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Summer 2016

Honey creates a buzz 04 Breast screening for Brum

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05 New hope for the deaf

07 Research takes centre stage

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Editorial

Welcome

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CONTACT US Got a question? You can call the membership team on: 0121 371 4323 or email: members@uhb.nhs.uk. You can also visit the membership pages on the Trust website: www.uhb.nhs.uk

Welcome to Trust in the Future, the magazine for members of the Queen Elizabeth Hospitals

CONTACT PALS If you would like to give constructive feedback, compliments or make a complaint about our hospital services, please speak to a member of the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) who will be happy to help. Drop in to the PALS office anytime between 09:00-16:30, Monday to Friday (no appointment necessary). The PALS Office is situated to the left of the Information Desk. Telephone: 0121 371 3280 between 09:00-17:00, Monday-Friday email: PALS@uhb.nhs.uk UHB NHS Foundation Trust has not vetted the advertisers in this publication and accepts no liability for work done or goods supplied by any advertiser. Nor does UHB NHS Foundation Trust endorse any of the products or services. Every possible care has been taken to ensure that the information given in this publication is accurate. Whilst the publisher would be grateful to learn of any errors, it cannot accept any liability over and above the cost of the advertisement for loss there by caused. No reproduction by any method whatsoever of any part of this publication is permitted without written consent of the copyright owners. Octagon Design & Marketing Ltd. ©2014.

lot has happened since our last edition. I feel sure that the vote to leave the European Union will have an impact on our work – we have many valued staff from other EU countries and we work with EU partners on important research projects. However, at the moment the precise ramifications are unclear. What is clear, however, is that we continue to face immediate challenges from the demand for our services and the financial situation we find ourselves in. Despite these challenges, we are optimistic about the quality of care we’re able to provide for our patients. This is because I am lucky to work with excellent and dedicated staff and an experienced Board of Directors. We are supported – and challenged – by the Council of Governors who represent patients, public, staff and the community we serve. Find out more about their work and our newly elected governors (see page 8). I am very grateful to them for taking on this voluntary role and doing it with such enthusiasm. Regardless of national political developments, we keep our eyes firmly on what’s best for our patients and the work that our staff carry out day in, day

out to provide the best in care. This is why over recent months our Trust and our staff have received high praise for developments in clinical research and new treatments [which you can read about here] Thank you for your continuing support for our work

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Dressing hope for burns patients

Summer 2016 Take a look at what’s inside your latest edition of Trust in the Future Features It’s time to say “yes” to breast screening 04 Birmingham’s leading charities are improving breast cancer services in the city.

How clean are your hands? 05 Cleaning your hands to prevent infection spreading

Honey in the fight against infection 06 Researchers discovered a specially engineered honey which combats bacteria

Deaf patients receive hearing boost 07 DBS treatment at QEHB has given patient back his life

Here to serve you 08 Introducing the newly-elected members to the Trust’s Council of Governors

Umbrella pharmacy proves popular 09 Pharmacies providing high-quality sexual health services

Consultant nominated for Peace Prize 11 UHB Consultant nominated for the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize

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It’s time to say “yes” to breast screening Birmingham’s leading charities are improving breast cancer services in the city.

Women of Birmingham benefit from new mobile scanner

wo of Birmingham’s leading charities are improving breast cancer services in the city, with the arrival of their jointly funded mobile mammogram unit. Purchased by Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer (LFBC) and Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Charity, the new mobile mammogram unit boasts leading X-ray facilities that will be used by up to 62 women a day, helping to detect breast cancer earlier. Veronica Kumeta, co-founder of LFBC, said: “This new mobile mammogram trailer enables screening to take place across South Birmingham and ensures that women are attending their appointments. “There are so many reasons that people might not attend, from

geography and time restraints through to just plain old fear, but research shows just how important it is to get checked and find these things as early as possible. This screening unit helps make it as convenient as possible for people but also removes some of that fear.”

“This screening unit helps make it as convenient as possible for people but also removes some of that fear.” Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, with one in eight women expected to be diagnosed in their lifetime. Around 50,000 women are

diagnosed each year and 12,000 die from the disease; however, the good news is that research and treatments are increasing survival rates every year. The mobile van is at Broadmeadow Health Centre until September 2016 and eligible ladies from the following GP practices are being invited for screening: Broadmeadow Health Centre, Kings Norton Surgery, Hawkesley Medical Practice, Maypole Health Centre, Grafton Road Surgery, Keynell Covert Surgery, Kingsfield Medical Centre, Druids Heath Health Centre, South Maypole Surgery For more information about breast screening, please visit the South Birmingham Breast Screening web page www.bscreen.org.uk/ southbirmingham.

