Aries has been training in Moving and Handling for over 4 years and has a great rapport with all staff and especially the Ward Managers, ensuring that staff remain competent in the safe handling of patients. During that period, he worked tirelessly on many projects that had very positive results. Some of the challenges he faced include:

Bariatric beds - previous bariatric beds not fit for purpose, as Independent bariatric patients were unable to get on and off without the use of a hoist. With the new bariatric beds, the patients are more independent which helps promote their independence meaning quicker discharge.

Deconditioning of patients - Aries put together a presentation and training package that was rolled out across all wards by the Moving and Handling Team. This was designed to give more confidence to staff when assessing patients prior to mobilisation, helping to prevent risk of falls as well as preventing the deconditioning of patients.  Helping to promote earlier mobilisation, helping patients to maintain their independence while improving patient safety.

Aries, along with his team, is passionate about working closely with other specialities to promote staff and patient safety. They have recently launched the Moving and Handling Steering group, which will allow more collaborative working with teams such as:

    Physiotherapists
    Tissue Viability Nurses
    Falls Advisor
    Safeguarding
    Divisional Quality Managers (Planned/Unplanned/Theatres)
    Maternity Compliance Lead

This will help identify any need for additional training in certain areas, allowing us to be proactive rather than reactive.

Aries is passionate about providing staff with support and guidance as well as exceptional training. Staff know they can approach Aries at any time if they have any concerns. He is always looking for new ideas on how to improve training in the Trust and takes on board suggestions that we receive on our training evaluation forms. His dedication is palpable.

Aries is a valued member of the Clinical Education Team and is also highly respected by many of the staff he has trained. Listening to some of the nurses he has trained and reading some of the feedback they have written, it is obvious that his compassion towards all staff is evident.

Therefore, I feel that Aries deserves a DAISY Award for his commitment and hard work to help reduce musculoskeletal injuries within the Trust and improve moving and handling training provided, helping to transform the care of patients.