Name and role 

Emma Beacham, Ward Manager, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals , Chorley and South Ribble Hospital, Rookwood A Ward

On a typical day 

I start my day at 7-8am. I check with my staff to ensure that there have been no incidents, and then review my patients and ensure that MCA and dols is completed to ensure the correct frameworks are place. This is also important to understand what care needs our patients have. This may mean ringing the families and taking the time to get to know the patient.

One way I’ve made a difference as a nurse or midwife

When I first took over on Rookwood A, the ward had a lot of issues around patients being violent and aggressive. In turn, this impacted on staff sickness and morale. Working together with the staff and giving them bespoke training empowered staff, and they began to return to work following sickness, as well as a noticeable boost in morale. As a result, the affect on to staff due to aggression from patients has started to reduce

What would you say to a young person interested in a career in nursing & midwifery?

I would say it’s the most rewarding job you can ever do. Watching someone coming into hospital so poorly and giving them the care they need then sending them home  is amazing. However, there is always another side, and sometimes patients don’t go home and sadly pass away. That said, we can still make such a difference to the patient and to their family. As well as providing what they need in terms of care, sometimes singing to them, holding movie nights, giving them treats to enjoy and other simple acts of kindness can go a long way to ensuring the end of their life is comfortable.

For me, nursing needs to be holistic and this should be patient-centred. Get to know your patient; it makes such a difference to their recovery.

Find out more
Emma Beacham, Emma.Beacham@lthtr.nhs.uk