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Spring 2015 | issue 5

the

Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Investing in our staff page 7 Bringing members, staff and PATIENTS the latest Trust news

Organ donation saved my life

Message from our

Chief Executive

Stephen Graves Welcome to the Spring edition of The Pulse magazine.

am sure, like me, you will welcome the onset of Spring and all that it brings. Like many hospitals across the country, we had a number of highpressure episodes through the winter where we saw a greater number of patients requiring an emergency admission at a time when we had a severe shortage of available beds. We are working with our partners in the local health and social care community to find ways of improving the service patients receive both in and out of hospital.

One of our priorities is to make sure our patients always experience good care no matter how busy we are. To support this we have made some changes to emergency care, including expanding the Emergency Department and the Ambulatory Care Unit, which is set up to treat patients who would previously have required an overnight stay. We have also accelerated recruitment plans for the Emergency and Medical areas of the hospital. While these changes may take a little while to establish, we are hoping this will help us weather the winter a little better in 2015-16. I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to all our staff for their dedication and hard work and for remaining focussed up on giving the best quality care and experience to our patients.

Our plan to redevelop Stamford Hospital was approved by our Board of Directors in February. This is great news for the people of Stamford, and our 300-strong workforce at the hospital, as it will see more patients being treated there in the future. Our project team will shortly begin working with the local authority, architects and land experts to take the next steps in the development. We will keep you updated on progress in the Summer edition of The Pulse magazine. We have preserved a part of Peterborough’s medical heritage on site at Peterborough City Hospital, by naming our 111-bed medical student block after a local man who was one of the pioneers of X-rays. Alfred Caleb Taylor worked at the old Peterborough Infirmary in the late 1800s. We were very pleased to welcome some of his surviving relatives to the opening of Alfred Caleb Taylor House in February. I hope you enjoy this edition of The Pulse magazine. Tell us if there is anything you would particularly like to read about in future editions. Our communications team can be contacted via telephone or email (see below) and welcome feedback from readers.

The Pulse magazine is compiled by Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s Communications Team. If you have any comments, or would like to make a suggestion about a subject you would like to read about in our magazine, please call the Communications Team on 01733 678025 or email: Communications@pbh-tr.nhs.uk

60 Seconds with… Marcus Tyler

Skin-toskin boost for women

p9 p10

Five year old Gracie raises money p12

supporting cancer patients

Meeting our patients needs

Orthopaedic outpatients procedure room opens

procedure room has been set up in orthopaedic outpatients at Peterborough City Hospital to carry out minor procedures. The additional service has been developed as an alternative to the day treatment unit, to make more space available for complex cases. Jonathan Jones, consultant orthopaedic surgeon, said: “The development of minor procedure room enables patients with minor trauma injuries, such as a fracture in the nail bed, to be referred

directly from the emergency department for treatment, without being admitted.” The procedure room is being staffed by nurses from the outpatient clinics, alongside a registrar or consultant. Andy McKee, consultant orthopaedic surgeon, said: “We have now expanded to undertake x-ray guided joint injections and we can treat patients with carpal tunnel and trigger finger – moving them from day case to the procedure room. “This new pathway will prevent patients being admitted to hospital and improve patient experience.”

New procedure room for orthopaedic patients

£50,000 boost to service that helps newly-discharged patients In mid-February, a service run by the British Red Cross and Age UK to support newly-discharged patients received a £50,000 boost from the Department of Health. British Red Cross supports people discharged from hospital

Peterborough was one of 29 areas across the country to receive

additional funding to extend a service provided by volunteer support workers, who help patients to settle back in at home. While this initiative is a bonus for our patients, it also helps the hospital as it may prevent a potential readmission.

Support workers usually help with shopping, collecting medical equipment, providing lifts to appointments and lending a friendly ear, if needs be. The £50,000 additional funding to this service will ensure support workers are available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, until mid-May.

Ambulatory Care Unit open longer 7 days per week Our Ambulatory Care Unit (ACU) is now open from 8am to 8pm on weekdays, and 8am to 4pm at weekends, and is seeing more patients every week than ever before. Ambulatory care is a patient-focused service where certain conditions can be treated without the need for an overnight stay in hospital. Additionally, this reduces unnecessary hospital admissions. The medical treatment received in Ambulatory Care would be the same a patient would receive on the ward.

