You would be excused for thinking dozens of leprechauns had turned up to Lismore Base Hospital to cause mischief on St Patrick's Day!
But looks can be deceiving! These green faeries have been sharing messages of health for World Delirium Day and Falls Prevention Month!
Dressed in fun, attention-grabbing green scrubs, LBH staff visited patients and colleagues across many departments.
On World Delirium Day they:
- handed out treats to staff, visitors and patients who could answer quiz questions about delirium: i.e. identification, management/interventions and outcomes
- had a picture challenge to identify physical environment triggers for delirium (with treats)
- organised a foyer display on delirium, distraction activities and patient brochures.
Falls prevention information sharing
On Tuesday 1 April, LBH staff spent the day raising awareness for falls prevention. A group of well-informed RNs and educators went to 15 LBH departments to talk to staff, visitors and patients about fall risk factors.
A huge variety of patient fall risks were identified including: delirium, low blood pressure, poor mobility, opioids, elderly, lines, dehydration, loose pads, incontinence, urinary urgency and a previous history of falls.
Pictured at top:
From left: Kerry Buchholz (CNE), Nicola Scanlon (NE) Stacey Hatton (RN and clinical resource nurse for cognition and falls), Remy Simpson-Hay (NUM3 cardiac services) and Veronika Savic (CNE).
The team is pictured with Stacey’s distraction activity resource trolley, part of her project on improving the care and management of patients with cognitive impairment.