Your Health Winter 2018

The magazine for Foundation Trust members Winter 2018

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S H E RO E S H N R B R AT I N G O U

People Centred Excellence

Together we care

Awards Winners

Compassion

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CHAIRMAN’S WELCOME This has been a busy period for the Trust with such major developments as the launch of the first new adult Cystic Fibrosis (CF) service in the UK for 40 years at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

There has been a host of other successes including a visit from leading NHS official Lord Carter who praised the Trust for its innovative work to winning a number of awards for a wide range of areas including patient information, hospital catering and our efforts to improve the health and wellbeing of our staff.

Engagement with partners is vital to our success and our new youth Health Academy has had a flying start with young people now working around the Trust and hopefully wanting to become our staff of the future.

I am privileged to see the work our staff do on a day-to-day basis and I was delighted to once again be a judge at our Trust’s Celebrating Success Awards where we heard some amazing stories of staff going the extra mile to help patients. I would like to thank them for all their efforts over recent months to deliver the best patient care possible.

Ian Johnson Chairman

Useful Contacts: Membership Office: Tel: 01253 956673 members@bfwh.nhs.uk

Governors: Tel: 01253 956673 governors@bfwh.nhs.uk

Trust website: www.bfwh.nhs.uk/ members

TRUST WELCOMES NEW NON EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS BLACKPOOL Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has appointed two new Non-Executive Directors.

Steve Finnigan, former Chief Constable of Lancashire Constabulary and Keith Case, a former senior executive with several high profile national companies, took up their posts in August 2017.

Mr Finnigan was a police officer for 41 years in the Merseyside and Lancashire forces, with the last 12 years being spent as the Chief Constable of the latter.

Under his leadership, Lancashire has been in the top five of the 43 forces in England and Wales for the past 12 years, a feat that was recently commented on by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC).

He was also the National Performance Lead for policing for the past eight years.

Mr Case, who has also recently retired, worked at Director and Senior Manager levels in the nuclear and public utilities industries with roles covering governance, planning and financial responsibilities and designing and implementing

Left to right: Keith Case and Steve Finnigan, newly appointed NonExecutive Directors at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust strategic and operational plans for major industries.

Trust Chairman, Ian Johnson, welcomed the appointments.

He said: “I would like to welcome Steve and Keith to the Board of Directors at the Trust and I am pleased to be working with them.

“Both candidates have a huge amount of experience at very senior levels and they bring valuable skills to the Board which will help us progress in the future.’’

NEW GOVERNORS TAKE UP THEIR ROLES… THE Trust has welcomed a number of new Governors following an election in September.

This election was to fill seats due to vacancies or terms of office ending in the following public constituencies: Blackpool, Fylde, Wyre and Lancashire & Cumbria and in the following staff constituencies: Medical & Dental, Nursing & Midwifery and Non Clinical Support.

The following candidates were elected: Blackpool Constituency George Holden (re-elected) Camilla Hardy (re-elected) Pat Roche (re-elected) Adele Devito (newly elected)

Fylde Constituency Sheila Jefferson (re-elected) Graham Stuart (newly elected) Wyre Constituency Betty Ray (newly elected unopposed) Medical & Dental Constituency Dr Ranjit More (re-elected unopposed) Non-Clinical Support Constituency Tina Daniels (newly elected) Nursing and Midwifery Constituency Peter Farrington (newly elected) The following Governors did not stand for re-election at the end of their terms of office: Peter Askew, Cliff Chivers, Gillian Wood, Anthony Nixon,

Lynden Walthew, Paul Aspden, Cherith Haythornthwaite and Ron Shewan.

Trust Chairman, Ian Johnson, said: “I am delighted to welcome our new Governors.

“Our Governors do a great job and I look forward to working with them to help us achieve our objectives.

“I would also like to thank those Governors who have recently left the Council for their support over the past few years.”

The Council of Governors is responsible for representing the interests of Foundation Trust members and partner organisations in the local health economy.

Trust’s freepost Address: FREEPOST: RRZB-RRAU-TGET Blackpool Victoria Hospital, Whinney Heys Road, Blackpool, FY3 8NR

BLACKPOOL VICTORIA CONSULTANT WINS AWARD FOR SECOND TIME A TRUST Ear, Nose and Throat consultant is celebrating an accolade for the second year running.

Vikas Malik, has won a certificate of Excellence in Education from the North West School of Surgery.

Mr Malik is part of the Core Surgical Training which allows trainees to develop the basic and fundamental surgical skills common to all surgical specialties, together with a few specialty-specific surgical skills.

Depending on their training route, doctors can spend up to a year at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, learning about different aspects of surgery.

ENT consultant, Vikas Malik most positive comments.

The training has been so successful that a number of former students have gone on to win national awards and speak at international conferences.

Mr Malik said: “I am absolutely over the moon and it is so nice to be recognised.

This recognition puts the Trust’s name in a wider circle with a 100% success in ENT Core Trainees going on to get ENT Registrar Training Jobs in a national selection.

Through the course’s feedback, where trainees can anonymously share their views of their training, Mr Malik has had the

“Some of the trainees will be coming back to work at Blackpool as ENT Registrars which is very satisfying.”

PARKINSON’S NURSE SPECIALISTS SCOOP NATIONAL HONOUR

CONSULTANT RECEIVES NATIONAL PRAISE FOR PATIENT CARE

TWO Trust nurses have won a national award for their work.

A FYLDE coast doctor has received a national award for his commitment to ensuring patients feel as comfortable as possible after surgery.

Parkinson’s disease Nurse Specialists, Lindsay Waring and Samantha Sargent, recently clinched the Parkinson’s Disease Nurse Specialist Association’s (PDNSA) 2017 Team of the Year Award.

The international Association held the award ceremony in Warwick and nobody was more surprised to win than the nurses themselves.

“It was such a shock when they called our names. We have no idea who nominated us, but we are grateful for the recognition’’.

The two-strong team cover the whole of Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre in the community and support patients who are admitted to hospital. Their main aim is to avoid non-elective hospital admissions, support with disease progression, improve quality of life and to support/educate staff,

Lindsay Waring and Samantha Sargent patients and their families.

The service covers conditions such as Idiopathic Parkinson’s disease, Vascular Parkinson’s disease, Multiple system atrophy (MSA), Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and Corticobasal degeneration (CBD).

Lindsay said: “The Parkinson’s nurse specialist service has been established for five years and Sam was the original nurse for the Blackpool locality. I joined the team earlier this year covering Fylde and Wyre.

“We have a large number of patients that we are individually responsible for so it’s lovely to know that our work is recognised, it makes us feel valued.”

