Media Release
Date: 23 June 2014
RUH strengthens nursing team
The RUH is further strengthening its nursing team by introducing Supervisory Senior Sisters to its wards.
The hospital (recently named as Best Hospital in the UK for Nursing Placements at the Student Nursing Times Awards) is introducing a new role – Supervisory Senior Sister/Charge Nurse. Far from being an administrative or management role, the Supervisory Senior Sisters/Charge Nurses will lead a hands-on team providing essential support and guidance for frontline nursing staff and will have a high level of contact with patients and their families.
Helen Blanchard, Director of Nursing & Midwifery said: "It's not just a case of having more nurses; what is most crucial is having the right staff, well supported, and in the right roles. This is why we have created the role of Supervisory Senior Sister/Charge Nurse on our wards as part of our overall nursing strategy. They will support nursing staff in providing excellent nursing care, will be more available to meet with patients and their families to discuss the plan of care and will have an overview which will help them to identify problems before they happen. We hope that, with the support of Supervisory Senior Sisters/Charge Nurses, our talented nurses will be given the best opportunity to concentrate on providing the very best care for patients. This is what patients tell us they want, and this is what nurses want to be able to do."
In addition to this, general recruitment of nursing staff remains a key priority for the recruitment team – with the aim of attracting and retaining the very best nursing staff.
Helen Blanchard added: "Investing in high calibre staff and achieving correct staffing levels are vital if we are to continue to improve the quality of care, deliver improved outcomes, and ensure better patient experience."