Occupational Therapy News July 2020 | Page 50

FEATURE REHABILITATION
All of these, combined with the presence of PPE, created a
unique environment that did not provide the usual orientation
prompts to the patients who presented with cognitive impairment,
delirium or disorientation.
However, the effects were not all negative as, due to an
average age of over 80, a number of patients could be engaged
through recounting memories of their childhood holidays
departing from Manchester Central Station.
The presentation of patients followed what is now a familiar
pattern, with the combination of physical, cognitive and
psychological factors, and we sought to utilise our dual-training to
support the mental health needs of patients while working in an
interdisciplinary therapy team.
Other challenges included finding an appropriate cognitive
screen, which could be used while complying with infection
control, and also ensuring that communication with families
allowed management of expectations, and reassured them as to
the processes that were happening many miles from the patient’s
home.
An often used analogy for the effects of COVID-19 was
that of a hurricane; the hurricane – or virus in this case –
had passed, and in its wake was a trail of devastating
destruction. We could not promise that we could ‘put
everything back together’.
As a team we became a stronger, closer and
supportive, and this was enhanced by the use of a
buddy system and daily debriefing ‘check-outs’ before
the end of the day.
Reflections from occupational therapists describe the
team as having ‘a real sense of collective spirit, with no
sense of hierarchy’. It was so refreshing to hear about ‘the
absence of professional egos… with a mutual sense of
respect’.
Every single member of the team had their own unique
reason as to why they stepped forward to join the Nightingale
and each came from a diverse range of backgrounds, bringing
with them a unique set of skills.
This unique set of skills brought a wealth of knowledge
that could be shared among us all and enabled us to
deliver truly holistic and person-centred care to all
the patients who came to the hospital.
Alongside this, there were many
opportunities to attend both generic and
specialist training aimed at all staff at the
hospital, promoting a continuous dynamic
learning culture.
As the hospital goes into stand by, the
long-term rehabilitation needs of COVID-19
patients after their initial acute episode has
now been recognised within the national
discourse.
Our work with the patients was just the
beginning of their journey and there will be hurdles in
their way. What will stay with us is the determination, kindness
and resilience of all those we have met; of both patients and staff
in their shared humanity, rejoicing with those who rejoice and
weeping with those who weep, in the midst of an unexpected
pandemic.
We will miss the team, the values and the hospital and feel
privileged to have been a part of it.
Steven Brown, clinical lead occupational therapist, NHS
Nightingale Hospital North West, on secondment from the role of
occupational therapy lead for trauma and orthopaedics and major
trauma at Manchester Royal Infirmary
© Photos taken by: Joel Goodman
50 OTnews July 2020