foundations for health
April 2018
Introducing your local hospital charity A look into
Research at DBTH
Managing your appointments:
Why it’s important
Spotlight on Emergency Care: Developments and innovations at the Trust
News for staff, volunteers and members of Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Contents If you have comments or want further information about any of the articles in Foundations for Health, please contact the Communications & Engagement team on 01302 644244.
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This magazine is produced four times a year, with three digital copies and one paper copy in August. To receive an electronic version of this magazine and invites to member events, please send your name and email address to dbth.foundation.office@nhs.net or contact the Foundation Trust Office on 01302 644158.
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Spotlight on Research at DBTH
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Keep it, Cancel it or rearrange it
7 Digital DBTH: Launch of our
12 Introducing your local hospital charity 13 #ThankYou to our local communities
patient WiFi 8 Spotlight on emergency care:
14 Stagecoach boss urges life saving test after losing her
developments and innovation
father
10 Butterfly volunteers provide
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comfort at end of life
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News from the Governors
Our memorial garden appeal
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History Matters
New Director of Nursing appointed After a rigorous recruitment process, we are pleased to announce the appointment of Moira Hardy, Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professionals. With over 30 years of experience in senior nursing roles, Moira is a strong advocate for patients and is passionate about promoting positive patient experience. During her tenure as Acting Director, Moira has maintained our commitment to delivering the highest standards of patient care, ensuring that the organisation makes good progress towards its targets and objectives. Moira said: “I am delighted to have been appointed to this role. I have been a member of Team DBTH for over three years, during which time we have made significant strides as an organisation and I hope to continue
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this as Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professionals. “We have some fantastic, skilled and talented teams within the Trust and as Director it’s my ambition to ensure we deliver the best quality of care for the people of Doncaster, Bassetlaw and beyond.” An integral role at the Trust, the Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professionals provides clear leadership to clinical staff, overseeing the development and delivery of outstanding patient care, while driving the organisation’s strategies for Quality, Patient Experience and Infection Prevention and Control.
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New mums praise maternity care at the Trust in national survey New mothers have praised our maternity service in an annual survey, sharing positive experiences during antenatal, labour and postnatal care. This national survey by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) was undertaken to gain an insight into women’s experiences of maternity services across England and highlights DBTH as having scored significantly better than the national average. The poll was sent out in June of this year to 347 mothers who had used maternity services at Doncaster Royal Infirmary and Bassetlaw Hospital, asking them about their experiences of antenatal care, labour and birth, as well as postnatal care. The overall results show that we scored better than the national average, with 91% of DBTH mums saying that the midwives listened to them during their antenatal checkups, with 93% confirming that their partner was encouraged to be involved in their care. Moira Hardy, Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professionals, said: “I’m very pleased with the results from the survey and proud of the experience mothers and families have whilst using maternity services provided by our hospitals.
example we are already looking at constructive feedback, such as the 25% of mums who felt they weren’t given a choice of where they could have their baby, and what we can do better in future.”
“Feedback like this is vital and helps us to understand what we are doing well and also where we can make further improvements, for
Local mum, Charlie Spink, who gave birth to daughter Elsie on Monday 22 January 2018, said: “I want to say thank you to the amazing
midwives who supported me throughout my labour. The compassion and encouragement I received helped me to get through my labour, making the whole experience so much better.” Each year, we deliver approximately 5,000 babies. We are committed to continually looking for ways to develop and improve the experience for our expectant parents.
Rotherham United Ladies encourage women not to fear their smears Rotherham United Ladies Football Club has teamed up with their local cervical screening programme to promote the important role cervical screening plays in the prevention of cervical cancer, in a bid to encourage their female fans and local women to take up their invites.
Women who have missed their cervical screening appointment are encouraged to contact their local GP to book an
appointment. Don’t let your fears stop you from taking the test. Find out more at http://fearorsmear.dbh.nhs.uk.
It is estimated that early detection and treatment through cervical screening can prevent up to 75% of cervical cancers from developing. Women aged between 25 and 49 will receive an appointment every three years and women aged between 50 and 64 will be invited for screening every five years. Leanne Carter, RULFC Captain, is keen to kick off her support for the cervical screening campaign. She said: “Cervical screening is an important part of women’s health care. The sooner something is detected the sooner, it can be treated. I would encourage any women overdue their appointment to take five minutes out of their day to protect their health and have a smear test.”
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RESEARCH
Professor of Surgery takes up first-time post at DBTH One of Team DBTH’s Surgeons has been awarded the title ‘Professor of Cancer Surgery’ by the University of Sheffield, becoming the first person ever to hold the position at the Trust.
colleagues, ultimately making further strides in the treatment of breast cancer.”
