something that he should be very proud of.
“The invention has been approved by the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) team and if trials on ITU prove successful maybe the ‘wash table’ will be rolled out across other units and ward at The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust.”