Press Release
5th January 2012
‘Ask me’ campaign aims to get patients talking
An innovative campaign has been launched at Burton Hospitals which staff hope will show patients that it’s good to talk.
The ‘Ask me’ initiative will be launched on Ward 6 and the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) on Monday, 9th January when staff, leaflets and posters will promote the scheme to all patients on those wards.
CCU and Ward Manager Carol Hicks said the idea came from nursing staff who are very keen to proactively develop relationships with their patients.
“Our staff looked very carefully at comments made by patients during their stay on Ward 6 and CCU and could see there were definitely opportunities to improve the way we communicate with them.
“All members of staff will wear ‘Ask me’ badges from now on and we hope this will encourage people to talk to us freely and ask about the things which are really on their mind.
“The last thing we want is for people to go home unsure or unhappy about some aspect of their care; this is all about resolving any issues they may have while they are on the ward or helping to improve their stay in any number of ways.”
The wards held a special event to discuss patient care and the ‘Ask Me’ campaign was developed from ideas which were put forward by staff.
‘Ask Me’ has the backing of Medicine Directorate Matron Lorna Catlin and Head Nurse Julie Thompson, who have recently developed their Tea with Matron sessions, where patients and their families can sit down with Lorna for a chat, and see this as an extension of their drive to actively engage with patients.
Mrs Thompson said: “The ‘Ask Me’ campaign has huge potential. We are going to assess the result and if we are getting it right, then we would hope to see it taken up by others wards and areas.”
Leaflets will be given to all patients admitted to the wards areas, providing key information about the daily routine of the ward and the type of queries they might have about their stay.
Carol said: “From our patient experience feedback, for example, we learned that people were unsure about how to ask for extra hot drinks if they wanted one. Our leaflet aims to address these types of issues, which are very important to people while they are staying with us.”
The initiative also backs up a new Trust-wide poster campaign which will see ‘Informed care is better care’ posters being displayed around the site, reinforcing the message about the importance of communication during care.
Photo opportunity: There will be an official launch on Ward 6/CCU, at 3pm
Monday 9th January, if you would like to attend. Please contact Pam Beecham, Communications Officer, tel 01283 566333 ext 5478 to confirm attendance.
ENDS
Notes to editors
Formed in 1983 as an NHS Trust and acquiring Foundation status in November 2008, Burton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is the principal provider of acute hospital services for the residents of East Staffordshire, Tamworth, Lichfield, South Derbyshire and North West Leicestershire, including services at two community hospitals, Samuel Johnson in Lichfield and Sir Robert Peel in Tamworth.
Issued by Burton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Communications Team, Queen’s Hospital, Belvedere Road, Burton on Trent, Staffordshire DE13 0RB.
If you require any further information, please contact Pam Beecham, Communications Officer, Burton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust on 01283 566333 ext 5478 or email pamela.beecham@burtonh-tr.wmids.nhs.uk or visit www.burtonhospitals.nhs.uk