No 55 February 2010 Newsletter for the staff of NHS Barnsley
Open for business: MSK Physio team Pictured left to right: Lynn Lunn, Domestic; Janice Parkin, Admin; Richard Scholefield, Physiotherapy; Fred the skeleton; Claire Poole, Physiotherapy; Elaine Corner, Admin and Mary Davies, Admin.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Following a LEAN exercise and customer survey, the MSK Physio team based at Mount Vernon Hospital have set up evening clinics at Thurnscoe, Mapplewell and MVH. Patients can now access physio slots until 6.30pm. Mary Davies said: “Staff who work in the service have embraced the changes and everyone takes their turn. We all work flexibly round the shifts so everyone is happy to do the extended opening hours. Ultimately, it’s providing a service that the patient wants and that’s what matters. continued on page 4.
2 AILSA AT THE PALACE
5 OPEN ALL HOURS
9 LOST CHORD AT KENDRAY
News from Care Services Direct
My visit to the Palace
With apologies to any Manchester United fans …but I just couldn’t resist starting 2010 with a gloat about events on 3 January 2010. Manchester United 0 – 1 Leeds united. Along with several hundred Leeds infiltrators scattered among the home supporters, I was sat near the Stretford End and struggled to remain motionless when the goal went in. At the time of writing, Leeds have of course gone on to draw and lose to the mighty Wycombe Wanderers and Exeter City respectively. But the weekend of 3 January will live long in the memory.
You may recall the announcement that I was due to receive an OBE in 2009. In November last year, I travelled with family and friends to Buckingham Palace for an official presentation to receive my OBE. I thought I’d share this experience with you as it’s not every day you get to meet the Queen. We went through the main gates to the inner courtyard and up the main stairs where the Foot Guards in their famous uniform complete with bearskin hats stood. We made our way to the Ballroom for the presentation where we were grouped into ranks from Lords and Ladies, to OBE and MBE.
Winter On behalf of Care Services Direct and from me personally, I cannot thank our staff enough for the calm and unfussy way they have continued to work during the recent spell of inclement weather. As the article on page 5 highlights, unlike other service areas (like education), many of our services do not have the luxury of being able to temporarily ‘close’. In service areas like district nursing, many of you have travelled in often dangerous conditions to ensure patients/clients continue to receive the services they need. Thank you to all of you.
I waited in line with the other people due to be honoured and moved towards the Queen, when my surname was announced ‘for services in Barnsley’ I stepped forward. The Queen pinned on the OBE medal, shook my hand and asked me what I did. I explained I was the Chief Executive of NHS Barnsley and that we commission healthcare on behalf of Barnsley. The Queen responded that healthcare could be complicated and asked how it was going. She then wished me luck and it was time for the next person to step forward.
Chair – Care Services Direct Kathy Bostwick has stood down from her role as Non Executive Director, NHS Barnsley, and therefore also her role as Chair – Care Services Direct. Glenis White, Non Executive Director, NHS Barnsley will be covering Kathy’s former role as Chair – Care Services Direct in the short term, whilst arrangements to appoint a Chair continue. I am sure you would wish me to thank Kathy for her commitment to and support for all the work we have been progressing in Care Services Direct to continually improve the quality of the services we provide. We wish Kathy all the best for the future.
Following the presentation we were reunited with family and escorted to the steps for official photographs. I saw one of the ‘Likely Lads’ James Bolam who was collecting an MBE. Within three quarters of an hour the ceremony was completed and we went back to our hotel for champagne and chocolates. Later that day we went on the London eye and to see another type of Queen, the musical ‘We Will Rock You’. Being nominated for an OBE felt really special and it was a pleasure to visit the Palace and take in all the decadent surroundings, which I can only really compare to a stately home with big familiar family portraits including Queen Victoria.
Improving services and being more efficient On the front page of this edition you will see the example of the MSK Physiotherapy team. The team has been using service improvement techniques (Lean) to improve services at the same time as making the service more efficient. Many services in Care Services Direct are working through a similar process. However, this is only really the tip of the iceberg in terms of efficiency savings we will be required to make over the next few years. I have said it before, and will continue to say it – effective teamwork will be the key to our success.
