The hugely successful event, which was attended by around 100 nurses and healthcare professionals, was an opportunity to share innovations and best practice within the Trust.
The conference kicked-off with a moving and thought-provoking discussion, courtesy of special guest Dr Kate Allatt. The inspirational speaker generously shared her powerful story with attendees, detailing how a stroke had left her with ‘Locked-In Syndrome’, a condition which renders a person immobile, unable to move or even communicate.
Kate’s inspiring, and at times heart-wrenching, account touched everyone in the room, highlighting the importance of remaining positive in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, and the crucial role healthcare staff play in any patient’s journey.
Speaking about the event, Kate said: “This was my first engagement event with DBTH and I was impressed with the ideas and pledges on how staff felt they could challenge and improve compassion in care. I look forward to seeing how these develop and hope to undertake further partnership work with the organisation.”
Afterwards, attendees gathered together to showcase exciting developments and take part in a series of informative workshops. These activities touched on everything from patient safety, to a recent innovation called Achieving Reliable Care (ARC), as well as supporting patients who are at the end of life. Proceedings were then brought to a close by Trust Chair, Suzy Brain England OBE.
Dr Sam Debbage, Deputy Director of Education and co-organiser of the event, said: ‘’Sharing How We Care was a fantastic opportunity for staff to come together with colleagues from across our hospitals, highlighting why DBTH is such an extraordinary place to work. The day was extremely well-received, starting some great conversations and ideas around the Trust which will continue for a long-time to come.”
With a number of pledges made by attendees to ‘think differently’, the event will return next year.