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How clean are your hands? Cleaning your hands is one of the most important actions anyone can carry out to prevent infection spreading

UHB’s infection control team with Deputy Chief Nurse, Michele Owen (centre)

leaning your hands is one of the most important actions anyone can carry out to prevent infection, yet latest research suggests that despite 95 out 100 people claim they wash their hands after visiting the toilet, only 65 actually do. To raise awareness of the importance of washing hands, an Olympic-style torch relay has been touring the UK to promote this vital and easy task that saves lives. Welcomed by UHB’s Deputy Chief Nurse Michele Owen, and the Trust’s Infection Prevention and Control Team, the torch arrived at the hospital on Wednesday 6 July where it began its tour of various wards and departments across the hospital where the risk of infection can be high. Clinical Nurse Specialist in Infection Prevention and Control, Craig Bradley explained: “For patients who have large wounds, such as burns or those who have had invasive surgery, hand washing is essential to avoid passing on infections that could become very problematic for their recovery. “It is imperative that not only our staff,

but visitors and patients themselves know that how important infection control and in particular cleaning your hands is to the welfare of our patients.” Mr Bradley, who also serves on the board of the Infection Prevention Society (IPS) - who have masterminded the campaign - grabbed the opportunity to ‘spread the message, and not the bugs’ by adding: “It is startling that lots of our visitors and patients don’t know that 8 out of 10 infectious diseases are spread by touch. “Passing on bacteria and infections with our hands is almost entirely avoidable by washing our hands in soap and water, or by simply using the hand gel that is available around the hospital.” The hand hygiene campaign also aims to let parents and carers know that up to 50% of cases of diarrhoea could be avoided by simply washing the hands using just soap and water. Other statistics from studies highlighted by the IPS suggested that respiratory infections can be reduced by almost 17% with good hand hygiene and that the number of children missing days in the classroom because of

infections could be cut by around 20% if hand sanitiser was introduced in schools. The Infection Prevention Society also report that while 95 people in every 100 will claim to wash their hands after using the toilet, in reality only 65 in 100 actually do. Commenting on the statistics, UHB’s Chief Nurse Philip Norman said: “These statistics reveal in vivid detail the importance of making sure that all patients, visitors and staff must take personal responsibility to wash their hands at the right time.” The Hand Hygiene Torch Tour launched on May 5 in each of the UK capital cities, London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast; in Dublin, the Republic of Ireland and in Malta to engage the Infection Prevention Society’s international membership. Events have been held across the world, including Canada and Romania. The relay will conclude at the IPS National Conference in Harrogate on September 26.

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Honey causes buzz in the fight against infection Researchers at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham discovered a specially engineered honey which combats bacteria

oney possesses natural antibacterial properties and has been used for wound healing since ancient times but there is a huge variation in the antibacterial potency of different honeys depending on the floral source. Researchers at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham have discovered that specially engineered honey (Surgihoney) can combat bacterial biofilms – groups of bacteria forming a sticky surface layer – that are found in chronically infected wounds and burns. The recent study into the effect of Surgihoney shows it can prevent the development of colonies of bacteria which make wounds difficult to treat, including several major antibiotic resistant strains such as MRSA, E.coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Surgihoney consists of pure honey that has been biologically modified to produce consistently high levels of antimicrobial activity. It is sourced from honey farms with stringent controls to ensure it is free of antibiotics and pesticides and undergoes a specialised production process, including sterilisation by gamma irradiation.

