Nurse Manager Rose Baines is the latest Countess Gem after colleagues recognised her role in the successful launch of our Emergency Multidisciplinary Unit (EMU) last year.
Rose, who started at The Countess in July 2018 just days before EMU opened for the first time, was surprised and humbled at being named a Countess Gem.
“I was overwhelmed when I first heard about it but I’m really happy to accept this on behalf of our team,” Rose said. “Everybody has been so friendly, warm and welcoming since I joined the Trust. Nothing is too much trouble and it is a real privilege to work here.”
EMU, which is part of the Accident & Emergency (A&E), specialises in caring for patients aged 65 and over with a multidisciplinary approach that is designed to avoid admissions and prolonged periods in hospital.
Each day Rose will review patients in this demographic across A&E, identifying those that could benefit from their bespoke help and support to return home. The EMU team consists of a geriatrician, Rose, and a healthcare assistant, but they work closely with pharmacists, occupational therapists, physios and community teams to ensure patients return home safely and their progress is followed up.
Rose added: “With the community clinic bringing patients back in to see us, you get familiar with them and they’re happy because they know we are taking an interest in them, their health and keeping them under our wing. It’s such a rewarding area of the hospital to work in.”
You can read the nominations below to see what Rose’s colleagues said about her:
- “Following the introduction of EMU and its success in changing the way we manage the frail elderly at the front door we need to recognise that Rose is fundamental to the Unit’s success and the lynchpin around which the rest of the multidisciplinary team work. Despite the inevitable challenges, Rose epitomises the essence of a Countess Gem.”
(Dr David Wilson) - “The Emergency Multidisciplinary Unit has had a positive impact on the way that frail patients are managed at presentation to the ‘front door’ of the hospital. Rose has been a major part of the success of EMU, making a massive contribution to the unit on a daily basis through her work. There are always challenges associated with opening a new unit within an organisation, and Rose has faced these head on and worked through to make the unit the success that it is today – consistently displaying the qualities associated with being a true Countess Gem.”
(Luke Hamilton) - “Rose is always happy and cheerful when she comes into ED in the morning, She takes many of our patients to EMU which then gives us space in EAU for our other patients and to assist with flow. Rose also takes patients straight off ambulances. We all think very highly of Rose and her team in ED.”
(Beverley Ellis) - “Rose has been the cornerstone of the EMU unit since it was launched. Its aims and successes would not have been realised without her dedication, enthusiasm and kindness. She is a proud advocate for frail, vulnerable older people and treats every patient with respect, kindness and reassurance. She is a hard working team player with a 'can do' attitude and is well respected throughout the medical and ED teams. We are exceptionally lucky to have her in the department and I would like to use this as an opportunity to express my thanks and appreciation for her hard work as a truly valued colleague.”
(Dr William Wareing) - “Rose is an exemplary member of staff, who has joined the Countess team recently and worked to a very high standard on the EMU. She is very caring, and unflappable, and embodies the trust values.”
(Anna Rees) - “An absolute pleasure to work with. Patients advocate, friendly 'can do' attitude. Also goes the extra mile for her patients and to help with pressures within the ED.”
(Steph Wilson) - “From the first day I met Rosie she was professional, friendly and had an enthusiasm for her new role. Each time I have spoken to Rosie I have been met with the same positive attitude. We at the Countess are lucky to have her.”
(Cath Davies) - “Since Rose arrived to take up her role in EMU she has worked tirelessly to improve the care and respect given to the patients she deals with. She is helpful when dealing with patients attending ED and taking over their care leading to hopefully discharge. She is always smiling and is so approachable. Nothing is too much trouble for her. She is simply a lovely person.”
(Nikki Challinor) - “Rose is one of the kindest people I have ever met.”
(Abbie Phenix) - “Rose provides a kind, caring and efficient service in EMU. Rose always has patients’ best interests at heart and has been a key member in developing the EMU service. Rose has developed excellent working relationships with all staff in a short period of time and is keen to make sure every patient has the best experience in EMU. Rose epitomises care that is "above and beyond" for patients and their carers and has worked hard to add extra value to the EMU environment. Thank you Rose.”
(Jennifer Brownley) - “Rose will go above and beyond for patients and staff, Rose takes pride in everything she does, and is an asset to the Countess!”
(Samantha Price) - “Rose is always very friendly to staff and is willing to help others. She allocates time to making sure her staff are ok both on a professional and personal level. She has an excellent manner with patients and is always very professional when dealing with patients, staff and relatives or carers. She communicates well her patients and puts them at the centre of her care.”
(Rachel Alexander)
As part of being named a Countess Gem, every winner is given £125 to spend with the catering department at the hospital. Rose is looking forward to having a celebration with the people she works alongside every day.
“I think the NHS is a fantastic institution and I firmly believe it’s the people that make the NHS what it is,” she said. “I feel we are a close-knit team that strives to always meet patient expectations. It’s a privilege to be part of this team and I am looking forward to contributing to further EMU development in future."
Director of Nursing and Quality Alison Kelly said: “The introduction of EMU is something we are really proud of this year and it’s the dedication of people like Rose and her team that is making a genuine difference to our patients every day. Looking through the nominations she received it’s clear that, despite being relatively new to the Trust, she has made a huge impression on her colleagues, which is testament to her passionate and diligent approach to her role.”
About Countess Gems
‘Countess Gems’ are a monthly recognition awards scheme at the Countess of Chester Hospital, with members of staff nominating colleagues who they think deserve special praise. Every person/team nominated officially becomes a ‘Countess Gem’ with a certificate. Once a month the leadership group reviews all the nominations and selects an overall winner. This team/individual will then receive £125 to spend with in-house Catering Services to celebrate. The Countess Gems awards are funded through donations from patients and families in thanks for the care they have received (charitable funds).