CLIFTON hospital’s Rheumatology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Joan De Vega, is a hit with her patients and has the feedback to prove it!
Joan has been named in a number of Friends and Family Tests, where patients have taken the time to praise her work.
The NHS Friends and Family Test (FFT) was created to help service providers and commissioners understand whether their patients are happy with the service provided, or where improvements are needed and Joan has been named in a number of FFT forms at Clifton Hospital.
Comments included: “Joan was really very good to me and also very nice to talk to and she always was ready to listen to you – to me she is really great.”
And “Great and to the point, and made me think more. Cannot do without Joan, she is great.”
Joan has worked for Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust since 2000 after qualifying in the Philippines in 1993. Although she has had experience in general nursing and Infection Prevention, her heart lies in Rheumatology.
Joan said: “You learn something every day in Rheumatology and my job covers every area of nursing even though I work in an outpatients’ service.
“We listen to the patients’ concerns and symptoms and find a way together to implement an individual plan that may include exercises and self-management.”
Rheumatology treatments have really progressed over the years and Joan’s department offers various treatments and clinics such as an Early Arthritis Clinic, infusions and injections.
Helen Veevers, Osteoporosis/Biologic Clinical Nurse Specialist, said: “Joan is the lynchpin of the department.
“We have recently had a member of staff retire and another off work due to a broken shoulder and we would not have managed without her. Her feedback is much deserved.”
Joan added: “The patients I work with can often be at risk of social and emotional issues due to their conditions. I make sure I listen to their concerns and support them where I can.
“I end up building a relationship with the patients and the feedback gives me confidence to know I am doing something right. Thank you to all those who took the time to fill in the forms.”
Clinical Matron, Courtney Bickerdike, said: “Joan is a very dedicated nurse who shows compassion and empathy for her patients at all times.
“This is evident from the positive comments she receives from her patients.”
If you have also received great care from Clifton Hospital or any other part of the Trust, you can nominate and individual or team for a Celebrating Success Award. For details of how to apply go to http://bit.ly/2pE8EXo.