“This study showing the effect of Surgihoney on preventing biofilms in the test tube shows great promise. Our next steps will be to evaluate how it performs in patients who have long-term wounds that are failing to heal.” It can be produced from pure honey from a variety of floral sources and in different reproducible strengths. Previous studies have found that Surgihoney is highly antimicrobial but

Researcher Fenella Halstead with Surgihoney

this is the first to show anti-biofilm activity. Fenella Halstead, who led the research at the national Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre (SRMRC) based at QEHB, described the importance of the breakthrough: “Given the threat posed by antimicrobial resistance, and the everincreasing need to find new solutions to treat infections, Surgihoney has real potential as a new wound care agent to kill bacteria and disrupt bacterial biofilms. “Biofilms are found in up to 60 per cent of chronic wounds where healing

is hampered by infection and the slimy coating which prevents antibiotics penetrating and clearing the infection. “Although further trials are needed, Surgihoney has shown considerable therapeutic and infection prevention potential and may help to reduce the use of antibiotics while promoting wound healing.” Consultant microbiologist Dr Beryl Oppenheim, added: “This study showing the effect of Surgihoney on preventing biofilms in the test tube shows great promise. Our next steps will be to evaluate how it performs in patients who have long-term wounds that are failing to heal.”

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Deaf patients receive hearing boost New microphone technology could enhance future of cochlear implants

New microphone technology could enhance future of cochlear implants

rofoundly deaf patients at UHB are set to benefit from a cutting-edge microphone technology thanks to a £1.4 million boost to cochlear research. Researchers based at University Hospitals Birmingham, which is home to one of the largest hearing implant programme in the UK, secured funding from the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) to carry out a three-year study into the feasibility of implantable middle ear microphones. The project aims to test a small microphone which can be implanted directly into the middle ear of profoundly deaf patients to enhance patients’ capacity to detect sound. Currently those with cochlear implants have to wear bulky and unsightly external microphones on their heads which must be removed at night and are not practical for many physical activities.

Professor Phil Begg, who is leading the research, said “We’re very excited about it because this microphone could become a key component to enhance the performance of future cochlear implants.

“This could be a significant advancement in cochlear implant technology” “There are 800,000 adults and 45,000 children in the UK who have a severe to profound hearing loss but there are only 10,000 cochlear implant users. “What we want to do is to try to normalise life for people so we are suggesting that fixing the microphone in the middle ear would be a much more natural position for it. “Initially, our team of world class

surgeons, audiologists, researchers and scientists will use cadaveric research to make sure the microphone can be securely placed into the middle ear and test sound quality before implanting it into six patients who already have cochlear implants. “This could help transform the lives of many profoundly deaf patients across the globe and UHB are absolutely at the cutting edge of this. The patients who work with us on this project will be pioneers.” UHB’s ear nose and throat consultant Richard Irving added: “This could be a significant advancement in cochlear implant technology. “We are working with cochlear implants because that’s the obvious place to start, but this technology could potentially be applicable to other hearing technologies in the future which would be much more far reaching.”

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Here to serve you Council of Governors takes shape After the recent poll, here we introduce the newly-elected members to the Trust’s Council of Governors

fter recent elections to our Council of Governors, the Trust is delighted to welcome both new and returning governors to their seats. The Council of Governors aims to serve the needs of members by influencing decision making and championing the views of their constituents. Governors also appoint the Chairman and Non-Executive Directors and approve the appointment of the Chief Executive. UHB Chair, Rt Hon Jacqui Smith said: “I would like to offer my warmest welcome to our new governors. “I am very much looking forward to working with you and I thank you for being willing to take on this role.” Dr Tom Gallacher, Consultant in Critical Care as Staff Governor for the Medical Staffing Constituency (unopposed) Tom, a consultant anaesthetist, graduated from Glasgow University in 1987. In addition to his clinical duties, he is also a post-graduate clinical tutor at the University of Birmingham and holds the position of Head of Medical Education at the Trust. He is an experienced governor, representing the medical staff for more than six years. Mrs Stephanie Owen, Clinical Specialist Podiatrist as Staff Governor for the Clinical Professions Allied to Healthcare Staffing Constituency (unopposed) Stephanie qualified as a podiatrist in 1999 and has worked in various cities around the world during her career. Her experience extends to lecturing and research which has enhanced her

interest in education within healthcare. She joined UHB in 2010. Ms Margaret Garbett, Associate Director of Nursing (Division B) for the Nursing Staffing Constituency (unopposed) Margaret has worked as a registered nurse within the Trust for almost 30 years and has experience of nursing at all levels, from student nurse through to her current role as Associate Director of Nursing. With experience of working on the front line in the Emergency Department, Margaret has played an important role in the improvement of both patient care and staff working conditions. Ms Yvonne Murphy, Senior Theatre Manager for the Nursing Staffing Constituency (unopposed) Yvonne has been a registered nurse for over twenty five years and has been involved coordinating many changes in the NHS both at UHB and its partnership trusts. As a senior manager within QEHB’s Operating Theatre Department, Yvonne has the experience of leading a large team of staff. Mr Patrick Moore, GP Liaison as Staff Governor for the Corporate and Support Services Staffing Constituency* Patrick has worked in the NHS since the late 1980s, since which time he has held a variety of nursing and administrative posts. As the primary

