In this weeks round-up, North West Ambulance Service Trust has launched two new ‘green’ vehicles, Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust has introduced new Mental Health Alert Cards, and Croydon Health Services NHS Trust receives funding for two new bereavement projects, plus much more.
Find out the latest updates from across the world of healthcare, down below…
Sheffield Health and Social Care FT launches new mental health cards
Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust has launched new Mental Health Alert Cards to support people in the South Yorkshire area.
According to the trust, the new card will enable anyone with a long-term mental health problem to ‘quickly’ and ‘easily’ communicate with emergency services should they find themselves in crisis or distress.
The credit card sized card with a picture of the individual and a unique reference number, will also enable South Yorkshire Police and other emergency services to find out details on how to best communicate and support someone in need.
North West Ambulance Service launches new ‘green’ vehicles
North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust has launched two new ‘green’ vehicles.
The electric-powered Toyota Pro Ace vans will replace two of the trust’s existing fleet and will see the installation of a new charging point.
Jon Makin, Head of Fleet and Logistics, says: “We want the department to lead by example in green miles. We are moving towards a fully electric fleet of 15 logistic vehicles that will operate across the North West, which also involves installing the charging points and infrastructure to support them. We hope this can happen over the next few years
“We are making great strides towards a green future for our vehicles. We are already using dozens of electric cars as paramedic response vehicles, and we continue to work in partnership with other trusts to find an alternative for our frontline ambulances and PTS fleet.”
Croydon Health Services receives funding for new bereavement projects
The Institute of Cemetery & Crematorium Management has funded two new bereavement projects at Croydon Health Services NHS Trust.
The new funding, provided through the Croydon Cemetery’s metal recycling initiative, will contribute a peaceful memorial garden and enhance the mortuary’s outside area used by relatives.
Upon arriving at the ‘Crocus Garden of Remembrance,’ families affected by the loss will be provided with a peaceful place for parents to walk, sit and reflect.
Elaine Clancy, Joint Chief Nurse, said: “We are very grateful for this donation which will support many bereaved families during a difficult, challenging and often traumatic time. These projects will help to provide a compassionate, effective and sensitive bereavement service at Croydon University Hospital to local people.”
The Robert Jones and Agnes hunt Orthopaedic Hospital launches fundraising appeal for new paediatric garden
The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has launched a fundraising appeal to create a ‘stunning’ outdoor garden for paediatric patients and their families.
The new garden would provide a private, safe, and stimulating environment for long-term and returning patients being treated at the trust’s Alice Ward, the dedicated children’s unit at the Oswestry-based hospital, as well as promote health and wellbeing.
Victoria Sugden, Charity Director, said: “We want to make Alice Ward Garden a real sanctuary for our paediatric patients. Children attend RAJH for a variety of orthopaedic conditions during which time the hospital also becomes home, school and a place for play.
“Making the garden therapeutic and fun for our children and their families is really important to help their recovery, rehabilitation and wellbeing.”
University Hospitals Dorset FT’s wellness hub extends membership to support people with health conditions
The Bournemouth Heart Club, part of University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust, has extended its’ membership to any adults at higher risk of heart disease and other health conditions, including diabetes, stroke and long Covid.
New members to the wellness hub, located at the trust’s Royal Bournemouth Hospital, will be provided with an initial assessment and a personalized programme of exercise over an 10-week period.
The Club will also incorporate classes, open gym sessions, group or circuit classes, and seated and assisted classes, for those that need them.
Sam Panton, Exercise Duty Manager, said: “The Heart Club has been on a mission to save hearts since its launch over 25 years ago, but there are other health conditions, which follow the same disease process and have the same risk factors as cardiovascular disease, and this is why we want to widen our membership and encourage others to join.”
