Healthcare Assistant hairdos make patients happier in hospital
Stacey James, 36, from Southend, has been working as a Healthcare Assistant (HCA) for the last four years and the former hairdresser has given new meaning to caring with style.
She helps give patients a much-needed boost with a salon experience on Balmoral Ward, an elderly ward at Southend Hospital, which is part of Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust.
Stacey, who spent two years training and being a qualified hairdresser, said: “Hospital stays can sometimes cause patients to feel down, so all that’s needed is that little bit of TLC, a good chat, and that one-on-one time to make all the difference, which is exactly what I hope I help provide patients through hospital hairdressing.”
Investing in an inflatable sink now also means patients who are bed bound can also enjoy this relaxing experience of having their hair washed from the comfort of their bed.
She added: “With some patients on the ward being bed bound, or not being able to get to the salon before they came to hospital, this kind of treatment makes a big difference, putting a smile on their faces which also motivates staff and creates a positive and friendly environment.
Stacey emphasises the importance of bringing these special moments to the ward, describing this kind of treatment as a team effort that is simply a part of the wider picture of the care they provide. The act of washing and styling someone's hair is just one of the many little things that happen to support patients during their stay.
Balmoral Ward Manager, Helen Cullen, said: “Stacey is an asset to our team and is never too busy to do someone’s hair. We even had the husband of a patient cry, claiming she looked “how I remember her’ after having her hair done.”