NHS Core Values

The NHS core values inspire passion in the NHS and provide common ground for cooperation to achieve shared aspirations. Among the six core values, improving lives is the most impressive one that I have experienced during the placement. This value emphasises the core function of the NHS (NHS, 2018). This reflective essay is guided by the Gibbs Reflective Cycle and will discuss the theoretical meaning of this value and its application in the clinical setting.

Improving lives is the core function of the NHS. The NHS seeks to improve the health and wellbeing of patients, communities and its staff through professionalism, innovation and excellence in care. Also, the NHS helps people and their communities to take responsibility for living healthier

Its aim was to assess the 93-year-old stroke patient in his home after staying in the rehabilitation unit for six weeks. For mobility, the patient could walk independently with a walking stick both indoor and outdoor. He was given a 3-wheel rollator to facilitate his outdoor walking. The patient was able to transfer himself to the armchair and shower independently, as there were armrests on the chair and grab rails in the shower room. However, he found it difficult to get in and out of the bed and toilet. The occupational therapist(OT) did the measurement for the bedside rails and toilet frame and helped the patient to order those. For activity of daily living(ADLs), he was able to manage all light switches and answer the door, but not the kitchen task. The patient was asked to prepare a ready meal. He decided to cook the ready meal on the gas cooker at first, but he was able to microwave his meal after prompted by the OT. A perching stool was prescribed to the patient for meal preparation. Due to safety concern, the OT asked the patient’s family to disconnect the gas supply to avoid accidents and remove the loose mats in the house to prevent falling. Since the patient’s house was a two-story one, a stairlift was installed. His ability of using it was assessed and he was able to use it

The results of assessments enabled the OT to review the ability of functional activities of the patient and identify his difficulties in his own home. This demonstrated the NHS service was patient-centred. The OT helped to improve patient’s life by prescribing assistive devices, encouraging meal preparation and getting package of care for him. The toilet frame, walking stick and 3-wheels rollator widened the patient’s base of support to improve his balance. Grab rails lessened fatigue while standing as he could hold some of his weight and grab on those in case of a slip or fall. Perching stool allowed him to sit down in case of fatigue during meal preparation. The stairlift avoided the patient from walking up and down the stairs, which were risky for him. The main aim of all the assistive devices was to prevent falls. Falling can cause lacerations, bruises and even fractures. The patient might develop a fear of falling which could lower his quality of life and might be one factor in the decision to enter a long-term care facility (Donald&Bulpitt,1999). This would affect his independence. Preventing falls encouraged the patient’s independence. By doing more ADLs himself, the patient could practise more and upper and lower limb movement were encouraged. Being more independent increased his self-confidence and gained satisfaction. The kitchen task encouraged him to prepare ready meals himself