Dr Andy Ng, a Consultant based at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, was awarded the Acute Pain Consultant of the Year 2017 by the National Acute Pain Symposium (NAPS), a prestigious professional accolade.

Dr Ng has worked tirelessly to improve the acute pain service for Fylde coast residents including introducing a pain relief technique for abdominal surgical patients. He has introduced rectus sheath catheter analgesia pumps for abdominal patients, an innovation that has improved patient satisfaction by reducing side effects such as ileus, nausea and vomiting and reduced mobility.

He has also introduced an acute pain outpatient clinic which enables patients, who are sent home on high dosage pain killers, to come back to clinic to discuss any pain issues

with the aim of reducing or stopping their medication.

This reduces long term use of pain killers, helps reduce acute pain becoming chronic pain and is financially beneficial to the NHS. Dr Ng said: “I am honoured to be the first person to be chosen for this new award but it is all about the team here.

“Everyone has worked tremendously hard together over the last couple of years to support our patients. I am very lucky to work with such a great team.”

“It was great to hear the judges use the words passionate and inspiring about the work we do.’’

Dr Andy Ng with Acute Pain Nurses Angela Nield, left and Lisa Doughty.

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TRUST’S YOUTH EVENT GETS A GOLDEN GONG THE Trust’s participation in an annual youth challenge has won a gold award.

Young people from across the Fylde coast took over the running of the hospital late last year as part of a national campaign.

The youngsters, many who were current patients at the hospital and members of the Victoria’s Voice youth engagement panel, took over the running of several departments as part of the Children’s Commissioner’s Takeover Challenge.

After the event, Rebecca Addey, Paediatric Patient Experience Officer, entered the Trust for the Children’s Commissioner’s award, having planned the Takeover Week with help from members of Victoria’s Voice.

She said: “Takeover Day is a fun, hugely successful and exciting engagement project which sees organisations across England opening their doors to children and young people to take over adult roles.

“It puts children and young people in decision-making positions and encourages organisations and businesses to hear their views. Children gain an insight into the adult world and organisations benefit from a fresh perspective about their work.’’

The Takeover week saw children and young people take part in a host of activities such as spending time in various departments, including the boardroom, and a skills swap day where

adult staff taught various life skills in the morning before youngsters showed adult staff how to see things from a young person’s perspective.

The week also encompassed working with local Youth Health Leaders who research health problems such as smoking, drinking, depression, anxiety and dental care.

They produced leaflets and poster displays to get positive messages to their peer groups in their educational setting.

The week ended with a Trust-wide quiz for staff to complete which challenged their knowledge on young people’s issues. The

week’s activities matched the criteria for the gold award.

Rebecca added: “I am delighted that we have won the gold award.

“It’s nice to be recognised externally.

The Trust is going above and beyond to connect with young people and engage with their views, experiences and opinions.

“Being involved with the Takeover Challenge has been a real springboard into other exciting events involving young people that are planned throughout this year.”

Rebecca Addey with members of Victoria’s Voice

WINNING GOLD FOR ACTIVE STAFF THE Trust has received a gold award for supporting staff to become more physically active.

It was one of only eight in the country to receive the gold award in the national Sport and Physical Activity @Work Awards in recognition of the ground-breaking work done by the Trust and its ‘Better Tomorrow for BTH Staff’ campaign.

Tim Bennett, Deputy Chief Executive of the Trust, said the Trust was delighted to receive the top honour.

He said: “Being physically active is an important part of physical and mental wellbeing, so we are very pleased to have been awarded gold status.

Hannah Foxcroft, left, with programme member, Sandra Rudd and the Gold Award

The health and wellbeing of our staff is one of our main focuses of attention, so this award is an acknowledgement of the Trust’s ongoing commitment to help address the barriers which make it difficult

for the diverse NHS workforce to remain physically active.”

The Trust has implemented a number of schemes during the past 18 months including exercise classes, free bike hire, ‘Couch to 5k’ running groups, weight management programme, resilience training and several health and wellbeing roadshows where staff could be tested for their blood pressure and cholesterol and picked up tips on improving their health.

Hannah Foxcroft, Healthier Workforce Project Manager at the Trust, said: “Since the start of the project staff have been actively encouraged and supported to be more physically active and the feedback we have had has been excellent.

“It has been fantastic to see staff, who have not run for years, take part in 5k races and running regularly because of the classes we put on for them.’’

LANDMARK OPERATION FOR HEART SURGEONS HEART surgeons on the Fylde coast are among the first in the region to perform a “landmark’’ operation to implant a new form of cardiac pacemaker.

Carol Railton, 87, from St Annes received the new “leadless’’ pacemaker after the first operation of its type at the Lancashire Cardiac Centre based at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

The new pacemaker, a tenth of the size of current devices, is the smallest in the world and is tucked inside the heart itself via a catheter.

As it is self-contained, it does away with wiring into the heart needed by normal pacemakers. And, as the surgery involved with the new device is minimal, it should reduce the danger of infections developing, while at the same time improving the speed of the patient’s recovery.

Consultant Cardiologist, Dr Grahame Goode, who performed the operation with Dr Khalid Abozguia, said: “This is a major step forward for the centre and for patients across the Fylde coast.

Mr Nidal Bittar with Douglas Coutts at the Cardiac Centre at Blackpool Victoria Hospital

TRUCKER WHO NEARLY DIED ON M6 THANKS CARDIAC CENTRE TEAM Dr Grahame Goode, left, with the old style pacemaker and Dr Khalid Abozguia with the new lead free version “Once we know the patient is suitable to have this type of pacemaker fitted there are huge benefits for them as the leadless technology means it is minimally invasive and carries fewer complications.

Cosmetically there will be no scars and as the pacemaker is implanted there will be no visible lump in the chest.

“The simpler operation takes less time and patients can get back to normal in just two to three days, compared with six weeks currently.’’

The device could be suitable for around a third of pacemaker operations.

Dr Goode said: “This is a big step forward in patient treatment and a milestone for the Lancashire Cardiac Centre.’’

A LORRY driver who became gravely ill on the M6 has thanked the heart surgeon who saved him when he was just minutes from death.

Douglas Coutts, 51, from Springburn in Glasgow, started to suffer chest pain when he was travelling south on the motorway with a fellow truck driver.

At first he thought he was having a heart attack, but it turned out to be an even more serious, life-threatening problem - a torn aorta - also known as aortic dissection.

Douglas said: “I was minutes from death. The surgeon who operated on me saved my life. He’s a great man. I feel overwhelmed now. I’m just so grateful.”

Douglas didn’t realise he had a heart problem until he started to feel unwell: “We had just left Glasgow and were on the M74. I took a drink of water but it felt as if it had gone down the wrong way because I had a sharp pain.

