Insight Northampton Spring 2013 by Octagon D&M Ltd

Insight

T H E M A G A Z I N E F O R N O R T H A M P T O N G E N E R A L H O S P I TA L PAT I E N T S A N D V I S I T O R S

Spring 2013 Issue 46

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First lung cancer radiotherapy treatment at NGH WIN free tickets to Dancing At Lughnasa â&#x20AC;&#x201C; SEE BACK PAGE Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust

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Contents

Welcome 5 9

10 20 COVER IMAGE: DUNCAN KEMPSON

Welcome to the Spring edition of Insight, which contains news from many of our wide range of services and departments, so I do hope you find some of the topics of interest and use. With so many departments we cannot mention them all but, if you have been well looked after by one that we haven’t featured – and you would be happy to share your story – please get in touch, so that we can include it in a future issue. My contact details are at the foot of the page. We would also love to hear from you if you can help us get Insight to a wider audience, and spread the word about the good work that goes on at NGH every day of the year. If you would like to pick up a supply of magazines, perhaps to distribute to your group or club members, please give me a call. Until our next edition in the Summer, you can keep up-todate with all the news from NGH on the hospital’s website (www.northamptongeneral. nhs.uk). Peter Kennell Editor

14 Insight, the magazine for NGH patients, visitors and the local community is published every three months by Northampton General Hospital Communications, Cliftonville, Northampton NN1 5BD. Insight is available online at www. northamptongeneral.nhs.uk where you can also read all our back issues (go to About Us, Documents and publications) Editor: Peter Kennell 01604 523871 (peter.kennell@ngh.nhs.uk) Photos: Medical Illustration 01604 545251 Advertising: Octagon Design & Marketing 01909 478822

4 Northampton and Kettering hospitals are to explore PARTNERSHIP working 5 Great news for mums-to-be in the Northampton area as we get funding for a new midwife-led BIRTH CENTRE 6 Our first lung cancer patient has been treated with a new state-of-the-art form of RADIOTHERAPY 8 Read some of the nice things people have been saying about us, here in PATIENT PRAISE and online 9 Good news for EYE PATIENTS as waiting times for follow-up appointments are reduced 10 Miranda, a mouth cancer patient, tells of her journey and the fantastic care she received from the MAXILLOFACIAL team 14 It’s time to raise awareness of ENDOMETRIOSIS – a condition women often live with for years before diagnosis 16 BENHAM is now the male emergency ASSESSMENT UNIT – it’s very busy but staff enjoy it and patients seem to be very satisfied with their care 20 Would you spot the symptoms of TYPE 1 DIABETES in your child? Check out the 4 ‘T’s to be aware of 24 Meet some of our NHS Heroes in this issue’s PEOPLE SPOTLIGHT 26 Read about some of our MIDWIVES who have been volunteering overseas and campaigning for better maternity care for women worldwide 29 Our thanks for more donations made to our CHILDREN’S HEALTH department 30 Your gifts to our CHARITABLE FUND help us do that little bit more for patients 33 ‘Here come the girls’ with a cheeky video to encourage more women to have CERVICAL SCREENING 34 Read about a new form of treatment for PROSTATE CANCER that requires just two sessions of brachytherapy 35 Meet our Macmillan social care coordinator JAN BOLTON 36 Announcements, diversions on the Insight NOTICEBOARD 37 Find your way to departments and wards with the WAYFINDING MAP 38 Read about NGH times gone by in FROM THE ARCHIVE 40 Win tickets to see Dancing at Lughnasa in our Royal & Derngate COMPETITION

It’s a Free for All! Insight is a free magazine, and we encourage our patients and visitors to take one home with our compliments. Please pass it on to a friend or relative when you have read it. Insight doesn’t cost the hospital anything either, as the print and design are provided free of charge in return for the revenue from advertisers. No NHS or charitable donations are used to fund its production.

INSIGHT ❘ 3

◗ NEWS ROUND-UP

Francis Report NGH and Kettering General to explore partnership working The Boards of Northampton General Hospital and Kettering General Hospital have agreed that both hospitals should look at ways in which they can work more closely together to ensure high quality patient services are provided to people living in the county. “We are already working with colleagues at Kettering to provide some services across the county” said Gerry McSorley, Chief Executive of Northampton General Hospital. “We now recognise that there is a need for a wider Northamptonshire approach to services and will be working together to design and jointly agree the best ways we can provide the highest quality patient care. This will involve exploring a full range of options, up to and including a full merger of the Trusts. Any recommendations made would, of course, be subject to a formal approval process and would have to support our joint aims of providing effective, high quality care to our patients.” Kettering General Hospital’s Chief Executive, Lorene Read, said “Many patients will be aware that Kettering and Northampton hospitals already do a lot of work together around certain specialties and treatments. For

example we run the county’s 24/7 emergency cardiac service and Northampton runs the emergency stroke service. “At a time when health services are under considerable pressure the next obvious step is to consider how we can take this principle forward and develop it more broadly. “However it is important to remember we are only in the very early stages of looking at how this might work so it is too early to say what sort of options might be viable. At a clinical summit in December 2012 a considerable amount of work was done with the emphasis on ensuring local services are provided by local hospitals, supported by community and primary care services. Clinicians at the summit advised that the work could be better aligned if the two acute trusts could work more closely together, both clinically and organisationally. A statement of intent has been agreed, which supports the need to look at available options for partnership, collaboration and even, if appropriate, merger. We will update you on how talks are progressing in the next issue of Insight.

