Sarah Wood

I have worked within the hospital environment for the past 23 years. During that time I have undertaken a number of different positions, from Domestic Assistant up to my current position as a Band 3. Within my role I have to communicate effectively with everyone I interact with. I understand the importance of good, clear, concise communication within the healthcare setting with patients, colleagues, families, carers and visitors. I have to maintain a professional manner at all times, even when others may not be able to!

I enjoy my job on the Male Stroke ward. It is very hard but the rewards far outweigh the negatives. I look after men of all ages who are going through the worst time of their life. In an instant the future they had planned is gone, through no fault of their own. They come to us for rehab at the lowest point, both physically and mentally. Many of them also have the issue of not being able to let their needs be known because of cognitive issues and aphasia. My role is to help them navigate this stage. That is not a role I take lightly. I feel it is important to get to know your patents so that you can offer them the person cantered care they need because no 2 stroke patients are the same. I have to uphold their dignity and respect at all times, this includes gaining consent before I undertake any care with them, whether that be taking their blood pressure or giving them a bed bath. Their needs are at the forefront of my mind.

I am applying for the position with you because I feel it is time for me to come out of the hospital setting I have been a part of for so long and transfer the skills I have acquired into a new role, a new setting. I feel I have the skills required to fulfill this position and any I do not have I am willing to train for.

I have also done some shifts in the community, with NHSP. I have worked at Salford Care on Call, This required me to be able to go out to peoples homes when they used their pendant alarm. We would receive a call over the intercom from the patient. They may have had a fall, were feeling unwell, any number of reasons. We would then go out to their house and assess the situation. If they had a fall we would asses them from head to toe to see if it was safe to lift them. If they were OK we would, if needed use the Manga cushion to get them back on their feet. If it was unsafe or we thought they may have an injury we would call an ambulance and their relatives. I enjoyed this role, I think doing the On Call is what planted the seed of leaving the hospital environment. I feel now is the time to take make the leap and I hope it is with you.