Professor Lynda Wyld, Consultant Breast Surgeon, was awarded the title of Professor in recognition of the research she has undertaken around breast cancer and for teaching and training cancer surgery in the UK and Europe. Speaking about her new role, Professor Wyld said: “Working in breast cancer research is very exciting at the moment, as progress is so rapid and we can now see the prospect of a cure for 80% of women with the disease. It is humbling for researchers when women, facing the trauma of a cancer diagnosis, agree to take part in research studies to help other women in the future. Their generosity and commitment at such a time is simply amazing. “The University of Sheffield and the Trust have been working to develop closer collaboration and my appointment has been part of this for which I am immensely grateful. I would like to thank the Trust for their continued support and encouragement. I look forward to sharing my knowledge and experiences with health
The most common of its kind in the UK, breast cancer affects around 55,000 women per year, however due to research, and subsequent treatment advances, mortality from this illness has begun to steadily fall. Playing a significant role in this improvement, Professor Wyld is leading a major UK-wide study at DBTH into the treatment of older women with the disease, called the ‘Age Gap Study’. Dame Pamela Shaw, Vice President and Head of the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health at the University of Sheffield said: “Lynda’s commitment to her pioneering research and the dedication to improving patient care is outstanding. She has been instrumental in developing a unique tool which will help to tailor treatment options for elderly patients – something which is increasingly important for our ageing population. We hope that, as Professor of Cancer Surgery, Lynda’s tireless hard work continues to be recognised.” On behalf of everyone at the Trust, we want to congratulate Lynda on such an amazing achievement.
Research spotlight: The Age Gap Study The ‘Age Gap Study’ is a project working with over 3,500 patients across the country and, as the name suggests, looks to reduce the difference in the outcomes of breast cancer treatment which is often seen between older and younger women. One third of all UK breast cancers occur in women over the age of 70 but outcomes of the illness tend to be poorer in comparison with younger women. This is partly due to later presentation but also because the rates of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are all lower in older women.
As a major focus of the study, Professor Wyld and her team are also developing a predictive tool which will help to tailor treatment options for elderly patients, taking into account factors such as fitness and frailty. At the same time, a Decision Support Instrument (DESI) is also being created to aid and assist women to make informed decisions about their preferred treatment.
Treatments are often modified to reduce the risk of side effects which are more common in frailer older women, however there is no scientific basis for where treatment cut-offs should be, such as at what age or level of fitness or frailty standard treatment is more likely to cause harm than benefit. The Age Gap study is an observational study of older women with breast cancer, collecting complex data on the health and fitness of the patient, the cancer stage and type presented, as well as the treatment given. These findings will be analysed and used to understand how treatment can be made more effective for patients.
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The study will continue well into 2018, with findings presented at a later date. Interested in finding out more about exciting new developments such as this at the Trust? Follow us on social media: @DBH_NHSFT DBHNHS
Research spotlight: Genome Project Most of us have heard of genetics, the study of the way particular features or diseases are inherited through genes passed down from one generation to the next. However, the more we learn about genes, the more we understand that the old idea of having a single gene for this, or a single gene for that, is not a good way of describing the complexity of genes. In fact, groups of genes work together and their activity is influenced by a huge variety of environmental and other factors, and we now know that the DNA between your genes is also very important. You have a complete set of genes in almost every healthy cell in your body. One set of all these genes, (plus the DNA between the genes), is called a genome. Using these, scientists and medical staff can predict how well a person will respond to a treatment or find one that will work best for them, essentially personalising medicine to individual patients.
To bring the predicted benefits of genomics to NHS patients, the 100,000 Genomes Project was launched in late 2012. Genomics England, a company wholly owned and funded by the Department of Health and Social Care, was set up to deliver this flagship project, which will sequence 100,000 whole genomes from NHS patients. Its four main aims are: To create an ethical and transparent programme based on consent; to bring benefit to patients and set up a genomic medicine service for the NHS; to enable new scientific discovery and medical insights; and to kick start the development of a UK genomics industry. The project will focus on patients with a rare disease and their families and patients with cancer. As a Trust, we are happy to be
working as a partner within the project, with specialties, Breast, Urology and Haemotology, taking part, with patients from our hospitals consenting for samples to be part of the sequencing study. Using this data, researchers are looking for patterns that might give new clues about the cause of people’s conditions, or patterns that might help them understand a problem better or find a new way to treat it. They may carry on looking for years to come and some people with the same condition may find it gets worse as they age, but others may not. By knowing how things turn out for people, and what they eventually die from, it could be possible to link it with particular changes in the genome, which, eventually, might help us to predict or prevent diseases.
The project will focus on patients with a rare disease, their family and patients with cancer.
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Keep it, Cancel it or Rearrange it – why it’s important to manage your appointments We are urging patients to keep, cancel or rearrange their hospital appointments if they cannot attend, as a report into why over 50,000 scheduled dates are missed annually is published. Nationally, around one in 10 appointments made are missed every year in England, costing the health service millions of pounds. As a Trust we are within the top 25% of all NHS providers in the country for patients not attending appointments, recording around 140 missed a day.