“We had a three-and-a-half hour journey to Charnock Richard and the whole way I knew something was not right.

“My driving partner said I looked terrible and he ran across to the service station at Charnock Richard to call an ambulance.”

An ambulance arrived and took Douglas to the Royal Preston Hospital.

Douglas said: “The doctor at Preston told me I was at death’s door. I couldn’t quite grasp the situation.

“The next thing, I was in an ambulance heading for Blackpool.”

On arrival at the Lancashire Cardiac Centre at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, Douglas was introduced to Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Mr Nidal Bittar.

“Mr Bittar said it was life-threatening and he had to get me into theatre right away. That was the last thing I can remember.”

Mr Bittar said: “It was challenging operation. It took eight hours under deep hypothermic circulatory arrest during which we managed to replace Douglas’ aortic valve, his ascending aorta and repair the tear in the arch. Douglas did extremely well and went home to Glasgow six days following the procedure.

Douglas said: “Mr Bittar was an absolute gentleman with me.

He came and explained what they had done. He said my will for life was obviously very strong.

Dr Goode and Dr Abozguia with members of the team

“The valve was so thin that I only had about 10 minutes before I would have died.’’

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TRUST RECEIVES NATIONAL PATIENT INFORMATION QUALITY MARK BLACKPOOL Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has been certified as a provider of high quality health care information after achieving a national quality standard award.

The Trust has been awarded the Information Standard quality mark which can be displayed on literature and the Trust’s website to demonstrate to the public that information is safe and reliable.

The Information Standard is an accreditation programme available to all organisations producing evidencebased health and care information for the public.

Any organisation achieving The Information Standard has undergone a rigorous assessment to check that the information they produce is clear, accurate, balanced, evidence-based and up-to-date.

Head of Corporate Assurance for the Trust, Matthew Burrow, said: “It is essential that our patients get accurate written information about their condition, operation and procedure in a format they can understand.

“This accreditation is important to us as it shows we have demonstrated we have the necessary processes and systems in place to ensure all patient information we publish meets the rigorous criteria of The Information Standard.

“Our leaflets are important for carers and families as the information we provide keeps them better informed helping to allay any fears or concerns they may have.”

The hospital is helped by a team of volunteers who proof read all Trust patient information leaflets and booklets.

Margaret Forrest, Procedural and Document and Leaflet Co-ordinator, Non Executive Director Mark Cullinan and volunteer reader David Bradbury Matthew added: “We are extremely grateful to our volunteer panel of readers who highlight any mistakes in spelling or grammar, but also highlight words or phrases that may not be easily understood by the general public.’’

HOSPITAL CATERING STAFF CELEBRATE 5 STAR HYGIENE AWARD CATERING staff at Blackpool Victoria Hospital are celebrating after winning a five star food rating for the seventh successive year.

hygiene training.

“I am very proud of the achievements we have received.

“This is a first class kitchen with first class staff.”

The award comes after an unannounced visit by Environmental Health inspectors from Blackpool Council to check the kitchens, food preparation and cooking, food hygiene systems and temperature records.

Senior site services manager for Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Yvonne Widdows, said: “This award is a real achievement when you think about the amount of food we produce here every day, but it’s important to us that we stay on top of our food safety requirements all the time.

Kitchen manager, Darren Cadwell, said the news was a major boost for staff and patients.

He said: “To have the five star rating again is absolutely fantastic, but for me anything less is not a second thought.

“As a hospital we have to have five stars and it really does make all the hard work that goes into making 3,000 meals a day worth it.’’

He added: “We regularly have 700 patients in the hospital on one day who require breakfast, dinner and tea, as well as all the staff who work here and visitors.

Kitchen manager, Darren Cadwell with members of his team and their 5 Star Hygiene certificate.

“Hygiene is vitally important to us and we carry out daily, weekly and monthly inspections to ensure our kitchen is top class, and all our staff are given

“Patients, visitors and staff can continue to have confidence in the standards of catering services they are receiving and that we produce food in a safe manner.

“We know how important meals are to our patients and it can often be the highlight of their day. “I’d like to say thank you to the team for all their hard work; it really is a team effort to achieve these results.”

TRUST CONSULTANT LEADS ON GROUND BREAKING RESEARCH GROUND-BREAKING research carried out by a Trust Consultant could pave the way for the use of probiotics to treat abdominal medical conditions in children.

Consultant Paediatrician, Dr Morris Gordon, who is also a Reader in Evidence Synthesis and Systematic Review at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) School of Medicine, has found, following a detailed analysis of the published literature, that certain types of probiotics are effective in not only maintaining normal gut function but also as a method of treating conditions.

Organised by the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) and the World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO) every four years, thousands of clinicians from around the world were in attendance.

The event covered a range of issues relating to gastroenterology, featuring workshops, courses and networking sessions.

“Probiotics are a type of bacteria which can support normal digestive function.”

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts which help restore the natural balance of bacteria in your gut. Dr Gordon’s analysis of the current published data found that among 13 studies completed over the past two decades, patients responded well to treatment for abdominal pain using probiotics.

Top, Lord Carter, centre, with Wendy Swift, Chief Executive of Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Trust Chairman, Ian Johnson

LORD GIVES PRAISE FOR INNOVATIVE WORKING LORD Carter, author of the Carter Review into NHS productivity, visited the Trust and said the rest of the country could learn from the innovation he saw in the organisation.

The findings of the research are being published in Dr Gordon’s paper, ‘Probiotics for the Management of Functional Abdominal Pain in Children: A Cochrane Systematic Review.’

Dr Gordon’s work also resulted in his selection to speak at the World Congress of Gastroenterology (WCOG) in Orlando, Florida, last year where his paper was selected for the conference’s Paediatric award.

Dr Gordon said: “Probiotics are a type of bacteria which can support normal digestive function, with wider health benefits, which is why they’re commonly referred to as ‘good’ bacteria.

“For quite some time, probiotics have been used in products which are readily available to members of the public, such as yogurts and drinks and can also be found in foods such as dark chocolate and sauerkraut.

These findings are important because in addition to simply helping to maintain gut health, probiotics could potentially be prescribed to treat disease. Further research is now needed to focus on the long-term impact and approach to probiotic use.”

During his visit to Blackpool Victoria Hospital, Lord Carter heard about innovative working practices within the Trust’s procurement department and visited the Lancashire Cardiac Centre to learn about the ground-breaking, nationally recognised pathways for elective cardiac surgery and patient care.

In June 2014, Lord Carter was asked by the Secretary of State for Health to look at what could be done to improve efficiency in hospitals in England.

The Carter Review, published in 2016, suggested improvements which could be made by the NHS to ensure the provision of high quality clinical care and good resource management go hand-in-hand.

