Sharp Ward
Date issued: November 2019
For review: November 2021
Ref: D-254/Ward/MM/Sharp Ward leaflet v4
Welcome to Sharp Ward
We are a 24 bedded Fracture Neck of Femur Unit (broken hip). Our aim is to provide a high standard of patient centred care delivered by caring professionals.
Our staff possess a wealth of experience in caring for frail, elderly, confused and dementia patients. The ward team comprises Registered Nurses, Healthcare Assistants, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists and benefits from a ward based Ortho-Geriatrician Consultant and Registrar.
The Ward is divided into three `teams`- BLUE and RED and GREEN, each having a designated team leader. We welcome your input, feedback and comments to assist us in giving a high standard of care. Please feel free to ask for a member of the management team by name.
Sharp Ward Management
Ward Manager- Sister Melanie Avis-Morrell
Junior Sister– Karen Hammond
Junior Sister– Angie Blaikie
Junior Sister– Lauren Schuttkacker
What to expect
As per Government guidelines we aim to operate within 36 hours of admission (if medically fit). The surgical journey takes around 4 hours and patients are monitored closely on the ward after their operations.
First day post op we will try and get patients sat in the chair for a short time as tolerated and physiotherapy will progress from there.
Rehabilitation can continue at a local community hospital close to home or if patients do well they may be able to return home, with support if needed. Expected stay varies but on average we anticipate 5 – 7 days.
We often have patients from Supported Living, Residential or Nursing Care. Please feel free to check with the Nurse in Charge the discharge plan, as these can vary on an individual basis.
The Occupational Therapists work closely with families to enable a safe return home if appropriate.
All our nursing staff are trained in safe manual handling and encourage mobility once assessed.
Please bring in…..
Medications Toiletries, shaving equipment, box of tissues Night clothes and Day clothes, footwear Snacks and drinks Hobbies/interests such as (books, knitting, music, puzzles)
Please do not bring valuables into hospital, if this is not possible, give them to your nurse for safe keeping. Remember, the hospital does not accept responsibility for loss or damage to personal property.
Collaborative care
You can play an important role in the recovery and rehabilitation of your relative. Whilst visiting you are welcome to….Give nail care, shave male patients, style hair… The ward has a wheelchair (or bring your own) that can be used to take patients off the ward for coffee or visit the shop etc.
Which Operation?
The Hemiarthroplasty
A hip hemiarthroplasty is an operation used to replace the upper part of the femur (thigh bone) after a person has fractured the neck of the femur. In a hemiarthroplasty it is the ball part that is replaced by a metal ball on top of a stem. The metal stem is placed in the femur and secured either with medical cement or by direct contact with the bone.
The Dynamic Hip Screw
A dynamic hip screw is performed where the neck of femur has been fractured and where there is a good chance that it will heal if held in place by internal fixation. The internal metal work consists of a large screw placed in the head of the femur and a plate held onto the side of the femur by several smaller screws. This metal work will remain in permanently even once the fracture has healed.
Physiotherapy
Following your operation you will be encouraged to mobilise as soon as possible and you must make sure that you are receiving adequate pain relief to allow you to do this. Normally you will be sat out of bed the day after the operation with assistance and a walking aid. Your doctor or physiotherapist will advise you of how much weight you can take through your operated leg, usually full weight, although this may initially be limited by pain.
Mobility will be progressed with the physiotherapist. He/she will advise you on how far you should be mobilising and what walking aids are appropriate for you (usually a walking frame initially and then progressing to crutches if able).
It is also important that you carry out some exercises to strengthen the muscles around the damaged hip. Your physiotherapist may advise you of additional exercises that may also benefit you.
Patient Belongings
When leaving Sharp ward the ambulances are only able to take 1 bag of property, if your relative has more than 1 bag of property you may be asked to come and collect the remaining property.
We practice PROTECTED MEALTIMES and the RED TRAY system.
This highlights patients who need assistance with eating and drinking. If you feel it would be beneficial you are welcome to join us and help feed your family member.
Hairdressing Ward Service
Appointments available for Ladies and Gents, Monday to Friday. Ask the Ward Clerk for prices and booking.
PATIENT ADVICE AND LIAISON (PALS)
For informal advice please ring 01752 437035 Email plh-tr.PALS@nhs.net or call into the office by arrangement at reception on Level 6.
If you wish to discuss your relatives care with any of the Multi-disciplinary Team (Doctors, Physio, Occupational Therapists, Nurses), please speak to the nurse in charge and she will arrange