I really enjoyed the special trip to London and was very proud to receive the OBE on behalf of the organisation and Barnsley. Thinking about the enormity of it really took me back to the start of my career in the UK, I’d never have imagined that in 2009 I would be receiving an honour from the Queen! 2
Unique access guide launched in Barnsley A unique new guide, designed to empower thousands of disabled residents to get out and do what they want to do in Barnsley, has gone live. This project was made possible thanks to sponsorship from Barnsley Council and NHS Barnsley. The guide not only provides helpful information to customers, but also enables Barnsley businesses and service providers to contact the huge number of customers who have access concerns.
have a helpful attitude makes you think twice before going out. “DisabledGo ends that uncertainty by providing detailed access information and enabling people to judge for themselves whether a shop, restaurant or theatre is accessible for their own requirements.” Cllr Tim Cheetham, Cabinet Spokesperson for Corporate Services said: “This is a really positive development for disabled people in Barnsley and reflects the Council’s equality priorities in making the Town Centre and other areas of the borough more accessible.” If you would like more information on the guide please contact Vicky Taylor, Partnership Manager, DisabledGo at vicky.taylor@disabledgo.com or 01438 842 710. Pictured at the DisabledGo guide launch at The Core: David Keddie, Assistant Director, Communications and Engagement, NHS Barnsley; Anna Borthwick, Head of Business Development and Marketing, DisabledGo; Liz Taylor, Operations and Performance Manager, Barnsley Council; Wendy Royffe, Chair of NHS Barnsley Diversity Steering Group; Cllr Tim Cheetham, Cabinet spokesperson for Corporate Services, Barnsley Council; Vicky Taylor, Partnership Manager, DisabledGo.
DisabledGo and Barnsley Council have worked with hundreds of shops, pubs, restaurants, theatres and other public venues so that ‘DisabledGo – Barnsley’ can provide access details for a variety of goods and service providers. This information can make a huge difference for people with hearing, vision or mobility related access concerns and can be useful for older people and those with pushchairs. By logging on to www.DisabledGo.info people can check facilities of venues whether a pub is accessible to a wheelchair user, a cinema can offer a hearing loop, a hotel offers adapted rooms, or a restaurant offers menus in large print or Braille. The founder of DisabledGo, wheelchair user Dr. Gregory Burke said: “The constant need to write or telephone to enquire about access really affects people’s confidence to get out and do what they want to do. Never knowing whether a building will be accessible or whether staff will
Safeguarding Children training update Stats for 2009: 346 applications for e-learning only 92 completed and 254 incomplete
If you have signed up and completed the course, print two certificates, one for your portfolio and one for your manager to evidence completion.
As you know safeguarding children training is mandatory within the trust and may be completed electronically via e-learningfor basic awareness) There is a required timescale for completion of 6 weeks and definitely no more than 12 weeks.
If you received any basic awareness training at level 1 or level 2 (1 via the one day induction programme and 2 via a two hour session) more than three years ago there is a requirement to undertake a refresher in safeguarding children three yearly.
NHS Barnsley is subject to monitoring via various bodies; CQC, Ofsted etc and we have to evidence we are meeting targets, Safeguarding Children Basic awareness being but one.
This can be the achieved via e- learning “The Awareness of Child Abuse and Neglect” Short Foundation (level1) or “The Awareness of Child Abuse and Neglect” – Core Introduction (level 2). To access this learning and for further information contact Angela Wilde at CfL&D on 43 ext 5765.
If you have signed up for e-learning and not yet completed it, please do so as soon as possible. If you have had alternative basic awareness training then please would you let Angela Wilde, the co-ordinator for e-learning at CfL&D know. 3
Open for business: MSK Physio team Continued from page 1
“We have patients of all ages who use our service and many are at work during the day. We issue appointments on a first come first served basis and they are the slots that are getting taken first so we know it was the right thing to do.” Waiting times are coming down and customer satisfaction is rising within the service which is one of the benefits of working to the LEAN agenda. “The support from the Business and organisational Development (BOD) team has been really helpful,” said Mary, “Taking part in the LEAN Academy work showed us different ways to look at things and we’ve managed to save the service lots of money through doing things in a more efficient way.” In the future, the team are open to further change and are conducting further surveys to assess satisfaction and any potential improvements that can be made to the service. Take a look at the BOD (Business and Organisational Development) website on Connect to get further information about how BOD can support your service to adopt LEAN principles to improve quality of patient care, improve safety, eliminate delays, reduce length of stay and make efficient use of resources; alternatively call BOD on 01226 434248.