The visit was arranged by the Lancashire Procurement Cluster which represents Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust who have been working together to create a collaborative procurement service.

After hearing about how his review is being put into practice within procurement, Lord Carter told Blackpool staff: “Not everyone is as good as you, but it is beginning to happen and innovative savings are being made. These are not easy times, but you have held up well and have used innovative ways of working to make savings.

“I have found the work being done at Blackpool very impressive and the rest of the country can learn from the things that are going on here.”

Chairman of the Trust, Ian Johnson, said Lord Carter’s visit had been extremely positive.

“We are very proud of the work going on here at Blackpool and honoured to be part of the wider Lancashire Procurement Cluster which is helping us all to deliver the Carter Review recommendations,” the Chairman added.

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NEW X-RAY MACHINE ARRIVES FOR BREAST CANCER PATIENTS THE fantastic efforts of two Fylde coast fundraisers has come to fruition after a new x-ray machine to help breast cancer patients was unveiled at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

The Faxitron Biovision x-ray machine has been funded by the Trust’s charity - Blue Skies Hospitals Fund – and the Hint of Pink breast cancer charity, run by two former breast cancer patients and nursing sisters, Ruth Boardman and Rena Shanahan.

Over the last two years the dynamic duo and their supporters raised more than £61,000 for the machine which will improve greatly improve the quality of care for Fylde coast breast cancer patients.

After handing over the new machine Ruth said: “We are absolutely chuffed to bits that it is finally here.

“Huge thanks to everyone who has helped us raise the funds.”

Rena added: “It’s absolutely amazing that it is here and that it is now being used. We call it the ‘People’s Machine’.”

Mr Debasish Debnath, a consultant breast and oncoplastic surgeon at the Breast Care Centre for Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “This will be a service improvement for breast cancer patients as well as other breast conditions requiring x-ray examination of excised tissue in theatre.

“The machine will provide instant confirmation of a successful biopsy or excision procedure, reduction of anaesthetic time and a reduction in avoidable reoperation which will save theatre time and result in improved capacity.”

Advantages of the £61,722 machine include being able to x-ray larger tissue samples of the breast as opposed to just smaller samples of tissue. The machine can be used to X-Ray samples from other areas of the body so it can be used in other areas of the hospital as well. It also saves theatre time thus giving cancer patients faster access to theatre slots.

Staff from the Lancashire Cardiac Centre in on the newly refurbished cath labs

REFURBISHED LABS ARE A BOOST FOR FYLDE COAST CARDIAC PATIENTS HEART patients from across the county are to benefit from major improvements to operating theatres in the Lancashire Cardiac Centre.

Two cath labs at the centre, based at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, have been upgraded to provide improved cardiac imaging equipment which also produces less radiation.

Julie Kelsall, Princiapl Radiographer, said the upgraded facilities would be a major benefit for patients and staff.

“The new labs are a huge boost for the centre and will help us provide an even better service.”

She said: “Both labs were new in June 2006 when the Lancashire Cardiac Centre opened so they were ready to be refurbished.

“We have undertaken a lot of work in recent months and we now have Philips Allura Clarity Bi-Plane Labs. This means there are two X-Ray sources rather than one which leads to improved cardiac imaging.

“At the same time the radiation dose given is about half the dose that was given before which is good news for the operators and the patients.

“The new labs are a huge boost for the centre and will help us provide an even better service. The images we see will be much clearer than before and the reduced radiation is something that benefits everyone.’’

Ruth, Rena and Mr Debasish Debnath with breast care nurses, radiographers and other fundraisers

A cath lab is an examination room in a hospital or clinic with diagnostic imaging equipment used to visualise the arteries of the heart and the chambers of the heart and treat any stenosis or abnormality found.

TRUST CELEBRATES LAUNCH OF FIRST NEW ADULT CYSTIC FIBROSIS SERVICE IN UK FOR 40 YEARS THE Trust has launched the first new Adult Cystic Fibrosis Service in the UK for 40 years.

People living with cystic fibrosis (CF) in Lancashire and Cumbria now have access to a highly-skilled, multidisciplinary team based at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

At the launch of the service, special guests and senior clinicians, who had worked towards bringing the service to Blackpool for several years, said it was an enormous success for the town and for the North West.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder that mainly affects the lungs but also the pancreas, liver, kidneys and intestine. Long-term issues include difficulty breathing and coughing up mucus as a result of frequent lung infections.

Emily Bonney, 18, from South Shore in Blackpool, who has CF and recently won a Gold Medal at the World Cheerleading Championships in Orlando in the US with ‘Team England Paracheer’, cut the cake and said she was delighted that the new service

was based in the resort.

She said it meant young people with CF from the Fylde coast and other parts of Lancashire and Cumbria could receive treatment nearer to home.

Emily said: “It’s great for me that the new service is in Blackpool, especially because I won’t have to travel all the way to Manchester.

“I was treated by the Paediatric CF Service at Blackpool Victoria Hospital and now I will be with the adult service.

“My consultants are Dr Saba and Dr Rowlands. I feel great health wise. I do eight hours of cheerleading practice every week. I love it.”

The service is for patients from the Fylde coast, Lancashire and Cumbria and patients from other areas can also ask to be referred to it. It is one of only 37 Adult Cystic Fibrosis Services in the country.

Dr Tarek Saba, who leads the new CF service for the Trust, said: “I’m elated. It has been so exciting seeing it all coming together after

Professor Kevin Webb, from Manchester Adult CF Centre at University Hospitals of South Manchester, cutting the ribbon at the launch of the Blackpool service years of hard work and preparation. Our current and previous chief executives have been very supportive.

“It will make such a difference to have it here in Blackpool.

People who have CF often have to come for treatment every six weeks – sometimes for two-to three days per visit.

This can be difficult for visitors, especially if they have to travel through heavy traffic. Unlike many clinical services, CF services are heavily used.

“The service will also be of benefit of other patients who don’t have CF. “We have specially trained staff, new equipment and new resources, all of which can be offered to other patients. For example, our equipment can be used by other departments.

The service will benefit the rest of our Trust.

“It’s also good that Blackpool has another tertiary service like our Cardiac Centre and Haematology Service that will generate ‘good news’ stories.

Members of the new Adult CF Service on the launch day

“People are living longer with CF and we anticipate that our centre will have many success stories.”

Dr Ned Rowlands, a specialist CF consultant with the new service, said: “I’m delighted that our new service has been launched. It’s something we have dreamed of for years.

“It’s a pleasure and a privilege to have been involved in developing the service. We’ll have everything available here for our patients.

“We have gelled very well as a team. It’s a multisystem disorder so we have a multi-system approach involving physiotherapists, nurses, doctors, dietitians, psychologists, consultants and we have our own pharmacist.”

