9 February 2010
Staff at St Helier Hospital welcomed Shadow Health Minister, Anne Milton MP and the prospective parliamentary candidate for Sutton and Cheam, Philippa Stroud to the hospital last Thursday (4 February 2010).
The visit, which was organised to give Anne and Philippa the opportunity to find out more about the work of the Trust, began with a tour of the hospital's renal unit, which is one of the largest and most successful in the country. Renal consultant, Dr David Makanjuola led the group on a tour of one of the unit's wards and they spent time in the South West Thames Institute for Renal Research, which has its base at the hospital.
The group then moved on to the maternity unit, where they were shown around the neonatal unit (where sick babies are cared for) and the new birth centre. Both Philippa and Anne took the opportunity to chat to patients and staff on the wards, including nurses and doctors.
Chief Executive Samantha Jones (who, like Anne Milton MP, is a former nurse) said: "We were delighted to welcome Anne and Philippa to St Helier Hospital. It was a pleasure to show them around and give them a greater insight into the fantastic work that goes on in the Trust.
"Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our staff and volunteers, 2009 was the Trust's most successful year ever and I was pleased to share with Philippa and Anne our recent achievements. They were clearly impressed by the work of the Trust and the commitment and enthusiasm of our staff."
Anne and Philippa also met with Director of Finance Jon Sargeant to receive an update about the Trust's plans to spend more than £200 million redeveloping the St Helier Hospital site. They also got to see the very latest plans and draft drawings of the new building.
To round up the visit, the pair spent just under an hour having tea with a group of nurses. This was an opportunity to learn more about what it's like to be a nurse and for the nurses to ask the politicians questions.
One nurse to meet with Anne and Philippa during the visit was discharge co-ordinator, Patrick Brock. Patrick assists medical teams in discharging patients back to their homes in a safe and timely manner. He said: "The meeting was really good and very positive. Anne and Philippa both seemed keen to listen to what the staff had to say, and they were interested in hearing about all of the latest issues affecting us."
Following the visit, Anne said: "It was fantastic to be able to see the facilities available to women on the maternity unit and patients in the renal unit. It was great to get the chance to talk to a large group of nurses about what was working well for them and what they found frustrating in carrying out their job. There is no doubt that they are very appreciative of a supportive management team who clearly have a very hands-on approach to what is going on in the hospital."
Philippa said: "It was great to hear from the doctors and nurses firsthand about the challenges they face and how committed they are to each patient. The bid that is currently before the Department of Health for improving the St Helier site has been excellently thought through and deserves every chance of success."