Chief executive Gerry McSorley to leave Dr Gerry McSorley has announced his decision to leave his post as CEO of Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust at the beginning of March 2013. Speaking to staff, Gerry said: “The announcement today of the establishment of partnership talks with Kettering General Hospital is both desirable

and essential for the future of Northamptonshire’s hospitals. I am hugely supportive of these talks and have contributed with colleagues to bringing them about over these past months. I have been struck by the enhanced potential for our hospitals to face the challenges ahead if we work in partnership to consider all options both up to and including a full merger of the Trusts. “I have had to make a difficult personal decision on the future. As a Chief Executive I feel that almost my entire senior career has been engaged in processes of significant partnership working, pre-merger, and full merger with other hospitals. In my last post before joining NGH I was also involved in the transfer of the running of an NHS hospital to

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the private sector. When I came to NGH it was with the hope that I would be able to concentrate my efforts on one place without the prospect of doing this all over again. But as I have said I think that it is both desirable and essential for the hospitals to undertake this work. However, as a result, I have made the decision to leave my post as CEO at the beginning of March. I do so with sadness as this was not my plan when I came to NGH but believe this to be the right decision for me, and that the partnership talks are the right decision for both hospitals. “I am very grateful for the support of my colleagues in understanding this difficult decision and for their generosity in supporting me in my time here.”

The final report of the MidStaffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Public Inquiry was published in February. It is an extremely important report from which we all must learn. Here at NGH we will be considering the recommendations in detail to understand what we can learn and any actions we need to take. Our number one priority is the quality, safety and experience for our patients. We know we don’t always get it right, and there are areas where we can improve. That is why we continually monitor and review the quality and safety of the services. This helps inform our practice and take account of the feedback and learning we receive from patients, best practice and national guidance. Each month the members of the Trust board review and challenge the reports they receive setting out our performance against all aspects of patient safety. From April 2013 we will be using the National Quality Dashboard. Because this uses realtime information we will quickly know if there are any patient safety or quality issues we need to address, and it will also show where we have made improvements. Members of the Board visit our wards on a regular basis. These visits and the discussions that take place with staff, patients and relatives on the wards provide a valuable opportunity for Board members to find out at firsthand how issues reported to them are being dealt with. We also provide monthly reports to the Board setting out the feedback we have received from patients. As well as the information we receive from the annual National Patient Survey, every patient discharged from NGH is asked their opinion so they can tell us what they think about our services and where we could do better. A significant amount of clinical quality and patient experience activity is underway across the Trust and will continue. By listening to what our patients and our staff tell us, acting on their concerns and taking account of best practice we aim to provide the very best care for all of our patients.

NEWS ROUND-UP ◗

Maternity unit makeover A new midwifery-led maternity unit, offering a more relaxed environment in which women can give birth, is to be developed at Northampton General Hospital, and will be in place by the end of the summer. The hospital has been awarded £480,000 to set up the unit, as part of a £25 million government drive to improve maternity care. NGH head of midwifery Anne Thomas said: “This is great news for Northampton, and all the team here are very excited too. It will be a very welcome addition to our service, and will improve choice for women and

This is great news for Northampton, and all the team here are very excited too. Head of midwifery Anne Thomas

their experience of maternity care. “We already have a very successful home birth team for women who wish to have their baby at home, and we have an obstetric unit in the hospital for those with more complex needs. There is currently a gap for the majority of women who are very well, have babies very naturally, and can have a less ‘medicalised’ birth looked after by the experts, the midwives. “We have wanted for some years now to put in an on-site birth centre, situated away from the labour ward, and this funding will enable us to provide it. It will have four birthing rooms, three of them with pools, kitchenettes, and sofas and beds so dads can stay. It will be a way of having a baby in a much more homely environment, with all the benefit of having expert medical support very close by if the need arises. “We will also be improving the environment on our consultant-run unit with a new pool room with more space, so that women with more complex needs can also benefit from this welcome funding.”

Thank you – our haematology appeal is complete! In 2010 NGH teamed up with Macmillan Cancer Support to try to raise £1.55 million to help fund the hospital’s new haematology unit – and we are pleased to report that the appeal is now complete.

comfortable and appropriate environment. The extra space has helped to improve working conditions for staff and reduce waiting times for patients.

Many thanks to the thousands of people who gave to the appeal, and to everyone involved in organising the hundreds of fundraising events that have taken place. We appreciate all your efforts – and so will the more than 650 people who are diagnosed with and treated for blood cancers at NGH every year.

There is now a bigger waiting room, a new beverage bar, new office and nurses’ stations, more consulting and examination rooms and a separate treatment area with a bed for those who feel unwell.

