Insight Northampton Summer 2018

Insight

THE MAGAZINE FOR NORTHAMPTON GENERAL HOSPITAL PATIENTS AND VISITORS

Summer 2018 | Issue 66

A n dre w, hospit a l por te r, 1977

OUR YEAR IN REVIEW Plus special NHS70 feature: our long serving employees talk about their first day in work and their memories of NGH Supported by Northamptonshire Health Charitable Fund

OUR YEAR IN REVIEW W

elcome to this special edition of our Insight magazine which has been produced with two aims: to accompany our annual report and to celebrate 70 years since the introduction of the National Health Service.

This edition summarises some of our main achievements and challenges over the last year. As well as articles and features about key events, we’ve included a series of infographics in the centre of the magazine summarising some of the year’s key statistics, including our finances and measures of our overall performance.

We also have a section on NHS70 where you can read about some of our long serving employees who share their thoughts on the NHS when they started working with us – you can also read an extended From the Archive section with some gems from our historical archive team.

In the course of the year, we experienced our most challenging winter period yet.

Alongside our operational pressures, our financial position has been extremely challenging and we spent much of the year grappling with significant overspends.

Our organisation-wide response to these

Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust, has not vetted the advertisers in this publication and accepts no liability for work done or goods supplied by any advertiser. Nor does Northampton General Hospital NHS 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.

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pressures took the form of a comprehensive programme, Fixing the Flow, to improve bed flow across the hospital and address exit block, the situation of patients being unable to leave the hospital despite being medically fit for discharge.

In delivering Fixing the Flow, we’ve asked our employees to work differently.

Some examples include having additional medical consultants in A&E to increase the range of specialist expertise for patients needing emergency care. In many cases, this means our patients can be treated and be home again without the need for an admission; for other patients, it means identifying their care needs earlier even if they have needed to wait until a bed becomes available on a ward.

We’ve also seen changes in ward working arrangements, more seven-day working, lots of clinical and support staff doing extra shifts.

For more detailed information, we recommend reading our Annual Report and Accounts which can be found on our website. You can also read our Quality Account, which looks at the quality of our services over the same time period.

Insight

Summer 2018 Issue 66

Insight is a free magazine. Please feel free to take a copy home with our compliments and pass it on to a friend or relative when you have read it.

Insight is produced thanks to the sponsorship of Northamptonshire Health Charitable Fund.

Edited by Eva Duffy eva.duffy@ngh.nhs.uk; Contributors: Kieran Jones and Zoe Catlin; Cover photo: Zoe Catlin Designed and printed by Octagon Design & Marketing Ltd, Hawks Nest Cottage, Great North Road, Bawtry, Doncaster, South Yorkshire DN10 6AB.

Keep in touch Follow us on Twitter @NGHNHSTrust Follow us on Instagram northamptongeneralhospital Like our Northampton General Hospital Facebook page

CQC report recognises Team NGH culture The highlight of our year in review was the result of our inspections by the Care Quality Commission that saw an improvement in our official rating, from requires improvement to good. Inspectors spoke of an inclusive and supportive staff culture, confidence in leadership at all levels and a clear focus on patient safety.

The inspection report painted a picture that everyone working here recognised, the essence of which is a positive team spirit delivering care of a high standard in a clinically-led structure where staff are proud of what they do.

The hospital was found to be good in all five categories inspected – safe, well led, caring, responsive and effective – with many outstanding features highlighted by the inspection team. The hospital wide focus on patient safety was noted.

Outstanding practice highlighted by CQC inspectors included:  A world-class stroke service (one of the top 7 in the country – time to CT scan: 26 minutes)  The development of an on-site psychiatric liaison service in the emergency department by working with partners  The geriatric emergency medicine service (GEMS) where the needs of elderly patients were specifically considered in the emergency department  Excellent level of clinical oversight for those NGH patients placed in the care homes adjacent to our site  Commitment to improving the care of elderly

patients, such as those living with dementia.  End-of-life companion volunteer scheme for dying patients who may not have any visitors T he Chit Chat group set up by the maternity service to facilitate antenatal education, parenting advice and peer support for women with additional needs, including learning disabilities or anxiety.  Development of an assessment tool to improve the monitoring and assessment of baby’s skin on Gosset ward. The ward was working with neonatal services from across the world (Canada and Turkey) to further develop the tool.  The ultrasound department was innovative and conducted many audits and feed these back to ultrasound community in England.  The use of physician’s associates A hospital-wide focus on quality improvement O utstanding leadership in the emergency department  Well-maintained estates The report echoes the hundreds of emails and letters we receive every month from patients and their loved ones, people who take the time to tell us how much it means to them when we get it right, when we prioritise their experience and safety above everything else. The report confirms that this was a whole team effort and that our direction of travel is the right one. It gives us renewed confidence that if we sustain our current improvements and continue our current approach, we will be able to move from Good to Outstanding.

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National programme to support nurses in hardship During the year, we were proud to be one of ten founding members of a new programme launched by national charity Cavell Nurses’ Trust.

Cavell Nurses’ Trust launched the Working with membership programme to help organisations who value the huge contribution that nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants make to UK society to play their part in supporting a long-term safety net for these professionals when they’re facing crisis.

The charity supports UK nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants, both working and retired, when they’re suffering personal or financial hardship often due to illness, disability, older age and domestic abuse.

Patients and families thank our nurses and midwives

D

uring the year, we became one of the first hospitals in the UK to introduce the DAISY Award, an international recognition programme that honours and celebrates the skillful, compassionate care nurses and midwives provide every day.

Each DAISY award recipient is recognised at a surprise ceremony, typically in her or his ward or department.

They receive a DAISY award pin, certificate, a hand-carved sculpture A Healer’s Touch Would you like to make a nomination? Download a nomination form from our website and send it back to us by:

 Email: Julia.jones@ngh.nhs.uk

Breakfast for night shift junior doctors During the year a free breakfast for junior doctors was introduced. The idea, instigated by our chief executive, Dr Sonia Swart, offers all trainee doctors the opportunity to enjoy a free cooked breakfast at the end of a night shift.

