Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH) recently hosted a personalised health talk for construction workers involved in refurbishing an endoscopy ward based at Montagu Hospital. The informative session was sparked by a conversation between the construction workers from Willmott Dixon Interiors and clinicians from DBTH, having seen an educational display promoting prostate cancer awareness on the Rockingham Ward. Recognising the opportunity to engage directly with a group susceptible to prostate disorders, the clinical team invited the workers to participate in a tailored health educational session covering prostate health.
The workers were informed about the symptoms of prostate cancer, which can include an increased need to pee, straining whilst urinating or feeling that the bladder has not fully emptied. Whilst these symptoms should not be ignored, they can be caused by other health issues, such as an enlarged prostate. Colleagues from the construction company were informed that if they experience these symptoms, they need to contact their GP for further investigation.
Nicki Sherburn, Deputy Divisional Nurse for Surgery at DBTH, said: “The Trust takes great pride in helping not just our patients but also the people that work alongside our organisation. This is a great example of our clinical team going above and beyond their day-to-day roles to ensure our community can learn about crucial healthcare matters.”
Michelle Corbet, Matron for Clinical Specialty Services, said: “Empowering our local community through health awareness sessions is important to us as we recognise that it makes a significant difference in helping people detect the early symptoms of cancer. With approximately 1 in 8 men being diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime, it is essential that we actively engage with this high-risk population. I am extremely proud of the team on Rockingham ward for the work they have done to promote health and wellbeing. This is a fantastic example of collaborative working supporting such an important topic.”
Marie Evers, Sister on the Rockingham Ward at DBTH, gave thanks to her colleagues for their help in organising and facilitating the session. Marie said: “Amanda Peck, Healthcare Assistant and Wellbeing Ambassador, has worked hard to boost prostate cancer awareness within the ward. Amanda spotted the perfect opportunity to further this awareness by initiating this session, which really engaged key members of the public who will directly benefit from this experience. We were also fortunate to have Tina Soar, Urology Nurse Specialist, provide her expertise in urology care and give her time to answer questions on prostate cancer following the session.”
Due to the success of the session, DBTH are offering further talks for colleagues from Willmott Dixon Interiors on men’s health awareness and have scheduled an additional talk to include testicular cancer and how to identify early symptoms.
Stuart Dack, Site Build Manager for Willmott Dixon Interiors, said: “We are delighted to have been a part of this educational session and appreciate the time given by the clinical team at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals. The wellbeing of our workers is important to Willmott Dixon Interiors, and we look forward to participating in future sessions on men’s health and other topics.”
Willmott Dixon Interiors have been part of the Montagu Community Diagnostic Centre build project where the Trust received funding of just over £9 million for the new patient and staff facilities including the development of a fully functional endoscopy suite, with training facilities and multifunctional clinic rooms including ultrasound facilities.
This project forms part of a significant scheme of improvements at Montagu Hospital, including a state-of-the-art orthopaedic hub, named the Montagu Elective Orthopaedic Centre (MEOC), at an investment of £14.9 million. Groundworks have recently commenced on this project with the facility expected to reach completion in early 2024. The centre will boost the capacity of elective surgery within the South Yorkshire area therefore helping to reduce patient waiting times.