Around the age of 16 years patients at Royal Brompton Hospital transition from the paediatric medical team on Rose ward (as well as other paediatric wards from other hospitals) to the adult team on Foulis ward for their care.
The hospital school team on Foulis is a small group of highly experienced staff led by the school’s principal. The team includes teachers, artists, careers advisor, therapist and ICT expert who have expertise and in depth knowledge in their relevant fields and the curriculum.
The hospital school is a continuing presence on Foulis ward after leaving the paediatric setting. Many of the young adults on Foulis ward continue with their studies into higher and further education and the school team is able to provide continuity and much valued educational support for them during their admissions to Foulis ward.
For those young adults who are no longer in education we offer information about courses, alternative pathways for post-16 education, advice on volunteering opportunities and possible entitlements. The teaching team also work with young adults to help initiate and develop their own projects. Whilst an inpatient on Foulis Ward post-16 pupils have one-to-one sessions with teachers, who can liaise with and work collaboratively with their tutors at college and university to ensure continuity of educational provision. This service is invaluable at a time when the young person can feel quite isolated.
The young people on Foulis ward also have access to a careers advisor who can support them with education and careers advice, guidance for CV writing and supporting statements as well as interview practice.
The school is open 50 weeks of the year shutting for only two weeks over the festive period. During holiday times the school runs an organised arts and ICT programme.
Education
The teachers are able to provide lessons in many of the subject areas and can liaise with colleges or educational institutions and obtain the relevant work.
If patients need resources the school can loan out textbooks and multimedia resources while they are on the ward. If you have any queries about school or college work, please speak to the teachers who are happy to provide the support and information needed.
Examinations
The school is a registered exam centre ensuring that patients have the option to sit their exams even if they are in hospital.
Many young people in the hospital school are keen to sit exams in the subjects that they have worked very hard towards, and anxieties can arise at the thought of not being able to sit that all important examination. This can be arranged very quickly via our examination officer, as long as the young person and the medical team are happy for this to go ahead. Everything will be put in place to ensure that they have the opportunity to continue with this part of their education.
Arts
Shaun Dolan is the artist-in-residence at Chelsea Community Hospital School. He can support exam projects in Art & Design, help individuals to develop their own creative ideas or involve them in Foulis ward art projects. There are many examples of the wonderful work that Shaun and the young people do in and round the hospital. Shaun leads individual and collaborative projects throughout the year.
Reflexology
Sarah Hurley is a qualified reflexologist and offers reflexology to patients on Foulis Ward. Reflexology can be deeply relaxing, helping patients to de-stress and ease anxiety.
Some patients find that during a treatment their breathing becomes more regular. The tightness in their chest relaxes, making it easier for them to cough. Some patients have also found reflexology helpful for abdominal problems. Likewise students working towards exams find it a wonderful way to unwind from the stresses and strains of the examination period.
ICT
ICT support is available on Foulis to help with computer troubleshooting. This support is on a weekly basis. There is also support with website design and ICT-related projects. A ward blog has also been created allowing patients with CF to sign up and exchange ideas, pictures and videos.
Outings/visits to places of interest
Members of the school team offer short trips and visits to local places of interests and also facilitate visits to the local library for a quiet place to study.
MDT (multidisciplinary team) meetings
The school team meet every month with the ward as part of the ‘School Involvement Team’. This meeting is used as an opportunity to share the work that the team does with the young people with the wider CF MDT on Foulis.
The school also works closely with the transition team to ensure a smooth transition from paediatrics to the adult ward.
Contact
Address: Fulham wing, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, SW3 6NP
Phone: 020 7351 8065