Diocese of Sheffield visits Care Services Chaplain John Wilson and staff from Mount Vernon Hospital and The Oakwell Centre welcomed the Rt. Reverend Dr Steven Croft, Diocese of Sheffield to Care Services as part of a programme of visits he is making to local communities, clergy, hospitals, prisons, schools and universities. Staff at Kendray’s Oakwell Centre took the Reverend to the Haven room which was funded by the King’s Fund and provides a multi use quiet area for prayer, reflection and worship for patients and staff. He was also shown one of the Wards where he met staff and patients. Mount Vernon Hospital was the next stop on the tour where the Revd. met patients and visited the Chapel. Catering staff at the hospital then pulled out all the stops for a special Christmas lunch. Pictured (top) at the Oakwell Centre’s Haven: Margaret O’Connor, John Wilson, Reverend Croft, Kim Hawcroft and Marylin Swift, (and below) Staff enjoy a meal at Mount Vernon Hospital.
NHS Operating Framework The 2010/11 Operating Framework has now been published. The annual document sets out the priority areas, system levers, and enablers that support delivery of high quality healthcare for all. It sets out the key priority areas for the service; describes the wide range of enablers to support the NHS in continuing to deliver and in delivering the strategy set out in NHS 2010-2015: from good to great; sets out the financial regime which will support the delivery of our priorities and strategy; and, sets out the planning framework and timetable for the coming year. Copies can be downloaded at: www.dh.gov.uk
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NHS: 24-7
Not everyone gets a break at Christmas time. NHS staff are still working round the clock to ensure people receive consistent and continuing care. We meet some staff who worked Christmas this year.
On the wards… Carol Bishop works at Care Services Direct (NHS Barnsley’s provider) at Mount Vernon Hospital as Stroke Unit Manager. This year, Carol’s worked from Christmas day until 30 December (six shifts). “I actually volunteered to work Christmas day this year,” said Carol. “I didn’t have any specific plans so swapped shifts with a colleague to work that day. “When you work for the NHS it’s all about the patients and they don’t stop being ill just because it’s Christmas. Our service is open 24 hours a day and 52 weeks a year and our work centres around this.”
In the community …
During the month of December, nursing staff, Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists work with patients to establish what they would like to do over the holidays. “Where possible we work with carers and families so that people can go home for a few hours or days but that’s not always possible for everyone.” Staff help this process by booking taxis and arranging transport for patients in advance.
It’s work as usual for our community nurses over the Christmas period. Patients don’t stop being ill just because its Christmas and they rely on our community staff nurses visiting their homes to deliver their care, whatever the day.
On Christmas day, it’s business as usual on the ward. Everyone makes a special effort for those too poorly to go home. It’s the one day of the year that staff are treated to breakfast and they sit and eat with the patients. The catering staff make a special Christmas dinner for the patients, who are also treated to a glass of Sherry if they want it.
Pictured are community staff nurses Jane Roberts, Lesley Holt and Ann Hague who all worked over the festive season, including Christmas Day. Jane who is based at the Silkstone Health Centre and covers the Silkstone area actually volunteered to work Christmas day. “It’s part of the job working Christmas or New Year,” said Jane, “And I prefer to work Christmas Day. It’s all about the patients at this time of year and getting them into the festive spirit to enjoy the day the best they can. For some of the patients I might be the only face they see on Christmas Day so it is nice to think that you are making someone’s Christmas just by doing your job.”
One of the highlights of the day is when the porter dresses up as Father Christmas and delivers each patient an individually chosen present. Carol is first to stress that what makes the day special is the staff who work on the Unit and at Mount Vernon Hospital. “The team morale is excellent, we’re a really close team and there is a real willingness at Christmas for everyone to join in and make it a nice day for everyone. Thanks to the wider support from other areas such as catering and portering, there’s always a really lovely atmosphere.”
Lesley and Ann are both based at the Oaks Park, Ashville Centre in Kendray. Lesley also volunteered to work Christmas Day. “It’s just another day for us but it means everything to them, seeing a familiar face on Christmas day,” said Lesley. “Some of the patients even ask if it will be us they see on Christmas Day. It’s important to keep continuity in the care we deliver so we have happier patients.” Ann continued, “When you do this kind of job and your families have grown up you’d rather work on Christmas day and make the patients happy.”
As Unit Manager, if staff are absent it falls on Carol to either find cover for the shift or cover the role herself. “Our priorities are in caring for our patients, making sure they are comfortable, clean, warm and fed and that their care is at the standard they can expect on any given day of the year.” Said Carol.
