A sight-saving clinic in Birmingham has celebrated its eyecare nurses and the work they do in helping to look after the community’s sight.
Every year, International Nurses Month is held to coincide with the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth, recognising the skill, dedication and impact of nurses. Newmedica Birmingham has a team of three ophthalmology nurses who help to ensure every patient is well looked after from their first assessment to treatment or surgery and then to post-operative care.
Jacqui Ashman, a Theatre Scrub Nurse who has been at Newmedica Birmingham for nearly two years, said: “It’s wonderful that this month recognises the nursing profession and the far-reaching work that nurses do.
“The value system at Newmedica means we can really get to know our patients and understand their own specific needs so that we can provide personalised care for every single patient. We are a professional and cohesive nursing team here in Birmingham, always supporting each other and ensuring that teamwork and collaboration enable us to provide the highest standard of care to our patients.”
The clinic, based at Aston Cross Business Village, assists the NHS with clearing its ophthalmology waiting lists as well as offering private treatment. Teresa Tsang, a Theatre Scrub Nurse who has been at Newmedica Birmingham for two and a half years, added: “Based in a such a diverse community, we pride ourselves on supporting the cultural, physical and mental health needs of our patients and their families, ensuring we are the advocates for our patients and they feel cared for at all times.
“Every day we ensure our patients have the support they need. If a patient is anxious, we hold their hand or provide a stress ball for them to hold if that’s what they need.” The nursing team supports the clinic’s consultant ophthalmologists in managing and treating a variety of eye conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration.
Tracy Javier, a Theatre Scrub Nurse who has been at the clinic for two years, said: “We support patients by ensuring that when they’re in theatre their physical needs are met.
“Getting them comfortable is key, especially if they have back and neck problems. Also, we love to have feedback from patients.
“It’s really helpful for us to know what they think of their experience with us, and we can then take this onboard through team meetings to ensure we learn from our patients.” Newmedica Birmingham is led by consultant ophthalmologists Mr Sai Kolli, Mr Aaron Ng, Mr Ash Sharma and Mr Velota Sung, alongside operational partner Rachel Hill.
Rachel said: “We’re very proud of our nurses, who are a vital part of our team, as they work alongside ophthalmologists and optometrists to provide patients with the most advanced eye care.
“It’s not just the usual medical tasks you might associate with the role that you’ll find our team undertaking. Excellent clinical knowledge is vital, but what makes our nurses extra special is how they make our patients feel.
“Many come for their first appointment worried about their sight or anxious about treatment, but our nursing team go above and beyond to make them comfortable.”