Wendy Swift, Chief Executive of the Trust, said: “It’s brilliant that we now have our own Adult Cystic Fibrosis Service.

“I have been right behind it since I heard about it. I have learned a lot about CF. People are living longer and many have families of their own.

“The launch of the new service is fantastic for our Trust and for the entire Fylde coast. It’s another specialist service to add to the excellent tertiary services that we already have here in Blackpool.”

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CELEBRATING OUR HEALTH HEROES HUNDREDS of Trust staff gathered at an awards ceremony at Blackpool Tower to honour colleagues who have shown extraordinary levels of care, compassion and innovation to ensure the best possible care for patients.

More than 500 nominations were received in just seven categories for Celebrating Success 2017 and the judges had a tough decision drawing up a shortlist.

The awards, presented by Radio Wave’s Andy Mitchell and Hayley Kay and kindly financed by sponsorship from the Trust’s partners, had a heroes theme reflecting the work done by staff both in the hospitals and in the community.

The Patients Award was won by surgeon Mr Joseph Zacharias and his Cardiac team. They were nominated by a number of patients who commented on the professionalism, compassion and care shown by every member.

Runners-up in the category were rehabilitation therapists, Sheila Dryden and Joanne Tomlinson,

the Neonatal Unit and Ward 16 at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

Haematology was named as Clinical Team of the Year for improving both the physical and psychological wellbeing of their patients. Runners-up in this category were the Acute Medical Unit (AMU) and the Acute Response Team.

Following the cyber attack earlier this year, IT and Health Informatics were awarded the Non-Clinical Team of the Year for the way the entire team responded to the situation and ensured business continuity was maintained and systems brought back on line. Communications and Voluntary Services were named as runners-up in this category.

An inspirational nurse was named as Unsung Hero. Linda Broadbent, ward manager of Clifton Hospital Ward 1, was commended for her work on dementia.

Runners-up in the category were Dr Ned Rowlands and Health Care Assistant, Christine Heginbotham.

The Innovation and Service

Improvement award went to Clifton Outreach Support Team who safely bridge the gap between hospital and home ensuring patients have a seamless transfer between services.

Physiotherapist, Simon Hayward and the Nurse-Led Intravenous Therapy Service were named as runners-up in the category.

Volunteers do a tremendous job enhancing patient experience and the award of Volunteer of the Year went to husband and wife, Jean and Denys Barber, who put in countless hours to help patients, visitors and staff at Blackpool Victoria. Runners-up were named as Jim Hatfield and Jane Roberts.

Employee of the Year went to special surgery pre-assessment manager, Louise Thompson who was described as having an excellent relationship with both patients and staff. Nursing sister, Sarah Darville and Pathology IT Manager, Jake Castle took the runner-up places. The final honour, The Chairman’s Award, was presented to the Neonatal Unit for being forward thinking and innovative in the way they care for their patients and families in often difficult circumstances.

Wendy Swift, Chief Executive Officer of the Trust, praised the work done by all staff within the Trust saying: “We have been overwhelmed by the quality and quantity of applications received and it is humbling to read reports of the care and expertise our staff give to patients both in the hospitals and in the community. We are grateful to our generous sponsors who support this event allowing us to pay tribute to such innovative and caring staff.”

Sponsors for Celebrating Success 2017 were; Emis, Medstrom Healthcare, JE Harrison Builders, Hempsons, Medirest, G2 Speech, Allcool, Weightmans, CDC Printers and Beaverbrooks the Jewellers.

12|13

FLYING START FOR FYLDE COAST HEALTH ACADEMY AN innovative new scheme to offer young adults the chance to gain firsthand experience of working in the NHS has got off to a flying start.

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has joined forces with St Mary’s Catholic College to launch a new Health Academy which will offer Fylde coast A level students an incredible opportunity to pursue a career in healthcare.

The students in the academy are now a common feature on wards at Blackpool Victoria Hospital and the early feedback has been excellent from hospital staff and students alike.

different avenues within the NHS.’’ The students will do their A level study at St Mary’s Sixth Form College and one day a week during term time they will be on ‘day placement’ within the Trust.

They will undertake a care certificate qualification which is a recognised qualification in healthcare and the skills and attributes they gain will also assist university applications or help identify those students who may want follow a NHS career via other pathways such as apprenticeships.

In their second year with the academy some of the students may also have the

Tracy Crumbleholme, Trust Lead for the Health Academy and Assistant Director of Nursing and Quality, said: “This is the first scheme of its type in the country and we are really proud of it.

One of the youngsters on the course, Jordan Lawrence, said: “In 2014 my mum had a heart attack, a cardiac arrest and an epileptic fit all at the same time.

“I was 14 and I had to give her CPR until the ambulance came for more than six minutes and I’m glad to say she survived.

She was in hospital for a long time and that episode spared my interest in a medical career.

“While she was in hospital I was constantly looking at her charts and wanted to know what was happening to her.

“She’s well now and doing better than expected. As soon as this course came up I wanted to do it.’’

Talking about the course he said: “This has been the best choice I have made without a doubt.

“It is great to see it up and running and fantastic to see the group in uniform working across the Trust.

“It’s been really eye opening to see everything that goes on.

“This is a really exciting opportunity for young adults to gain practical experience that will support their A level learning and help their future careers and the feedback we have had from everyone so far has been fantastic.

“I have learned so much especially when I was on a placement with the physio teams. That was very hands on and I got to do so much with the patients.’’

Molly Southern, 16, said: “The course is great. I’ve grown in confidence since starting it and learned a lot.

“The Academy gives the students a chance to see what they can do in the health service, develop personal skills and hopefully reaffirm their chosen career pathway in the NHS. “Hopefully, it will also give the students an allegiance to our Trust in their future careers and give them exposure to many

opportunity to apply for health care work with the Trust.

Health Academy students Molly Southern and Jordan Lawrence

“Originally I was thinking about a career in pathology but now I’m looking at nursing and medicine too. I’ve been on a lot of different wards and worked with the Extensive Care team. Everyone has been really helpful and given me a lot of advice and I’ve enjoyed it so far.’’

Sharon Vickers (third from right) with pupils from Fylde coast school and staff from Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust at St Mary’s Catholic Academy

PUPILS SHOWCASE THEIR WORK AS ‘YOUTH HEALTH LEADERS’ IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TRUST School pupils gave impressive presentations to fellow students about an initiative designed to help improve the health and wellbeing of their peers.

THE ‘Youth Health Leaders Day’ at St Mary’s Catholic Academy and Sixth Form in Blackpool celebrated the ‘Youth Health Leaders’ project which is led by the Trust.

