The holdforth Unit, a health team in Hartlepool have been recognised for the way they responded to the coronavirus pandemic so patients continued to be cared for.
The Unit at the University Hospital of Hartlepool completely transformed the way they treat patients.
The Holdforth unit, normally used for patients to stay in hospital and receive rehabilitation, has become a community hub from where patients are treated in their own homes and in care homes.
Patients are only invited into the unit when the treatment they need cannot be performed out of the hospital.
Due to the changes, the number of patients being treated has doubled.
The service are the latest winners of North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust’s Team of the Month initiative.
Community matron Bronya Bennison, who nominated the team, said: “This team has gone from being a ward based team to being a community out of hospital team. This is a service that has been set up in a matter of weeks. All to meet the needs of patients and other health care workers.
“The team have been working relentlessly within the community hub and around people’s own homes and care homes. Providing care and compassion in these worrying times. They have strived to start a new service with previously no experience and have adapted areas of skills and knowledge to have this service developed in such a short space of time. Showing dedication and putting the patient’s needs first.
“They have taken on this challenge and have continued to provide support for all. As well as this they have also still had patients visit the hub to have care managed professionally when needed.
“The team have flourished and shown great determination and concern for those in their care. They have been absolutely outstanding.”
The Holdforth team have been working with patients, families, community matrons, district nurses and the community rapid response team to help and support others.
They have also worked across the Tees Valley with the respiratory team and have been travelling every week. Administering vital injections to those high risk asthmatics who are self-isolating during this time.
Director of planning and performance Lynne Taylor visited the team last week to present them with a certificate. With a personal thank you note from chief executive Julie Gillon.
Lynne told the team: “Congratulations for the way you have responded to this unprecedented situation. You truly are deserving winners of this month’s team of the month award.”
Caption: Director of planning and performance Lynne Taylor (centre) presents the team with their award.