Missed appointments in numbers: 140 missed appointments a day equates to around £6 million in lost funding every year for the Trust. But, what could this wasted cash have funded? • The wages of 200 staff nurses • The cost of 747 hip replacements • The cost of 22,388 MRI scans In order to understand why patients miss these appointments, Healthwatch Doncaster has been working with the Trust, NHS Doncaster Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), as well as partners in Bassetlaw and Nottingham, to speak with local people to get their views. Surveying more than 1,600 residents, the report ‘Why people miss their hospital appointments in Doncaster and Bassetlaw’ reveals that around
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36% of those asked have previously missed appointments without trying to rearrange the time or letting staff at the Trust know. Emma Challans, Deputy Chief Operating Officer at DBTH, said: “Ensuring that you keep your hospital appointment, or rearranging it if you cannot make the scheduled date, is hugely important. By letting us know that you are not attending, the time can be used to see another patient, potentially giving that person access to vital screening, care and treatment as soon as possible.” Recommendations within the report highlight a desire for the Trust to make better use of technology, such as ‘virtual consultations’ using software such as Skype or FaceTime, while 64% of respondents believe more patient information is needed in order to engage and inform patients about their care. To address some of these challenges, projects are already underway at the Trust to enhance telephony capacity, as well as introducing new digital systems such as the Electronic Referral System and exploring new, innovative and secure technology in order to better communicate with patients. Emma continues: “While we look to make improvements, local residents can make a
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big difference by ensuring they check their post if expecting confirmation of a hospital appointment, setting reminders on smart phones and other devices, making note of the number to call to rearrange and also helping elderly friends and relatives who have an upcoming health date. These are small changes that could make a big difference, ensuring people in Doncaster, Bassetlaw and beyond get the best care from the Trust.” The findings from the report will be used by a project team at DBTH to take forward actions in order to reduce the number of missed appointments in the future and, ultimately, improve the quality of care for local patients. Andrew Goodall, Chief Operating Officer at Healthwatch Doncaster, said: “I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to share their views within this report. Missed appointments is a particularly problematic issue for the NHS and this data gives us a real insight into the challenges the health service face, but also how it can improve in the future. If you have a hospital appointment, remember to keep it, cancel it or rearrange it if you cannot attend.” The full report can be found on Healthwatch Doncaster’s website and is accessible here: www.healthwatchdoncaster.org.uk/ missedappointments
Digital DBTH: Patient WiFi launches We have introduced free WiFi for our visitors so that patients can easily Skype, FaceTime and contact loved ones whilst they are in hospital. Wireless Internet is available to visitors of the Trust waiting for appointments, allowing them to browse sites such as Facebook and BBC News. A more substantial service is open to those staying at the hospital for an extended period of time, allowing them to stream films as well as make video calls in order to speak to relatives and friends if they can’t easily visit. The vast majority of popular sites will be available free of charge, with users asked to agree to an acceptable use policy. This service has been designed and installed by our Trust’s in-house IT team, who have provided it at minimal cost, using existing links and
technology, while making sure it remains totally separate from our Trust’s internal network to ensure security. Richard Parker, Chief Executive at DBTH, said: “I am delighted that we are able to offer our patients the ability to connect to WiFi. Friends and family can sometimes struggle to visit relatives staying in hospital, and with this long-requested development, we will be able to offer our patients the ability to use services such FaceTime and Skype in order to get in touch with loved ones, making them feel a little bit more connected.” Patients and visitors who would like to use the Wi-Fi should visit https://www.dbth.nhs.uk/ patients-visitors/wi-fi-trust/ to find out how to access it on Trust premises.
Cast Theatre brings panto to DRI More than 800 people watched Doncaster CAST’s production of the Beauty and the Beast as the performance was live-streamed from the theatre to Doncaster Royal Infirmary (DRI). Staff at the Trust and CAST managed to screen the festive pantomime, which went out live, for patients staying at the hospital over Christmas. The theatre’s sold-out audience of 600 were joined by over 200 at DRI, as the show was streamed via the Internet onto televisions and for one special screening for off-duty staff and their children in the hospital’s Lecture Theatre. With plenty of ‘boos’, hisses and ‘he’s behind you!’ both audiences fully committed to the pantomime spirit, with parts of the performance directed at the audience, comfortably watching a mile away. With such fantastic feedback, alongside partners at the theatre, we are planning for an encore performance next year.
Tommy retires after almost 40 years Tommy Douglas has been a porter at Doncaster Royal Infirmary for just over 39 years but will soon be hanging up his boots. Tommy was part of a campaign to celebrate NHS staff in 1988 to mark the 40th birthday of the health service. His life-sized photo was displayed around the hospital and in the Frenchgate Centre in Doncaster. Speaking about his brief stint as a health service model, Tommy said: “I remember my sister-in-law trying to speak to my cut out in the Frenchgate!” With many decades of fond memories working at the Trust, the Porter added:
“I’ve enjoyed working with all the people I’ve worked with. We’ve had fun over the years and the camaraderie is brilliant. When I first started we were responsible for doing security on site as well so we really had to stick together.” Tommy is planning to keep himself active in retirement and will spend his extra free-time clay pigeon shooting and fishing for carp. On behalf of every one at the Trust, we’d like to thank Tommy for all the hard work he’s put in over the last 40 years, dedicating his time to ensuring patients in Doncaster get the best possible care.
