Ben Braithwaite, who is the Medical Director at East Ham Care Centre, provided an introductory talk with Mr Timms, giving an overview of the work within the Care Centre and the various healthcare disciplines offered by the site.
Before taking Mr Timms to visit the wards, Happy Khatun and Maggy Mbelo explained the work of person-centred occupational therapy activities amongst older adults to improve health and wellbeing.
Following on from this was a visit to two of the site’s wards; Fothergill and Sally Sherman. Ward Matron Chantal Riviere showed Sir Stephen around the wards and introduced him to the various staff members caring for service users.
She explained the level of care provided at Fothergill, which is primarily for service users who are well enough to leave an acute hospital, but not enough to return home. Sally Sherman cares for older individuals with behaviour challenges.
East Ham Care Centre’s Deputy Lead Nurse, Tim Hunter, introduced Mr Timms to the site’s Urgent Care Response (UCR) team alongside Clinical Lead Lara Lawson and Physiotherapist Shenbag Somasundaram. Clinical Lead Ade Adeosun introduced the work of the District Nursing team and the changes and challenges it has faced.
Speaking about his visit, Sir Stephen Timms MP said: “It was a privilege to recently visit the East Ham Care Centre in my constituency, to learn more about the wonderful care staff provide for service users.
“The community care services in Newham are vital in ensuring service users are continuing to be supported throughout their complex needs, and I would like to thank staff for their unwavering dedication.”
Gavin Shields, who coordinated the visit and is the Lead Nurse in the Community Health Team, added: “We’re really pleased with the work we undertake in Newham, so we’re delighted that Sir Stephen Timms accepted our invitation.
“Our staff work tirelessly in all aspects of their jobs, so we couldn’t be prouder to be showcasing what care Community Health offers.”