For example, patients needing intravenous antibiotics, who would normally be admitted as an inpatient, can visit for the daily administration of the antibiotics and then return home to their family until the course of treatment is complete. The Patients care is delivered under the watchful eye of a consultant and we are recruiting further advanced nurse practitioners to increase the numbers of patients that can be cared for in the unit. The unit is based next to the Haematology/

Deputy Medical Director, Callum Gardner treats patient in ACU

Oncology department at Peterborough City Hospital and the nearest car park to the entrance is car park F.

Huge thanks to city law firm for choosing ward as charity of the year

Susan Ford’s life was saved after gift of organ donation

Hegarty LLP Solicitors have selected the haematology and oncology ward at the City Hospital as their charity of the year for 2015. Tanya Fairbrass, Charity Committee Chair, said: “The way in which we hope to raise funds will include everything from a personal challenge of a sponsored weight loss, to firm wide events such as dress down days, quiz nights, various themed raffles, coffee mornings and a cake bake competition.”

Organ donation saved my life

Details can be found here: https://mydonate.bt.com/ fundraisers/angelababb or on Twitter @Fitat40_2015 A massive thank you from the Trust, and on behalf of the many patients that this fundraising will benefit.

id you know that between 1 April 2013 – 31 March 2014, 1,328 lives were saved in the UK alone, after receiving a heart, lung, liver or a combined transplant of those organs? Susan Ford from Gunthorpe is living proof that organ donation can dramatically affect someone’s life.

She said: “I had my first transplant 22 years ago after being diagnosed with Primary Biliary Cirrhosis at a time when organ transplants were a fairly new phenomenon and I was very fortunate to receive a transplant within 3 days of being diagnosed with liver failure. “Words cannot describe how grateful I am. The transplant has been a gift that allowed me to watch my children grow up and see my eight beautiful grandchildren brought into the world.” Susan was diagnosed with Primary Biliary Cirrhosis,

a condition that severely damages the liver.

Peterborough City Hospitals Organ Donation Committee has been trying to raise awareness in the local community to help people like Susan. Senior Specialist Nurses have been visiting local sixth form schools to provide pupils with information about what it means to be an organ donor and how to register. Tobias Payne, Chairman for the Organ Donation Committee, said: “These sessions offer young adults the opportunity to get more information about organ donation and ask any questions they may have. We want them to be able to make an informed decision rather than feel pressured into signing up and the feedback we have received has been very positive. ” If you are interested is becoming an organ donor, please visit: www.organdonation.nhs.uk

Jack Hunt pupils stage ‘take over’ at hospital Sixth form pupils from Jack Hunt School spent a day in the life of a medical professional at Peterborough City Hospital in February. In total 10 pupils took part in ‘Take Over Day’ on Wednesday 4 February, which enabled them to gain firsthand experience of their chosen job role within the healthcare profession. The 16 and 17 year olds shadowed roles in nursing, biomedical science,

physiotherapy, occupational therapy and midwifery. Chris Game, Assistant Headteacher at Jack Hunt School said, “Take Over Day is a great opportunity for our students to see what a career in different specialties of healthcare looks like and if they would like to pursue this in the future. Our students always enjoy shadowing the healthcare professional and gain a wealth of knowledge by doing this.”

Student, Benjamin Connolly shadowed Physiotherapist Lyndsay Edgar on Take Over Day

Brave Rachel (8) takes part in research to help other young diabetes patients

Senior radiographers at City Hospital lead the way in CT Colonography Brave Rachel Dudley took part in diabetes study

mother of two from Bourne, has praised the work of the paediatric research team at Peterborough City Hospital, after her young daughter took part in a study for diabetes. Rachel Dudley (8) was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes two years ago and last year Rachel was given the opportunity to take part in a research study which was being run at PCH as well as other sites across the country. The Diabetes - Genes, Autoimmunity and Prevention (D-GAP) study, which was organised by the University of Cambridge and funded by the

JDRF, looked at how the DNA in a simple blood test relates to the body’s immunity and it is hoped that learning about the changes in the immune system could lead to drug developments for preventing or reversing type 1 diabetes in the future. Dr Puthi, Paediatric Consultant at Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Rachel has been a brilliant patient, and her parents have been very accommodating to participate in the DGAP Study, to help unravel the mysterious causes of Diabetes. This kind of enthusiastic participation in research leads to hope that, one day, we will be able to defeat Diabetes.”