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SPOTLIGHT ON EMERGENCY CARE
Introducing Smart ER Our clinicians are hoping to see huge improvements in the way the Emergency Department works as ‘Smart-ER ‘ is introduced at Doncaster Royal Infirmary (DRI). Infusing the urgent service with innovative technology, patients will now be asked to take a few minutes to complete a short, digital form within the Emergency Department waiting room, describing their ailment or injury as well as providing general health details. By completing this process, the patient is able to explain the reason for their visit, while also disclosing previous medical problems, all of which becomes part of their medical record. This improves communication in the Emergency Department, aids clinicians and aids medics, and also uses the patient’s waiting time more productively, reducing overall waiting times.
Smart-ER is just one of a number of recent innovations and investments seen within the Emergency Departments at the Trust. The project, led by Dr Amjid Mohammed, has been successfully piloted at Montagu Hospital, with feedback stating 95% of patients find the new system to be a good use of time, with 98% of clinicians and medics asked in agreement. Amjid said: “Urgent care has remained fairly static in how it is delivered since the
introduction of Emergency Departments. By introducing Smart-ER, we want to move the service forward, making use of technology to ensure we get the most from waiting patients, actively involving them in their own treatment.” A number of PC terminals have been installed within the Emergency Department at DRI, with those waiting encouraged to take a few minutes to enter their details. To help in the process, a member of staff is on hand if patients encounter any issues, while
carers or nominated individuals are able to also access the system if an ill or injured individual is unable to do so. Amjid continues: “As the service sees ever-increasing attendance, with 13,867 of patients presenting in the Emergency Department in December, we hope that by adopting Smart-ER we will enhance the care we offer for patients in need of urgent and emergency care, potentially reducing waiting times and also making good use of the time spent in the waiting area.” Launched with plans for further development and growth, Smart-ER is currently in phase one, with the second iteration expected in the coming months. Using cloud-based tech, this next-step will enable patients to receive bespoke information about their illness or injury and any health promotion that may benefit the patient, and will also support enrolment on free first aid courses for those that are interested. Smart-ER is just one of a number of recent innovations and investments seen within the Emergency Departments at the Trust, as work commenced in January to improve the patient-triaging system at Bassetlaw Hospital. This work will see the creation of a number of rooms for consultation, observation, as well as for the usage of Health Care Assistants.
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Improvements coming to Bassetlaw Emergency Department Works are underway to improve the way that Bassetlaw residents access their Emergency Department. Revising the way patients book into the service, we will be substantially investing in the Emergency Department, creating a number of new rooms and enhancing the current ‘patient-streaming’ system. When people attend the Emergency Department, they are currently seen by a trained clinician who performs a short examination to understand what treatment and care the patient needs. At present, this is currently done within the reception waiting area, something which will be improved as three triaging rooms will be created, providing a dedicated space for these initial observations, as well as privacy and dignity for those under observation. David Purdue, Chief Operating Officer, said: “By refreshing this area visitors to the Emergency Department will notice some building works and we want to thank people in advance for their patience during this time. By refreshing this area, we are hoping to offer an improved service for the people of Bassetlaw, investing in this crucial service to ensure it is the best it can be for local people when they need it most.” As part of this investment, the Emergency Department will also see the creation of three further rooms, one for consultants and another for Health Care Assistants to carry out observation checks. The other will be fitted for flexible use, meaning it can be repurposed as needed when the service becomes busy. The work is well underway and is expected to be completed by the end of March. Patient care will remain unaffected however, during this time, doctors are urging local people to use the service wisely, only using the Emergency Department when it’s just that – an emergency.
Your guide to choosing health services Some patients attend the emergency department for problems which could have been treated by their GP, or with over the counter medication after speaking to a pharmacist. Here are some tips to help you choose the most appropriate health service and keep Emergency Departments free for just that - emergencies. • Self care: A lot of illnesses or symptoms can be treated at home by making sure you have a well stocked medicine cabinet and are getting plenty of rest. • NHS 111: This 24 hour, seven day service offers confidential health advice and information over the phone. To access the NHS 111 service text phone, call 18001 111. • Pharmacist (chemist): Your local pharmacist is a highly trained healthcare professional who can give you advice on common illnesses and the medicines you need to treat them. Most now have a quiet area away from other customers where you can speak to the pharmacist more privately. • Same Day Health Centre (Doncaster): Based at Cavendish Court (DN1 2DJ), the same day health centre in Doncaster offers advice and treatment for minor illness and injury if you are unable to see your GP. They can help with conditions such as: Sore throats, earaches, coughs, sprains and strains; The centre is appointment only so please ring on 0300 123 3103 before you set off. • Minor Injuries Unit Montagu Hospital: The unit is open every day from 9.00am to 9.00pm, except on Christmas Day when it is closed. The unit re-opens on Boxing Day. It is staffed by experienced emergency nurse practitioners who can assess and treat a wide range of minor injuries and ailments, including sprains, cuts and bruises and some simple fractures. • Emergency Department or 999: Hospital emergency departments provide immediate care for people who show the symptoms of serious illness or are badly injured. If you call 999 for an ambulance, the telephone advisor will arrange appropriate assistance for the patient based on information about the illness or injury.
