Acute Stroke Rehabilitation Unit

Prior to my University studies I volunteered at Restore7 Ltd. to gain some experience in healthcare. The highlight of my experience was attending a balance group which aimed to improve patient's/ client's seating and standing balance, hence assist with their gait and transfers. This was a great opportunity to have as I saw social interactions between each patient/ client make for friendly competition and peer support for everyone to improve.

However, not all patients/ clients are as able bodied as the those in the balance group. During my time on the Acute Stroke Rehabilitation Unit, I saw all my patients five times per week, if able, resulting in me having a personalised and close rapport with each patient/ client. I was always with at least another two healthcare professionals, due to the patients/ clients usually requiring Assistance of 3- 5. Patients/ clients required their limbs to be supported by some healhcare professionals, whilst others manouevered arjos and plinths. This improved my team working and communication skills due to the vast amount of professionals involved in a single person's care.

Working alongside Occupational Therapy and Orthotics showed me how they're involved within the MDT. They equipped patients/ clients with splints, which were also used to encourage passive stretches and minimalise associated reactions.

Family meetings were commonplace on the ward, in which a patient's/ client's family were invited into the unit for each healthcare professional to discuss any progression or regression. This allowed me to note how important communication is within the multi-disciplinary team as this could minorly or majorly influence a patient's/ client's treatment.

Finally, on occasion difficult conversations regarding DNACPR were necessary during family meetings. From this I learnt that no matter how difficult a conversation was, openness and truthfulness were vital.