Hospital staff, including doctors, nurses, senior managers, a dental educator and a pharmacist, congratulated the pupils on their work as Youth Health Leaders and spoke about the job opportunities within the NHS on the Fylde coast.

The Youth Health Leaders programme, which has been running for two years at St Mary’s, was set up by Sharon Vickers, a Practice Development Sister at the Trust.

It was designed to encourage young people to champion good health among their peers and spark interest in health care as a career.

Sharon Vickers said: “The whole purpose of the Youth Health Leaders programme is to encourage young people to take ownership of health in the local area.

“They help to promote better ways of living to other young people. The scheme gives them a connection with the hospital if they feel they would like to join the local NHS. “We would like to have every secondary school in Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre signed up to this programme “It was the first time that St Mary’s had hosted an event for the Youth Health Leaders and it was a huge success.

“St Mary’s also opened up the event to other schools including Carr Hill High School, Montgomery High School, St George’s High School, Rossall School, AKS

Lytham Independent School, Millfield Academy, Aspire High School, Unity School and Lytham High School.

“The Youth Health Leaders get to work with each other on problem solving and they keep up with local and regional studies on health related concerns.

“For example, when there is a drug like ‘Spice’ on the streets, they can promote awareness of the dangers of taking it to fellow pupils, friends and family.”

At the St Mary’s event, young doctors, Rasha Ibrahim and James Adams and clinical pharmacist, Hannah Sheridan, chatted with the pupils about the many and varied career opportunities within the Trust and the wider NHS. Tracy Crumbleholme, Assistant Director of Nursing and Quality for the Trust, also spoke to the pupils.

She said: “The Youth Health Leaders are hugely important to the Trust.

“Together we can support each other and our friends and families to make a real difference to how people feel and how people look after themselves.

“There are many opportunities and being a Youth Health Leader and joining the Health Academy are the first steps on the journey.

“Working in the NHS is about touching the lives of other people and making a difference to people. What the young people learn here will help them for the rest of their lives.”

Sharon said the Youth Health Leaders programme was important because Blackpool has some of the worst youth health statistics in England.

She explained: “The Youth Health Leaders raise awareness of teenage pregnancy, alcohol and drug-related issues, obesity and such like.

“It’s purely a young people’s programme.

They set the agenda. We work with them but they choose what they will look at and invite people to give talks.

St Mary’s is also the pilot school for the Trust’s new Health Academy scheme.

“I would like to say thank you to the Trust for releasing members of staff to talk at the event, to the new schools for coming along, to Simon Mitchell the Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) Education coordinator at St Mary’s and St Mary’s for hosting the event.

I’d also like to say congratulations to St George’s on winning a trophy for their dental health presentation.”

Tracy added: “Participating in the Health Academy can help you get into college, university or to take up an apprenticeship.

For more information on the Youth Health Leaders programme, contact Sharon Vickers at Sharon.vickers@bfwhospitals.nhs.uk

“Some of the Youth Health Leaders may want to go into a career in the NHS and we want to help them to do so. There are more than 300 job options in the NHS; a huge amount of roles.”

14|15

SAVING BABIES LIVES AT BLACKPOOL HOSPITAL BLACKPOOL midwives are leading the way in the battle against unexplained foetal baby deaths.

suffer from unexplained stillbirth.

Sister Fletcher said: “We realised screening was vital to saving babies’ lives and started scanning more frequently to monitor growth.”

And the work has been acknowledged and praised by the national Perinatal Institute.

At a national stillbirth study day, Institute director, Professor Jason Gardosi, named the Families Division at Blackpool Victoria Hospital as being the ‘best in the country’ at recognition of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) foetuses and praised the division for reducing the stillbirth rate at the hospital by 50 per cent.

Congratulating Blackpool’s success, Professor Gardosi said: “We are very pleased about Blackpool Teaching Hospital’s efforts which have resulted in them recording, during Quarter Two 2017/18, the highest SGA detection rate of all 126 Trusts and Health Boards in the national programme.

Midwife Team leader at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, Sister Angela Fletcher, said: “The problem of stillbirth is

In 2014 the hospital signed up to Affirm, a research study making women aware of foetal movements and what to do if they change. By 2015, the number of stillbirths at The Vic had reduced to eight – none of which were unexplained.

Sister Moira Broadhead and Sister Angela Fletcher traditionally worst in the North, possibly because of lifestyle and deprivation. We wanted to identify which babies were at risk and quickly realised small babies were at increased risk. All unexplained stillbirths were smaller than expected.”

The research showed anyone can be at risk of stillbirth. While smokers, younger mums, older mums and those who have had previous small babies are at risk, they are not the only ones who could

In 2015, NHS England launched its Saving Babies in North England training system. By then Blackpool already had in place the four elements for stillbirth prevention; smoking cessation, growth charts, movement monitoring and interpretation of heartbeat in labour.

Women’s Unit manager, Sister Moira Broadhead said: “The staff, from consultants to HCAs, are on-board with the scheme and training and this has added to the success. We are very proud of this and the better outcomes for mums and babies.”

GIVING CHILDREN THE BEST START EARLY intervention from mental health specialists can change a child’s life and drastically improve their future prospects.

affect a young person’s education and will help them reach their full potential. Some youngsters may end up in the criminal justice system or turn to misuse drugs, tobacco and alcohol if problems are not addressed early. There is a direct connection between mental health and physical health,” David added.

Within a population of about 32,000 young people in the 0-19 age bracket in Blackpool, potentially one in 10 will have a mental health issue.

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals’ Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) are determined to reach as many children as possible to provide access to essential services.

“Mental health issues can range from anxiety, stress and depression to full blown psychosis,” explained David Eaton, Service Manager at Blackpool CAMHS. “Children who are dealing with adversity are more likely to have mental health problems. The more risk factors they have - such as poverty, deprivation, mental health problems in parents - the greater

Katy Tulloch, David Eaton and Sophie Green the chance they have of developing mental health problems themselves.”

To address these problems Blackpool CAMHS is working with teachers in schools to reach children who are potentially vulnerable and provide training and advice to deal with mental health problems.

“It is important to catch mental health issues early because this can

“Early intervention can improve the long term outcomes for children and positively affect the rest of their lives.

Every £1 spent on child mental health is worth its weight in gold for the future of young people.”

Blackpool CAMHS have invested in new Primary Mental Health Workers (PMHWs) and Children and Young People Wellbeing Practitioners who are based at Whitegate Drive Health Centre but are reaching into Blackpool schools to talk to children, teachers and parents.

RELAXATION ROOM FOR FYLDE COAST HAEMATOLOGY PATIENTS A RELAXATION room has been opened on the Haematology Ward at Blackpool Victoria Hospital so patients can escape from the clinical world they find themselves in.

