Kindness @ Caswell Clinic

There is always a real sense of community at Caswell Clinic which we are lucky to be a part of. More recently, we have had to adapt to and manage a situation which none of us have ever experienced before. Throughout this time, we have been overwhelmed with kindness and so we would like to share some recent stories and messages of thanks from staff across the clinic.

To our patients — Thank you for being so patient and tolerant with the current restrictions on your lives. You have all managed and adapted to this new situation remarkably well and we recognise all of your efforts.

Our fabulous crochet queen Louise Taplin from the Occupational Therapy department has kindly made a number of PPE face mask adapters which aim to assist with the strain that wearing masks can have on your ears. They are made from 100% cotton yarn and acrylic buttons which means they can be washed at high temperatures.

These are being handed out across the clinic. If you haven’t managed to get hold of one yet, please contact the OT department.

Sian and Steve have been working hard in their greenhouse and have been selling their lovely range of plants to raise funds for the wards. Thank you both!

We have had a number food donations from community businesses and family members of patients as well as staff continuing to provide delicious cakes and snacks as they do all year around. 

Numerous laundry bags have been made and donated by staff members and family members and friends of staff which has been extremely useful. We are very grateful!

Some patients on Cardigan Ward have dyed their hair blue and purple in honour of the NHS (pictures to follow).

Activity Coordinator Geoff set up a Mutual Support Initiative to support colleagues needing to self-isolate. The aim of this is for volunteers to help those self-isolating by doing their shopping or picking up prescriptions with social distancing in mind. Within 48 hours of Geoff’s initiative being shared, over 44 people had responded offering to volunteer. The scheme is open to anyone who needs it.

Geoff said: “I used it twice when I needed to isolate, so I know it works!”

Ward Staff have shared their gratitude to Senior Management for their understanding and support allowing staff to adjust their shift patterns. Staff Nurse Leslie commented that in the current climate this has made a HUGE HUGE difference to staff morale in terms of less essential journeys, social contact, work/life balance and child care
issues.

Ward Managers highlighted the flexibility of staff within the clinical areas and the compromises they have made within their own lives outside of work to be able to continue to undertake their role (including moving away from family) which has been incredible.

“The staff and patient group working together to make this slightly less stressful and scary for everyone has been phenomenal and is a reflection on the relationships we build with patients within the service.” — Nerys, Penarth Ward Manager

 “It’s been great to see people spreading kindness and making others smile” - a quote from a Cardigan patient