A fabulous four at Wishaw General are helping to further improve patient care.
Four clinical support workers (CSWs) were recruited for the new clinical support cannulation service, which provides support to the hospital’s emergency care team (HECT).
Angela Rooney, Laura Shearer, Lynne Barr and Caroline Cummings can perform tasks including cannulation (inserting a small plastic tube into a vein to administer medications and fluids), venepuncture (taking blood samples) – outwith phlebotomists hours, and electrocardiograms or ECGs (monitoring the activity of a patient’s heart) - again outwith hours of ECG technicians.
Angela said: "It has been a steep learning curve but an experience that we're all enjoying. The emergency care team have been great and I think they really appreciate the help we can provide."
Lynne added: "There is a great variety to our roles which makes every day interesting. It's great to know that we're helping both the HECT team and the patients."
Carol Miller, charge nurse with HECT, said: “The new CSWs are settling into their new role well and are an asset to the hospital emergency care team.
“This service benefits patient care in that they can have venous access inserted when required."
The new clinical support team work 12 hour day shifts and are available 8am to 8.30pm, with occasional cover until 10pm, seven days a week.
This service has been successfully running at Monklands and Hairmyres hospitals for the past few years.