Between the three staff they have worked many Christmas Days over the years. They are an example of the many staff that work throughout this time of year and demonstrate that the services we provide continue around the clock all year round. Although the staff take the attitude that they are ‘just doing their jobs,’ this means so much more to the patients making sure they are comfortable, clean, warm and fed and the care they receive is professional and at the standard they expect whatever the day of the year.
The shifts are usually worked out on a rotational basis with all staff taking turns to work the bank holidays. “Nurses are used to it,” explained Carol. “We are flexible in that we allow our staff to swap shifts but we try to be fair and make sure everyone gets a break.” When asked if she minds working on Christmas day Carol answers: “I’m just doing my job and I’m happy to do it.” 5
Barnsley Hearts of Oak Charity Night On 23 October 2009, Barnsley Hearts of Oak Heart Failure Patient/Carer Support Group hosted a fundraising charity night, showcasing the talents of local young people. The event was held at Worsbrough Sports and Development Association where the group usually meets.
Patient and Public Involvement Business and Organisation Development is now home to the coordination and monitoring of PPI activities within Care Services Direct, along with identification and sharing of best practice both within the organisation and with other NHS Trusts. Recently appointed Project Manager, Vikki Padgett, is the main point of contact within BOD for PPI (email: Bod@barnsleypct.nhs.uk or telephone 01226 434248). Vikki welcomes the development opportunities and challenges her new role will bring: “Patient and Public Involvement is a real focus for the NHS, both nationally and locally. Fully involving service users in decisions about the services they access is key to successful patient and public involvement. Asking patients and staff what is important to them using a range of methods including patient interviews, informal feedback and surveys is just the first step; involving patients and staff members in making those changes, keeping them informed of changes undertaken as a result of their feedback and evaluating those changes is key to embedding patient and public involvement in the everyday life of services. BOD will be supporting services to work with their own service users in a variety of ways to ensure all voices are listened to. Feeding back to patients on their comments is equally important as asking for their comments in the first instance; all ideas cannot be acted upon but thanking patients for their comments and informing them why completes the circle”. Many departments within Care Services Direct already involve patients in patient audits, support groups and patient forums amongst other things. BOD is asking departments to keep them informed of all activities in which patients are involved on an ongoing basis. A record will be kept of all activities and services will be asked to share examples of good practice with other services in CSD. Vikki and other members of the BOD team hope to attend service/team meetings to hear about the patient involvement in your service and to chat about ways of developing this involvement into something more meaningful for both patients and staff. BOD and Internal Communications have worked together to produce ‘Information for Patients: Style Guide”. Links to this guide are available via the BOD and Internal Communications websites. The guide gives advice on best practice regarding the type of information to include in your leaflet and the process for approval of your leaflets. Keep an eye out for future developments regarding Patient and Public Involvement on the BOD website via Connect and in NHS Barnsley News.
The event was organised by Jayne Jukes, one of NHS Barnsley’s heart failure specialist nurses. The evening was well attended and very enjoyable with a variety of song and dance acts from a number of talented young people who all came along to perform free-of-charge. Along with a very tasty ‘pie & pea supper’ activities took place including a tombola and raffle. In all, £360 was raised for group funds and Little Hearts Matter, a heart charity for children with heart defects. This was supported by the late Dr Walter Rhoden who was cardiologist to many of the group’s members. Barnsley Hearts of Oak was set up three years ago and is now a successful patient/carer led group. Meetings take place on the second Monday of every month between 2 and 4pm, doors open at 1.30pm, at the Worsbrough Sports and Development Association, Park Road, Worsbrough. New members are very welcome. For more information, please contact the heart failure specialist nurses on 01226 209881.
NHS Barnsley Counter Fraud Survey In order to assess and target counter fraud work effectively, staff can help by taking a few minutes to fill out the NHS Barnsley Annual Counter Fraud Survey online at: http://www.surveykey.com/ s.cfm?SID=DD9EE4D3-FF9E-87C04BF8F5200876DC6F If you have any concerns regarding fraud and corruption and work contact Robert Purseglove our Local Counter Fraud Specialist on 0114 271 1462 or the NHS Fraud & Corruption reporting line on 0800 028 40 60.
We welcome any comments/suggestions about Patient and Public Involvement within Care Services Direct: email Bod@barnsleypct.nhs.uk.