care liaison, Patrick is the initial point of contact for GP and Clinical Commissioning Group queries. He has more than six years’ experience as a governor representing the views of corporate and support services staff. Dr Philip John Cadle as Public Governor for the Rest of England Constituency (unopposed) John a former general manager of a research company, has been a governor for several years. He graduated from MIT in the USA and his experience extends to accounting and finance at the Universities of Manchester and Birmingham. Since retiring he has continued as a visiting lecturer at Birmingham, teaching postgraduate modules in investment and finance. Mrs Alka Handa as Public Governor for the Erdington, Hodge Hill, Ladywood, Yardley, Perry Barr & Sutton Coldfield Constituency

(unopposed) Alka’s husband Dr Sunil Handa, a Consultant Haematologist who worked within the NHS for 30 years, held this seat as Governor until his tragic passing on 7 March 2016. Alka, who works in counter-fraud for the Department for Work & Pensions, wishes to continue with Sunil’s legacy and desire to ‘give back’ to the NHS who provided him with exceptional care. *The Returning Officer for Staff Governor for the Corporate and Support Services Staffing Constituency Elections - Idox Elections, 25D Bishop Street, Derry

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Umbrella pharmacy service proves popular with young people Pharmacies across Birmingham are working with the Trust to provide better access to high-quality sexual health services in the community.

harmacies across Birmingham are working with the Trust to provide better access to highquality sexual health services in the community. In partnership with Umbrella – the sexual health service run by UHB – pharmacies are promoting their open access, free and confidential services to encourage more people to use them. The aim is to shift the initial point of contact for some sexual health services from secondary to primary care and encourage more 15 to 24 year-olds to seek advice and treatment. Jeff Blankley, Chairman of the Birmingham Local Pharmaceutical Committee, which is an Umbrella partner, said: “Pharmacies can offer a wider range of sexual health services than ever before and they feature in most local communities, so we should be encouraging people to use them.

The more people we can encourage to come to us, the more we can collectively contribute to improving sexual health and reducing inequalities in provision of care. “The fact that pharmacies can offer free, local advice and treatment without the need for an appointment and within

more flexible hours will hopefully appeal to younger people who may not choose to make an appointment at a clinic. “The more people we can encourage to come to us, the more we can collectively contribute to improving sexual health and reducing inequalities in provision of care.” Early indication shows the new way of accessing care is proving popular with service users. Since Umbrella was launched in August 2015, emergency contraception dispensed by partner pharmacists has grown and condom distribution has also increased; the peak month being February 2016, when 239 packs of condoms were handed out. The number of testing kits for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) dispensed

has risen from 3 in August 2015 to 23 last month (April 2016), with a peak of 76 in October. Historically, pharmacies have provided a range of sexual health services, including offering chlamydia testing as part of the National Chlamydia Screening Programme, participation in condom schemes and the provision of emergency contraception. Umbrella has contracted 93 pharmacies to support delivery of its sexual health services, including testing for STIs, free condoms and the morning after pill. For information about Umbrella sexual health services, visit umbrellahealth.co.uk

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You Said, We Did Taking your suggestions and making them a reality You Said

Patients gave regular feedback to the Trust catering team about the lack of toast on the wards. It was also mentioned frequently in Friends and Family Test responses.

We Did

QEHB Charity, the hospital’s official charity, has funded a toaster for each ward at QEHB. The six-slice Dualit commercial toasters will be based in each ward’s regeneration kitchen. Mike Hammond, chief executive of QEHB Charity, said: “When patients are away from home, it’s the simple things which can make a big difference to their hospital experience. Lots of patients were requesting toast and until now, it hasn’t been possible to provide this for them. The charity were approached

by the Trust’s catering team and asked whether funding would be possible - we were very happy to help.” Ben Foxall, Trust Catering Manager, added: “Toast gives patients additional nutritional value and is available throughout the day. It’s a warm snack which patients can request between meals.

