IMPROVEMENTS have been made to some of the wards at Musgrove Park Hospital, and it's all thanks a group of apprentices'.

The youngsters spent time on the maternity unit and Montacute ward as part of clinical placements.

And their hard work has certainly paid off as they have been given the official seal of approval for the care they give to patients.

The work was part of them working towards gaining the nationally recognised care certificate, combining intense study with their placements.

Sallyann King, a midwifery matron at Musgrove Park Hospital, said: “We were proud to welcome seven apprentices to work at our maternity unit and it was pleasing to see how much of a positive impact they had on the way we care for mums.

“We wanted to make sure the apprentices gained a blend of skills so we rotated them through our antenatal clinic, labour ward, postnatal ward and out in the community.

“They came up with a number of really good improvements that we have now adopted at the unit.

"For example, one apprentice developed a treasure hunt across the hospital that helped to mobilise mums after they had given birth.

"Another recognised that some women bring their children into the unit with them and they can often become bored. To help with this, she created a series of fun activities to keep them occupied.”

Rachael Putt, sister on Montacute ward, which cares for patients who have had colorectal and urology surgery, supported two apprentices on her ward.

“We have been delighted with our apprentices,” she said.

“I originally had reservations about taking on apprentices in the difficult ward environment, but would not hesitate to do so again.

“In a few words I would describe them as extremely hard working, mature and caring young people with a clear understanding of what excellent care means.

“They have adapted with competence to a difficult working environment and I feel that the patients are safe, supported and valued under their care.”