New team helps improve care

A new non-clinical team has been introduced to support patients and staff at Guy’s and St Thomas’. 

The patient and staff enhancers, known as PASE, are on hand to do everything from making beds to making cups of tea. The team work in a variety of clinical areas including inpatient wards and outpatient clinics, helping to improve quality of care, and patient and staff experience.

Emily Clatworthy, who joined the team in March, was previously a carer for her nan. She works across 4 renal, urology and transplant wards at Guy’s Hospital. Every day is different but it could include speaking with patients who are on dialysis or waiting for a transplant, and supporting nurses by organising folders. 

Emily said: “I’ve always wanted to work in the NHS. My nan always said my calling was caring for people and it’s everything I wanted it to be.”

The PASE team was initially launched in 2021 to support with COVID-19, with staff supporting patients, answering phones when visitors were limited and undertaking non clinical duties. This released time for the clinical staff to provide direct patient care. It was relaunched this year as a Trust wide pilot with 16 full-time and part-time paid roles, with positions funded by the Guy’s & St Thomas’ Charity.   

Former ward housekeeper Maggie Gibson decided to apply for her new role as Senior PASE as it involved more patient contact. 

She said: “It’s one of those roles that you don’t realise how much you need it until you’ve got it. It’s a really good project to support the staff and the patients, and I think they appreciate it.”

Jennifer Yeboah, PASE programme manager, added: “The clinical staff benefit as they are able to focus more on clinical aspects and the patients benefit from the additional emotional support. We have had some great feedback from both patients and staff.”

Sally Underwood, a matron, has had two PASE on her ward in St Thomas’ Hospital since the end of January. They carry out a range of tasks including making trips to the pharmacy, bed making and answering call bells. 

Sally said: “I immediately saw how the PASE role could be beneficial, offering a cross between an admin and a clinical support role. It took some time to embed them but over the months they have made a real difference.”