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Welcome to Amanda and Karen
Amanda Heenan is the new Equality and Diversity Manager within the Communications and Engagement Team. She is joined by assistant Karen Lodge who supports the Equality and Diversity work. Amanda previously worked for NHS Barnsley as an equality consultant, alongside Narinder Kaur.
“As a consultant, the role is primarily to advise and recommend, my new role has far more ownership of the outcomes of strategy. I’m looking to refine and integrate processes which will equip us to show continuous improvement of our performance on equality, and deliver meaningful outcomes.
“My background is varied and my interest in Diversity was as surprising to me after completing a degree in IT & Computing as it was to anyone. My interest in this area developed from 2001 when I was working for a corporate social responsibility (CSR) charity, Business in the Community, which supported businesses to integrate good CSR practice with respect to the environment, community and the workplace. I had a real interest in the workplace element, and discovered a passion for promoting diversity to businesses as a win-win principle. I established my own consultancy business in 2006 (Ideas into Action), supporting organisations to embed equality and diversity in their organisations through skills and strategy development,” said Amanda.
“Working for NHS Barnsley has strengthened my understanding of both the Health Service and Barnsley, which is an area growing in diversity. I would like to be a part of developing a deepened understanding of health inequalities in Barnsley across the equality groups. “I want to move us on from the standpoint that ‘we don’t discriminate’ to really understanding how we adequately serve our population and understand people’s needs, and getting evidence of outcomes where we have made a positive impact.” “Working with Narinder also helped me to better understand the NHS, I developed my skills and understanding of health inequalities and will be building on the progress she made working with business units.
“I delivered training programmes for line managers in partnership in association with an HR specialist. The training focused on developing managers’ skills and confidence in the context of equality and diversity in the following areas: the business case for diversity; understanding the law, recruitment and selection and managing conflict within the workplace.”
Future work will involve building a library of information on Connect; publishing our equality work on the external website demonstrating our performance against equality outcomes; evidencing E&D work in the annual report; working with the E&D steering group, getting involved in business planning work and supporting consultation and engagement work.”
Amanda has worked in both the private and public sector, with clients from Harrogate Borough Council, Rotherham College, major hotel chains and property development and project management companies.
Amanda has almost finished studying for a Masters degree in equality legislation with DeMontford University, which is a combination of distance learning and day school. Alongside studying, outside work Amanda has a son called Liam aged 13, enjoys cooking and looking after the family pets Oscar and Charlie (gerbils).
During her time as a consultant to NHS Barnsley (since June 2008), Amanda was responsible for the Commissioning side of the organisation. The scope of the new role is broader, with a remit spanning Care Services Direct and Commissioning. Working with the Business Units and teams, Amanda will seek to build on their current achievements by continuing to raise awareness of equality to improve skills and services.
A further welcome to Amanda’s new assistant Karen, who is new to the NHS and is picking up the E&D role quickly. “I’m developing some case studies on E&D and making the strategies more accessible for staff,” said Karen. “I’ve been working on access to translation services which include face to face, telephone, and written translation. 7
in 1984 and went to work primarily in Learning Disability in Leeds in 1987. “My career has been really varied,” said Julie. “I moved to Leeds Mental Health trust in 1987 where I’ve helped to close two large scale institutions and moved services to a much more community focused model” I spent many years managing both inpatient and residential care services but my passion is developing the quality of nursing and the services that we deliver. It is essential that we that we continually evaluate and improve, using research, evidence and the patient experience to evolve services.
New leads for Nursing and Profession
I have worked in many roles including leading and managing a nursing development unit, link liaison for Leeds University and leading on a project with primary care to improve access to physical health care for people with learning disabilities.
Julie Fleetwood (nee Mason) and Kathryn Padgett are both full time Assistant Director of Nursing and Professions for Care Services Direct. Amazingly, although they have some similarity in backgrounds, they have never met until they were appointed to work here!
“In 1999 I joined the nursing and quality department within Leeds Partnership Foundation Trust as Clinical Nurse Advisor with specialist input as safeguarding adult lead. My main role was as professional lead across LD Services; Older Peoples services, Adult Mental Health and Specialist Services including forensics. My role was to deliver the quality and governance agenda, delivering on agendas such as Essence of Care, medicines management, productive ward and to support the delivery of the nursing strategy and agendas.
