Community Nurses are feeling the benefit after the Trust invested in new medical bags to organise all their equipment for home visits.
Our Trust recently purchased 370 bags from Forest of Dean-based firm CorrMed after Nancy Farr, Professional Head of Community Nursing, looked at feedback from other Trusts about their positive impact on community nurses.
She said: “There’s been a bit of a groundswell recently with other Trusts and NHSE looking at these types of product, and it’s something the Trust already uses for infection control and vaccination teams.
“I felt it was really sensible to have something that was flexible and fit for purpose for all the things community nurses need to carry into patients homes.
“These bags are great, in that they divide all your equipment into separate kits for different situations, so everything is properly organised. If you’re going to see a patient for a dressing you’ve got everything you need in one place – it saves time and looks and feels professional.
“It also has a built-in kneeler, which is really helpful accessory to have as part of the package.”
Nurses can organise their bags according to their own preference, but might have separate kits for phlebotomy, sutures, leg ulcer dressings, PPE, observation equipment such as thermometer, pulse oximeter and stethoscope, and various wound care kits.
Our nursing teams have been positive about the addition, with comments such as ‘Game changer’ – makes carrying dressings, kit and laptop so much easier’ and ‘The bag is really versatile, with the larger, small bag, kneeling pad and pods supporting whatever situation you’re heading into’ among the feedback.