Staff at the hospital were acutely aware that patients can be in intensively clinical areas for hours at a time and wanted to provide something that could help.

Twelve months ago they came up with the idea of a Relaxation Room for patients and families to use and, after receiving generous donations from patients, families and with the support of hospital charity, Blue Skies, the room has now been opened on the Haematology Ward.

Among the donors at the opening of the room were the family of the late Ruth Hollands of Garstang. Ruth’s mum, Su, said the room will make a huge

Joanne Wareing

difference for patients and their families.

“This is an extension of the excellent care patients receive on the Haematology ward,” said Su. “The care given is personal for the patients and their families and everyone is treated as an individual.

“Ruth wanted to give something back for the care she received and she left money towards this room in her will. We think it is a really fitting tribute and we are delighted that words from one of her favourite poems will be stencilled on the walls.”

The Gaywood family from Fulwood also donated money for the room from the collection at the funeral of their husband and father Paul.

“The care my husband Paul received was excellent and we wanted to help provide this room for other patients. The money donated at Paul’s funeral was given to the fund and we are so pleased to see the end result,” said Lynda Gaywood.

Patients, families and staff in the new Relaxation Room shell and I knew they were fundraising.

“My friends wanted to do a charity golf night and I asked if the funds could go to decorate the room. I am delighted with the end result and I know this room will make a massive difference to patients using the Haematology ward.”

Joanne added: “A cancer diagnosis can be frightening and having somewhere to escape the clinical environment is so important.”

Accessories for the room were provided from money raised by a golf community night for patient Joanne Wareing from Longridge.

Kila Redfearn, Head of Fundraising for Blue Skies said the charity was delighted to support the Haematology Relaxation Room.

“I was a patient on the ward for four months and I could see the need for this room,” mum-of-two Joanne explained.

“During my time the room was an empty

“As a charity our aim is to improve the hospital experience for patients and this room will be a tremendous addition to the Haematology Ward,” Kila added.

HOSPITAL’S TREE OF LIGHTS SERVICE REMEMBERS LOVED ONES AN annual service to remember loved ones at Christmas has raised more than £1,000 to support bereavement care for those who need it.

such as toiletries, snacks, a blanket and some help with the practical aspects of spending an extended time in the hospital.

The Tree of Lights Service at Blackpool Victoria Hospital is a reflective Christmas-themed service to help grieving families give thanks for the lives of those they have lost.

The service and associated Tree of Lights Appeal is organised each year by Blue Skies Hospitals Fund, the charity for Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and the Trust’s Chaplaincy Department.

The money raised is spent on providing

Money will also be spent on enhancing bereavement care across the Trust.

comfort packs which are given as a gift from ward staff to families who are staying alongside loved ones in their last days.

These packs are hugely appreciated and include some practical items

The Trust’s Head of Fundraising, Kila Redfearn, said: “We are thrilled that once again so much has been raised to benefit Bereavement Services through our Tree of Lights Appeal. This money will be used to help those who find themselves in extremely difficult circumstances while loved ones are critically ill in hospital.’’

16|17

CROWDS WOWED AT THE SECOND BUTTERFLY BALL THE second annual dementia Butterfly Ball has been hailed as a fantastic success.

that people really care about our patients living with dementia.”

Bingo and raffle prizes included an Apple Watch, Beaverbrooks jewellery and a five day pass to this year’s Lytham Festival.

Held at Blackpool’s Hilton Hotel, guests were generous, buying raffle and bingo tickets to raise money for Blue Skies Hospital Fund’s Peace of Mind Appeal.

The organisers have announced that so far the money raised from the two balls has now exceeded £10,000.

Andrew said: “It’s been hard work, but it’s been worth it. The money raised from the two balls will make a real difference to our patient environments.”

The appeal raises money to convert patient areas within Blackpool Teaching Hospitals into dementia friendly environments.

Entertainment was provided by hosts Paul O’Brien and Alma Stewart with live music from Touch the Pearl.

The guest of honour was Barbara Hodkinson MBE who founded the Dementia Butterfly scheme on which the theme for the ball was based.

The Butterfly Scheme provides a system of hospital care for people living with dementia. Find out more by visiting their website:http://butterflyscheme.org.uk/

In her speech Barbara praised the Trust for their dementia care and urged staff to: “Continue what you are doing, because what you are doing is great.”

Organised by nurse and Dementia Champion, Francesca Hall and Clinical Change Facilitator, Andrew Goacher, guests were greeted by the My Stage Company’s Butterfly Girls.

Guests were also able to make a charity donation to have face and hair glitter make-up from local business, Bedazzled.

Francesca said: “We’ve had a great evening and I want to thanks everyone for their generosity; from the kind donations from local businesses, to the people who bought tickets. It means so much to know

CUTTING EDGE CUTLERY FOR DEMENTIA PATIENTS DEMENTIA patients across the Fylde coast are to benefit from bespoke cutlery and crockery thanks to funds raised by hospital staff and the Blue Skies Hospitals Fund’s Peace of Mind appeal.

beakers are specially designed so people don’t have to put their heads back as far to drink out of them.

“These sets will be a massive help for patients and we are really grateful to everyone who has helped raise money to fund them.’’

£10,000 has been raised to purchase a large number of specialist sets of crockery to help dementia patients eat and drink while in hospital.

Karen Smith, Clinical Improvement Lead at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The cutlery and crockery has been specially designed to help dementia patients overcome a number of issues that can affect their eating and drinking.

“The design makes them easier to hold for people with weaker grips while the shape of the bowls and spoons means the food stays on them.

Staff with examples of the new dementia friendly crockery “The place mats are very brightly coloured so they can be seen easier and are extremely sturdy so things stay in place and don’t get knocked over so much.

“All the cutlery is brightly coloured too which makes it much easier for those patients who are visually impaired. The

The money was raised through a number of staff fundraising events including the Butterfly Ball, cake sales and other events. Much of the fundraising was organised by staff at Clifton Hospital.

Kila Redfearn, Head of Blue Skies Hospitals Fund, said: “This is just another way in which charity can help make a real difference to everyday life in the hospital. Special thanks go to everyone who has raised funds or donated to the Peace of Mind appeal, we are always blown away with people’s kindness.’’

COULD YOU VOLUNTEER? VOLUNTEERS have been a part of Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust for more than 40 years, committing their time to help and support patients, visitors and staff in many ways.

Volunteers on the library trolley say there has been an increase in requests for large print books from patients who often spend long periods of time in hospital. The library trolley service visits the wards with a wide selection of books for patients to read which is greatly appreciated by the patients.

Our Trust currently has almost 400 volunteers who are actively involved in and around our hospital sites, making a difference on a daily basis to the lives of all who visit our hospitals.

