Everyone, no matter who they are, will access a form of healthcare at some point in their life. Whether this is taking medication to prevent or treat an illness, having children or simply growing older.
For those providing this care patient safety is absolutely vital and constantly in their thoughts as they deliver this.
The staff bank services we run in partnership with a number of NHS Trusts provide essential support to make sure there are enough people available to give care to patients during busy times when annual leave, sickness and staff vacancies could leave teams understaffed.
Taking into account the difference our bank workers make at their trusts, we interviewed Nelda Lambourne a bank HCSW at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust since 2018.
What made you decide to become a HCSW?
I love working with the elderly and all sorts of ages since I have been doing this job for 20 years now.
What is the best part of your job?
Doing personal care and looking after their safety and well-being.
How do you prioritise patient safety as a bank worker?
Prioritise them according their needs and their safety.
What does patient safety mean to you as a Portsmouth bank worker?
Patient safety means protecting them from any harm, accidents and following infection control to protect yourself and patients for their health and safety.
Why do you choose to work through the staff bank?
I choose staff bank as my second job because I’m working in the trust permanently. I can get a variety of experience looking after all of these patients with different backgrounds and different wards with specialising treatment to patients.
What do you love about working for Portsmouth Hospitals Staff Bank?
I love working with the Bank Partners they give a good rate of pay and incentives as well.
What would you say to someone considering becoming a HCSW?
I would say to them being a Bank Partner worker will give them more knowledge and skills in getting along with the other staff in the trust. Working together as a team with different nurses to improve the quality of care to patients for their safety and well-being is rewarding.
What would you say to someone considering bank work as a HCSW in Portsmouth?
I will encourage them to work with the Bank Partners because of good rate of pay and incentives as well as the staff are friendly and very supportive.
If you would like to see more of the job roles we have available across Portsmouth, click here.
If you are interested in finding out more about bank jobs, you can find out more here.