It's been week 2 of the wards' relocations and again all is going to plan.

Teamworking and planning was the key to CRH Ward 5ab's move to Ward 20 (pictured) at HRI on Tuesday. It started at about 10.30 am and by 4pm around 20 patients had been safely transferred over - ahead of schedule.

Ward managers Sarah Bray and Amy Scholes were at the centre of their teams' moves.

Sarah, said: "It was challenging. However the day before we sat down and worked out with the matrons and bed managers where all the patients' beds would be and that, for us, was the key to it all. Planning and good communications between the two sites and getting in as many staff as possible really worked for us.

"I am very proud of both teams. They were really hard working and buzzing throughout it all. They wanted to get cracking at the start and I just want to thank them all."

Ward 20 moved into Ward 21 last week - pictured -  and this weekend Ward 11 at HRI moves to 5b at CRH. Next Thursday Ward 15 at HRI moves into Ward 11. Then CRH 5d to HRI Ward 15 completes it all on Tuesday 12th December.

Project Manager Sharon Appleby said the estates' support had been "brilliant and responsive" throughout ensuring the wards were properly cleaned and equipped to welcome their new arrivals. Sandwiches, cakes and sarnies have all be laid on too for staff involved.

Sharon, who hasn't had a single day's leave day since the end of August, said: "What matters right now is we are all doing our very best for our patients, and that is what is bringing us all together. "

She said extra support from CHFT volunteers, Sylvia and Age UK volunteers, Wendy and Lesley had made a big difference.  She said: " These lovely ladies came early and were there to meet the patients as they came off the transport providing reassurance and a welcome.

"They sat with patients to help them with the transition to the new ward and made them cups of tea etc. This is an important role as many of our patients have confusion / dementia and  need support. We did have additional staff to support patients but the volunteers did a great job and stayed well into the afternoon."

Age UK have also offered further support for the move on the 12th Dec for the last Elderly care ward to move from CRH to HRI (Ward 15)