TUESDAY, 26 SEPTEMBER, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PHOTO ATTACHED: emergency laparotomy support workers Tracey Brown and Barry Lowrie

New healthcare role benefits recovery of surgical patients

NHS Tayside has introduced a new healthcare role to support patients in their recovery from abdominal and bowel surgery – and it’s proving to be magic!

The emergency laparotomy service supports patients who have had emergency laparotomy (surgery in the abdominal cavity) and bowel surgery focusing on their recovery and encouraging a reduced length of stay in hospital.

The small team consists of programme lead Dr Carol Gray, emergency laparotomy nurse Hannah Watson and two recently appointed emergency laparotomy support workers, Barry Lowrie and Tracey Brown.

The team works closely with the wider multi disciplinary team (MDT) which comprises surgeons, dieticians, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, surgical acute frailty team and colorectal nurses. The MDT meets weekly to discuss the progress of individual patients, including identifying any barriers early in the patients’ pathway that may prevent discharge.

The new role of emergency laparotomy support worker is supporting the seven-day service for a high-risk patient group. Having a seven-day service enables continuity of care for patients as they have a constant point of contact during their recovery. The emergency laparotomy support workers, through listening and asking patients what matters to them, are able to set goals in partnership with patients, as well as giving positive re-assurances around their progress throughout their journey.

Speaking about his new role, Barry said, “It is extremely stressful for patients to undergo major surgery and each day we assess patient progress using the national programme ‘What matters to you’ and motivation tools such as wall charts that show their ‘personal best’. In our role it is very important to build relationships with patients and their relatives to help us to understand the best ways to motivate patients to use the rehabilitation services to the best of their ability.

“Sometimes it is the simple things that can have the most impact such as asking patients to pick their favourite music to encourage patients to become more mobile.”

Mental wellbeing is another key focus in the recovery of patients, especially those who have had major, unexpected surgery.

Tracey added, “Patients’ mental wellbeing is also extremely important and the service works closely with the Spiritual Care Service to provide the best care possible. This is often a massive contribution to our patients’ motivation and we are planning to spend some time with the Intensive Care Unit Recovery Team to further develop our link within critical care and be accessible to patients from their admission.

“We aim to go the extra mile for our patients looking at ways to inspire and distract them including sourcing books they are interested in, taking them off the ward if suitable for a change of scenery such as a trip to Ninewells Community Garden or celebrating birthdays with bunting and cupcakes.”

Emergency laparotomy nurse Hannah Watson said of the new role, "The difference to patient experience is night and day. Having dedicated emergency laparotomy support workers has helped increase the opportunity for patients who have undergone major abdominal surgery to mobilise as early as clinically possible. Through motivating and setting daily goals throughout their stay from day one. Tracey and Barry have helped create a unique service that is appreciated across the floor by staff, patients and relative as it promotes enhanced patient recovery and supports them to be able to return home.”

In addition to his role as emergency laparotomy support worker, Barry also uses his skill as a budding magician to cheer up patients with magic tricks.

Barry explained, “The magic began in my previous job in the hospital. I would sometimes see patients without visitors and their morale was low, so I decided to use my magic tricks to lift their spirits and this has continued into this role. I will also offer to show patients how to do some of the magic if they like what I’ve shown them. It is fantastic to see patients being excited about showing the tricks they have mastered to their grandkids when they visit.”

Contact:

Anna Michie

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 424138