Thames Valley and Wessex

Welcome

Welcome to the Thames Valley and Wessex Region's information pages.  We recently held our first Face to Face Study: All Hands on Deck, here is a brief overview of the day:

The study day was held in Reading, hosted very generously by BD, who are one of our Corporate Partners.   It was held on the 20th of March, brought together critical care nurses, emergency clinicians, and resilience specialists to enhance preparedness for major incidents. The day opened with an overview of major incident principles from Sarah Herbert, who highlighted key elements of coordinated response and the importance of structured communication using the METHANE framework.

Participants were then introduced to a detailed scenario that formed the basis of a large tabletop exercise. Guided by Paul Haly and the faculty team, groups representing different hospital types navigated the progression from Major Incident Standby to Declaration and how patients are triaged at the sceane.   Discussions focused on creating capacity in ED and ICU, using action cards, prioritising roles, and managing existing patients while anticipating casualties. Each group identified challenges, take‑home messages, and potential improvements for their own organisations.

The afternoon expanded the scenario to include ICU surge management and delayed presentations, with faculty exploring staffing pressures, coordination with police and discharge teams, and the impact of media and social communication, which was led by the Head of NHS Communications, Phil Groves.

A structured stand‑down debrief, led by wellbeing specialist Matt Green, reinforced the importance of psychological support during and after major incidents. The dauy concluded with shared reflections, emphasising communication, teamwork, and the value of realistic simulation.

 You will find details of the latest BACCN news in the region together with information on upcominmg events, and contact details for Wessex's Committee Members.

WATCH THIS SPACE FOR MORE UP COMING STUDY EVENTS.

If you would like to get involved in this region, we would love to hear from you! 

Best wishes

Andrea

Andrea Eaton

Chair, Thames Valley and Wessex Regional Committee

andreaeaton64@hotmail.com

BACCN Membership Survey Results

The annual BACCN Membership Survey was circulated to members on the 30th January 2019 and closed on the 28th February 2019. The BACCN board would like to thank members who were able to contribute to the survey and provide valuable feedback to the association.  Your input is appreciated.

To view the results of the survey please see the full report HERE

Join Our Committee - an Exciting Opportunity to influence Critical Care Nursing! 

Calling all BACCN Wessex Region Members,

  • Are you keen to develop professionally as a critical care nurse?
  • Are you looking for career development opportunity 
  • Are you interested in finding out about (or influencing) the future of critical care nursing?

If yes to any of the above, we are seeking expressions of interest from enthusiastic critical care nurses from the Wessex region to join a new inspiring BACCN committee. There are no specific qualifications required and you can be any grade of nurse in order to contribute to the local BACCN regional committee.

All you need to be is a BACCN member who is enthusiastic to take forward the work of the BACCN within your region. The purpose of the Regional Committee is to provide education and support for critical care nurses within the region. If you're passionate about critical care nursing and would like to be part of a team to help to further train and develop critical care nurses across the region, we would really love you to come along and join us.

If you would like any further information please contact Andrea Eaton via andreaeaton64@hotmail.com  .  Alternatively you can us via support@baccn.org or by phone on 0191 323 3290.

 

Link Members Needed!

BACCN Link Nurses play a crucial role in developing the Wessex region and the Committee.

Key Roles:

  • Establish a communication point for BACCN in your local critical care area
  • Hold and distribute BACCN membership application forms and information as required
  • Receive and distribute information on BACCN activities including regional and national study events
  • Identify the needs of local members and communicate this to the committee

The role remains fluid as the needs of the region change. Your regional committee will provide you with regular communication and updates, helping you ro contributie to the establishment of an effective communication system across the region.

If you are interested in becoming a Link Member for your hospital/unit or would just like to receive further information on the role please email us at support@baccn.org