Patients receiving chest drain treatment at University Hospitals of Northamptonshire (Northampton and Kettering General Hospitals) are set to benefit from enhanced care thanks to funding from the hospital’s charity.
Supporters of Northamptonshire Health Charity (nhcharity.co.uk) have provided funding for new ROCKET Suction Units, helping to further improve chest drain therapy across the hospital and enhance the patient experience.
Unlike some traditional systems, the new technology allows patients to be active while receiving treatment, reducing issues from bed rest while supporting recovery. Wouter van’ t Klooster, Respiratory Clinical Nurse Specialist at UHN said:
Mobilising matters. The sooner patients can get up and move around, the sooner they can start using their lungs more effectively and regain their independence. Spending prolonged periods in bed can have a significant impact on muscle strength and mobility, particularly for patients who are already unwell. These new units allow patients to remain mobile during treatment, helping us support recovery while improving the overall patient experience.
The digital units provide clinicians with more detailed information about a patient’s progress, helping them make quicker and more informed decisions about ongoing treatment. Evidence also suggests digital chest drain technology can reduce the length of time patients require drainage and may contribute to shorter hospital stays.
The new system features an integrated leak indicator and delivers precise suction levels, giving clinical teams greater insight into a patient’s condition without relying as heavily on repeated X-rays and therefore reducing patients’ exposure to radiation.
Tony Cooper, Respiratory Clinical Nurse Specialist at UHN said:
This funding will help us modernise the way chest drain therapy is delivered, allowing us to provide equipment that goes beyond what NHS funding alone can provide. By introducing this system, we can improve the experience for patients, support staff with consistent training and create efficiencies that will benefit the Trust for years to come.
The project was supported through the Charity’s Dragon’s Den programme, where NHS staff pitch ideas that have the potential to improve healthcare services and patient experience across Northamptonshire. The successful ideas receive charity funding to help bring them to life.