“The new toasters have been well received by ward staff and it’s been a real team effort to make this project happen.” “The new toasters have been well received by ward staff and it’s been a real team effort to make this project happen.”

(L-R) Ben Foxall and Ellie Barton-Mather

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www.straffordfabrications.co.uk UHB NHS Foundation Trust has not vetted the advertisers in this publication and accepts no liability for work done or goods supplied by any advertiser. Nor does UHB NHS Foundation Trust endorse any of the products or services.

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UHB consultant nominated for Nobel Peace Prize Consultant nephrologist Dr Adnan Sharif recieves high praise for his work with international organ donation team

onsultant nephrologist Dr Adnan Sharif has been nominated for the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize alongside colleagues from an international organisation set up to fight unethical organ transplants around the world. Dr Sharif has played an important role in promoting organ donation both within the hospital and across the West Midlands, and has worked tirelessly with the Muslim community. Outside the hospital, Dr Sharif is secretary of Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) - an organisation which campaigns globally against illegal and unethical transplant activity particularly in China where the majority of such transplants occur. DAFOH’s decade-long efforts to

raise awareness of this issue have been recognised with a nomination for the 2016 Nobel Peace Prize – with the winner being announced in October ahead of an award ceremony in December. Dr Sharif, who has been a consultant at QEHB since 2011, sits on the Board of Directors for DAFOH and gives up his free time to work with colleagues to tackle one of the biggest ethical challenges in global transplantation. In his role as Secretary of DAFOH, Dr Sharif has represented the group in Parliamentary meetings in Westminster and in talks with the World Medical Association and several international transplantation organisations. He said: “I’m tremendously honoured to share this nomination for the 2016

Nobel Peace Prize with my colleagues from DAFOH, which has been campaigning for nearly a decade to raise awareness of unethical organ procurement. “The nomination is specifically an acknowledgement of the work DAFOH has undertaken over many years in directing the world’s attention to gross violations of medical transplant ethics in countries such as China, where organs have been systematically procured from non-consenting capital prisoners and prisoners of conscience, to fuel a lucrative transplant tourism industry. “Since the publication of the independent Matas and Kilgour report in 2006, DAFOH has campaigned tirelessly to raise awareness of human rights abuses in China driven by the unethical procurement of organs for transplantation.

Consultant Nephrologist Dr Adnan Sharif

“I hope this recognition fuels interest in the work of the organisation and draws urgent attention to the issue of unethical organ transplant activity, which unfortunately continues to the present day in places like China.” He was also part of a delegation that travelled to Geneva in December 2013 to hand in a petition - signed by 1.5 million signatories - asking the United Nations Human Rights Commissioner to investigate claims of forced organ procurement from executed prisoners in China.

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International acclaim for lung disease research UHB research nurse Diane Griffiths has received international acclaim for her research into chronic lung disease.

OPD is one of the most common respiratory diseases and it is thought there are more than 3 million people living with the disease in the UK. UHB research nurse Diane Griffiths has received international acclaim for her research into chronic lung disease. Diane’s investigation into the potential link between lung and heart disease was judged the best academic research project by a nurse at the American Thoracic Society Annual Conference, in San Francisco in May 2016, earning her a bursary prize. Since 2001 Diane, who is also affiliated with the University of Birmingham’s Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, has helped to deliver respiratory clinical trials but more recently developed an interest in completing a period of academic study. Diane’s main interest is in chronic lung disease. She became very interested in research suggesting that patients with severe smokingrelated lung disease COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) were more likely to die of a heart attack than of their lung disease. UHB consultant in respiratory medicine and Managing Director of the Wellcome Clinical Research Facility Dr Sapey said: “Birmingham hosts the ADAPT cohort, the largest cohort of patients in the world with Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD) – a genetic condition which shares many features with COPD. “Diane wanted to see if these patients also had evidence of heart disease, or had a higher risk of having a heart attack, than healthy people without this genetic condition. “Her research demonstrated that there was a link between lung disease and heart disease, even once you had accounted for age and smoking habits, supporting a shared cause of both the heart and lung disease.” After concluding her study, Diane

Diane Griffiths receives international recognition

presented her findings at the American Thoracic Society Annual Conference the largest respiratory conference globally, with over 12,000 delegates, where judges awarded her the prestigious prize.