How can you get involved in research?

Research is a core part of work the NHS does and the trials that we assist in provide our patients with the chance to receive cutting edge treatments that would not otherwise be available to them. There are several research trials taking place across the whole of the Trust, with the main areas of research activity within oncology, cardiology, stroke, surgery, dementia, paediatrics and neurodegenerative diseases.

If you would like to find out more about how you can get involved please contact the Research and Development team via email R&DDepartment@pbh-tr.nhs. uk or on 01733 677919.

Radiographers at Peterborough City Hospital have led the way with an innovative new way of treating patients for suspected bowel cancers, polyps and diverticular disease. Now patients can attend the diagnostic imaging department following their outpatient appointment and they are then prepared for their CT colonography. Previously patients would be sent an appointment for the procedure in the post.

Liam Gale, Senior Radiographer, said: “The new pathway is a major improvement for patients requiring investigation for colorectal cancer, resulting in the vast majority having their CT colonography examination undertaken and reported within a week of their initial outpatient appointment. It has also led to a significant number of patients, having their treatment plan discussed within the same week as their initial outpatient appointment.”

We have reached over 1000 likes on Facebook! Thanks to all of our friends on Facebook, we have reached 1000 likes. You can keep up to date with all the latest news by liking our Facebook pages: Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals Or Stamford and Rutland Hospitals Already liked our Facebook page? Why not… Follow us on Twitter: @psh_nhstrust Or Follow us on Linkedin: Peterborough & Stamford hospitals NHS foundation trust

This month’s top tweets We have received some lovely tweets my patients praising our staff for all their hard work. @henrycatchpole: “Wisdom teeth out this morning. General anaesthetic , bit woozy now. Thank you to everyone at Peterborough City Hospital – you were all lovely. @blubbasparxx: @psh_nhstrust Having been discharged from A4 in PCH today, I have nothing for praise for your staff, many thanks to all.

Get in touch with the research

@OllieRess: Big thanks to Peterborough City Hospital. In and out with helpful and polite staff. Don’t believe the negative hype, believe in the NHS.

nurses about clinical trials

60 Seconds with… Marcus Tyler, Health Care Assistant and Student Nurse Marcus began his career at the Trust in 2008 when he worked in the traffic office. He then became a porter in the Emergency Department (ED). Following this, Marcus started his role as a Health Care Assistant (HCA). In this role, he managed to complete Level 2 NVQ, and Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support, including English and Maths Functional skills and personal learning. It was in his role as a HCA that he found being very busy and occasions where you have to think on your feet very satisfying. After gaining experience in ED, he has recently become a Student Nurse and is currently completing a four year course in mental health nursing, training with the Open University. Marcus said: “I believe that good mental health is a strong contributor towards good physical health. I enjoy both aspects of my role, as a HCA and a student nurse, although studying for a degree alongside work is very demanding but the rewards are worth it.”

Rhianna and Diane in Learning Centre take part in ‘Hello my name is...

#Hellomynameis

t the beginning of February, the Trust launched the national ‘Hello my name is’ across Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals.

The Trust joined more than 70 NHS organisations in supporting the campaign founded by Dr Kate Granger. The campaign was started after Kate underwent treatment for cancer at her local hospital and found that staff often failed to introduce themselves when treating her.

60 Seconds with Marcus Tyler, HCA

Kate said: “I firmly believe it is not just about knowing someone’s name, but it runs much deeper. It is about making a human connection, beginning a relationship and building trust. In my mind it is the first rung on the ladder to providing compassionate care.”

In support of the campaign, the Trust has asked staff to pledge their support and introduce themselves to every patient they meet. Staff were also asked to take their picture with their ‘hello my name is’ sign and tweet it. The response was phenomenal. Joanne Bennis, Chief Nurse said: “We were overwhelmed with photos of staff members pledging their support and there was a great atmosphere across the Trust. Patients often feel anxious about their hospital visit and it is vital that staff create a safe environment to ensure patients feel at ease. By introducing themselves, staff are creating a connection with their patients and building a trusting relationship allowing patients get the most from their hospital stay.”