Kathryn joins NHS Barnsley from Leeds PCT where she worked as the Head of Service Delivery within the adult business unit. Kathryn will lead on the community nursing side of the joint post. “I worked at Leeds for five years. My nursing career started in Pontefract in 1981 where I also studied midwifery. I trained as a Health Visitor at Leeds University in 1988 and worked as a Health Visitor for a number of years mainly in deprived communities in Wakefield.
Part of this role involved some consultancy work across the region undertaking externally commissioned critical incident reviews and safeguarding reviews and I have also had the chance to do some work with the Health Care Commission, giving me valuable insight into the functions of a regulatory body.
After completion of a BA in Health and Community Care Management at Leeds University in 1993 Kathryn became more interested in Management as a career and following a spell as Senior Nurse for Safeguarding moved into the field of what is now Intermediate Tier as her first management role.
“I completed a BA Degree in Health and Community Care in 1994 and an MSc in Advancing Clinical Practice focusing on Mental Health and Care Pathways.’
As a PCG Board Nurse member Kathryn took the lead on Organisation Development.” I am really interested in organisational behaviour and retain my particular interest in public health derived from Health Visiting.
Outside work Julie has three teenage children and recently married on her birthday in January (hence the change in her name). She enjoys spending time with her family and husband who is currently customising a motorbike.
During her 5 years in Leeds Kathryn took the Lead for Learning Disabilities and worked in partnership with the Local Authority to support deprived communities in regeneration and sustainability.
Both Julie and Kathryn feel their roles create good opportunities to change and help ‘get things right’ using an integrated approach. Using their expertise in organisational change they say they will focus on the positives and quality of processes in relation to the Service Level Agreements, NHS Litigation Authority and CQC standards to result in effective policy development.
Latterly in her base in Chapletown she managed haemoglobinapathy services and language liaison as well as Community Nursing Service. Kathryn’s patch extended to Wetherby and that diversity of experience will hopefully transfer to some of the work required in Barnsley. Kathryn is currently studying for an MSc in Health and Community Care management during which she is focusing on clinical variations and updating her knowledge and skills.
Julie concluded: “We want to make a difference for patients and to achieve this, we are looking forward to working in partnership with GPs, clinicians and staff and key areas such as safeguarding children, infection control. Julie and Kathryn will be working very closely with their line manager, Margaret Kitching, the Director of Nursing and Professions and the Allied Health Professional leads within our organisation. Together the professional lead team will be supporting front line clinicians and managers in the delivery of high quality care for the patients within our services. The team are passionate to help develop services and ensure patient safety is a key focus of all our roles and they are looking forward to meeting you all in the New Year.
“I have lots of management experience and will focus on bringing expertise to working in partnership with staff and management to focus on the quality of nursing. I will be working closely with GPs and am also interested in mainstreaming key public health messages via our community nursing staff,” ended Kathryn. Outside work, Kathryn has a 17 year old daughter and enjoys ballroom dancing and is a reluctant pillion on a Blackbird motorbike. Julie Mason joins Care Services as Mental Health Lead. Her nursing background began when she trained in Wakefield
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Music group hit a chord with Dementia patients Service Users and Staff on Ward 4 at Kendray were recently treated to a concert by charity organisation Lost Chord who hold music events for dementia sufferers. Occupational Therapist Carol Carlisle organised a taster session on the ward with the Lost Chord who were represented by the very talented trio: Welsh National Opera singer, Owen; electric harpist Amanda and a volunteer befriender, Pauline (all pictured). “We weren’t really sure what to expect at first, we’d heard really good feedback from other people who had seen the Lost Chord in action.” said Carol, “We invited family and carers to join us on the afternoon of the concert so that everyone could join in the fun.” Owen and Amanda travelled for more than four and a half hours from Wales through heavy traffic to get to Barnsley. They welcomed everyone and got everyone warmed up with a rousing opening song “Oh what a beautiful morning” from the musical Oklahoma! The group covered songs and music from operas, musicals, popular tunes and wartime favourites, all accompanied by Amanda on the electronic harp. They encouraged everyone to join in singing, dancing or accompanying them on musical instruments that were handed out half way through. Volunteer befriender Pauline worked her way around the room talking to everyone to find out what type of music they liked and if they wanted to join in and dance. “It really was a wonderful event, and Owen and Amanda have an enormous amount of talent. It is touching to see how they use this gift to benefit others. We are so grateful for the time and energy they put into making the session special for everyone.” said Carol. “We were amazed at the interaction they had from all our service users, even the ones that are usually quiet. Everyone joined in and we had a great afternoon. One of our gentlemen knew a ballad that was sung in the Welsh language! It really opened our eyes to see just how effectively music can reach people who suffer from dementia.” The Lost Chord stimulate appropriate responses using music and dance which has an impact on the brain. Recent research relevant to therapeutic use of music supports their work and each session is targeted and flexible to accommodate the differing needs of those taking part. The Ward will be hosting a series of future concerts to take place over the coming months. Find out more at: http://www.lost-chord.org.uk/
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Congratulations Claire Apprentice Claire Hampshire won Barnsley’s Best Apprentice recently at a local celebration event organised by Barnsley’s Works & Skills Board as part of the ‘Barnsley Needs You’ campaign. Claire won a £200 prize and will be put forward for the regional heats of the National Apprenticeship Awards.
