17.07.13
Awareness boost for acute medicine
AMU teams are taking part in awareness-raising activities from 15-19 July as part of Acute Medicine Awareness Week.
The project is led by the Society of Acute Medicine (SAM) and includes online debates on how to deliver a quality seven-day consultant-led service. To take part, follow #AMAW13.
Dr Chris Roseveare, SAM president, said: “This is an important week for all staff working in acute medical units. During the past few months, the pressures on acute NHS services have been unprecedented. This week provides an opportunity for AMU staff to showcase the excellent work that they have been undertaking to improve the quality of care and experience for patients admitted to hospital in an emergency.
“In addition to raising awareness of their work, many units will be using this week as an opportunity to raise money for charitable funds which can be used to improve the ward environment for patients and carers. Last year several thousand pounds were raised by AMU staff with the support of SAM, and we hope that this generosity will be repeated”.
Dr Oliver Gaillemin, consultant at Salford Royal NHS FT, said: “Up to 50% medical patients are treated and discharged with follow up from the AMU. To ensure safe, high quality care, close working of the multidisciplinary team as well as with specialty colleagues is key. The endurance challenge will therefore include consultants for Acute Medicine and Geriatric, Emergency Department consultants, social workers and physios, nurses and pharmacists as well as managerial support staff. Each participant will complete one hour on one of the machines and we hope to keep every machine manned for as long as it takes to reach our target.”
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