Holy Cross Hospital Team
The Holy Cross team aims to help people with severe disability maximise their potential and minimise the impact of injury or illness on the individual person and their family. This may be helping them learn to live their lives differently with new aspirations, expectations, sources of satisfaction, self-esteem and ways to use their time with new abilities and strengths. A strong emphasis is placed on normal real life activities, which are meaningful to each individual person. The starting point is to develop a real understanding of each person and we work closely with patients and their families to achieve this.
Care and treatment is provided by staff who have a sound understanding of the issues facing the patients and their families and are motivated to work with them. Clinical team members work closely with their colleagues from other areas to ensure a safe, supportive environment is provided to maintain motivation and counteract the ‘helplessness’ often felt following serious injury or illness.
Holy Cross Hospital Art Group
Working with small groups of patients, sometimes one to one, encourages artistic development, builds self-esteem and can sometimes improve physical mobility. In the relaxed atmosphere of the art room with several volunteer helpers we can overcome any anxiety the patient may have about painting, and enrich their lives by discovering new talents. Each patient has a particular style and ability and with assistance can create work which can be used to decorate their rooms or other areas of the hospital. Exhibitions of their work are held twice a year and are extremely rewarding for the patient.
Live music at Holy Cross Hospital
Once a fortnight an audience of around 40 patients and staff are entertained to a high quality musical performance in the living and dining area of the hospital. These events are performed by artists who provide a vibrant mixture of music and song. These mini concerts are arranged by Music in Hospitals; the overall effect of ‘live’ music enthusiastically presented is amazing and almost everyone attending shows some degree of positive response.
The Team
There is a strong commitment to teamwork and a belief that everyone from Housekeeper to Consultant has a part to play. Examples of this are:
- Housekeeping staff are part of infection control team
- Catering staff working closely with dietitian and nurses to ensure patients receive optimum nutrition
- Administration staff support patients to manage their finances
- Maintenance staff ensure building is fit for purpose and equipment is in good working order
Holy Cross is committed to professional development and provides many opportunities for staff at all levels.
Clinical Team
The multi-disciplinary team members combine and share their individual skills, knowledge and experiences and have frequent, close communication to ensure consistency throughout the 24-hour period. All are suitably qualified and have specialist skills in the area of severe disability.
Members include:
Medical Staff
Patients require less contact with doctors than they did during the acute stage of their illness/injury. However there are daily visits and out of hours cover provided by Medical Officers all of whom are practicing General Practitioners. All patients are under the care of a Rehabilitation Consultant who visits Holy Cross regularly. Weekly multi-disciplinary team meetings are held to evaluate progress, discuss and decide on treatment as well as reviewing medication.
Nurses and Health Care Assistants
Highly skilled nursing care is essential in the prevention of secondary complications. The nurses and health care assistants provide round the clock care to support the patients and their family. They are responsible for ensuring the patients remain medically fit and work closely with the rest of the team to help them achieve their maximum potential.
Physiotherapy
All patients admitted to Holy Cross have a comprehensive physiotherapy assessment. An individual plan is designed to maximise ability, increase comfort and address or prevent complications, which may occur as a result of the disability. Posture management is a vital component in all cases with specific interventions tailored to each person’s individual need.
Occupational Therapy
The occupational therapist contributes to the assessment of motor, sensory, cognitive, psychological and social aspects of an individual and looks at maximising functional ability. A goal setting approach is used to maximise the person’s potential in all activities of daily living including those that are social and recreational.
Speech and Language Therapy
The speech and language therapist is involved in all aspects of a person’s communication and helps people to overcome the disabling effects of communication difficulties. A full assessment of the person’s awareness, intention to communicate and ability is undertaken. In some cases alternatives methods of communication are needed e.g. charts, technological aids. The speech and language therapist is also responsible for assessment of swallowing and providing advice as necessary.
Patients can be referred to speech and language therapy by any member of the clinical team.
