Santa Casa provides bedding for companions of long-term patients
This initiative is a concrete action of humanization and also a prevention measure against the risk of infection in the hospital environment
Delivery of bedding for companions of long-term patients contributes to sustainability, safety, and humanization at Santa Casa. The initiative, which aims to ensure more comfort and also prevent and reduce the risk of infections within the hospitalization environment, began to be implemented about two weeks ago and initially serves 10 mothers of children hospitalized in the pediatric ICU São Cosme, a unit of Santa Casa that assists long-term patients.
"We observed that the companions were unable to wash and change the sheets and blankets frequently, and thus, with a humanized approach and care for these resident mothers, we started to guarantee the daily delivery of clean bedding," explains nurse Alessandra Felipe, manager of the laundry processing department at Santa Casa.
In addition to the bedding, the laundry processing department also provides patients and companions with support cushions for limbs and pillows covered with waterproof fabric that can be easily sanitized, as well as blankets for the patients. In hospitals, cushions are devices made of materials such as foam or gel, used to position and accommodate patients, especially those who are bedridden or have reduced mobility, aiming for comfort and the prevention of pressure injuries (bedsores).
Nurse Laila Dias, the technical supervisor of the São Cosme ICU, highlights the benefits of the action. "There are numerous benefits, considering that these mothers are long-term companions and most are residents of other municipalities that do not have a support network in Belém."
"The measure encompasses both humanization aspects and sanitary aspects. So, with the creation of the kits, they no longer have to pay for laundry services, which created a financial impact for these families, and the sanitization and regular changing of sheets, towels, blankets, and gowns also reduces the risk of infection in the hospital environment."
Accompanying long-term patients can last weeks, months, and even years, as is the case with Maísa de Jesus, who has been accompanying her daughter hospitalized for four years in the São Damião ICU.
"I have no relatives in Belém and ended up accumulating a lot of things and lacked space to store them, not to mention the risk of infection. So, receiving these kits already improves things a lot," said Maísa.
The availability of the bedding is managed by the laundry processing management (GROP) and the nursing coordination (CENF). The two units seek to improve the processes of hospital hospitality for a better experience for patients and companions in the hospital.
Each bedding kit contains a blanket, a chair sheet, a towel, and a hospital gown; after use, they must be returned for washing in a reusable bag also produced and sanitized at the Santa Casa Foundation.
