The Directorate of Nursing upholds a number of key values which inform the provision of all our services. You can read more about priorities on this page, and click through to more information about many of them. You can view information about the metrics we use to measure our performance here.

Pride, Passion and Professionalism

Our ‘three Ps’ are key to the directorate’s approach in every area. You can read more about our broad and detailed vision for the future of nursing at HEFT here.

Record Keeping

Proper record keeping is key to provided high quality nursing services. The Nursing and Midwifery Council have published guidance on this important area which we are committed to following. You can read it here.

Dignity

Dignity is concerned with how people feel, think and behave in relation to the worth or value of themselves and others. To treat someone with dignity is to treat them as being of worth, in a way that is respectful of them as valued individuals.

Dignity applies equally to those who have capcity and to those who lack it. Everyone has equal worth as human beings and must be treated as if they are able to feel, thing and behave in relation to their own worth or value. Nurses should, therefore, treat all people in all settings and of any health status with dignity, and dignified care should continue after death.

As a team we are fully signed up to the Royal College of Nursing’s dignity policies. To read more about dignity and nursing, click here.

The Ward Sister

The role of the Ward Sister is central to what we aim to achieve with nursing here at HEFT. You can learn more about this vital role, why it is so important, and how it fits into the wider nursing service by clicking here.

Safeguarding

Protecting vulnerable children, young people and those who suffer as a result of domestic abuse is an essential part of our work.  It is sad that we all need to be vigilant, however we do!  Our first responsibility must be to the children and young people who come to Heart Of England Foundation Trust.

The Safeguarding Policy assists staff to remain appropriately alert to the possibility that a child might be at risk of harm.  All clinical and medical staff will receive training on child protection, domestic abuse and vulnerable young adults which complements this policy.  As clinical staff we are trained to believe what we are told by the parents and of course, in the vast majority of cases, it is entirely right to do so.  But in some instances, it isn’t.  The challenge for us all is to work in a trusting, supportive partnership with a child or young person’s  parents or carers, but at the same time keep in mind that all may not be as it seems.  This policy and the expertise of colleagues in the hospital as well as the training you receive will help you.

You can read our full Safeguarding Policy here.

Bereavement Care

The weeks following the loss of a relatively is an extremely difficult time for the bereaved. HEFT nurses put real emphasis on caring for and guiding families through this painful period. Our bereavement services provide a helping hand and the support that can be so important in such distressing circumstances.

From answering questions to simply listening, Bereavement Officers and nursing staff alike are on hand to provide emotional support and practical information, enabling families to get through an extremely trying time whilst dealing with the necessary decisions with which they will be presented.

Nurses are key partners in providing this help and advice – and we take our role in easing families through bereavement very seriously.

Equality & Diversity

We believe that Equality and Diversity (E&D) is central and is significant to what we do.

Equality is about creating a fairer society where everyone has the opportunity to fulfill their potential.  The Trust recognises the right of all patients, visitors and employees to be treated fairly and considerably in access to service and employment, irrespective of age, gender, marital status, religious belief, ethnic background, nationality, sexual orientation, disability and social status.

Diversity is the word used to describe the relative uniqueness of each individual. Our uniqueness includes our skills, interests, experience, values and ambitions. Each of us is rich with possibilities. The Equality and Diversity department seeks to encourage all of us to value the possibilities in each other and explore the opportunities that difference brings.

The Equality & Diversity Departments also manages a wonderful Multi-faith Centre and the Interpreting services.

For more on Equality & Diversity at HEFT, click here.