Dr Swart described how her own time training in medicine helped to inspire the initiative: “We always used to have breakfast together, and it was a nice time to say hello, share a few experiences, and remind ourselves that other people were there too and were feeling equally vulnerable about this or that.”

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 Post: Julia Jones,

DAISY Award Co-Ordinator, Patient, Nursing & Midwifery Services, Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust, Cliftonville, Northampton NN1 5BD

Some of the team providing critical incident stress debrief sessions to colleagues

NEW STRESS DEBRIEF SUPPORT FOR STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS “There’s actually no mystery to Critical Incident Stress Debrief - it’s about giving up some of your time to listen to someone.”

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Coe, Moya Flaherty, Tracy Keats, Julie Stratfull, Jo iobhan Bullock, resuscitation officer, described Webb, Chris Wood, Alison Waples, Dr Jonathan Birks the simplicity behind a new idea at Northampton and Dr Livia Malanjum.

General Hospital, which provides an in-house For the critical incident stress debrief team they support network for staff who have witnessed or also have a support network in each other. They experienced trauma at work. ensure they meet periodically to discuss On a daily basis, our staff are exposed to common themes, recent experiences and situations which most people will never provide an opportunity to talk about have to encounter in their work; this can things they may have struggled to listen include cardiac arrests, violent injuries or to or felt they needed support for. an unexpected death.

Going forward, Siobhan and the team We’re now using a technique known as would like to expand the service and critical incident stress debriefing to give Funded by NGH’s health the network across the hospital if the our staff and volunteers an opportunity and wellbeing demand is high. They are keen to look into to talk about what they have seen or programme and evaluate other types of stress debriefing experienced. It provides a chance to review processes and find new innovative ways to the incident and reflect on how it has affected support staff. them with colleagues who have been specially trained to support.

Support has historically been offered in the “I knew we had a ‘hot debrief’ after cardiac arrests but I initial aftermath of an incident; for example, after didn’t know you could use this service for other stressful cardiac arrests the crash team will have a debrief incidents. My manager knew about the service and to ask questions and share thoughts and feelings suggested it to me, it was like talking to a friend even about what’s just happened. However, by training though he’s a senior doctor. He told me about some a dedicated team with the knowledge and skills to of his personal experiences with critical incidents and provide effective support within 24-72 hours of an it really helped me. It shows our humanity and I would incident, we’ll be able to support more people dealing recommend this service to colleagues.” with a wider range of incidents.

Siobhan explained: “We all have different experiences and sometimes even though we might have been in the same situation hundreds of times, one day something  It is usual for people to have a crisis reaction just ‘gets to us’. It’s about it being ok to need to talk following a traumatic incident, even if they are about it. What is important is that we know our trained healthcare professionals. limitations and when it is the right time to signpost  The effects can be physical, emotional or behavioural. that person for professional support”.  It can include anxiety or guilt and in some cases, it Staff or volunteers can contact one of the named team may lead to individuals struggling to cope with dayto arrange time to talk by email, phone or in person: to-day routines.

Siobhan Bullock, Marc Kilby, Dr Fiona Poyner, Michelle

Factfile

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NGH WORKS TO IMPROVE STAFF HEALTH AND WELLBEING H

 staff picnic benches ealth and wellbeing at Northampton General Hospital is about making sure our employees and volunteers feel valued,  healthy food options engaged and motivated. Whether it’s helping to make sure  promotion of national awareness days they’re feeling physically fit, emotionally well or signposting them “The staff who att including stop smoking day and world to support or guidance, the service is key to ensuring our staff are mental health day.

Mission: SlimPOSS happy and well at work.

The focus for 2017/18 has been on are really support In two and a half years since we set up our first health and mental health and providing and it’s great talkin wellbeing group, we’ve benefitted from: support for staff to learn people who have  an in-house slimming group, Mission SLIMpossible more about mental health same struggles, we  staff mental health awareness workshops and the impact it has on “The first mental health then all support a  managing mental health in the workplace their overall wellbeing workshops for managers awareness workshop motivate each oth and everyday lives.  global walking challenges For example, during here at NGH was  annual participation in Northamptonshire the year chief executive Dr the start of me really Sport’s Business Games Sonia Swart signed the Time realising I need to look  stop smoking support to Change pledge on behalf of the after myself, I’m no hospital, committing to support staff who may  weekly choir practice good to others if I’m not be experiencing or know someone experiencing  weekly lunchtime ballroom and Latin managing myself.” mental health problems and to help end the dance classes stigma surrounding mental health.  yoga classes As part of this pledge and working with the  discounted on-site gym membership local and national MIND charity, over 195 staff have  improved and additional bike storage facilities attended workshops on mental health awareness. The workshops provide the resources and advice our team need to lead happy, healthy lives, how to cope with daily pressures, build positive relationships and to look after themselves, which also equips them with the right tools to give the best possible care to our patients.

To date, 121 managers have completed training in managing mental health in the workplace, a course designed to help them support their colleagues, information about spotting the signs and symptoms of mental health problems and how to communicating sensitively with staff.

We also organised talking therapy sessions on national Time to Talk Day. These sessions provided a chance to chat to a trained mental health specialist about anything of their choice in a confidential environment.

In May the in-house slimming group Mission: SlimPOSSIBLE, celebrated their first anniversary. The group of 30 staff and volunteers from across the hospital come to a weekly weighin session to keep track of their weight and receive help and support to maintain a healthy diet, in a friendly supportive environment. Some of the group use a messaging app to stay in touch outside of work providing additional “I just wa support, recipe ideas and sharing good news with what a go each other. The group’s founder Anne-Marie session the Dunkley described the group’s achievements workshop during the past year: “Since we started the group it was the last May we’ve had a brilliant response from staff and volunteers. They want to achieve their goal, not trainer was s just as individuals but as a team. Collectively the about the group have lost a total of 365 pounds or 26 stone in was really w 12 months which is a testament to their hard work. and ver These truly are inspirational people.” provo The service aims to grow next year providing more advice, support and events for our staff to help with their health and wellbeing.

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tend SIBLE tive, ng to e the e can and her.”

Co-ordinator role created to support wellbeing

Last year, we appointed our first full time health and wellbeing coordinator Anne-Marie Dunkley.

