BASC Cover Article
06/06/11 21:04 Filed in: Volunteer NHS Clinic
Knowing the need and demand for more Skin Camouflage Colour Matching Clinics in the NHS, I decided to volunteer my service to a local hospital. Here’s how I got on.
Firstly I contacted the Lead Clinician in the Hospital Dermatology Department and suggested the idea of a monthly voluntary Skin Camouflage Colour Matching Clinic. The response was immediately positive. I then had to ask some of my professional colleagues to send references about me. After these were studied we decided to go for it! I was thrilled. I knew I was in good hands was bringing the service into an environment where all the staff, consultants and patients would value it.
To work in an NHS hospital I had to contact the hospital Volunteer Co-ordinator to get my Hospital ID card and Criminal Record Bureau clearance, which took eight weeks. In the meantime the Lead Clinician got me in touch with the Senior Sister and Nurse Manager who is responsible for the management of the department. She helped me set up the clinic dates, appointment times and introduced me to other staff members.
Each month I would see six patients in one day, 45 minutes for each patient beginning at 10am. The Consultant Dermatologists in the hospital would refer these patients to me.
My first clinic was last year and we are going strong. It is so enjoyable meeting the team and patients each month.
As a volunteer, I am entitled to claim travel expenses from the hospital.
I use the basic BASC Skin Camouflage Kit plus a few extra colours from Dermacolor.
I designed two clinic instruction sheets, which the hospital cleared and customised-
1.Basic information for the patient to keep
2. Prescription Request Letter for them to take to their GP.
I would encourage any BASC trained practitioner who may have been thinking about doing this to contact your local hospital. This is really a great way to share your skills with others who will truly appreciate your time.
To work in an NHS hospital I had to contact the hospital Volunteer Co-ordinator to get my Hospital ID card and Criminal Record Bureau clearance, which took eight weeks. In the meantime the Lead Clinician got me in touch with the Senior Sister and Nurse Manager who is responsible for the management of the department. She helped me set up the clinic dates, appointment times and introduced me to other staff members.
Each month I would see six patients in one day, 45 minutes for each patient beginning at 10am. The Consultant Dermatologists in the hospital would refer these patients to me.
My first clinic was last year and we are going strong. It is so enjoyable meeting the team and patients each month.
As a volunteer, I am entitled to claim travel expenses from the hospital.
I use the basic BASC Skin Camouflage Kit plus a few extra colours from Dermacolor.
I designed two clinic instruction sheets, which the hospital cleared and customised-
1.Basic information for the patient to keep
2. Prescription Request Letter for them to take to their GP.
I would encourage any BASC trained practitioner who may have been thinking about doing this to contact your local hospital. This is really a great way to share your skills with others who will truly appreciate your time.