24 March 2015
A man who overcame a devastating rugby injury and received an OBE for his services to charity and for those with disabilities is one of the speakers at a major conference hosted by Health and Social Services this week.
Matt King, who is quadriplegic as a result of the rugby accident, is speaking at the Care and Compassion Conference this week to raise awareness from the patient perspective about the importance of delivering healthcare with care and compassion, and the difference it makes to patients.
He will be joined by UK based inspirational speaker and coach Steve Head, who will speak to delegates about coping under pressure. Steve is coach to the England wheelchair rugby league squad and currently a sought-after speaker in the UK.
It will also feature a video presentation called "What did you see nurse?" This shows the heart felt observations of an elderly lady who isn't able to talk. She reflects on life events and urges staff to see more than just the patient in the bed.
Open to staff from outside HSSD
The conference, which is open to staff across Health and Social Services, as well as people who work at the Prison, Jersey Hospice Care and Family Nursing and Home Care, is being held at Cineworld and is being repeated twice over 2 days in order to be open to as many delegates as possible.
The conference has previously been held in the UK and this is the first time it has been held locally. It will be introduced by Jersey’s Chief Nurse, Rose Naylor, and Jill Byrne, Interim Director of Nursing and Governance. Hundreds of health and social care staff will attend the conference on Tuesday and Wednesday this week.
Healthcare with compassion
Chief Nurse Rose Naylor said "We know that our healthcare staff provide excellent care, with compassion already, but this conference is a valuable opportunity to be reminded of the importance of doing that all the time. Every patient who is cared for will carry their experience with them for life, and we want everyone who experiences care, whether it is within HSSD or not, to have a great experience, and feel that they are an individual.
“We hope that the conference programme will challenge and inspire all delegates who attend, and that they will leave with a clear view of what they can do to give every patient a great safe, caring and compassionate experience. Care and compassion goes beyond what happens at the Hospital or in our care homes, and for this reason we have invited colleagues from HMP La Moye, FNHC and Jersey Hospice Care to be part of this event too.”
Matt King said “It is important that doctors, nurses and care staff understand the importance of care and compassion when they are looking after their patients. This week's conference is an invaluable opportunity to emphasise the importance of treating patients with respect as individuals and I hope the medical professionals in attendance come away with an understanding of the importance of looking after their patients with the utmost care and dignity.”
Working with NHS staff
Speaker Steve Head has delivered over 1,500 presentations and personal development programmes to thousands of public and private sector employees across UK and Europe. He specialises in helping people build personal resilience and develop coping strategies under pressure.
Around half his time is spent supporting and inspiring NHS staff and particularly nurses, and allied health care professionals.
Steve said "I am looking forward to sharing practical tips and strategies with the passionate nursing staff of Jersey, and their colleagues, with Matt King. Everyone who attends will discover the power of marginal gains and the smallest changes can make the biggest difference to their own wellbeing and to patients.”
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