Anne-Marie works to support staff through the development of a yearly health and wellbeing programme of events. Her role is to be a visible point of contact for health and wellbeing and to inform staff about what’s on anted to say offer. Through talking ood training to staff at inductions, mental health special events p was. I think and creating an annual health and fact that the wellbeing survey, so passionate she is able to e subject. It find out what our well presented employees would like ry thought available to them and oking.” incorporates this into her programme of events.

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SUPPORTING PATIENTS WITH ADDITIONAL NEEDS We are committed to providing safe and effective care for our patients who have additional needs, whether that’s because they are living with dementia or they have learning disabilities.

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ince January, learning disability liaison nurse Debbie and dementia liaison nurse Catherine have worked together to develop a patient champion role to help ensure that staff from across the hospital are advocates for best possible care of vulnerable patients who have learning disabilities or dementia. These champions are provided with ongoing support from the lead nurses to aid staff development and patient experience.

Preparing for surgery A project to support adults with learning disabilities and complex needs when they have surgery was shortlisted for a national award that celebrates excellence in nursing and midwifery.

The initiative sees the hospital’s lead learning disability nurse work with patients, their carers, their GP or other community health professionals, and members of the hospital’s surgical team to identify challenges and areas of concern and identify any reasonable adjustments that can be made. A bespoke care plan is then produced.

Lead learning disability nurse Debbie said: “Hospitals can be scary places but for those with a learning disability, attending the unfamiliar busy environment can be extremely difficult with surgery providing an even greater challenge.

“By working collaboratively with the patient’s wider health and care professionals, we’ve been able to carry out multiple procedures in the course of a single general anaesthetic to minimise anxiety and distress for the patient.

“We know that people with learning disabilities have barriers to accessing health care. By developing this initiative, our staff have demonstrated how working differently can have a huge impact on individual patients and their families.”

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Learning disability liaison nurse, Debbie Wigley, learning disability project worker, Paul Blake, and a dementia liaison nurse, Catherine Lowe.

Award for theatre nurse In December, Nursing Times invited readers to nominate a nurse who makes a real difference to those in their care for the chance to win a year’s free subscription to Nursing Times.

Registered nurse Heidi Pryor-Jones was chosen as the winner when competition organsisers heard about the how she supports patients who have learning disabilities.

Most patients awaiting surgery or in postsurgical recovery experience some anxiety, but the experience can be especially challenging for patients with learning disabilities. During pre-operative visits, Heidi makes an extra special effort to really get to know patients. She picks up on personal interests and adapts her communication styles – paying special attention to the small details that often make a world of difference.

Other news  The Mental Capacity Act is an

important law for people with a learning disability and dementia. It helps make sure that people who may lack capacity can make their own decisions and get the support they need to make those decisions. Our learning disability lead Debbie has been selected to be part of the national project group set up

by NHS England to examine how the health sector can improve  We’ve been supporting the national

Specialist training for our security team Our security team now has a better understanding of how to approach and interact with patients who have dementia, thanks to our dementia awareness training programme. Members of the team are often called out to support staff in dealing

with patients who display aggressive behaviour; sometimes that can be due to their clinical conditions, including dementia. The training was organised to help them understand and communicate better with these patients.

Treat Me Well campaign aims to improve healthcare for people with learning disabilities During the year, we joined forces with national charity MENCAP to launch Treat Me Well. This is a campaign to transform how the NHS treats people with a learning disability in hospital. It calls on hospitals all over the UK to make reasonable adjustments for people with a learning disability. The campaign aims to tackle the inequalities and poorer health outcomes of patients with learning disabilities compared with those who don’t.

So far, we’ve held two local workshops for people with learning disabilities and their carers and plans are underway for a local

campaign group to help us identify where we can make improvements.

As well as working with people with learning disabilities, our learning disability team Paul and Debbie are flying the flag for NGH at a parliamentary reception in Westminster this summer. They’ll be telling MPS and campaigners about the work we’re doing in Northampton to support our patients.

Paul has also been invited to be part of the national Treat Me Well steering group where he’ll be using his experience to help influence the development of the campaign.

rollout of the Learning Disabilities Mortality Review programme (LeDeR). The programme has been commissioned by NHS England. It supports local areas in England to review the deaths of people with a learning disability to identify common themes and learning points and provide support to develop action plans to take forward the lessons learned  We’re working with on a series of easy-

read documents se we can improve the way we provide information to patients including those with learning disabilities. You can find some of these on our website.  We have a Changing Places toilet and

changing facility for people who need greater levels of accessibility than conventional toilets provide. It is located in area E on Hospital Street.

Support Do you or somebody you care for have dementia or learning disabilities? Are you anxious about a forthcoming hospital appointment? We’ve started a project to publish easy-read leaflets on our website explaining how some procedures work.

We’re continually developing these leaflets so we’ll be adding to the website throughout the year. If there’s anything you’d like to see included, please let us know by emailing communications@ngh.nhs.uk

You can also get in touch with us Catherine Lowe Dementia Liaison Nurse.

01604 544516 catherine.lowe@ngh.nhs.uk Debbie Wigley Learning Disability Liaison Nurse Telephone: 01604 545431 Email: debbie.wigley@ngh.nhs.uk Paul Blake Learning Disability Support Worker Tel: 01604 545431 Email: paul.blake@ngh.nhs.uk Our year in review 2017-2018 ❘ Insight ❘ 9

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SUCCESSFUL PROJECTS EARN NATIONAL RECOGNITION W

e know that great work takes place every day in every department across our hospital but getting recognition on a national stage helps to know that we’re not just getting it right for our colleagues and our patients, we’re doing an outstanding job in some areas. During the year, a number of projects were shortlisted for prestigious national awards.

We were finalists in three categories of the Patient Experience Network’s National Awards (PENNA) which aim to highlight outstanding patient experience across the health and social care sector in the UK. The teams behind the nominations, the midwifery department and the patient experience team, have been working hard to improve the experience of patients and their families and find ways to help services progress using honest advice and feedback from patients.

The Keep Connected initiative is a realtime survey of patients while they are in hospital. We use the results to let wards know about the issues that matter there and then to their patients and this helps them to make immediate improvements wherever possible. It was been shortlisted in two categories: Measuring, Reporting, Acting (where it received the runner-up accolade) and FFT and Patient Insight for Improvement.

