Published on: 10th September 2020
Our staff in Stockport have been spectacular during the pandemic and we’re so proud.
We want to say a Great Big Thank You to all of our teams in the borough, including our adult and older people's mental health, child and adolescent mental health, learning disability, rehab and high support and corporate services. And not forgetting those who provide vital support, including our maintenance and domestic staff and our porters.
They are all superstars!
Here are some gems from over the last few months:
We’ve seen so many incredible examples of how well staff have adapted to new challenges and pressures. Two of our colleagues have shared their experiences, which are testaments to these remarkable efforts:
Hannah Smith, occupational therapist, was redeployed to an eye-opening new role providing end-of-life care on Rosewood Ward.
Hannah explains: “My role means you want to fix things, problem solve and make things better - and in end of life care, it can’t be fixed. There have been tears, fear, but also laughter and smiles (behind the face masks).”
Click here to read more of Hannah's reflection.
Clare Manley left behind a successful career in business change, to retrain as a nurse and join Stockport west community mental health team.
Despite the unique challenges of starting again during a pandemic, including working from home, Clare has praised the support of her team.
Stockport older people’s mental health team have helped to create videos for carers of people with a less common type of dementia.
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) causes problems with behaviour and language, which can often create greater challenges for carers.
This new series of videos has relatable stories from other carers, along with advice from our experts:
• Part one – An introduction • Part two – Getting help • Part three – Living with changes
Steven Silver, a charge nurse at Bevan Place, has been boosting morale and keeping patients (and staff) entertained with acoustic sets on the ward.
Steven has been praised as incredible, both for his uplifting performances and how he has gladly picked up extra shifts to support the team whenever needed.
Click here to hear his cover of Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison.
A number of our teams joined in with sharing funny, creative and uplifting TikTok videos, which showed the camaraderie of staff across the NHS.
Notably, mental health liaison and ward staff at Stepping Hill got the trend started within Pennine Care with their rendition of the Sugarhill Gang.
Then Rosewood Ward caught the eye of the BBC with their take on Peter Kay’s Amarillo-themed effort. See if you can spot them in BBC North West Tonight’s highlights reel or click here to see their full clip.
Our therapy team at The Meadows used their initiative to keep patients active during lockdown, with a series of virtual walks.
They printed off enlarged pictures of a route along the River Mersey, while reading out a commentary and playing sounds of nature in the background.
As the virtual tour played, patients were encouraged to stretch and move while seated to replicate being outside.
