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News

Community Matrons with patients

A day in the life of a Community Matron

First Community’s Community Matrons work to improve the health and quality of life for people with long-term health conditions by coordinating care and services.

They are experienced registered nurses who have advanced skills in areas such as physical assessment, prescribing or have accredited courses in chronic disease management and visit patients in their own homes who are suffering with complex, long-term health conditions such as diabetes, COPD or heart failure.

Patient with Brandy, Pets As Therapy dog

First Community introduce dog therapy visits at Caterham Dene Hospital to enhance patient wellbeing

(Pictured: Brandy the border collie with patient, Brian and his daughter, Trish)

Patients at Caterham Dene Hospital were thrilled to meet Brandy the therapy dog and her owner Lorraine when they visited patients on the ward at Caterham Dene Hospital for the first time on 17 October.

Lorraine and Brandy, who volunteer for the Pets as Therapy charity, visited patients on the ward providing affection and comfort to aid recovery and enhance emotional support. 

collage of images of staff at an event

First Community colleagues attend East Surrey Place neurodiversity community of practice event

Jayne White, Associate Director for Children, Young People and Families and Anita Lamb, Service Manager for Children Young People and Families along with members of the 0-19 team for Children and Family Health Surrey (CFHS) were delighted to take part in the East Surrey Place neurodiversity community of practice event earlier this week. 

a hand with gloves giving thumbs up and a gloved hands with a thumbs down

First Community launches new ‘To glove or not to glove’ campaign

First Community has become the latest healthcare organisation to launch an awareness campaign which aims to reduce the unnecessary use of non-sterile disposable gloves for patients without a known infection risk. 

The ‘To glove or not to glove’ campaign focusses on good hand hygiene and infection prevention principles which will lead to a better and safer experience for both patients and staff.

First Community’s Inpatient Rehabilitation Therapy team

First Community’s Therapy team deliver an Olympic-themed exercise class for patients

On Friday 9 August, First Community’s Inpatient Rehabilitation Therapy team delivered an Olympic-themed chair-based exercise class to support patients recovering from an illness or injury on Caterham Dene Hospital Ward. 

The exciting new initiative, helped to improve patients' physical health and mental well-being through engaging and accessible activities inspired by the spirit of the 2024 Olympic games.