Head of patient experience and engagement, Rachel Lovesy, said: “Senior members of the patient and nursing team buddy up with a ward to undertake the

The Keep Connected team

fathers when preparing for the arrival monthly surveys, meaning that feedback of their baby, having been shortlisted in is relayed straight to ward staff. This the Turning it Around category. personal approach helps people to feel Community midwifery matron Anne listened to and to gain feedback from patients who may not be able Richley and labour matron to respond to other feedback Paula Briody set up regular collection methods. clinics to provide a more “Reports are created personal approach for “We have been able within 24 hours which expectant mothers. to get feedback from mean changes can be Describing the implemented as soon motivations of the our elderly patients in as possible. Already the project, Anne said “We ways that we would project has benefitted both feel passionately never have achieved patients with those that women’s experience otherwise.” on Talbot Butler ward of birth should be receiving new reading positive; it’s not about lamps, as the room lights whether a woman has were identified as being too a home birth or elective bright. Elsewhere in Creaton ward caesarean, it’s about making patients were finding it difficult to get the experience positive for her however to sleep so the ward included sleep well we can. We’ve learnt from women’s packs into their ward welcome packs. experiences and made changes.”

Rachel added: “We have been able Feedback from patients has praised to get feedback from our elderly how the project has opened up patients in ways that we would discussions about birth options, and never have achieved otherwise. alleviated worries or fears. It provides Ensuring everyone has an support and boosts confidence, helping equal opportunity to give expectant mothers and their partners their feedback is extremely to feel at ease when preparing for important to us at NGH.” their new arrival. What makes this Meanwhile, the project special is the fact that even midwifery service’s Meet years after birth the senior midwives the Matrons project and matrons are still on hand for received recognition advice and support as there is no for their work with time limit on when women can make expectant mothers and contact with them.

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BUILDING OUR FUTURE O

ur most significant development during the year has been the construction of our new emergency assessment unit. This will be used to assess acutely unwell patients arriving from the emergency department or referred by their GP. Our staff were asked to name the new building and its wards. The overall structure will be called The Nye Bevan Building in honour of the architect of the NHS who 70 years ago established the British system of a health service

Other projects

We created a new therapeutic sensory garden near our centre for elderly medicine. The garden has particular benefits for our patients with dementia and was created thanks to a donation from local business Michael Jones Jewellers.

funded from general taxation and free at the point of use. The two wards in the building will be named:  The Esther White Ward, in honour of Northampton General Hospital’s first matron, who began working at the hospital in 1743.  The Walter Tull Ward in honour of the footballer who signed for Northampton Town Football Club from Spurs in 1911.

He made 111 first team appearances before serving Britain’s war effort in the first world war, becoming the first British Army officer of black heritage.

We completed a new MRI suite to help us meet growing demand for diagnostic services.

Alongside the Nye Bevan Building, we created a new urgent care centre, Springfield, opposite our emergency department.

We created a new children’s outpatients area and refurbished our paediatric wards to include new sleeping spaces for parents.

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AWARD WINNING VOLUNTEERS PROVIDE INVALUABLE SUPPORT AS PART OF TEAM NGH

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uring the year, we continued to be indebted to each and every one of our volunteers for their support and commitment. The year saw many developments for our volunteer services team, including the growth of the Bedside Book Club and an increased presence in clinical areas.

Our voluntary services team has recruited on 180 new volunteers in the past two years, providing a wide range of services that benefit our patients and visitors.

Voluntary services manager Emma Wimpress said: “This year, we have introduced people into a workplace setting that may not have had the opportunity elsewhere; we take great pride in allowing anyone interested in volunteering the platform to shine. We value everyone who decides to join us and we are excited to meet new recruits.”

Our volunteers work in various areas of the hospital, some in clinical areas and others in non-clinical areas, such as administration. We provide all of our

volunteers with a comprehensive training package which covers health and safety, infection prevention and safeguarding.

Our dementia buddy volunteers receive specialist training to gain a good understanding of dementia. This helps them to engage with our patients who have dementia providing friendship, conversation and activities.

Our end-of-life volunteers also receive specialised training so they are equipped to provide companionship and support for patients receiving end of life care.

Matching a volunteer’s skills to particular positions is a great way for us to provide an enriching experience for our volunteers while helping them to develop their CVs. Some volunteers’ skill set and preferences mean they are better suited to an administration role; these roles provide support across the hospital to our clinical and non-clinical teams and do not necessarily have to be on the frontline.

New gardening team for our therapeutic garden We’re delighted to welcome a new team of volunteers as part as collaboration with Olympus Cares Services’ LIVE team, which supports adults with learning disabilities. Our new volunteers already tend the grounds of Abington and Delapre Park, and now they’ve taken on responsibility for maintaining and developing Willow Garden, our therapeutic garden. We’re delighted to benefit from their green-fingered expertise.

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During the year, we launched our mobile library for patients, the Bedside Book Club. We asked our local community to donate books to the library and the response we received was overwhelming.

Northampton came together and with the support of local businesses, led to a fullystocked library on wheels.

Denise White, Bedside Book Club volunteer told us: “Appletree Yard by Louise Doughty always does a quick turnaround; this is a contemporary fiction novel. Books

by Philippa Gregory for historical fiction are frequently requested and never stay long on the shelf when we have them. For a light feelgood read, Sophie Kinsella and Carole Matthews are popular authors, as are Lee Child and James Patterson if the patient fancies a crime or thriller story.”

The book donation campaign went on to win a community initiative campaign of the year award at the UK public sector communications awards.

Get Involved We are always looking for more volunteers to get involved with Team NGH. If you are looking to develop skills for a future career, get back into work after time away or looking for something to do after your retirement, volunteering can be a great opportunity to gain new experience and meet new people.

If you would like more information visit www.volunteeratngh.uk or contact volunteer.services@ngh.nhs.uk

Performance and finance information 2017-2018

Northampton General Hospital

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 CHARITABLE FUND

Fundraising campaign Help us reach our target of £350,000 for the Emergency Assessment Bay on Talbot Butler Ward!