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End of Life Care
Butterfly volunteers comfort patients at the end of life Introduced in August 2017, specially trained helpers at Doncaster Royal Infirmary called ‘Butterfly Volunteers’ are providing comfort and company to hospital patients in their final moments. Proving to be a hugely successful addition to the team, the volunteers spend time with patients when medical and clinical staff cannot. They sit, talk, run errands and also help the patient’s loved ones, giving them valuable time to be able to go home for a few hours, safe in the knowledge that their friend, parent, child or significant other is not alone. Last year the Royal College of Nursing released a study which described how many hospital patients were dying alone, due to the time constraints facing clinical and medical staff. Recognising that more should be done for palliative patients and their families, the End of Life Care Team at the Trust have been working hard to improve the experience of those in the final stages of life. Julie Taylor is one of 14 volunteers currently at the Trust, she said of her experiences as a Butterfly Volunteer: “I believe that this is one of the most important things I have ever done, and I really consider it a privilege to spend time with patients during their final moments.
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“While you often think of this time as being very sad, there is such warmth being shared by families and friends and being able to help during this time is hugely rewarding. When patients are very poorly, often they just want company and to know that they are not alone. Whether this is holding their hand, chatting with them or simply being there, it is a very humbling experience.” The Trust have adopted the image of a butterfly due to its close symbolism with endurance, change and renewal, making this association to end of life care as well as the profound effect this has on the patient and their family and loved ones. Karen Lanaghan, End of Life Coordinator at DBTH, said: “We will all be affected by death at some point and as a hospital it is our duty to ensure that we get this aspect of care right, treating the patient with dignity and respect. “Due to challenges we face as a health service, we can often view a patient as a series of symptoms, rather than a person with hopes, desires and also fears. While it isn’t
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always possible for our medics and clinicians to sit and spend time with individuals during the end of their life, our Butterfly Volunteers offer this crucial support. You don’t get a second chance at this kind of care and this is one way in which we hope to ensure that we get it right.” The Butterfly Volunteers were introduced with the full support of Trust Chair, Suzy Brain England OBE, said: “I believe the work of our End of Life Care Team is absolutely crucial and I am immensely proud, grateful and humbled by the support our Butterfly Volunteers provide for our patients. On behalf of the entire Trust I want to thank them for their contribution at such an important and sensitive time in people’s lives.” If you would like to become a Butterfly Volunteer, email j.gilleard@nhs.net to find out more information.
Butterfly bags The End of Life Care Team are introducing ‘Butterfly Bags’ which will be free to patients and, after their passing, can then be used by friends or family. These bags will be used to collect the deceased’s belongings, with specific keepsake containers for items such as jewellery or a lock of hair. Serving a dual purpose, the bags will also signify that those holding them are bereaved, prompting staff to ensure they are particularly sensitive with these visitors, offering a helping hand if needed.
This latest scheme is just one of a number of recent improvements introduced to End of Life Care at DBTH. In early 2017, the team introduced the ‘Me and My Plan’ project, which utilises a specially designed folder for patients, containing their care and treatment choices, personal preferences and information. Although a simple addition, this important document allows staff to avoid having the same conversations with the patient regarding their care, as well as serving as a crucial guideline when clinical decisions need to be made about later stages of treatment.
Butterfly memorial garden is almost complete A special memorial garden for families who have experienced a miscarriage, still birth or neonatal death is almost complete. The garden, which is in the grounds of Doncaster Royal Infirmary, will give families a space to remember the short but incredibly significant lives of their babies. It was funded by donations to a baby memorial fund which was set up by the staff. The planning, digging and landscaping are all complete and the Trust is now appealing for items which will help to make it a peaceful, special place. The plans include benches, trees, a padoga and plants. Once completed the garden will be a place of peaceful reflection, not just for families who have lost young ones but for anyone who’s lost someone to go and spend a quiet minute with them. If you’d like to make a donation to the memorial fund you can do so through the JustGiving page. Just search for https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/dbh-baby-memorial Alternatively, if you’d like to donate items or plants you can call 01302 644244.
