• Enhanced Care and Support Team recognised for ‘future-proofing’ healthcare
• Vulnerable patients already seeing improvement’s in recovery since team launched
• Team hope to expand service to seven days a week

Royal Bolton Hospital’s Enhanced Care and Support Team (ECaST) have been named Highly Commended in the ‘Future-proofing Healthcare Hero’ category at the Clinical Audit Heroes Awards 2022.

The team, who launched in April 2022, support vulnerable patients who might be at risk of harm due to confusion, cognitive decline, falls, and challenging behaviours.

At the awards in June the team was commended for their inspiring work to improve dementia care.

Their projects include therapies, such as haircuts, massages, arts/crafts and music sessions.

They have also introduced sensory boxes to keep patients’ belongings safe in one place, and are working with discharge teams to ensure patients return home safely.

‘The little things make a big difference’

Joy Redwood, Enhanced Care and Support Team Lead, said:

This is a great acknowledgement of all our hard work, our belief in person-centred care, and being compassionate with our patients.

“The team are already making a huge difference to the lives of our patients by getting them out of bed and creating stimulation and distraction.

“It’s the little things that make a difference to somebody’s recovery, how they feel, and it lifts everyone’s mood.

Martina Kingscott, Assistant Director of Nursing, added:

I am so delighted that the team have been rewarded with this richly-deserved recognition, which has been made possible thanks to the partnership with Audit and Clinical Effectiveness.

“On the wards we are already seeing the difference their compassion and care is having on our most vulnerable patients by improving the experience they receive during their stay with us.

The team are hoping to increase their service offer to seven days a week to improve support and care in the future.