Heartbeat October 2019

Support worker becomes star
super user for imaging
IMAGING
Unity has put different demands on
colleagues as established ways of
working have had to change. Some
have adapted more quickly than
others, becoming the first port of
call for any issues that arise.
Imaging support worker Adrian Reynolds
has emerged as the department’s star super
user. Confident at using computers and
different IT systems, he was already being
asked to help out before Unity came along.
Over the last few weeks his skills have been
in even higher demand.
“We do have other super users in the
department but I seem to be the main
one,” laughed Adrian. “I don’t mind
helping anybody, no matter what it is.
That’s what I’m here for as a support
worker. I’ve been helping members of staff.
Even those from different departments have
been asking for me. I’ve really been enjoying it.”
Having devoted a lot of time to exploring the
e-learning modules at home and on his phone,
Adrian’s knowledge of Unity has become an
invaluable resource for others to tap into. There’s
more to do but there’s been some encouraging
progress.
“Everyone’s getting used to Unity now - slowly
but surely. There are still bits that people don’t
understand but I’m here to learn and then I can
pass that knowledge on. I’m still learning now.
It’s a challenge but I like challenges,” he said.
As well as his technical knowledge, Adrian has
also been able to provide emotional support
in difficult situations. “Go-live was a bit nervewracking.
Some people were panicking if things
went wrong but as a super user I was trying to
keep everyone cool and calm. It went ok. It’s
something that’s new to everybody but we’re
getting used to it.”
As colleagues become more accustomed to Unity,
and more comfortable at using it, the system’s
benefits are gradually being realised. This will
only improve over time with optimisation but
Adrian has already noticed a few key points.
WOMEN AND CHILD HEALTH
“You get more information about the patient
in PowerChart, especially inpatients when
we’re doing ultrasound, MRI or CT. The
information’s much clearer as well, especially
the notes. Sometimes when the notes came
down you couldn’t read the doctor’s writing
but it’s much clearer on the screen.”
Adrian has been part of the imaging
department, working across City and Sandwell
sites for 15 years. Although he’s still got a way
to go to match the 41 years his mum spent
with the Trust, his impact is clear to see. Louise
Thomson, Imaging Support Team Leader, is full
of praise for what he’s done with Unity.
“He’s been amazing. He’s been a real go-to
person and he’s used up a lot of his own time
as well, going around imaging as a whole,”
she said. “He’s been covering everything from
nuclear medicine to maternity, inpatients and
outpatients, and he’s been a massive support
to everybody. His knowledge and time has
been invaluable.”
Adrian Reynolds, superstar super user helping to make the move to Unity smooth for everyone
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