Names:
Michael Dean
Simon Bruce
Job Title: High Dependency Crew (Patient Transport Services)
Base: Newcastle under Lyme
Length of service:
Michael – 3 years
Simon – 12 years
Role within WMAS:
Michael and Simon are part of the high dependency team that work within North Staffordshire. They are responsible for transferring patients with a high clinical need, such as intensive care patients, from one hospital to another. Crews who work on the high dependency contract have a higher clinical skill set to those who work on other Patient Transport Services contracts held by the Trust.
Patient Transport Service crews from other contracts play a key role in getting thousands of patients to their non-emergency out-patient appointments. The Trust employs approximately 400 members of PTS staff who complete in the region of 800,000 non-emergency journeys each year, ensuring patients get to their appointments 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Christmas day plans:
This is the first time in many years that Simon will be off on Christmas day, however, he will be back in work on Boxing day. Michael’s last shift will be on Christmas Eve and he too will be off on Christmas day. Both will be spending the day at home with their families.
Top tip for winter:
Avoid a silent killer – With winter showing its teeth, it is really important that people are aware of carbon monoxide poisoning and protect themselves from this silent killer. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless gas that leads to around 40 deaths each year and thousands of others affected. Almost all of those cases could be avoided with the purchase of a carbon monoxide alarm. It can occur from inappropriate use of cooking equipment or poorly maintained appliances such as wood burner, chimneys or flues. CO poisoning has symptoms such as: headache, nausea and vomiting; vertigo; reduced consciousness and weakness. Even exposure to lower levels for a prolonged period can lead to lasting neurological effects including difficulties in concentrating and emotional change. Although the vast majority of people now have smoke alarms, having a carbon monoxide alarm is just as important and similarly doesn’t cost much, but what price can you put on the life of a loved one? Don’t take the chance; get a carbon monoxide alarm fitted and make sure it, along with your smoke alarm, works each week. Your life could depend on it.