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Charity pages
Introducing your local hospital charity We are pleased to announce the launch of Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals Charity (DBTH Charity) – the official charitable fund for the Trust. As an NHS organisation we provide treatment for thousands of patients in Doncaster and Bassetlaw, however there is always more that can be done to support local people at a time when they need it the most; going the extra mile to ensure individuals receive exceptional care. Ultimately, the aim of the new charity is to raise funds which will be used to enhance the lives of thousands of patients every year by providing excellent care, treatment, experience and research, above and beyond the call of normal funding. In the past, thanks to the amazing generosity of our supporters, we have been able to regularly go above and beyond routine spending, providing extras which make all of the difference to our three main hospital sites in Bassetlaw, Doncaster and Mexborough – but we recognise that, together, we can do more. • Arrange a bake sale or a spectacular cook-off • Challenge yourself to undertake a 5k, 10k run or even a marathon • Take on a sponsored sky-dive or a similar feat of daring-do • Organise a swanky gala night complete with charitable auction
By donating and fundraising for our hospitals, you can help make our patients’ hospital experience that little bit more comfortable.
These are just some of the ways you can get involved and help to raise funds for such a worthwhile cause. Tips for your next charitable flourish can be found on our newly created web page at www.dbth.nhs.uk/charity
Kind and generous donations from patients, local residents and partners have enabled us to purchase things such as adaptive equipment for frail and elderly visitors, toys for youngsters staying on our wards, as well as helping us to purchase innovative and specialist diagnosis or treatment tools.
Suzy Brain England OBE, Chair of Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH), said: “I am extremely excited to be able to announce the official launch of our Trust charity, bringing all of our fundraising efforts under one, easily recognisable, brand. Donations made to the Trust make a very real difference to patient’s lives each and every year, helping to reduce the everyday stresses and anxieties which may be associated with treatments and illnesses.”
These contributions often make the difference for patients staying with us – from the small things such as providing a comforting teddy bear for a youngster spending time away from their family for the first time, to the big, such as helping to renovate an entire day room, giving patients a destination to head for, spending time away from their bed and actively participating in recovery. By launching DBTH Charity, we are hoping to make it really easy for anyone who is looking to raise funds for Bassetlaw Hospital, Doncaster Royal Infirmary or Montagu Hospital, to help us provide these crucial extras. Whether you want to:
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In the past, our hospitals have had no specific charitable arm, instead having a number of individual funds for specific projects or departments. While the Trust has undoubtedly benefitted in the past from kind donations from local residents and partners, it has meant some areas have received more attention than
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others. By launching the new charity, it will allow the Trust to ensure that we are raising funds which will benefit schemes, projects and services, which cannot be covered by routine income but often with the greatest need. Suzy continues: “The charity’s new logo shows three hearts, each representing our main hospital sites, as well as the crucial communities we serve – those of whom will be fundamental in helping us to achieve our charitable aims. “All donations to the newly created Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals Charity will be invested and used to enhance patient care, as well as other innovative developments, which are not funded by usual NHS income. By donating and fundraising for our hospitals, you can help make our patient’s hospital experience that little bit more comfortable. I hope you’ll join us as we embark on an exciting new chapter for the Trust.” If you wish to fundraise for the charity, donate or for more information, please head to https://www.dbth.nhs.uk/charity/ for more details. We are also looking to work with the many partners, supporters and major organisations in the area. If you would like to know more about corporate support and sponsorship please contact: DBTH.Charity@nhs.net
#Thankyou A family have made a special trip to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Bassetlaw Hospital to thank the staff for the care given to a family member, bringing with them a cheque in the sum of £1,000. Michael Hargreaves, from Dorset, was on holiday with his family at Thoresby Park Hotel when he fell critically ill in August 2017. Michael was transferred to Bassetlaw Hospital and remained there for three weeks, sadly passing away in September 2017.
Keeping you in touch by email, Twitter and Facebook To receive this e-magazine and other relevant news and information by email, just pass your email address to the Foundation Trust Office on dbth.foundation.office@nhs.net. Follow us on Twitter @DBH_NHSFT and find us on Facebook for all our news and other interesting updates.
Mr Hargreaves’ wife, Pat, returned to the unit on Wednesday 14 February along with her daughter Jayne and granddaughters Leanne and Lisa to say ‘thank you’ to the hospital’s staff for the kindness and compassion that was shown to their husband, father and grandfather during his illness.
#ThankYou Steven Steven had not been in hospital for over 50 years and was extremely nervous about the whole experience, after a scary episode with a tetanus injection some years ago. Recently, Steven was admitted to Ward 32 and, in his own words, has never felt so cared for, so at ease, describing the hospitality and nursing care as ‘amazing’, as well as each and every member of staff ‘wonderful’. The patient wanted to show his gratitude with lovely comments to all the staff and an incredible donation to the ward of £1,000. On behalf of all of Team DBTH, we want to thank Steven for being ever so kind!
