Julie Page is one of our Outreach Support
team responsible for making early contact with people who have suffered
a brain injury and their carers. She writes about her role as follows:-
When a person is admitted to hospital with a brain injury, it is usually not only that person who feels bewildered and confused. The families, friends and loved ones of the patient can be frightened and unsure of where they can turn to for help. Hospitals are a little scary for many people, and it is often difficult to know who to talk to and who will answer
all the questions that families often have.
At this very early stage, Headway can step in. A part of my job is to visit the hospital on a regular basis, at least once a week, and offer help to patients with a brain injury. I work very closely with the Core Brain Injury Team, who are based at the L.R.I. and meet with them regularly. With the help of these meetings, contact can be made with the patient and their family members very soon after admission to hospital. I offer emotional support, practical help, general advice, reassurance and information. I will listen to families’ worries and concerns, refer to other professionals where necessary, find out information for them and see them as often as they wish. We have lots of written information and
people often find this very useful. This is obviously a very difficult time for families and loved ones and we do our best to help them find their way through. Families are often keen for me to talk to the ward staff and act as a link between them. There are so many things for the families to think
about and do, and if I am able to help with any of this, then I am happy to do so.
When a person is admitted to hospital with a brain injury, it is usually not only that person who feels bewildered and confused. The families, friends and loved ones of the patient can be frightened and unsure of where they can turn to for help. Hospitals are a little scary for many people, and it is often difficult to know who to talk to and who will answer
all the questions that families often have.
At this very early stage, Headway can step in. A part of my job is to visit the hospital on a regular basis, at least once a week, and offer help to patients with a brain injury. I work very closely with the Core Brain Injury Team, who are based at the L.R.I. and meet with them regularly. With the help of these meetings, contact can be made with the patient and their family members very soon after admission to hospital. I offer emotional support, practical help, general advice, reassurance and information. I will listen to families’ worries and concerns, refer to other professionals where necessary, find out information for them and see them as often as they wish. We have lots of written information and
people often find this very useful. This is obviously a very difficult time for families and loved ones and we do our best to help them find their way through. Families are often keen for me to talk to the ward staff and act as a link between them. There are so many things for the families to think
about and do, and if I am able to help with any of this, then I am happy to do so.
Whilst
this is happening, it is also important to get to know the person themselves.
Apart from regular visits whilst in hospital, I am also invited to attend
review meetings and discharge planning meetings on the ward. When people
are discharged, if they live in the City, then I am able to see them at
home and offer our Outreach services. If they live in the County or Rutland,
then one of my colleagues will be able to do so. This is another difficult
time for people, as they are suddenly without the support and protection
of the hospital. Many people have brilliant families, friends and carers
who make this period of adjustment as easy as possible. However, to have
a Support Worker who has built up a relationship with them in hospital
can also be very useful and can alleviate any further difficulties.I find this work very rewarding and am glad to offer any support we can. If we can make even a little difference to people at this difficult time, then I am very pleased.
Julie Page
