Agyeman Ackaah

Ward 6 Diabetes Unit

• Monitoring Blood Glucose Levels: Assisting with and learning how to perform capillary blood glucose (CBG) checks, recording results accurately, and recognising hypo- or hyperglycaemic episodes.
• Insulin Administration (Under Supervision): Observing and assisting with the safe preparation and administration of insulin, understanding different types (e.g., rapid-acting, long-acting), and following correct protocols.
• Recognising and Responding to Emergencies: Identifying signs of hypoglycaemia (e.g., sweating, confusion) or hyperglycaemia (e.g., thirst, frequent urination), and responding promptly under supervision.
• Monitoring and Recording Observations: Checking and documenting vital signs, fluid balance, and weight to assess overall health and manage comorbidities (e.g., hypertension, kidney disease).

Ward 10 Emergency assessment unit

• Initial Patient Assessment: Assisting with the rapid assessment of patients admitted through A&E or referred by GPs, including recording vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, oxygen saturation) and calculating NEWS2 scores.
• Assisting with Investigations: Preparing patients for diagnostic procedures such as ECGs, X-rays, blood tests, or urine samples, and assisting with or performing them under supervision.
• Administering Medication (Under Supervision): Supporting safe medication administration, including pain relief and emergency drugs, while learning about their indications and side effects.
• Working Within the Multidisciplinary Team: Collaborating with doctors, physiotherapists, healthcare assistants, and discharge coordinators to ensure safe and timely care.
• Assisting with Discharge or Admission: Supporting patients being discharged with clear aftercare instructions or transferred to wards with proper handover of care.
• Effective Communication: Providing updates to patients and relatives, managing expectations during busy periods, and practicing clear, calm communication under pressure.

New wing Theatre Placement

• Observing and Assisting in Surgical Procedures: Gaining exposure to various surgical techniques and assisting where appropriate under supervision (e.g., passing instruments, holding retractors).
• Maintaining Aseptic Technique: Learning and adhering to sterile procedures, including correct gowning and gloving, and maintaining a sterile field throughout surgical procedures.
• Pre-operative Preparation: Assisting in preparing the operating theatre, checking equipment and instruments, and helping with patient identification, consent checks, and skin prep.
• Assisting with Patient Positioning: Supporting the safe and appropriate positioning of patients on the operating table, ensuring comfort, dignity, and pressure area protection.
• Post-operative Care in Recovery: Helping with the transfer of patients to recovery, monitoring their condition, managing pain relief (under supervision), and preparing for safe discharge or transfer back to the ward.

St Patrick Ward Spinal ward placement

• Assisting with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): Helping patients with personal care tasks such as washing, dressing, toileting, and feeding, especially those with limited mobility.
• Monitoring and Recording Observations: Regularly checking and documenting vital signs (e.g., blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature) and reporting any abnormalities to the registered nurse.
• Pressure Area Care: Assisting in turning and repositioning patients to prevent pressure ulcers and maintaining skin integrity, which is crucial in spinal injury patients.
• Bowel and Bladder Management: Supporting patients with bowel and bladder routines, including the use of catheters, enemas, or bladder scans as guided by the care plan.
• Assisting with Rehabilitation Activities: Working alongside physiotherapists and occupational therapists to encourage and support mobility and independence as part of the patient's rehabilitation plan.
• Learning and Applying Aseptic Techniques: Assisting with or observing sterile procedures such as catheterization, wound care, or dressing changes.

Gastroenterology and General medicine Placement

• Assisting with Nutritional Support: Supporting patients with dietary needs, including assisting with feeding, monitoring fluid and food intake/output, and understanding special diets (e.g., low-residue, low-fat, or enteral feeding via NG tubes or PEGs).
• Observation and Care of Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Monitoring patients for symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, or constipation, and documenting any changes.
• Medication Administration (Under Supervision): Learning about and assisting with the safe administration of medications, including antiemetics, laxatives, and proton pump inhibitors, under supervision.
• Wound and Stoma Care: Assisting in the care of surgical wounds and stomas (e.g., colostomies, ileostomies), learning about proper cleaning techniques, appliance changing, and patient education.
• Hydration and IV Therapy Support: Monitoring fluid balance charts, assisting with IV fluid checks, and learning the importance of hydration in patients with gastrointestinal issues.