We are calling out for your help to raise funds in aid of the Talbot Butler EAB appeal, which is now in full swing. Oncology and haematology patients can become very unwell between their treatment cycles and need emergency support and review. The current emergency assessment bay in the oncology department operates 9am-5pm Monday to Friday. Outside of these times, patients visit A&E but due to their suppressed immune system this is a far from ideal situation.

The state-of-the-art facility on Talbot Butler will have dedicated areas for triage, assessment and examinations in an environment that is

open and spacious, offering patients 24/7 specialist care.

You can support this campaign in a number of ways: Donate cash at the cashiers’ office at the Billing Road Entrance to the hospital.

By cheque made payable to NHCF (Talbot Butler EAB) posted to Northamptonshire Health Charitable Fund, Northampton General Hospital, Cliftonville, Northampton, NN1 5BD Online by visiting the charity’s JustGiving page – search for nhcfgreenheart and choose eab.

Or, contact the charity if you have a fundraising suggestion – 01604 626927

Charity Golf Day Register now to join us for our third annual golf day on Thursday 20 September and help raise funds for the haematology department.

There’s still plenty of time to get practicing your swing. The first tee off is at 11am and there’ll be coffee and bacon on arrival as well as a two-course carvery at the end. A presentation will follow dinner with prizes awarded for first, second and third placed teams, nearest the pin and the longest drive.

Our previous two golf events have helped raise around £5,000 for the Do-it-for-

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Dementia campaign and the paediatrics adolescent area.

This year’s event is being sponsored by Complete Safety Systems Ltd, fashion by rieker Antistress and Cave & Sons but there are still other sponsorship opportunities available. If you’re interested in joining us please contact the charity team on 01604 626 927.

£10,000 kick-starts Talbot Butler appeal A huge thank you to Matthew Masters and The Angel Foundation for officially launching our Talbot Butler Emergency Assessment Bay appeal with an incredible £10,000 donation. Matthew started The Angel Foundation together with his dad Dave, in memory of mum and wife Angela. They are helping to raise money in aid of the EAB following the support Angela and the family received while she was a patient.

A few months ago, Matthew came in with Dave, wife Caz and son Alfie to present a cheque to the Talbot Butler team. The picture was taken in the relatives’ room on the ward, which The Angel Foundation also kindly donated £5,000 towards last year.

Fundraising started back in July 2015 with a simple BBQ and cake sale raising £350. This was followed by an abseil the following September, in which 15 members of the foundation took part.

Numerous other events followed, from marathon to skydive and three quiz nights, to name just a few – all raising money throughout 2016 and 2017.

Fundraising for the EAB continues and this year, Matthew will be doing a “triple madness challenge” for Team Angel. This covers three events, a staggering 56 miles and no less than 220 obstacles - all over just three days! You can sponsor him for this challenge at www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/matthew-masters2 We are lucky to have this amazing ongoing support from The Angel Foundation, something we are forever grateful for.

Penny Pot Perfect One very simple way of donating is by collecting as much loose change as possible in penny pots. This helped raise a great amount for the chemotherapy suite appeal a few years ago so we thought let’s dust them off and bring them out of retirement.

You can have great fun painting and decorating your own jars – like those

pictured decorated by the 1st Duston Rainbows – sharing them out at work places and collecting those coppers. If you would like stickers for your jars the charity team can send some out to you, along with a leaflet to go inside. When your jar is full call 01604 626927 or pay it in directly at the cashier’s office at the Billing Road Entrance.

Clubberciser Kate Beck raises over £4,000 for oncology Kate Beck went through a very tough journey and even before receiving the all-clear following treatment for cervical cancer, she started fundraising in aid of oncology. Clubbercise with Marie Tur had been a huge passion and throughout her treatment her Glow family provided amazing support, including turning up to flash mob her driveway one evening.

Following a sponsored two-hour Clubbercise Glow Party, Kate has raised more than £4,000.

She came in with Marie and Natasha from Clubbercise to present a cheque to oncology staff. As well as catching up with radiographers from the department, Kate also had the chance to speak to hair care co-ordinator Debbie Smith. Some of the funds will go towards purchasing new cooling caps and other head wear and hair care items to help patients undergoing chemotherapy. hair loss can be a very distressing side-effect and Debbie offers invaluable support to patients at a very vulnerable time.

Your left-over holiday cash can make a difference Are you jetting off abroad on your hols this summer? Did you know that if you come back with any left-over currency you can donate it to us at the hospital? We have a collection point at the south entrance. So far, foreign and old currency has raised an awesome £2,629.70 for the Do it for Dementia appeal. Thank you to everyone who has donated this way and if you are off on holiday, have a fantastic time.

Gavin Warren raises £10,000 for Dryden Ward We would like to send another big thank you to Gavin Warren, Chairman of Northamptonshire County Cricket Club for raising an incredible £10,000 for Dryden Ward. The money was raised via a number of events, including a Beaujolais lunch and a family fun day at Northamptonshire County Cricket Club for his 50th birthday celebrations last year. Gavin came in to the hospital with his father Graham to present a cheque to staff on the ward for this fantastic total raised.

Our year in review 2017-2018 ❘ Insight ❘ 23

 CHARITABLE FUND

Just under £8,000 for the ENT oncology team

Thanks to Georgia Nickels for raising almost £4,000 for resus Georgia’s father, Jez Nickels passed away in July 2010 when she was only 10 years old and she decided she wanted to raise money to support the resus department for the care they gave to him. Georgia did a sponsored walk with her friend Abbi, raising money for the purchase of a bladder scanner. Aged 16, Georgia wanted to do more fundraising and worked really hard getting a wide variety of exciting prizes for a charity auction evening. This was held around the anniversary of her dad’s passing. She came in to present this latest donation to Michelle Coe and Keara Neeson who told us they have ordered a vascular doppler machine.

Thank you so much to Catriona Eaton for nominating the Ear, Nose & Throat oncology team to benefit from funding from the Weetabix Social Club. The club was winding down so staff members were asked to nominate where they thought the remaining funds should go. Wishing to thank Hollie Watts, Dr van den Blink and the ENT oncology team for the treatment received while a patient, Catriona nominated them as one of the beneficiaries. Thanks to this and subsequently being selected, it means a huge £7,957.68 for the department!