Doctor awarded at regional leadership recognition awards Dr Eleana Ntatsaki, Specialist Registrar in Rheumatology was awarded Trainee/ Student Educator of the Year 2014 at the East of England NHS Leadership Recognition Awards. The judges commented that

her winning nomination was characterised not only by the innovation evident, but also the breadth of educational activities covered. The Rheumatology department at Peterborough City Hospital is proud to support Eleana in

expanding the educational activities of the department and continue in the field of medical education and musculoskeletal medicine. Dr Ntatsaki said: “Improving training for our healthcare professionals means we will be able to provide even better care to our patients”

Dr Eleana Ntatsaki receiving her Trainee Educator award

New nurses welcomed into the Trust Investing

ince 2013 the Trust has been working hard to increase the numbers of substantive nurses working at our hospitals.

Nationally there is a shortage of nurses, particularly within the East Anglia region. Locally a large recruitment campaign took place which attracted nurses from the surrounding areas to come and see the state-of-the-art facilities that are available at Peterborough City Hospital. We have welcomed student nurses, nurses returning to practice, nurses who have applied via our ‘Recommend a Friend’ scheme and Human Resources have been working hard on the retention of staff. Nursing staff have also been recruited from overseas including Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece and Romania. In total we have now welcomed

63 new overseas nurses into areas, such as the Emergency Department, Theatres, Day Treatment Unit and ward areas. All of our overseas nurses receive the same pre interview tests and interview questions as the nurses that we recruit in the UK; as a result this ensures that our patients will continue to receive a high level of quality care. Joanne Bennis, Chief Nurse, said: “We are really pleased with the success of our recruitment drive, locally, nationally and internationally. This ensures that we can increase the numbers of substantive nurses on our wards and provide the right care, first time, every time and reduce the cost of using agency staff. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome all of our new nurses to the Trust and we are continuing with the recruitment drive throughout 2015.”

in our staff

Following feedback from staff surveys and from patients and the public, we are changing the colour of the staff nurse uniform. The uniform is changing from white to blue and there will be recognition of both junior and senior staff nurse status which will be identified by different colour piping on the uniforms. This values the expertise that our experienced staff nurses have, and recognises their competence and skill set. The cost of purchasing the new uniforms has been covered by an external funding source which has a set criteria that this initiative meets. This means we have not had to use the Trust budgets.

Students’ accommodation block officially named after local x-ray pioneer The new 111-room accommodation block on-site at the City Hospital, was officially opened on 17 February by Sir Keith Pearson, Chairman of Health Education East, who said: “It was a pleasure to open the Alfred Caleb Taylor House, alongside the Taylor family. It is great accommodation for the medical students who are currently working at the Trust.” The name of the building has come from a local medical pioneer who was instrumental in developing x-rays in 1895. “It is very fitting that the student accommodation is named after

such a remarkable man,” said Stephen Graves, Chief Executive. “He left a very important legacy and his commitment and dedication to such advances in technology, mean that the students of today have so much to aspire to.” Mr Taylor first worked at the old Peterborough Infirmary and his work led to him losing his fingers to amputation, and eventually to his death in 1927. The event was attended by his living relatives, including great grandchildren.

News from Stamford Hospital

Focus on John Van Geest ward John Van Geest ward based at Stamford Hospital has seen several changes since it first opened. Now the 22 bed, male and female ward has a primary purpose for patient rehabilitation and works closely with sister site Peterborough City Hospital. Patients, who live in the in Stamford, Bourne, Rutland and the Lincolnshire area can be transferred across from Peterborough from any specialty, once they are stable, to Stamford, so that they can be closer to their family and friends. Whilst the ward is available for any adult, the majority of patients are over 70. Each patient on the ward has their own room and there is a lounge and dining facility, which recreates a normal home-like balance to get patients used to being back in their own home environment. Natalie Munslow, Ward Manager for John Van Geest, said: “We are part of the acute Trust, just a little bit further down the road and once patients are transferred across to us, there is that continuity of care between the two sites. We have a friendly and welcoming ward, which I think is evident as soon as you walk in.”

