Collaborative working leads to seamless swap for staff and patients

The transition of Simpson ward from West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust (WHHT) to Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust (HCT) takes effect from Tuesday 1 August.

The switch will not require patients or staff to physically move but it does mean that staff currently employed by WHHT will soon be working for HCT. The patients will move from being in the care of WHHT to being in the care of HCT.

Simpson ward, which has 21 beds, is used to care for patients who no longer require the acute care provided at Watford General Hospital and are being assessed prior to deciding where their longer term care needs will best be provided.

HCT will run Simpson ward alongside its inpatient rehabilitation beds on St Peters ward at Hemel Hempstead Hospital. WHHT runs a range of outpatient services from the hospital but Simpson ward was its only inpatient service on the site.

WHHT’s chief nurse, Tracey Carter, said: “The welfare of our patients is always our top priority which is why this transfer makes such good sense. Simpson ward will move from being an outpost of our inpatient activity to being fully integrated into inpatient care already provided in Hemel by HCT. I would like to commend our staff for accepting this change so readily and for continuing to provide excellent care for patients.”

Clare Hawkins, HCT’s chief nurse, said: “This change is a great example of organisations working together to put patients first. The transfer should be seamless for staff and patients. We are excited about working with the team at Simpson who have impressed us with their care and dedication to their patients.”