Cameron Sheikh raises more for Do it for Dementia

Activities for adolescents donated to Paddington ward Thank you to the Just Us vocal group who recently presented a huge range of amazing activities for adolescents to Paddington ward.

The group consists of three generations of one family and they wanted to say thank you for the care given to the little boy of one of its

We would like to say a huge thank you to Cameron Sheikh for his continued support for the Do it for Dementia appeal. Last year, Cameron ran two half marathons AND a full marathon all in the same month, raising £2,340! This follows fundraising the previous year bringing the total up to £4,040. Cameron came in to present this latest cheque to dementia liaison nurse Catherine Lowe and to discuss ways to enhance care for dementia patients. He has also signed up to become a dementia buddy volunteer. These are specially-trained volunteers providing companionship and conversation for our patients with dementia and help patients with mentally stimulating tasks.

If you would like to get involved as a dementia buddy, or know someone who would be interested, please contact the Volunteers Service at the hospital.

24 ❘ Insight ❘ Our year in review 2017-2018

members. Following advice from ward sister Chris Wood they set about fundraising for activities for our older paediatric patients, raising over £200. We are grateful for their ongoing support as they are now fundraising in aid of the Talbot Butler EAB.

NEW state-of-the-art ophthalmoscope for Gosset Another group fundraising in aid of the Talbot Butler emergency assessment bay is Di Ward and the residents of Kislingbury Village. Thanks to Di’s community fundraising last year, Gosset ward were able to buy a state-of-the-art ophthalmoscope which allows a much less invasive way for medical staff to examine a baby’s eyes. Consultant ophthalmologist Ian Fearnley demonstrated the new equipment for Di when she popped in.

Northampton Heart Support Group donates £3,402 to the Heart Centre

After 30 years and due to a reduction in new members, the Northampton Heart Support group is folding. Set up to support heart attack patients and their families, it allowed them to talk to people with shared experiences. With advances in technology, people are recovering from heart attacks much quicker and returning to work so there is no longer the same level of need for the service. Consultant cardiologist Dr Cox thanked the group for the final generous £3,402 they donated to the Heart Centre and said they would like to use the money on an e-connection between 24-hour ECG and hospital software.

New TV thanks to the Wright family!

BHIB Insurance charity of the year We’re very grateful to BHIB Insurance Brokers for choosing Gosset ward as one of the beneficiaries of their fundraising activities for this year.

Thanks to managing director Julie Walker and fundraising coordinator Sally Bland who presented a cheque for £1,300 raised so far. This was made in conjunction with one of the local company’s partner insurers, Ecclesiastical, and it will allow Gosset to purchase a photo-therapy light for treating babies with jaundice.

Would your company like to adopt a ward or department at the hospital to fundraise or donate in aid of? If so, please contact the charity team today.

Thanks to VM Ware for their matched donation for Gosset Thank you so much Ross Clear’s employers, VM Ware, for matching the donation that came from Ross and his twin brother Ryan last year. This is a fantastic way to increase a donation and very generous of companies to do. Ryan and Ross - together with their brother, Graham, sisters-inlaw Nadine and Claire and two friends, Julia and Mike - raised £2,100 by running a half-marathon. The matched funding from VM Ware increased their total to £4,116 for Gosset.

Please contact the charity team for details on how your company can get involved with matched funding.

How it work Thanks to donations made in memory of Richard Wright, the surgery day case unit has a new television for patients to watch while they wait for their treatment. This will provide a welcome distraction and much-needed entertainment. It will give people something to focus on and enjoy at a time when they may not be feeling at their best. The donations the Wright family kindly made in Richard’s memory total £676, some of which also went to the haematology department. We thank this lovely family very much for their ongoing support!

All donations to the hospital are managed, separately from NHS finances, by the trustees of the Northamptonshire Health Charitable Fund, a registered charity. If you would like to make a donation, or be involved in raising money for the charity, please contact our fundraising office on 01604 626927.

Find us on Facebook/NorthamptonshireHealthCharitableFund Or visit our website www.nhcfgreenheart.co.uk

Our year in review 2017-2018 ❘ Insight ❘ 25

SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS PRODUCE CLEAR RESULTS

W

e’re committed to providing healthcare that is environmentally friendly and cost effective. We work hard to embed a culture of sustainability into our core business.

As Northampton’s largest employer, we recognise the crucial role our environmental performance has to play in achieving sustainability for Northampton, the NHS and the UK. This year, we made major steps towards achieving our sustainability goals and environmental targets. Despite some challenges that included two major underground water leaks, increasing patient admissions and staffing levels, we have reduced the amount of water we consume and increased the amount of waste we recycle.

We have also considerably reduced carbon emissions from buildings, travel and anaesthetic gases. During the last year, the emissions from our buildings have reduced by 1136 tonnes, comparable to the weight of 150 African elephants.

The introduction of a biomass boiler to NGH has reduced emissions by over 500 tonnes when compared to gas-fired boilers previously used. We source wood

ethically for our new boiler from a local tree clearance firm in Northampton. This biomass boiler also allowed us to access funds from the government’s Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme.

Energy and sustainability manager, Dr Clare Topping said: “Our recycling efforts contribute heavily to the amount of waste being diverted from landfill, with unwanted medical supplies being donated to local charities that are then used in hospitals in Ghana and Syria.

Hazardous waste such as medical refuse and unused perishable foods are currently being used to generate reusable green energy. These efforts are a key factor in increasing our Investors in the Environment Green Accreditation from 95 to 96 per cent.

“To engage our staff with the changes we are making, all new domestics, healthcare assistants and junior doctors entering our anaesthetic department receive bespoke training on sustainability.

This training allows us to show our staff how they can operate in a way which aligns with our values.

“A monthly newsletter is also distributed digitally to our staff with content covering

sustainability topics here at NGH as well as giving information about how we can all live and work more sustainably.

Dr Topping added: “One achievement we are especially proud of is the continued efforts to uphold our Food for Life accreditation. As part of this work we increased our fresh food preparation by 90 per cent for both our staff and the patients in our care. Our fresh produce is always sourced from suppliers that hold either Marine Conservation Society certification for seafood or the Red Tractor certification for meat. All suppliers must also adhere with government standards on fat, sugar and salt.

