18 February 2022
This February we’re shining a spotlight on some of our amazing Trauma and Orthopaedic Nurses at UHCW NHS Trust to give you an insight into some of the different careers available across our two sites in Coventry and Rugby.
Claire, a Clinical Sister at the Hospital of St Cross in Rugby, joined the orthopaedic ward (Cedar Ward) after the care she received when her first child was born prematurely inspired her to start a career in nursing.
Claire said: “When my son was born premature he was put on a special care baby ward, and during a distressing situation one of the nurses calmed me down and acted as an advocate for us both. She was like a hero to me and it was at that moment that I aspired to become a nurse.
“I went on to complete an Adult Nursing course at University and undertook all my student placements at the Hospital of St Cross. During this time I loved my experience on Cedar Ward so I asked to work there when I joined UHCW NHS Trust as a newly qualified nurse in 2012.
“Cedar Ward specialises in trauma and orthopaedic care. We work on the elective side, a faster paced environment where we’ll take care of patients after a pre-planned major surgery and the trauma side; where we’ll support patients for a more pro-longed length of time whilst they are recovering from an operation as a result of a trauma, such as a fall or a car accident.
“I enjoy moving between both sides of the ward and having the opportunity to support a variety of patients with getting back to their day-to-day lives.
“Patients can be quite vulnerable after theatre so helping someone who has been unable to walk or do the things they enjoy to improve their mobility and seeing them leave independently is such a rewarding experience”.
After four years on Cedar Ward, Claire transferred to the hospital’s Theatre department to take on a new challenge and broaden her skillset. In 2020, she became a Clinical Sister and returned to Cedar Ward, where she now coordinates and supervises junior staff alongside carrying out patient care.
Claire encourages others who are looking to take their first steps into nursing to join her at the Hospital of St Cross.
She added: “I love working at the Hospital of St Cross, we’re like a family here - you get to know everyone and we’re all there for each other. The support network is excellent and I know I can always speak to management if I have any issues.
“There are so many opportunities to progress and learn. I get a lot of fulfilment in my career and can see myself staying here for a very long time!”
If you’re inspired to start a career as a Trauma and Orthopaedic nurse, you can view our current vacancies by visiting http://jobs.uhcw.nhs.uk
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BLOOD TESTING DUE TO COVID-19
If you are experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, e.g. fever, loss of taste or continuous new cough, please DO NOT attend for a blood test.
Click on the map for information about phlebotomy clinics in Coventry. You can book an appointment online at the locations in red.
Please book an appointment before attending for a blood test. Click on the ‘Book Online’ button above. Booking an appointment helps patients, their carers and family members to plan their hospital visit better, helping to reduce clinic waiting times and enabling patients to be seen much more quickly.
Location: Outpatients Department, on the ground floor. Opening hours: 8am-4.45pm, Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays).
Children under 16 years old will need to book online here.
Please book an appointment before attending for a blood test, click on the ‘Book Online’ button above. Patients from Rugby and the surrounding areas are able to access the Friends Blood Taking Unit at the Hospital of St Cross.
Referrals for blood tests can be from GP's, practice nurses or from hospital consultants. Patients are also able to leave other samples, such as urine, which have been collected at home, at the hospital's Pathology Reception.
Location: Near Brookfield House, just off North Road - map here. Opening hours: The blood taking clinic sessions for adults and children are listed below:
Monday -Friday 7am-4:45pm Appointment only
Wednesday Evening 5pm-7pm Suspended due to COVID
Saturday Morning 7am-10pm Suspended due to COVID
April 2020 NEW - This Clinic is now by appointment. Please book an appointment before attending for a blood test. Click on the ‘Book Online’ button above.
Address: Stoney Stanton Road, Coventry CV1 4FS Location: Access is via the main doors, the Phlebotomy team are in Area A. Opening hours: Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays). 8am–4.45pm
Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT)
Specialist Tests - There are a small number of specialist tests where blood needs to be taken on a hospital site as the sample must be transferred to the laboratory rapidly for the test to be undertaken. Click here for a list of these specialist tests and to find out more.