“I am grateful to Dr Sapey and Jo McCormack, lead research nurse at UHB, as well as Professors David Thickett and Rob Stockley, who have all been incredibly supportive.” A delighted Diane said: “The ATS is the biggest international conference for

respiratory specialisms in the world so it was great just to have the chance to go and present my work. “To find out that I had won this award was a huge surprise and a great honour but the great thing about the whole experience was the chance to meet up with other research nurses from around the world. “I am grateful to Dr Sapey and Jo McCormack, lead research nurse at UHB, as well as Professors David Thickett and Rob Stockley, who have all been incredibly supportive.” Diane now intends to study the links between heart and lung disease in different lung conditions, with the continued support from the Trust, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing and the Wellcome Clinical Research Facility.

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Surgeon scoops top TV award Surgeon encouraged thousands of Asian people to sign the organ donor register

From left to right: Piers Morgan, Susanne Reid, Lesley Ash and Debbie McGee with surgeon Majid Mukadam and wife Shaista

transplant surgeon from Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB) who has encouraged thousands of Asian people to sign the organ donor register has won a top TV award for his work. Mr Majid Mukadam was told he had won the ITV1 Good Morning Britain Hospital Health Star Award by presenter Dr Hilary Jones when he made a surprise visit to QEHB in April 2016. The father-of-two was presented with his prize when he attended a glittering awards ceremony in London a few days later. Mr Mukadam, 53, who has worked at QEHB for 16 years, said: “I am delighted to receive the Health Star Award and grateful that it gives me, and the excellent team here at the Trust, another opportunity to convey the important messages about organ and bone marrow transplant and donation. “The award gives us another impetus in our work to achieve our objectives of increasing awareness of organ donation to save and prolong even more lives.”

Mr Mukadam was nominated for the award by his wife Shaista, who was keen to have his work recognised. The awards were set up to reward those who have gone the extra mile to help someone’s health or save a life and are voted for by Good Morning Britain’s viewers.

“The award gives us another impetus in our work to achieve our objectives of increasing awareness of organ donation to save and prolong even more lives.” Celebrities including Leslie Ash and Michelle Heaton joined the show’s team and award nominees at a packed ceremony at the London Hilton on Park Lane. Presenter Piers Morgan, Strictly professional Kevin Clifton and his wife Karen, Gloria Hunniford, Lord Winston, Debbie McGee and Dr Dawn Harper were among those attending.

Mr Majid Mukadam and Debbie McGee

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Are you a Born Survivor? Take part in the ultimate military obstacle course!

oin us at Capesthorne Park, Manchester and take on THE ultimate military obstacle course! With a 10K run and over 30 obstacles you will certainly get wet and dirty and feel the burn on this fantastic course. Registration for people supporting QEHB Charity is reduced to £50 and if you are a Team Leader you can get your place for free – just sign up ten of your colleagues/mates and your place (the 11th) is FREE! You are asked to raise a minimum of £50 sponsorship for Fisher House (our ‘home away from home’ for military patients and families) or another QE department of your choice. To ensure you get your discounted charity place, please enter FISHERHOUSE when you get to the checkout. If you need any help with registering for this event, please do not hesitate to contact Justine Davy on 0121 371 4852 or email Justine.Davy@uhb.nhs.uk

Why take on the challenge for Fisher House? 1. For every 11 people that sign up as a team, the 11th team member goes free! 2. Our sign-up fee is £50 – this price will not increase for later joiners. 3. The person who raises the most donations for Fisher House will have their sign-up fee refunded! 4. We can offer you plenty of support and promotion to help reach your fundraising goal! Please call QEHB Charity on 0121 371 4852 to find out more.

THE ULTIMATE MILITARY

OBSTACLE COURSE!

Health talk dates Our free health talks are open to everyone, and there’s no need to book. If you think you’d be interested in one of the talks listed below, please come along to Lecture Theatre 3 in the Education Centre, Level 1 at the new Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, on the date shown below. Daytime talks 10:00 – Registration and coffee 10:30-12:00 – Health Talk Venue: Lecture Theatre 3, Level 1, Education Centre, QEHB

TOPIC DATE - Monday 19 September - Organ donation - Thursday 20 October - Mental health - Thursday 17 November - Keeping well in winter - Friday 23 December - Sexual health in older adults

If there’s a topic you would like to hear about at our monthly health talks please email us at members@uhb.nhs.uk

AGM 2016 14

Annual General Meeting 21 Monday September, 18.00 - 20.00 Lecture Theatre 3, Education Centre, Level 1, QEHB

