“Look up and not down. Look forward and not back. Look out and not in, and lend a hand" - our staff stories: Alison, Ward Manager
Alison is a Ward Manager on our Medical Ambulatory Care Unit (MACU) and our Acute Medicine Receiving Area (AMRA). MACU is a dedicated area for ambulatory patients referred from primary care and ED, whose investigation and treatment can be completed within 12 hours and who do not need a bed. AMRA is an innovative, purpose-built facility for patients streamed from GP referrals who are predicted to need admission. Patients receive a rapid assessment, clerking and senior review in this area before moving through to B3 or, in some cases, to another speciality ward.
Alison has been at Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) for 13 years. Talking about her experiences over the last nine months or so, she says:
"As a team, we have become even more united. I spend a lot of time supporting our staff, especially when making difficult decisions. I spend most of my days out on the wards juggling the many tasks that come with being a Ward Manager.
My home life is different. I spend less time doing the things I enjoy - the gym, fight club, and exercise classes etc. I am more conscious of my family, having my mother at home and protecting her has become more of a challenge.
Especially as she no longer asks me how my day was, it’s more 'how many Covid-19 patients today?' - this at times has caused frustration."
Speaking of the main thing she has learnt from Covid-19, Alison says:
"That I have a great team with me at work and not to be scared. My message to the people of Nottinghamshire is we are here for you! Let us do what we are trained to do. Adhere to lockdown and we will get through this together."
Alison's message to her Nottingham University Hospitals colleagues is:
"You are all fab! Keep doing what you are doing." She mentions the quote: “Look up and not down. Look forward and not back. Look out and not in, and lend a hand." Edward Everett Hale.