Alice Whaley

I have worked in Ormskirk Hospital Children's Ward for just over a year now. Here my role has been to provide clinical care, clerical duties and domicilary duties to ensure the safe and effective care of our patients. I support patients by taking clinical observations and report these to the nurse caring for the child and also document them appropriately. I report any other clinical changes immediately for example, If I notice a deteriorating child or a rash that may have appeared and document this accordingly. I strip, clean to a high standard to ensure infection risk is reduced and prepare bed spaces for new patients. I remove cannulas and nasal gastric tubes and undertake blood tests via heel prick or finger prick sample. I also provide emotional support to parents and carers with an empathic ear to listen when needed. I provide distraction and also support nursing and medical staff to undertake procedures such as lumbar puncture or venous blood samples.

After having my 3 children, I worked in Starbucks making coffee and providing customer service. I always served with a smile and an ear to listen to anyone who needed it while facilitating quick and efficient service.

For nearly 9 years I worked at Merefield Special School supporting children with profound and multiple learning difficulties and disabilities to enable them to safely access learning. I provided support with personal care, medical care and social and emotional support. Here, I was trained in medication administration, oxygen administration, Tracheostomy care and Ileostomy care and was able to provide Gastro feeding and Jejunostomy feeding. I loved my role at Merefield and would always go the extra mile for those in my care. Whether that was ensuring a shirt wasn't tucked up whilst sat in a wheelchair or that sock that was folded over that could have been uncomfortable. I always tried to find ways of facilitating access to activities and learning, including the use of switch items to encourage as much independence in participation as possible. No wait was too long for that arm to make a move and what an achievement that would be.

Alongside working at Merefield School, I also cared for several children and one adult in their own home. Here I provided domiciliary care, medical and personal care and helped facilitate access to the community. I administered medication and ensured all aspects of care were maintained to the highest standard to ensure the children's comfort and safety.