JVG Ward Manager, Natalie Munslow and her team greet patients with a warm welcome

Maggie Toon remembers 46 years working at Stamford Hospital

Staff nurse celebrates 46 years at Stamford Hospital

staff nurse at Stamford Hospital has clocked up an amazing 46 years’ service this year, after going into nursing at the age of 16. Maggie Toon, 62, from Easton on the Hill, near Stamford, started her training at Stamford Hospital in 1968 and has only stepped away from her role on a temporary basis to have her two children.

Maggie says many things have changed in the past four decades, not least of all the uniform, which included a starched white hat and apron. She and her colleagues would have to wash stainless steel bed pans by hand and pack round cylinder drums with gauze and cotton wool to create a sterilising unit for surgical equipment – a far cry from the disposable bed pans of today and hi-tech sterilizing units.

Stamford Redevelopment update The updated business case to redevelop Stamford Hospital was presented to the Trust Board of Directors at the end of February. This presentation to the Trust Board was a key milestone in the redevelopment programme and took place just as ‘The Pulse’ went to print. The board members agreed to the details laid out in the business case and we will be able to forge ahead with the next stage of the plans to improve the hospital which, ultimately, will mean we can provide a range of services that are vital to the healthcare needs of patients in South Lincolnshire and beyond.

Stamford Hospital - building towards the future

Focus on maternity

Skin-to-skin boost for women who have had K2 update for maternity caesarean births – where

idwives have been Maternity services in Peterborough are doing a lot of work in accredited by the UNICEF Baby Friendly the last six months to Initiative which has disseminated a lot increase skin-to-skin of research on this topic. Most recently, bonding between midwives at the City Hospital have been parents and their baby at birth. The working on increasing skin-to-skin after a benefits of this caesarean. “It can close contact have sometimes be trickier been proven to to give this kind of include helping contact in a theatre and following baby regulate their major surgery,” says own temperature Roberta. “However, after birth, if everything has facilitate the bond gone according to between mum plan and neither and baby, and baby nor Mum need dad and baby, as emergency attention well as a more after delivery, then it successful outcome is absolutely possible of breastfeeding. and we have been Skin to skin is working with our good at any time doctors and theatre to promote loving staff to ensure that, relationships Rachel Strange cradles where possible, we between parents her newborn baby after aim to offer it to and their baby. all parents after a Caesarean section “We have always caesarean birth.” been very conscious of promoting If you expecting a baby and would like to know more about skin-to-skin contact,” says Roberta skin-to-skin contact and the effect it can Roulstone, Infant Feeding Facilitator. “It have on relationships and development, is exceptionally important for premature then please speak to your community babies who are a low birth weight and midwife or attend one of the new Bumps to require additional care, but it has equal Booties antenatal classes – more details can benefits for babies born on time, both be found on the Trust website. naturally and by caesarean sections.”

we are

The K2 maternity project which will see the implementation of a new maternity system that will allow all maternity records to become electronic is still ongoing and is making good progress in terms of customising the package to ensure it meets our needs. There has been a delay to the ‘go live’ date, but we are now hopeful that phase one of the project which includes labour & delivery, will be up and running in March/April. Staff training will begin in a month and further messages to GPs and women using the service will also be communicated.

Staff look at the new K2 maternity system

Expecting? Book into the new Bumps to Booties antenatal classes A new exciting programme of free antenatal classes have launched for expectant parents in and around Peterborough. The ‘Bumps to Booties’ sessions are a five-week rolling programme, covering everything from relaxation, labour, what to expect following the birth of your baby and practical baby care sessions. “You don’t have to attend all five sessions, you can simply pick which ones you fancy going to,” said Susan Vining, Antenatal Education Midwife. “We also recognise the importance of dad getting involved in the whole pregnancy and labour experience as well as caring for their new baby so we’ve

included a ‘dads only’ session every month. It can sometimes be difficult for fathers to feel fully involved, but we can give them tips and information in a ‘dads be ready’ session that prepares them to be empowered and confident, both during labour supporting their partner, and as a new dad.” The sessions are held at various times throughout the day, in a bid to cater for everyone and in city centre locations, for easier access. The full timetable can be found on the website www.peterboroughandstamord.nhs.uk/ Our Services/ Maternity. Bookings are taken by email and you can bring one person along with you to each session.

