Spotlight on Clifton Hospital

After reaching the one year anniversary of the coronavirus pandemic, we are highlighting how our community hospital in St Annes, Clifton Hospital, has dealt with the pressures over the past 12 months in a new short series…

Ward 2 manager, Sophie Pendleton, came to Clifton from Ward 6 at Blackpool Victoria Hospital in September 2020. She said: “When I arrived, the team morale was quite low as the ward had been working under considerable pressure. We worked together to get people smiling again and it is one of my priorities is to put the fun back in nursing.

“For example, all throughout Christmas, I made sure music was playing. Both patients and staff were soon singing along – it really cheered everyone up. I think it’s so important to have fun; it helps the patients feel better and also lifts the spirits of the staff.

“We recently held a Cake Wars competition where staff brought in their homemade cakes. Everyone got to sample them and voted for their favourite. The winner got a personalised apron.

“We’ve also organised a Jerusalama dance event and are planning an Easter Bonnet parade.

“I also think it is important for me as a Ward Manager to regularly go back to the floor. I will join different teams and help perform some of their duties such as washing and dressing patients. I think this is important as I get to know the teams and the patients better and understand any issues that may occur.’’

Sophie Pendleton

Posted in Home Page, Press Releases.