Emergency Department staff across the South Eastern Trust are being recognised for their dedication, compassion and resilience as part of Emergency Medicine Day, which celebrates the vital role emergency care teams play in delivering rapid, life-saving treatment to patients in critical situations.
The day provides an opportunity to celebrate the expertise and commitment of Emergency Medicine professionals, including Doctors, Nurses, Paramedics and Support Staff, who provide care to patients at some of the most difficult moments in their lives.
Emergency Department Sister, Amy Mackin, described the varied nature of her role and the importance of multidisciplinary working within the Emergency Department environment, “Our days are so varied and we see so many different patients, from mental health presentations to critically unwell adults and children.
“We work closely with so many different teams including the Ambulance Service, Police Service, Social Workers, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Intensive Care Teams, Anaesthetics and hospital specialties. We rely on each other to provide the best care possible for patients.
“We can have absolutely anything walk through our doors and we work together to manage whatever comes our way.”
Amy praised the resilience and dedication of staff working within the Emergency Department.
“We have an unbelievable team here and I feel so privileged to work amongst them. They are incredibly resilient. Every single day brings challenges, but staff rally together every time.
“Our workload is very high and it is very fast-paced, but the team continually supports one another and keeps going.
“I love my job. I love the variation, the patients and my colleagues. People come here on the worst days of their lives and not only do we care for the patient, we care for their families too.”
Emergency Medicine Registrar, Dr Matthew Copeland, explained why he chose a career in Emergency Medicine and the rewards of the role, “People often come to the Emergency Department during the worst moments of their lives. They are frightened, worried and in distress. It is hugely rewarding to be able to make even a small difference, whether that is relieving pain, easing anxiety or simply making someone feel more at ease.”
“I have always wanted to do emergency medicine since I was in medical school. It provides a huge amount of clinical variation and I find that really enjoyable and rewarding.
“You are caring for children and adults, people in extreme distress and people who are less unwell. That huge variation keeps you wanting to learn and continue improving.”
Dr Copeland also highlighted the importance of teamwork within emergency medicine, “It is a very stressful environment, but the stress is managed well because we work together as a team and support each another through difficult situations.
“Emergency Departments are under huge scrutiny and pressure at the minute and we often focus on the negatives. However, there are many positives every day, patients receiving quality care, innovation, quality improvement projects and excellent learning opportunities for staff. Emergency Medicine Day is an important opportunity to recognise that.”
Deputy Emergency Department Sister, Katherine Poole, said the teamwork and variety within emergency medicine are among the aspects she values most, “I really enjoy working in the Emergency Department. We meet people who are often having the worst day of their lives and we have to remember that in how we care for them.
“I work within a great team and I think that is what helps us through the stressful days. Everyone is approachable and supportive, particularly for junior staff.”
Katherine encouraged anyone considering a career in emergency medicine to explore the specialty, “No two days are ever the same and there are so many opportunities within Emergency Medicine. The variety, the teamwork and the camaraderie make it such a rewarding place to work.”
Specialty Doctor, Dr Rupert Shuttleworth also reflected on the privilege of working within Emergency Medicine, “Emergency Medicine offers huge clinical variety and challenge. Some patients need reassurance, while others are severely unwell and require urgent, life-saving treatment.
“The team in the Emergency Department is second to none. We are immensely supportive of each other and that teamwork helps us manage the pressures and stresses of the environment. Emergency Medicine is consistently in the headlines, usually for the wrong reasons. Services are under intense pressure and staff are working incredibly hard in difficult circumstances.
“It is important that we recognise the excellent care that continues to be delivered every day and the dedication of all those involved in emergency care.”