“Loyalty cards have been developed for staff to encourage vegetarian options on Meat Free Monday and a discount scheme has launched on hot drinks for those restaurant customers who bring their own reusable cups.”

Local Suppliers

Energy and sustainability manager, Dr Clare Topping leads our drive to a more sustainable organisation. This includes discounts on hot drinks for restaurant customers who use their own mug instead of a disposable cup.

26 ❘ Insight ❘ Our year in review 2017-2018

Our efforts to reduce carbon emissions also provides benefits to local businesses. Where possible, we have increased the amount we spend on good and services provided by local suppliers. This year, 12 per cent of total spending was with suppliers within 25 miles of Northampton.

Our year in review 2017-2018 ❘ Insight ❘ 27

 FROM THE ARCHIVE

Nurses at the start of the NHS

Happy 70th Birthday to the National Health Service!

The National Health Service turns 70 on 5 July 2018.

F

or the first time, hospitals, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, opticians and dentists were brought together under one umbrella to provide services for free at the point of delivery. Over the last 70 years, the NHS has transformed

the health and wellbeing of the nation.

In this special feature, our archive team looks at some of the stories behind the NHS in Northampton.

Before the NHS

Northampton General Hospital was a voluntary hospital “Needless to and dated back to say, this being 1743, when the Britain we first infirmary was queued in an established in George orderly manner!”

Row. A voluntary hospital would be run by various committees of medical staff and local residents. All monies needed to run the hospital came from fund raising, subscriptions and endowments. Most of the Nye Bevan 1,000 voluntary hospitals in the country

28 ❘ Insight ❘ Our year in review 2017-2018

were struggling to balance the books, relying on the next fund-raiser or the generosity of a benefactor.

State of the Health of the Nation  There were a total of 32,600 beds for

tuberculosis patients.  Children died from common

infectious diseases.  Poliomyelitis outbreaks were frequent.  Diphtheria – 50,000 patients

affected and immunisation was starting to be introduced.  The working classes generally had unhealthy living and working conditions, leading to ill-health and under-nourishment.

If the person was not on a contributory scheme a visit to the family doctor was

a last resort. Even if the individual could pay the fee there could also be an additional cost of medication prescribed.

If the middle classes had a home visit it was expected to have ready a napkin, spoon, glass of water and the 5 shilling fee. The lower middle classes would pay a fee of 3/6d. Those who were unable to pay were either subsidised by charities or in rural areas the doctor would be ‘paid’ with fresh produce.

Because of this reluctance to seek medical help on financial grounds many conditions reached the point of going beyond the point of any form of treatment.

The need for a national health service As far back as 1911 when David Lloyd George introduced the National Insurance Scheme it was realised that the health care of the population needed to be addressed. During World War 2, the Emergency Medical Service (EMS)

proved to be a successful structured system caring for military and civilians around the country. The starting point of the National Health Service becoming a reality was when the NHS Act 1946 was passed by Parliament.

The appointed day for the Ministry of Health to take over was the 5 July 1948.

Under new management The last meeting of the Board of Management under the voluntary system at NGH was held on 22 June 1948.

NGH and the county hospitals were now under the Oxford Health Authority which consisted of Northampton, Oxford and Reading.

On the day 1,143 voluntary hospitals (90,000 beds) and 1,545 municipal hospitals (390,00 beds) were taken over by the NHS in England and Wales.

Reflections of a retired NGH nurse

Organisations, charities and funds This is a list of those supporting our hospital and community at the introduction of the NHS in 1948.

WAR MEMORIAL FUND This stood at £170,000 and was earmarked for building the new out-patient department. This opened in 1956 and was believed to be one of the first purpose-built out-patient departments in the country.

NORTHAMPTON AND DISTRICT HOSPITALS GUILD Individuals contributed to various schemes so that they could benefit from “Technological claims, for services not provided by the NHS. changes took

place with kidney dialysis and heartlung machines.”

“I was born in the 1930s at the family home, as was usual in those days.

When I became older I noticed other family members of my family falling ill and then Mum would say, ‘can we afford the doctor’? More often than not, we couldn’t and would rely on our own home remedies.

Sometime later in 1948 a politician called Aneurin Bevan brought into being the NHS. They tell me that the new national service uncovered a vast well of unmet need, I’m not surprised – apparently one doctor and his staff arrived early for work on the first day of the new service and barricaded themselves in for fear of a riot as healthcare became free to all. Needless to say, this being Britain we queued in an orderly manner!

My sister was lucky as her first child was born at the Barratt Maternity Home in the first few weeks of the NHS. She and her husband had expected to pay £18 for her care, but with the introduction of the NHS they didn’t have to pay at all. Her husband decided to give the money anyway as a donation to the hospital.

Over the first 10 years of the NHS immunisation programmes were set up. New drugs were introduced to treat blood pressure and mental health problems and effective treatments for cancer were introduced.

Technological changes took place with kidney dialysis and heart-lung machines. For the first time too, some of the mentally ill could be treated on an out-patient basis and for the first time in a century, numbers in asylums began to fall.

No-one could have predicted the pace of change in those first 25 years – and no-one knows where we would have been without it.”

MERRY COMRADES CIRCLE A local charity, whose members were children who raised money to buy comforts and facilities for hospitals in Northamptonshire.

WOLVERTON WORKS COMFORT FUND The charity raised money for comforts, outings and amenities for the local hospitals.

FRIENDS OF ST. EDMUND’S HOSPITAL A charity which provided outings and entertainments for the patients.

FRIENDS OF CREATON HOSPITAL Provided comforts, entertainment and facilities for the patients.

LIBRARY SERVICES These were run by the British Red Cross and Toc H. AMBULANCE SERVICE St. John’s Ambulance provided ambulances for the new NHS. They were paid mileage and an annual retainer fee.

Getting in touch

1948 NGH aerial view

We have an enthusiastic team of volunteers who look after our hospital archive, which comprises a range of materials including books, documents, artwork and instruments. Visitors are welcome on Wednesday mornings. For further information call 01604 544868 or email historical.archive@ngh.nhs.uk

Our year in review 2017-2018 ❘ Insight ❘ 29

Happy 70th Birthday to the National Health Service!