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UHB’s longest serving volunteer honoured at annual celebrations Shaunagh Wand receives standing ovation at Volunteers, Luncheon and Long Service Awards

he devotion of a volunteer, who has given an incredible 45 years’ service to the Trust, has been recognised at an awards ceremony. Shaunagh Wand was given a standing ovation for her dedication when she joined fellow volunteers at the Annual Long Service Awards and luncheon. The Trust’s Voluntary Services department is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2016 and in a decade has seen the number of volunteers grow to over 600 who play an increasingly important role in Trust life. Shaunagh started volunteering at the end of 1970 when she was unable to work part-time as a nurse following her marriage. She initially joined the Linen League and then the Friends of the Queen Elizabeth Medical Centre and over the decades has undertaken different roles.

“We have the best staff in the NHS at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, including those with international reputations” Shaunagh Wand was just one of a number of committed individuals, who between them devote thousands of hours each year, that we thanked and recongnised at the Long Service Awards. Other presentations included nine volunteers receiving a one-year certificate and 17 volunteers receiving a certificate for five years’ service. The volunteers were joined by Trust leaders including Trust Chair Jacqui Smith, Chief Executive Dame Julie Moore, and Chief Nurse Philip Norman. Jacqui said: “This is a fantastic celebration of all our volunteers and they represent an amazing number of years’ service. “We have the best staff in the NHS at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, including those with international reputations, but they still need the support of the

Volunteer Shaunagh Wand with Trust Chair Rt Hon Jacqui Smith (left), Chief Executive Dame Julie Moore, and Chief Nurse Philip Norman

volunteers, who bring additional heart to the organisation. It is always a pleasure and an honour to attend this event, as all the volunteers make a real difference to our patients.” The volunteers at the luncheon at The Postgraduate Centre included former Associate Director of Patient Affairs Carol Rawlings and the Trust’s first Voluntary Services Manager Bernie Aucott. Before 2006 there were volunteers involved at the Queen Elizabeth and Selly Oak Hospitals but these needed to be brought together into a more streamlined service and to enable the Trust to increase the number of volunteers in preparation for the opening of the new hospital. Carol and Bernie were able to coordinate this new service and, since their retirements, both have become volunteers and joined in the anniversary celebrations.

Voluntary Services Manager Pat Wilson said: “It was lovely that Carol and Bernie could join us. Like so many other volunteers they have been able to contribute to the life of the Trust and it is good to be able to say thank you and recognise their support.” The luncheon came at the end of national Volunteers Week where events included a stand in the atrium at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. Pat said: “It was an opportunity for volunteers and staff from the voluntary services team to talk to individuals and encourage them to consider making a regular commitment.” If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, see the website uhb.nhs. uk/volunteering or email voluntary. services@uhb.nhs.uk. Alternatively call 0121 371 6731.

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ADVERTORIAL

Striking a Perfect Balance With Birmingham’s educational landscape dominated at secondary level by some of the finest grammar schools in the country and, in King Edward’s School, one of its leading independent schools, the pressure for gaining such coveted places is well and truly on. The scenario is one of which staff, pupils and parents at West House School are all too aware. Situated in the leafy oasis of the Calthorpe estate and founded in 1895, the school has enjoyed over a century of outstanding academic success. However, Headmaster Alistair Lyttle, an old boy of the school himself, is quick to voice an opinion on the place of academic rigour within a broader educational context. “While our results speak for themselves, they do not come at the cost of pupils engaging in a rich learning journey and an enjoyment of childhood,” comments Mr Lyttle, “It is vital that the West House experience allows the boys not only to get involved in sport, drama, art and music, but to appreciate the extent to which these subjects contribute to their overall enjoyment of school life and personal development.” At the heart of the school’s ethos lies the view that boys should be allowed to be boys and that they are at their most productive when an appreciation of the correct balance between work and play is achieved. “One of my greatest concerns is my belief that the enjoyment of being young is being compromised by the pressures of the system,” continues Mr Lyttle. “The vast majority of our leavers take up places at their first choice selective secondary schools, but in doing so, leave West House having enjoyed opportunities, unparalleled at prep school level, to explore potential gifts and talents. West House School is a member of the Independent Association of Preparatory Schools. For further details please contact Miss Kim Stevenson, Headmaster’s PA on 0121 440 4097.

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