Nurses praised for dedication (From Barry And District News)

Nurses praised for dedication

DEDICATED staff at Llandough Hospital have been praised for commitment against the odds.

Workers on West 4 and West 6 were commended following a Vale of Glamorgan Community Health Council (CHC) visit on November 21.

Members John Burtenshaw, Guy Jones, Buddy Thompson, co-ordinator Jenny Hughes, and Audrey Jones said: "The atmosphere of both wards was a testimony to the dedication of the staff."

However, they highlighted several problems, including: n Understaffing; n Need for refurbishment; n Food not being hot.

A report will be presented to a CHC meeting at the hospital tonight.

The unisex wards are generally for chest cases, with W6 having 33 beds and W4 having 30.

Members were shown around W6 by senior nurse Veronique Hughes and ward manager Gaynor Thomas, who said there were several vacancies.

Staff said the ward needed refurbishment, though due to pressure for beds it was not possible to close a four bedder ward for decorating. Painting around patients was impossible because of it being a chest ward.

Despite this, patients said: "The food's better in the Heath, but staff are better here."

Nurse Donna Akern showed members around W4, who could not verify vacancy numbers, but confirmed they used bank and agency staff, as did W6.

W4 also needed refurbishment, with old wooden flooring still in place.

Co-ordinator Mrs Hughes said: "The bathroom, shower and toilet areas were unisex and the shower area in particular was in need of upgrading as there were still steps up to it."

But patients again praised the quality of staff and the cleanliness of the wards.

Senior nurse Veronique Hughes applauded staff, including nursing assistants Julie Jones, Jayne Marie Fenn and Lilian Henbury (pictured).

She said: "I'm very proud of the nurses on W6 and W4. We strive to give excellent care and it's very positive that it's been appreciated on this occasion."