Porters at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital have undergone end-of-life care training to help them support patients and their families.

The porters were joined by the facilities management team for the Swan Scheme training at the Gobowen hospital.

It was delivered by Jules Lewis, End of Life Facilitator, at The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH).

The Swan Scheme is a national initiative initially launched by Salford Royal NHS Trust and now been adopted by over 30 Trusts. It aims to support patients in their last days of life and their families into bereavement and beyond.

Jules said: “End-of-life care and care after death is an enormously important part of the care provided by a hospital, it’s vital that all aspects are carried out with respect, dignity and compassion.

“Porters are an essential cog in the wheel for after death care, and as we only have one chance to get it right, it’s vital they know how to best deal with a deceased patient when the time comes.”

Sian Langford, deputy facilities manager, said: “The session from Jules was very thought-provoking and emotional. It was also extremely beneficial to know what best practice is.”

Martine Williams, facilities manager, said: “The training session was a great opportunity to take stock of how dealing with care after death, and the patient’s loved ones, has a profound effect on our staff as a support service.

“Jules highlighted some tools that we can implement to improve the current process and support the team going forward.”

The Swan Scheme is currently being introduced across the Orthopaedic.

Julie Roberts, assistant director of Nursing and Clinical Governance and End-Of-Life Care Lead, said: “We recently have received funding from the Trust and the League of Friends to improve our end-of-life care pathway.

“End-of-life care is so important, and I’m delighted our Porters have embraced the training they received to ensure we are consistently getting it right for our patients.”