Susan Vining and Alison Kelly host the bumps to booties antenatal classes

Charitable donations

Chief Nurse says goodbye with a £3,000 donation Former chief nurse Chris Wilkinson, who retired in January, has raised £3,000 to help improve the hospital environment for our patients with dementia. This cause is close to Chris’s heart and she raised the money by staging a ‘farewell’ ball with hospital staff past and present on Saturday 31 January. The money will be used to make visual improvements to wards where patients with dementia are cared for. This helps them settle and feel more comfortable in what can be an ‘alien’ environment. We would like to wish Chris well in her retirement, and Chief nurse, Chris Wilkinson we are sure she with Medical Director, John won’t be ‘resting’ for long. Our new Randall at charity ball chief nurse, Jo Bennis, started in post on Monday 2 February.

A special thank you to all our supporters We would like to thank all staff, patients, relatives, friends and organisations who have made donations to the Trust Charitable Fund over the years. These donations have given us the opportunity to purchase life changing equipment such as the Linac gating equipment, bladder scanner and much more.

Maternity staff team up with baby loss support charity

Aching Arms charity donates bears to maternity unit

taff in the maternity unit at Peterborough City Hospital are working with a baby loss charity, run by bereaved mothers, thanks to local mum Lucy Twelves. Lucy, from Spalding, whose daughter Darcey was stillborn in December 2011, has become a supporter of the charity Aching Arms, which provides teddy bears that have been donated in memory of another baby’s life to newly-bereaved mothers. The bear is seen as a gift from one bereaved mother to another

So far she has donated 36 bears to the maternity service – all have been donated by women who have lost a baby. She said: “The bears do bring some comfort and to know it has come from a mother who has experienced the same loss, makes it all the more special. It is something you can keep forever, and maybe share with your other children, or family, when you are ready.” For more information visit: www.achingarms.co.uk or email: info@achingarms.co.uk

Five year old Gracie raises money to help poorly babies Five year old Gracie Batten visited the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Peterborough City Hospital after fundraising for the department. Gracie took part in the Perkins Great Eastern Fun Run and ran an impressive 3 miles to raise money for the babies being looked after in NICU. She also had a stall in

her front garden where she sold homemade loom bands. Overall Gracie has managed to raise £97.50, but her fundraising efforts have not stopped there. For Christmas, Gracie asked Santa for some knitting needles and wool so she can learn to knit hats and blankets for the babies in NICU.

Donations are instrumental in helping us to provide extra equipment and facilities for Trust patients to give the best patient care possible. If you would like more information about making a donation or raising money for the Trust Charitable Fund, please contact the Charitable Fund Administrator on 01733 677970 or email charitablefunds@pbh-tr.nhs.uk. Gracie receiving her certificate from NICU Staff nurses

Eyes looking forward

ur Ophthalmology services have recently seen an increase in the number of patients referred to the department.

In order to meet this demand without compromising the quality of service that patients receive, the department will be introducing a number of important changes to the way in which clinics are managed. These changes will take place gradually over the next few months. Some of the changes include: • Your treatment being supervised by one consultant who will be known as your named consultant. The consultant will lead a team of highly professional doctors and nurses who will specialise in the condition that is affecting you, for

example cataract, glaucoma or squint etc. •A ccess to the service and the provision of appointments will be managed more effectively and the team are hopeful that this will, wherever possible reduce the waiting times in the clinic. • T he department is intending to create a one-stop service wherever possible to streamline your treatment. Please be assured that these changes are being made with a view to improving the care and service that we are able to offer to both you and future patients. As always your feedback is welcome on these changes or any aspect of your care.

Tina Smith is a 2nd year student nurse on Emergency Short Stay

Developing our staff The Trust is working alongside the Open University to develop our staff and provide support during their training.