It’s the experience that counts
Claire works for the Contraception and Sexual Health (CASH) team based at Queen’s Road Clinic, which provides services from the Health and Wellbeing Centre at the College. “I can’t believe it I didn’t even know I had been nominated let alone short listed until the Friday before. I am so pleased and proud of my achievements and feel so happy that the staff at CASH think enough about me to nominate me. Thank you all.” Said Claire.
Ciaran Wilson spent some time with the Conditions Management Programme (CMP) as part of a school work experience placement. Currently studying triple science at GCSE, Ciaran has already completed a law course and is doing a fast track ICT course. Ciaran plays keyboard and backing vocal in a band – Burden. Q. What did you expect to achieve from your work placement? A. Well I want to work within the medical field, so I was happy when I was offered this placement. I have gained a lot of experience of what people do on the front line, and had an insight of what happens behind the scenes.
Lead nurse Sue Dymock said: “Claire is committed to her own personal development and eventually we would like to train her for a Health Care Assistant post. Claire is dynamic, trustworthy, well-mannered and reliable. We are absolutely thrilled to bits that she has been successful in the Barnsley Best Apprentice Competition.” Claire has exceeded all expectations and the high standard of work and enthusiasm she has shown has convinced the PCT to support more apprenticeships.
Q. What parts of your work placement did you enjoy the most? I enjoyed everything, especially taking part in assessments and worked with various groups. The team were brilliant and I met some great people, and made some good friends.
Pictured: (l-r) Sue Dymock, CASH Lead nurse; Claire Hampshire, apprentice and Denise Kelly, Employability team.
… and there’s more!
Q. What parts of your work placement did you dislike? Or would have liked to change? Wouldn’t change anything, enjoyed the whole experience. It was such a varied role.
Claire has also undertaken a Health & Social Level 2 NVQ, with some units in Business Administration.
Q. Has your work placement had an effect on what you want to do in the future? Yes. I have seen both sides of the work role and feel this has definitely benefited me. I like the clinical side but also enjoyed the ‘behind the scenes’ administration and office work too.
Q. What skills did you gain or develop whilst on your work placement? Many including Presentation skills - I was shown how to present correctly including interacting with the audience. I also gained more computer skills and worked on the resource file.
Which areas of the programme are you enjoying? The clinical side because of the patient contact. Which parts of the programme are not as enjoyable? Administration side of the role, however I know it is good to do that side of things because I can use it in the future.
The Rotherham CMP Team consists of nine varied professionals from Occupational Therapy, Psychology and Nursing. Ciaran did work experience with the team last summer. Ciaran assisted in the delivery of the programme in a group setting and soon became involved in all aspects, including badminton sessions! He also did some valuable work updating resources to keep the teams local information up to date which is essential when signposting customers to services.
What made you decide on doing an apprentice scheme? I thought it would be a good way to get into the NHS without already having the qualifications. I saw it advertised and thought it would be a good opportunity. Would you recommend the programme to anybody else? Yes definitely. It has led to a permanent job for me!
The Rotherham team really enjoyed having Cieran as part of their team and very much valued his hard work and efforts whilst working at CMP.
Why do you think employers should recruit Apprentices? It gives you hands on experience, not just learning through a text book. 10
Comfort Club Celebrates new Patron The Comfort Club at Mapplewell Health Centre recently welcomed Mayoress Linda Parkinson to their celebration event (week six of the course) recently. The group celebrated the last week of their Comfort Club wave with a buffet, pampering session and certificates for the mums who have participated each week. An announcement was made during the presentation of certificates that confirmed the Lady Mayor will be the Patron of the Comfort Club and this role will be passed on to the new Mayor when her term begins later this year.