Our volunteers are a valued part of the organisation and our Trust highly regards the impact of the work that the volunteers provide to enhance the quality of patient care. Our volunteers can be found in many areas across the Trust and may be identified by the orange shirt, lanyard and badge that they wear.

There are multiple roles available, from the Navigators who are based at each of the key entrances to the Hospital who will help people to find where they need to be, to Ward Helpers who offer a helping hand on the wards speaking

THE Trust is looking for donations of large print books.

to patients and making cups of tea, to volunteering in our volunteer led shop. Other roles are available and information can be found by following the http://www.bfwh.nhs.uk/volunteers/ index.php/roles/.

We ask our volunteers to commit to a minimum of three hours per week and our roles can be suited around your availability. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer please contact Michelle Walker on 01253 957396 or email volunteers@bfwhospitals.nhs.uk

If you have any large print books in good condition that you would like to donate, please contact Laura Sims on 01253 956688. Alternatively you can drop off the books at the Voluntary Services Team office on the ground floor at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

• We are currently recruiting new volunteers within many of our voluntary groups. If you would like to express an interest in volunteering with us, or you require any further information, please follow the link; http://www.bfwh.nhs.uk/volunteers/.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO JOIN THE INFLUENCE PANEL? ARE you interested in improving health care at your local hospital? Can you work effectively with other people? Would you be happy to share your experiences of our services?

the Trust so that patients and carers are able to contribute and have an influence, at all possible stages of organisational development and quality improvement.

If the answer is yes to all of the above, we would like to hear from you!

Patient Experience and Involvement Manager, Leanne Macefield, said: “The Influence Panel is a great opportunity for both patients and staff to work in partnership to shape the future of the hospital.

The purpose of the Influence Panel is to create a patient voice through building constructive working relationships with service users to ensure a broad range of patient views are reflected in practice development and operations.

The panel is not a forum for individual complaints and single issues, panel members are also not to be contacted directly by members of the public about any issues regarding treatment.

Members of the voluntary panel would be asked to attend monthly meetings and to work concurrently with other patient and public involvement groups/ activities that are taking place within

“It allows staff at the Trust to work with the patients for the best outcomes.

“It’s also a fantastic opportunity for members of the public to get involved and bring a positive voice.

“If this sounds like something that would interest you, please get in touch. I’m looking forward to hearing from you.”

For further information, you can email Leanne: Leanne.Macefield@bfwhospitals.nhs.uk and an application form can be found here: http://jobs.bfwh.nhs.uk/job/-v830683?_ts=367

Leanne Macefield with an application form for the Patient Influence Panel

18|19

GRANDAD THANKS SURGEON FOR GIVING HIM A FUTURE FORMER lorry driver, Robert Mosquito, had lost the will to live.

Life was a tremendous struggle for the 64-year-old grandad of four. He could not get dressed, clean his house or even walk more than three or four steps before becoming totally breathless.

Robert had emphysema and all the prescribed tablets and inhalers he had did not help his day-to-day life.

“My life was not worth living,” said Robert. “I was diagnosed with COPD in 2006. I had been a smoker, smoking 20 a day for more than 40 years. I gave up successfully but I could walk more than three of four steps without being out of breath.”

Robert was referred to Blackpool Victoria Hospital in June 2017 where Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Mr Nidal Bittar, offered Lung Volume Reduction Surgery (LVRS) to remove the worst affected areas of lung.

But Robert was strongly against the surgery. “I was against this operation because of the fear of the unknown. I was worried about pain or complications.”

But he decided that doing something was better than the treatment he

was receiving.

“Now I am just sorry I did not have this procedure done ages ago. I noticed the difference as soon as I opened my eyes after the operation. I was up and walking about the next day.

“It’s amazing, even on a bad day I’m 50 per cent better and on a good day I’m 100 per cent better than I was.

Mr Nidal Bittar and patient Robert Mosquito

Robert, who was in hospital just five days after the surgery, said he had not suffered any major pain from the procedure.

country. Sixteen thousand patients a year would be suitable for LVRS nationally. At the moment about 100 to 200 patients nationally are undergoing this procedure annually.”

“It’s given me a new lease of life,” Robert said. “I owe my life to Mr Bittar he has given me a quality of life and a future to look forward to. I would recommend this procedure 100 per cent for anyone who is eligible.”

“This year I have done four procedures because only four patients were referred to me, Mr Bittar added. “GPs are seeing these patients and we need to make them more aware of this procedure and its benefits.

Mr Bittar explained that nationally LVRS surgery is not being offered extensively because of a lack of awareness of the procedure and its effectiveness.

At one time this procedure was highly complicated required thoracotomy, longer stay in hospital and higher complications rate but now this is not the case. “Advances in keyhole surgery have meant LVRS is safer, cheaper than medical management and prevent future hospital admissions.”

“A number of emphysema patients could benefit from this surgery,” Mr Bittar explained. “There are two million patients suffering with COPD in this

GROUND-BREAKING ROLE HELPS BLACKPOOL A&E BLACKPOOL Victoria is one of the only hospitals in the country using a groundbreaking role to help alleviate pressure on its emergency departments.

One of only five Advance Pharmacist Practitioners nationally is working at Blackpool and he believes the role will help improve patient flow and discharges.

Nawres Aldafai was a pharmacist, but he has qualified as an Advanced Pharmacist Practitioner which means he can manage patients, take bloods, perform cannulation and carry out medical examinations to assist the

medical team.

“We need this role to take the pressure off A&E,” explained Nawres who is known to his colleagues as Naz. “I can manage conditions seen in about a third of the patients who come into A&E which frees up doctors to deal with more complex cases.”

Although Naz is one of only five pharmacists nationally employed in this role, he believes that it will become more common throughout the NHS in years to come.

“This work is really ground breaking, but in a few years the role will be familiar in emergency medicine.”

Nawres Aldafai

Blackpool Health Branch

Tel: 01253 955767 Email: unisonblackpoolhealth@gmail.com

Reasons to join UNISON Our members receive a full range of benefits and services, including:

Legal help for you at work and your family at home

Financial assistance and debt advice in times of need

Helpline open until midnight on weekdays and 4pm on Saturday

Accident and injury compensation for you and your family

Exclusive member discounts including money off cars and holidays

As well as all the standard benefits and being there for you when you need us, whether it is to attend a sickness hearing, investigation, or disciplinary we have trained Union Learning Reps who are there to give advice, arrange courses, and help you to improve your IT, Numeracy and Literacy Skills.

Join online – joinunison.org or ring 0800 1712193 or ring the branch for an application form to be sent to you.

Unison Blackpool-Health - learning page

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