Velindre Cancer Centre based in Cardiff is one of the 10 Largest regional clinical oncology centres in the United Kingdom and the largest centre in Wales providing specialist cancer services to the population of 1.46 million across South East Wales. We Provide: Non-surgical oncology (Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy) in addition to providing chemotherapy services to out reach hospitals across the region Palliative care, chronic pain services Leading units for clinical trials and research. Introduction This poster has been designed to promote the importance of oral hygiene. It aims to raise awareness of correct assessment and procedures and recognising those who require assistance in maintaining oral care. Dougherty and Lister (2008) describe how due to increasing demands made on nursing time and lack of knowledge, oral care may be one of the first things set aside. However the role of healthcare assistants (HCA’s) is developing which see more training and education available to equip HCA’s with the skills to be competent in providing basic care such as oral care. Kessler and Heron (2010) describe how HCA’s have taken over routine activities from registered nurses allowing the nurses to concentrate on more pressing tasks. Activities are delegated by the nurses to HCA’s who then become accountable for the care they provided. The development of HCAs role in reflected in national policy statements that are associated with NHS modernisation (Kessler and Heron, 2010). All Wales Guidelines for Delegation state that :- “Accountability is the principle that individuals and organisations are responsible and answerable for their actions. The delegator (the nurse) is accountable for ensuring that the treatment or care is appropriately delegated to a competent HCA. The HCA is accountable for accepting the appropriately delegated task and for the performance of the task.” These measures ensure that the patient is treated in a safe manner whilst receiving care and attention from a HCA who is trained and competent in providing the prescribed care. What is Oral Care? “Oral health is more than just cleaning teeth or dental caries; it involves consideration of the gums, tongue, palate and all soft tissues as part of a comprehensive assessment.” (Huskinson & Lloyd, 2009) Cooley (2002 cited Dougherty and Lister 2008) lists the main aims of oral care Keep the mucosa clean, soft, moist and intact and to prevent infection Keep the lips clean, soft, moist and intact Remove food debris as well as dental plaque without damaging the gingiva Alleviate pain and discomfort and to enhance oral intake Prevent halitosis and freshen mouth. References: All Wales Guidelines for Delegation (2010) Available at: (Accessed: 22 nd April 2011) Dougherty, L. & Lister, S. (2008). The Royal Marsden Hospital Manual of Clinical Procedures: Student Edition. Oxford. Wiley- Blackwell. Fundamentals of Care: Guidance for Health and Social Care Staff (2003) Available at: e.pdf (Accesed: 22 nd April 2011) e.pdf Huskinson, W. & Lloyd, H. (2009). Oral health in hospitalised patients: assessment and hygiene. Nursing Standard, 23 (36) Kessler, I. & Heron, P. (2010). NHS Modernisation and the Role of HCA’s. British Journal of Healthcare Assistants, 4 (7), Ryles, J. (2007). Evidenced Based Mouth Care Policy. Available at: %20Research%20Based%20Mouth%20Care%20Policy.pdfhttp:// %20Research%20Based%20Mouth%20Care%20Policy.pdf (Accessed: 19 th April 2011) Below are pictures that compares a healthy teeth with ones that are diseased. Why we provide Oral Care in Velindre? A clean and fresh mouth will promote patient well-being and comfort. Huskinson & Lloyd (2009) explain that the provision of oral care for hospital inpatients is important to prevent infection and to promote patient well-being. Oral health is often affected by medical conditions and some cancer treatments. (Adams 1996 cited in Ryles 2007) Lack of oral care can lead to a number of problems for the patient which can affect their health and well-being. These problems can be prevented by simply providing oral care. Dougherty and Lister (2008) states that good oral hygiene will help to minimise complications related to taste changes, infection, foul odour, bleeding and pain. This is turn will facilitate patient comfort. Oral care is one of the 12 aspects of care that is highlighted in the Fundamentals of care which aim to improve quality of health social care for adults. “Fundamentals of care is a Welsh Assembly Government initiative included in the Plan for Wales as part of ‘Improving Health and Care Services’.” (2003) Conclusion This poster highlights not only the importance of oral care patient well-being but also the impact in which the development of HCA’s has on the quality of care provided to patients. Through training and education, HCA’s are becoming a valuable member of the healthcare team. Care is provided in a safe and dignified manner to patients who can feel confident that they are receiving care that is of a high standard. ‘Denture Forget Your Teeth’