The mums will now join the Comfort Club 2 which is independently run by Community parents in the Community Hall next door to the Health Centre at Mapplewell. Health Visitor Cathrine Ward said: “We’re so pleased that the Comfort Club has such a high profile Patron that understands our work and how hard we are trying to help new mums. Our other exciting news is that Athersley and Royston are also starting their own Comfort Clubs soon.”
New Cadets welcomed New Cadets were given a warm welcome to NHS Barnsley recently by staff from the Estates and Employability teams. The Cadets will be working in Facilities in portering, catering, domestic and seamstress roles. “We wanted to give the Cadets chance to meet managers and staff that work in the departments that they will be working in.” Explained Sue Norwood, Assistant Director of Estates. “The Cadets also had the chance to ask any questions they had about working for us. We were really impressed with how well everyone mixed and networked on the day.” The Cadets have had their trust wide and local inductions and Strategic Health Authority representative Richard Booth also attended the event with representatives from Barnsley College to demonstrate the initiative and share good practice.
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Thanks
Philip Watson is currently studying at Huddersfield University and working towards his mental health nursing status. In doing this he has worked bank shifts at NHS Barnsley to gain vital experience in this field. At the moment Philip is working on placement at the Oakwell Centre, mainly on Clark and Beamshaw wards. Outside his daily working life Philip is a very keen photographer, with interests in car and motorbike racing often attending race meetings with friends. He also likes to photograph aeroplanes and has travelled some great distances to some of the best air shows throughout England. But his great passion in photography is wildlife, birds in particular. This is the area he produced some stunning images that has won him recognition at exhibitions. About three years ago Philip joined the Shafton Camera Club as a bit of a novice, but within a short time his knowledge of the art of photography soon improved. Encouraged by fellow members he began entering competitions through the club and then advanced to entering other competitions outside the club, which is where he gained his greatest accolade to date. He submitted entries into the Yorkshire Photographic Unions 2009 Annual Exhibition. With 1430 entries, these were the best in Yorkshire. Most photographers are honoured to have their images accepted in this exhibition, but Philip excelled and won the Young Photographer of the Year - the WA Johnson Trophy for best projected image. Philip went one step further and won the best print for the young photographer, The Warren Jepson Trophy. He may be a quite modest person but was shocked when his name was called out to collect the awards on the stage from Councillor Dinah Kean chair of Ryedale District Council. After he was called a second time, he could not stop smiling, and was unable to say much due to the shock of his great achievement. Next year he will no longer qualify to enter as a young photographer.
Farewell to Joan Colleagues bid a fond farewell to Joan Miller, Assistant Director of Public Health (previously Acting Director of Public Health). Pictured are (l-r) Elizabeth Shassere, Director of Public Health; Ailsa Claire, Chief Executive; Joan Miller and Tom Sheard, Chairman.
Staff get fit As part of a joint initiative between the College and NHS Barnsley’s Improving Working Lives (IWL) group, NHS Barnsley staff have free access to the Gym at Honeywell Campus at set times during the week. “The gym is an excellent facility and we’re so pleased to have been able to offer our staff the chance to get fit there,” said Gillian Malkin, HR Director at NHS Barnsley. Upon signing up for a session, staff are given an induction and as much or little supervision as they require to help them use the equipment at the gym. There are 15 places available for use on each gym session. A booking system is in place prior to attending each session. Staff should ring Phil Wild (Sports Centre Manager) on 01226 216 342 between 11am – 1pm to book on to a session for the following week. We want to make sure each place is used so any staff who book on but do not attend will be charged for non attendance! Please note - You will need to produce your PCT Staff ID card to the Sports Centre receptionist to be eligible for any discounted session and/or entry to the gym. For more information on the gym visit: http://nww.barnsleypct.nhs.uk/iwl/benefits/ Honeywell%20Gym.html
Tell us your news! We love to hear from all parts of the organisation. You can submit your ideas or stories and pictures to: katy.jarvis-morgan@barnsleypct.nhs.uk
Philip Watson snaps up awards
Rebecca Andrews Mary Davies James Delaney Kim Hawcroft Syd Hemingway Bob Kendall Sue Norwood Vikki Padgett Jody White Lorraine Whitworth John Wilson
Thanks from National Blood Service The National Blood Service sent a poster to say thank you to NHS Barnsley staff for giving blood in 2009. The combined effort from staff means you have donated enough blood to save 195 lives.
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