Devonshire Ward
Contact: 01246 51(2372)
Welcome to Devonshire Ward
We are a general surgical ward, consisting of 31 beds with 5 bays and 8 side rooms.
We cater for both male and female adults with varieties of pre- and post-operative surgical needs, as well as conservative care to prevent someone deteriorating or developing a need for surgery.
We receive patients from SAU (Surgical Assessment Unit), HDU (High Dependency Unit), post-surgery and occasional direct Emergency Department admissions. We also cater for gynaecology and breast care patients who will usually be admitted directly from the Emergency Department.
Our Philosophy
Our aim on Devonshire ward is to deliver a high standard of holistic care in a friendly caring environment.
An essential element is to achieve a good rapport between staff, patients and carers, showing our compassion and our proud to care values.
We aim to provide compassionate care by providing dignity, privacy and kindness to our patients throughout their stay on the ward.
Additional Learning
Please click the links below (in red) for further reading with regards to the types of conditions you might see on Devonshire ward:
There are a few reasons why a patient may need a stoma. The biggest reason will be due to cancer, however there are other reasons why and this would be a good discussion point for you and your supervisor.
Diagnostic techniques and management is something for you to look for whilst on Devonshire ward. It would benefit your learning to research the following diagnostic tests;
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Ultrasound. Ultrasound is the best imaging test for finding gallstones.
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Computed tomography (CT) scan.
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Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Investigations and management are learning points which may include blood transfusions: these would be a great opportunity for you to watch and be involved in. It is also good for you to discuss the management of these patients with your supervisor, to look for co-morbidities when managing a patient with a bleed. Recent heart attacks may stop you from discontinuing all blood thinners and is an interesting learning topic for you to discuss with the nursing team who will be more than happy to go through this with you.
A potential post-operative bowel complication which means that the bowel's peristalsis has stopped working to allow itself to heal. This would mean that there is a build-up of bowel liquids which the bowel is not able to move along as it would do normally. This results in the patient vomiting and becoming unwell. Management with Ryles tubes (a type of NG tube), Intravenous (IV) fluids and potentially Total Parental Nutrition (TPN) is something you may witness and be involved with which you may only rarely see on other wards particularly medical wards.
On Barnes ward we cater for patients who have had mastectomies and breast reconstruction. The patient comes to us post-surgery and must be nursed in a side room. The breast care nurses offer great support to these patients and will give them all the support and advice they will need in regards to their surgery. This would be a great opportunity for inter - professional learning and keep an eye out for the paperwork used for these patients as it is specific to them and may be of interest to you.
There are a number of reasons why a patient would come under Gynaecology. A large number of patients come to us with abdominal pain so the doctors work closely to ensure the correct cause is found . This is achieved through diagnostic tests and inter - professional co-operation for the best interests of the patient. Some of these patients may recently have had children so a great learning opportunity is there. These patients can be both Planned (elective) or emergency admissions.
Points of contact
Matron:
Sue Shore
Sisters:
Amanda Hickson & Penny Pinnick
LEMs:
Leanne Jones: leanne.jones7@nhs.net
Ward Contact Number:
01246 51(2372)
Student Handbook
We hope you enjoy your time with us, I’m sure you will find many learning opportunities as well as you bringing skills to the wards. Don’t hesitate to contact any of the LEMs or the practice learning centre for help or advice.