Ophthalmology department looking forward to the future

Lead Practitioner takes on bike ride challenge for charity Su Mansell, Lead Practitioner at the Greenwood Day Surgery Ward in Stamford Hospital, will cycle 296 miles from London to Paris to raise money for UK Children’s charity, Action Medical Research, which specialises in providing funding for research into childhood diseases.

Stephen Mansell, friend, Joanne Ness and colleague Gemma Cooper. They will begin their bike ride through Northern France on Wednesday 22 July 2015 passing through many towns involved in the war, before cycling down the Champs Elysees to the Eiffel Tower on Saturday 25 July.

She will complete the four day journey alongside her husband,

Donations can be made via: www. action.org.uk/sponsor/susanmansell

Michael Ramnath, Clinical Educator, said: “We are keen to continue our commitment to staff through investing in and developing the support workforce. We know that the courses are challenging, yet we can see clear improvements in clinical knowledge as the link between theory and practice was strengthened. “The Open University programmes have given staff the opportunity to quickly practice new skills, which has had a positive impact on patient experience.” Tina Smith, Health Care Assistant (HCA) and Student Nurse knew that she wanted to become a nurse from a young age. She worked in a nursing

home before joining an intermediate care team based in Cambridge. Following this experience, Tina became a HCA on the Emergency Short Stay (ESS) ward. Now Tina is in her second year of preregistration nursing. Tina said: “I love studying and the placements, although sometimes it can be hard to juggle everything! My next placement is in the community, which I’m really looking forward to. “My colleagues on ESS have been very supportive and encouraged me to take this route to complete my training. I couldn’t do without them. The great thing about ESS is the diversity of the patients and their illnesses, but also the huge amount of opportunity to learn, even in my role as a HCA.”

Supporting cancer patients at the new information day

ancer patients at the City Hospital are being invited to a special information day to share their experiences and learn more about the impact of cancer. Kate Jurkshcat, Deputy Sister, said: “It is so important to provide a strong support network when you are faced with something as scary as a cancer diagnosis. The aim of this workshop is to give our

Kate Jurkshcat, Deputy Sister and Caroline Lansell, Occupational Therapist welcome patients for the Cancer Wellbeing Day

patients and their carers the opportunity to come in and speak to staff and to each other about the physical and emotional sides of dealing with cancer.” The workshop will be held in the Learning Centre at the City Hospital on Friday 22 May, and is open to anyone who has been affected by cancer recently. You can book on to the course via your GP, nurse or consultant. Lunch and light refreshments will be provided.

Could you be a Governor for your local hospitals? Later this year, we will be looking for both members of staff and members of the public to put themselves forward for the position of a governor in the governor elections. We want motivated and committed individuals, who are keen to become more involved in directing the Trust’s affairs. This role of a governor gives you the chance

Membership You are invited to our next Members Meeting on Tuesday 14 April at 5.45pm held in the Denis Bracey Room at Peterborough City Hospital. Our Orthopaedic consultants will present information on both hip and knee replacements. They will also talk about joint school, which was highlighted in the CQC report as an area of best practice. The Joint School initiative is where patients are invited to attend a session before their knee or hip replacement surgery to learn all about their surgical journey. If you are interested in becoming a member and would like more information, please email membership@pbh-tr.nhs.uk or call 01733 678023, alternatively you can apply on our Trust website.

to make a valuable contribution to shaping the Trust’s future success, at a time when the national spotlight is focussed upon the NHS more than ever before.

part activities to represent the local public; participation in committees to shape key activities. This requires a time commitment of between a day to three days a month.

Duties normally involve attending governor meetings which include hearing how the Trust is being run, approving non-executive appointments to the Board of Directors and approving significant developments; taking

Information sessions will be held closer to the elections, please keep an eye out for further details. In the meantime if you are interested in standing for election please contact Jane Pigg, Company Secretary on 01733 677953.

Dates for the diary Upcoming Public Board Meetings The dates for our upcoming Public Board meetings are: Tuesday 31 March Tuesday 28 April Tuesday 7 May The meetings will be held at 1.30pm in the Board Room at Peterborough City Hospital.

Upcoming Council of Governors Meetings Thursday 9th April The meeting is held at 3pm in the Board Room at Peterborough City Hospital

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