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FEBRUARY 2017 | University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
Review to examine junior doctors’ work The Trust’s Junior Doctor Workforce Review is designed to deliver a model that will provide both optimal clinical care for the future and ensure that medical staff have the appropriate training, support and technology to enable them to carry out their roles to the best of their abilities. National financial and demand pressures are obliging us to reshape parts of our NHS. Creating a medical workforce that meets our patients’ needs and delivers opportunities to expand, flex and adapt to future challenges is vital. To ensure University Hospitals Birmingham can meet those demands the project team will undertake a detailed review of the junior medical workforce and operational management structure. The working lives of junior doctors, who provide much of the inpatient medical care in hospitals, have been at the forefront of many national discussions across the NHS over the last 12 months, and the ever-increasing demands on frontline staff are well documented. The review is placing real emphasis on the general wellbeing of the junior medical staff. There are currently over 53,000 trainee doctors in the UK, making up approximately 23% of the medical workforce. At UHB we have over 600 doctors in training. The review – which is not connected to the NHS Contract – is examining the junior doctors’ current activity to better understand all of the tasks that they perform during their shifts, and the challenges they face. We will also be identifying potential non-medical duties which could be reassigned to free up more of doctors’ time to focus on direct clinical care and training. The review is also looking at how greater access to technology could ease workloads and how the Trust can enhance the junior doctors’ experience through making use of digital tools such as induction and training apps. The review is overseen by an Expert Reference Group, with a membership that encompasses
WHY NOT TRY? AMERICAN FOOTBALL Millions of fans from across the world will be tuning in to the 51st Super Bowl on February 5. The game can be confusing for newcomers but for those who take the time to watch and learn the sport can test not only the body but the mind.
Project Team left to right: Fiona Glebioska, Naginder Singh, Louise Banks, Ahmed Elsharkaway, Vicky Jones and Debby Edwards
junior doctors from a range of grades and specialties, and key senior staff. Junior doctors have given invaluable feedback and made a range of suggestions through targeted focus groups and surveys, which have already been used to make important changes to practice. One example of this is the introduction of a nurse-led phlebotomy service to reduce the need for junior doctors to carry out venepuncture in wards. The phlebotomy service was trialled in August on a number of wards and is currently being rolled out across the Trust. Project Manager Debby Edwards said: “This is a major piece of work that fundamentally aims to ensure we have appropriate resources; that medical trainees receive a high-quality training experience while on placement here and that
we improve their daily working lives. Due to the nature of their roles, shift patterns and their rotational training programmes, junior doctors are often under-represented. However, through this review, the junior doctors themselves are able to be directly involved in making suggestions and finding the solutions. “Feedback from consultants and junior doctors is that the project is already making an impact, with junior medical staff feeling more engaged than ever before.” Staff can find out more about the review via the Trust’s dedicated Junior Doctor Workforce Review intranet pages or get in touch with any member of the project team. We would like to hear from you.
Benefits ■ Improves mental agility – some pundits have likened the game to a physical game of chess ■ Enhances cardiovascular fitness and endurance ■ Excellent aerobic exercise to help burn calories ■ Builds upper and lower body strength ■ Increases agility ■ Demands being part of a team This is a game for all shapes and sizes with those with speed lining up against those blessed with muscle. There are options like flag football for those who want to enjoy the strategy without the physical side. There is growing interest for the sport in this country. To find a club and for more information see the website at www. britishamericanfootball.org Did you know, UHB offers a comprehensive sport and exercise medicine service (SEMS) delivered by musculoskeletal physiotherapists and a SEMS consultant? For more information, please visit www.uhb.nhs.uk/sport-and-exercisemedicine.htm
Award honours teamwork A logistics award has been established in memory of a much-loved colleague to recognise those who have carried on his enthusiasm for providing a high-quality service to the hospital’s wards and departments. Alan Poole, a well-respected and popular member of staff, died on 14 December 2015 at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital following a 12-month battle with cancer. The Trust’s logistics manager Mark Plant, who was with Alan and his family when he passed away, set up the award in Alan’s memory. He explained: “Alan sadly passed away in December 2015 leaving a huge whole in our team as he was not only a fantastic worker but also a great friend to many here at QEHB. The award is a tribute to him and will keep his name and reputation going for many years to come and I know his partner Anita was very pleased that this award has been created in his name.” The winners of the first award are the Level 6 logistics team consisting of Patrick Linehan, the materials management operative who takes care of the waste and delivers stock and linen and the two ward controllers Andrew Wright and Andy Smith.
Lottery winners Trust staff are enjoying success in the Birmingham Healthcare 50-50 Club Staff Lottery. Trust employee Debbie Humphries won the second prize of £500 in January’s draw. The winner of the £1,500 went to an employee at the Birmingham Women’s Hospital Gary Morgan and Gail McLean, who works at BSMH won the £250 third prize. Half of the entry stakes are reclaimable as vouchers annually which in December included £45 through the National Garden Centre scheme and £2480 for Love to Shop. Vouchers are also available for dental charges. The Level 6 logistics team: Andrew Wright, Andy Smith and Patrick Linehan
“Patrick is very conscientious and takes his role very seriously and does a fantastic job day in, day out,” said Mark. “Andrew and Andy, the ward controllers, place orders and make sure that their wards are stocked to meet their requirements and, with the help of housekeepers, keep their store rooms
stocked up and tidy. Both have helped in other areas when we have needed someone to step in to cover in an emergency. “All three have demonstrated with consistency throughout the year how to work as a team, communicate effectively and work hard and also be helpful to others.”
To find out more about how to take part in the draws, which take place on the third Tuesday of every month, contact either your General Office or UHB General Ledger team on ext. 17337. Email: Isma.Raza@uhb.nhs.uk to join or claim benefits.
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