#Thankyou The Diabetes Centre at Bassetlaw Hospital has received a cheque for the sum of £400 from the Vintage Vehicle Rally, who presented the cheque to Dr Mohammed Sasi, Diabetes and Endocrinology Consultant at the Trust. The group have raised a total of £3,200 and the money has been split between eight local charities including the Diabetes Centre. A friend of the committee members is diabetic and receives treatment
at Bassetlaw Hospital and members of the club wanted to say ‘thank you’ to the dedicated team. George Sheldon, Chairman of Vintage Vehicle Rally, a vintage vehicle enthusiast group, said: “We have chosen eight local charities to benefit from our fundraising efforts and Bassetlaw Hospital was chosen as we wanted to thank the team for the wonderful care and compassion our friend has received over the years.”
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Stagecoach boss urges lifesaving test after losing her father Stagecoach employees in the South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw area are being offered potentially lifesaving screening checks as part of a new health and wellbeing initiative, inspired by a top boss’s late father. Michelle Hargreaves, Managing Director of Stagecoach, lost her father to an Abdominal Aortic Aneurism in 2003 and jumped at the chance to offer her colleagues the opportunity to attend a simple ultrasound scan which can check for the condition. The company is working with the AAA Screening Programme to hold sessions with their staff about the importance of attending these appointments and to provide screening clinics in their depots. An AAA is a swelling of the main blood vessel in the body, the aorta, which weakens and expands. There are no symptoms and if left untreated the swelling can lead to a rupture and a serious risk of death from internal bleeding. Men in their 65th year are automatically invited by post to attend a screening clinic. Michelle remembers: “It was the May Bank Holiday weekend and my parents had been staying with me; we had been doing normal things, out visiting places and making the most of the unexpected good weather. They left on
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the Tuesday morning for Oxfordshire to visit relatives in the mobile holiday home they had bought when my father retired. My father being 65 and my mother 60, they anticipated many years of travelling and making the most of the time they had together.
We were shocked because he had not been ill, he just complained of backache but put it down to his age. “My father telephoned to thank me for a wonderful weekend and they would speak to me later in the day. Approximately 15 minutes later I took a call from my mother to say she thought my father may have had a heart attack and could I make my way to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, a good hour’s drive away.” On arriving at the John Radcliffe hospital, Michelle was given the devastating news that her father had
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passed away from an abdominal aortic aneurysm. He had no symptoms and there was no warning. Michelle said: “We were shocked because he had not been ill, he just complained of backache but put it down to his age. My father had 8 months retirement, if he had been scanned then maybe he and my mother could have had a few more years enjoying travelling and making memories.” Michelle is keen to raise awareness of the condition and encourage Stagecoach employees to attend the life-saving screening. Any men over 65, working on their coaches, trains or offices in the area will be offered the quick, painless ultrasound scan on site. Men aged over 65 who have not been screened can make an appointment with the screening team by contacting the South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw AAA Screening Programme on 01709 649100 or by emailing dbh-tr.dbhaaa@nhs.net.
News from the Governors Governor elections 2018 The Trust will be holding elections to five public governor roles over the summer, with those elected taking up their positions in mid-September 2018. Three Doncaster seats and two Bassetlaw seats are up for grabs and anyone interested is asked to contact the Trust Board Office on 01302 644157.
Hello, Goodbye
Trust makes key NED appointments The Council of Governors have appointed two new Non-Executive Directors (NED) to sit on the Board of Directors and take forward the Trust’s strategy into 2018. Pat Drake and Kath Smart were appointed following a formal and rigorous process and began in post on 1 April 2018. Hailing from Holmfirth, Pat is a former Assistant Chief Nurse at Bradford Teaching Hospitals and currently the Deputy Chair and a Non-Executive Director at Yorkshire Ambulance Service, as well as being a Justice of the Peace. Pat will be the Trust’s new clinical nonexecutive, a role established in the wake of the Francis Report into failings at Mid Staffordshire health trust. Doncaster resident Kath is a qualified accountant and former NHS executive
who is currently the chair of the audit committee and non-executive director at Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH) in addition to holding roles on the board of a social housing organisation and at the Council. Kath will take on a key role as the Trust’s new charitable funds committee chair. The Board of Directors and Council of Governors wish to extend their thanks to John Parker who leaves the Board after eight years and Ruth Allarton who returns to being a full-time governor having ‘filled in’ as an Associate Non-Executive Director for the past five months. A second phase of NED recruitment will take place in spring 2018. Please contact Matthew Kane, Trust Board Secretary, on 01302 644157 for more details.
Changes to the Governors The Board of Governors met on 31 January where they agreed a number of changes to the Trust’s Constitution. This included changing the name of the Board of Governors to Council of Governors, to reflect the current legislation, and appointing two new partner governors for Doncaster College and University Centre and Doncaster Deaf Trust, bringing the total
number of governors to 37. Governors also agreed to amend the term of office of reappointment for non-executives from two to three years and removed a bar that prevented non-executives in other foundation trusts from serving at DBTH. It is felt that this approach will help the Trust to secure the services of the highest calibre Non-Executive Directors in future.
