The role involves approaching a list of patients that has been drawn up by the major trauma team and asking them if they would be happy to complete the form themselves or sometimes, (usually for the more elderly patients and those whose arm might be in plaster), offering to read the questions and recording the responses on their behalf. Since there is no dedicated trauma ward in the hospital, the patients can be located all over and it is a great way to boost my daily steps! I have quickly learned that route planning is essential to avoid having to back-track and this is the first thing that I do each session.
It is an immensely satisfying role which brings me into direct contact with patients. I never fail to be amazed by the fortitude of the patients, some of whom have sustained life-changing injuries. Nonetheless all of them seem to have a very positive attitude and are so grateful for the wonderful care that they are receiving at Addenbrookes.
The survey is part of a national audit and aims to find ways to make the trauma service in NHS England even better. I am very pleased to be playing a tiny part in that.
