Laxmi has been supporting an individual – who we will refer to as ‘Patient A’ – for pressure ulcer management. This is an area of damage to the skin and tissues underneath, and those with mobility issues have a higher chance of getting these.
Patient A is bedbound, suffers from dementia and is unable to communicate their needs to the wider multi-disciplinary team of GPs, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dieticians, pressure ulcer improvement facilitators and social services.
As part of the District Nursing Team in Tower Hamlets, Laxmi escalated concerns regarding this individual’s deteriorating wounds to social services, which was also discussed at the team’s locality safety huddle meeting.
Laxmi and her team are currently in the process of considering additional care options, as well as independent advocacy for Patient A’s voice to be heard.
Despite pressures that come with the day-to-day job of district nursing, Laxmi’s team has continually strived for service user advocacy, keeping their best interests at heart.
Speaking about her day-to-day work, Laxmi said: “As a team, we understand that carers and relatives may require support in looking after themselves and their loved ones. We are always on hand to ensure that we are supporting them to access the services they may need.”