Council of Governors Dates have been set for Council of Governors meetings in 2018: • 25 April at 5.30pm • 26 July at 5.30pm • 19 September at 4.00pm (AMM) • 25 October at 5.30pm All meetings will take place in the Education Centre, DRI. The AMM will take place at the Keepmoat Stadium, Doncaster.
Board of Directors meetings The next meeting of the Board of Directors will take place on 30 April at Doncaster Royal Infirmary. Further dates are as follows (starting at 9am) but remember to check the website for any changes: • 22 May at Bassetlaw Hospital • 26 June at Montagu Hospital • 31 July at Doncaster Royal Infirmary
Doncaster Open Surgery
Members’ Event – 11 May 2018 There will be a special event in The Hub, at Bassetlaw Hospital, on the morning of 11 May 2018 where DBTH members can find out more about the A&E developments at the Hospital as well as SMART ER, an innovative new
The Trust has welcomed new Partner Governor, Kathryn Dixon, for Doncaster College and University Centre and said goodbye to Andrina Hardcastle who resigned as Public Governor for Bassetlaw after six months in the role. The remainder of Andrina’s three year term will be up for election this summer. We thank her for her efforts.
technology that is being rolled out across the Trust (see pages 9-10). Places are limited to 40 people so please register with Matthew Kane, on 01302 644157, or email matthew.kane1@nhs.net to book your place.
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Governor colleagues from Doncaster and Bassetlaw met patients at an open surgery at Doncaster Royal Infirmary on 19 January to find out what patients felt about their visit to DRI. Feedback received was extremely positive and we will be looking into any areas for improvement.
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History Matters
Robert Storrs, pioneering Doncaster Doctor Robert Storrs was born in Doncaster in 1801. On leaving school he became apprenticed to a local surgeon, Mr. Moore, and later to Benjamin Popplewell, Apothecary to the Doncaster Dispensary. Robert then spent two years ‘walking the wards’ at Guy’s Hospital, London, where he was influenced by such medical luminaries as Sir Astley Cooper, James Blundell, Thomas Addison and Richard Bright. In London, too, he met his future wife, Martha, though it was to be three years before he was sufficiently financially secure to marry her. Returning to Doncaster in 1824, he decided to set up practice on his own account. At that time, little was known about the causes of disease, and even less about treatment. Doctors were private practitioners; the poor and indigent would receive their treatment free at either the Dispensary or the Doncaster Union (the ‘Workhouse’), while the more affluent would settle their doctor’s bills directly. The average practitioner gained the bulk of his income from midwifery and making up his own medicines.
high, especially among children. Purging and bloodletting were believed to cure most ailments, together with counter-irritants such as cupping and seton’s needles. Puerperal fever killed large numbers of women after childbirth
Cholera is a disease caused by contaminated water supplies; the poorer classes often obtained their drinking water from the river, which was also used as a sewer. In 1832 a severe nation-wide outbreak of the disease resulted in the deaths of a number of Doncaster people; Robert was commended by Doncaster Corporation for his work in treating sufferers. Typhus was also prevalent; carried by lice, it is common among malnourished people living in crowded and deprived conditions. Robert was one of the few Doncaster doctors who were willing to treat its victims, and as Medical Attendant at Doncaster Workhouse, he would have been in frequent contact with sufferers. Perhaps inevitably, he contracted the disease, and died of it in September 1847 at the age of 46, leaving his beloved wife Martha with twelve children aged between 18 years and three months.
Purging and bloodletting were believed to cure most ailments, together with counter-irritants, such as cupping and seton’s needles. In due course, Robert lived and practised at No. 7 Hall Gate, a large house for his growing family. From the outset, and unusually for a country doctor, he made copious notes about his more interesting cases. These notes show that he continually questioned the causes of the diseases he was called upon to treat. Fevers were commonplace, though their origins were often a mystery to the medical fraternity, and the remedies they applied were either innocuous or actually harmful. People recovered or died despite their efforts – and death rates were
Don’t throw it away Garry Swann is always ken to hear about all parts of our hospitals’ history and to add items of interest to the Trust Archive. Please email him on g.swann@nhs.net
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surgical procedures; without anaesthetic, any operation would have been agonising for the patient. Amputations were common, but Robert also operated on obstetric, orthopaedic and ophthalmic cases.
and Robert Storrs’ work on the causes of this condition is now seen to be historically important. As a general practitioner, Robert was also frequently called upon to perform
Robert Storrs’s pioneering work in the causes of puerperal fever have, in the past, been commemorated at the Trust’s annual awards ceremony by the Robert Storrs Memorial Award, given to the person or persons showing innovative or effective practice in preventing and controlling infection. It is hoped that, at some time in the future, a memorial plaque will be placed on his former house in Hall Gate. Garry Swann Archivist
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