A day in the life: Patient Support Service, St. Johns

It’s just over a month since we officially launched our Patient Support Service at St. John’s Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian. To celebrate, our Patient Support Worker at St. John’s, Seannie McInally, shares a day in her life:

‘It’s 9 AM on a brisk Autumn day, as I walk from my car into the eye department at St John’s Hospital.

The reception staff greet me as I enter the building. Making my way to the very back, I bid good morning to the wonderful nurses I spend my day with.

We have a brief catch up as I make my way to Treatment Room C where I get ready for my day. Setting up equipment and letting my laptop start up, I make my way to the staffroom to grab a quick cuppa.

As I head back to my office, I see patients begin to pour in for the morning appointments, I smile and speak to a few as I pass, letting them know they can pop in to chat.

Re-entering my office I reflect on the support we are now able to provide at St John’s; I smile and place my ‘Patient Support Worker’ sign up on my door, ready to greet the service users of the day.

I spend the beginning of my day seeing service users, discussing their concerns, their fears and letting them know that they are not alone. I remind them that we are here for them, and we discuss what they need and how I can help.

As the afternoon rolls around, I enjoy a homemade lunch and a catch up with the nurses about how their day is going. With lunch coming to an end, I head back to my office, ready for the afternoon work.

Afternoons are always a bit quieter in St John’s, so I spend my time putting through referrals for the service users I saw that morning; referring to partner organisations like RNIB, Ability Net or adding service users to the waiting list for a Low Vision Assessment.

Once I have completed my referrals, I begin making some phone calls. As I’m sorting my calls for the day, I reflect on our service; it’s brilliant that we’re are able to offer support face-to-face and over the phone as it means no one has to go without support.

As the day ends, I pack up my office, say goodbye to the nurses and beginning my journey home. I look out over the horizon admiring the setting sun illuminating my drive home, excited to do it all again tomorrow.’

Our patient support team provide an early intervention service to patients attending hospital eye appointments at St. John’s. The service is based in the eye department and is available on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Patients who have an eye clinic appointment can drop-in to meet with a member of the team.

Visit our full service listing for more information:

Patient Support Service at St. John’s Hospital