As the NHS turns 70 this July, we celebrate some of our longest-serving employees. With a combined length of service of 124 years, Andrew, Celia, Tony and Caroline spoke about their time in the NHS. Read their stories to see how much the NGH has changed since they started working here and how they see life in the NHS being in another 10 years’ time.

Andrew Beswick Andrew joined NGH in 1977 as a porter in the radiotherapy department. He’s now a cardiology specialist nurse.

Do you remember your first day/week?

If so what was it like?

I arrived at about 7:45am and parked my motorcycle outside the board room. Mr Jim Woodhams, deputy head porter, took me down to radiotherapy, gave me my grey porter’s coat, and informed me of my duties.

I was nervous as I was 17 and a half, I’d only left school the week before and now was entering the big wide world. It was scary meeting all these grown up serious people. I was quiet, reserved and did as

30 ❘ Insight ❘ Our year in review 2017-2018

I was told. By 8.30am I was cleaning the toilets. My other duties were bringing patients to and from radiotherapy from the wards.

What is your favourite part of working for NGH? Seeing the hospital develop over the past 40 years. Particularly seeing the cardiac department develop from a 4 bedded side ward on Compton ward to an interventions heart centre, cardiology ward and associated cardiology departments. It’s amazing thinking about how it has changed.

What’s been the biggest change you’ve observed?

Biggest change is the size of the hospital

and the number of staff working here and the equipment we now use in nursing and admin work; I remember when I started nobody knew what a computer was or a calculator.

Where do you see NGH in 10 years’ time?

I don’t know what the hospital will look like in 10 years’ time, possibly a massive new hospital catering for the whole county, something that has been mentioned before, who knows. I am lucky that I still enjoy my job here and hope to for a bit longer.

I have an immense level of pride in my current role and what I have achieved working at Northampton General for the past 41 years and long may it continue.

Celia Penn, Volunteer

Tony O’Donovan

How long have you been a volunteer at NGH? I started as a volunteer in 1999. I started working in the shops near the Barratt maternity home and on Hospital Street and now I volunteer on the South Entrance reception desk as well as writing my monthly quiz.

Celia started a monthly quiz 16 years ago to raise funds for different parts of the hospital and has raised an estimated £20,000 for the Northamptonshire Health Charitable Fund.

Tony started working for NGH in August 1978 as an assisting building supervisor; he’s now our capital projects manager

What motivated you to become a volunteer?

I started volunteering after I retired as a way to give something back to the hospital and as a thank you for the treatment I’ve received at the hospital over the years. I’ve only ever missed shifts when on holiday and I’ve never missed a quiz in 16 years. I’ve got nothing but praise for the hospital and what they do.

What changes have you seen during you 19 years at NGH? When I was a child the hospital was very small so to see the hospital expand and change to the size it is now is incredible. I’ve made a lot of friends here and I enjoy coming in and meeting people.

What do you think NGH will be like in 10 years’ time?

I think that the hospital will continue to grow and that there will be more fantastic improvements. I want to continue volunteering and keep saying thank you to the people who have saved my life and helped my family throughout my life.

What changes have you seen during your time at NGH? Throughout my time I’ve seen constant changes to the site.

One of my first tasks was on the commissioning of what we called phase one. This was the construction of the theatres, ITU, CCU and some of the newer wards.

The site is built in a sequential order and these projects were numbers 40/41/42 and we’re now on 87 so I’ve probably been involved in and seen half of the hospital being built if not more!

What is your favourite thing about working at NGH? Without a doubt it’s the people and the camaraderie across the hospital. At any level there are optimistic, loyal people who go the extra mile and get things done. We all have a laugh and it’s always fun and we’re all here for the same purpose.

Where do you see NGH in 10 years’ time?

“I think we’ll have more collaboration with other hospitals and NHS organisations and that we’ll see big change in the whole health and social care package. The new Nye Bevan building will make a big difference to the site and how we work. I’d like to think the team will still be here working to improve the hospital further.”

Caroline Paviour Caroline joined NGH in 1994 as a part-time bank admin assistant for administrative affairs. She’s now our claims manager in Governance.

Do you remember your first day?

“I was very apprehensive as was returning to work post children after a four year break from admin work. I enrolled on a keyboard course before starting so I wouldn’t be too rusty. I remember thinking that I would never remember all the different departments and who was who. I also remember my husband picking me up that first day and asking “How did it go?’ – I replied ‘I think I got away with it!”

What’s been the biggest change you’ve seen or been a part of during your time at NGH? E-mail and the speed of communication.

Where do you see NGH in 10 years’ time?

Still doing great things for patients but hopefully, with more resources.

Our year in review 2017-2018 ❘ Insight ❘ 31

Alice Sebold’s novel The Lovely Bones is a unique coming-of-age tale that captured the hearts of readers throughout the world.

Susie Salmon is just like any other young girl. She wants to be beautiful, adores her charm bracelet and has a crush on a boy from school. There’s one big difference though – Susie is dead.

Now she can only observe while her family manage their grief in their different ways. Her father, Jack, is obsessed with identifying the killer. Her mother, Abigail, is desperate to create a brighter future. And her sister, Lindsay, is discovering the opposite sex with experiences that Susie will never know. Susie is desperate to help them and there might be a way of reaching them...

Award-winning playwright Bryony Lavery collaborates with director Melly Still (Coram Boy, National Theatre) on this uplifting story about life after loss.

The Lovely Bones takes to the Derngate stage from Saturday 1 September to Saturday 22 September.

Tickets are priced from £12.50 and can be booked by calling Box Office on 01604 624811 or online at www.royalandderngate.co.uk.

For a chance to win a pair of tickets for the performance on Monday 3 September 2018 at 7.45pm, get in touch with us and let us know your favourite article in this edition of Insight. Send your entry to arrive by Tuesday 1 May 2018 to eva.duffy@ngh.nhs.uk or by post to Insight Editor, Communications Department, Northampton General Hospital, Cliftonville, Northampton NN1 5BD. Please include a daytime telephone number with your entry. The winner will be chosen by random lottery.

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