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that patients and nurses saw a real value in our product as a tangible means of trying to address the safety, comfort and sensory needs of patients. Nurses across the coun- try love the simplicity and comfort of the product. Is it the same as a bed? No. Does it make a difference? Yes. It is something tangible to try to address the environmen- tal, safety and comfort needs of patients,” she said. Ms Kinsella would love to see Squirrel Bags in every hospital in the country and has ideas for other products that could make a difference. Squirrel Bag now pro- vides smaller pouches of sleep essentials with eye masks and earplugs. The com- pany has also just entered the world of retail, based on feedback from patients and families who want to be prepared for a hospital stay. A number of pharmacies have begun to stock Squirrel Bag products commercially, while both public and pri- vate hospitals continue to provide them to patients free. “I am eternally grateful to the nurses who have used Squirrel Bags as an initia- tive in hospital departments across the country. I don’t underestimate the work involved,” she said. Nursing at the forefront The progress has been gradual but steady, and Ms Kinsella and her team see Squirrel Bag as a simple and effective way of helping to give people back their autonomy and dignity during their stay in hospital or on a trolley. “I think nursing is an extraordinarily privileged occupation to have. It is also a difficult profession with a lot of challenges and expectations. In some ways it is a really exciting time to be in nursing. The more you learn the more you realise how much you don’t know, but the fundamen- tals don’t change,” she added. Ms Kinsella feels that navigating the journey of bringing ideas to fruition or get- ting initiatives started within the health service can be challenging. She would like to see nurses and midwives encouraged and facilitated to bring their ideas to the table. “Nurses are at the forefront of the healthcare system and it is important that we continue to have a voice and be given support when we present solutions to enhancing patients’ experience in hos- pitals. It is important for nurses to have a voice when it comes to improving the health service and patients’ experience.” For more information, email: hello@ squirrelbag.ie or visit: www.squirrelbag.ie
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” Nurses are at the forefront – we are the nucleus of the healthcare system and should be given more back-up and support when we present ideas that are going to improve patient care
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