The new unit was badly needed. It is bigger, purpose-built to offer patients a more relaxing,

The total cost of the unit, in use since last February and officially opened in November 2012, was £2.2 million, and the hospital contributed £650,000 of this.

Star Awards shortlist announced Every year our STAR Awards event recognises staff who have gone the extra mile to provide excellent service to patients, staff and visitors to the hospital. This year’s ceremony takes place on Tuesday 12 March, and we will bring you pictures of all the winners in our next issue. Here are the shortlisted nominees in each category:

Improving the Patient Experience Award ◗ Mark Hillyard - Porter, in patient Physiotherapy, Hotel Services ◗ Deborah Smith - Hair and Beauty Co-ordinator, Oncology ◗ Stroke Pathway Team General Medicine

Innovation Award ◗ Hybrid Mail Implementation Team ◗ Our Doctors of Tomorrow – Aspiring to Excellence Programme ◗ Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy Team

Patient Safety Award ◗ Jo Jennings - Falls Prevention Co-Ordinator, Patient & Nursing Services ◗ Mandy Massey - Service Improvement Facilitator, Practice Development ◗ Celia Warlow - Resuscitation Services Manager, Resuscitation Support Services Award ◗ Anthea Clarke - Admin Assistant, Diabetes ◗ Mary Hampson - Ward Clerk, Becket Ward ◗ Dave Smith - ICT Infrastructure Team Leader, IT Services

Sustainable Environment Award ◗ Rosalind Dawson - Domestics Manager, Hotel Services ◗ Dan Meakin - Maintenance Technician, Estates ◗ Una Strain - Practice Development Nurse, Main Theatres

Team of the Year ◗ Catering Services Menu Office ◗ Radiotherapy Radiographers ◗ Stroke Pathway Team

Unsung Hero ◗ Christopher Field - Bed Manager, Site Management, Operations Centre ◗ Lyn Luxton - Surgical Care Practitioner, T&O ◗ Denise Sweeney - Trauma Co-ordinator, Manfield Theatres, T&O

INSIGHT ❘ 5

◗ RADIOTHERAPY

First patient receives state of the art radiotherapy treatment for lung cancer Staff at Northampton General Hospital have carried out the first treatment in the county to target early-stage lung cancer with a technique called stereotactic radiotherapy. Using one of the high-tech linear accelerators in the hospital’s specialist cancer centre, the technique (also referred to as stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy, or SABR for short) provides more precise radiotherapy treatment in larger doses over a shorter period of time. The first patient to be treated with SABR for lung cancer at Northampton General Hospital is Mrs Iris Goodwin, from Milton Keynes. Mrs Goodwin, 82, a mother of four and grandmother to 11, was delighted to have been offered the new treatment. “I don’t mind being the first patient treated here with it,” she said. “I feel fine about it. I’ve had very little pain, and very few side effects. I’d definitely recommend the treatment to other people in the same circumstances. I’d recommend it to anyone, even my own children. It’s a really good thing.” Conventional radiotherapy involves treatment every weekday for up to seven weeks, whereas stereotactic radiotherapy requires only five sessions. Mrs Goodwin said: “The travelling to Northampton hasn’t been a problem for just five visits, but I would not have coped with having to come every day. The staff here have been wonderful, and the doctor is marvellous. I couldn’t have asked for better.” Consultant clinical oncologist Professor Hany Eldeeb said: “The normal treatment for early cancer would be to remove the tumour, but not all patients want surgery, and for someone with poor lung function or heart problems it would not be suitable.” Mrs Goodwin was adamant that she did not want to have surgery, although Prof. Eldeeb was able to convince her of the benefits of stereotactic radiotherapy. The treatment required a tiny gold marker to be inserted by a needle into the tumour under local anaesthetic (a much less risky procedure than surgery) which was then used to accurately guide

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radiation delivery. Prof. Eldeeb said: “SABR is painless, and patients can continue their daily activities without difficulty. It uses multiple tightly conformed radiation beams converging at the lung tumour, allowing very high doses to be given to the tumour itself, while very little surrounding tissue receives radiation. The high dose leads to cure rates comparable to surgery, and because of the low volume lung exposure there are fewer side-effects and a low risk of complications. “The gold mark enables us to track the tumour continuously, so the treatment even takes account of the patient’s breathing movements.” Prof. Eldeeb said that many people worked very hard behind the scenes to prepare for and carry out Mrs Goodwin’s treatment, and he wished to thank the whole team for their support. Using CT scans, planning each procedure takes about two weeks to complete, taking time to precisely delineate the tumour and the position of vital organs within the patient’s body. A special cast is made for each patient, so that they are able to lie in exactly the same position – with arms above the shoulders - for all five treatment sessions. He added: “Mrs Goodwin was a brilliant patient, she has done very well. If you ask someone at any age to lie still for an hour it is very hard, especially if you are not in a comfortable position.” The standard now is to treat patients in a very specialised centre. NGH is one of only three hospitals in the east Midlands to pilot SABR, and is the first in the country to carry it out on a normal linear accelerator with this particular high tech imaging equipment. Another patient is already being prepared for the treatment, and it will be extended to more people in the Northamptonshire area over the coming months. Prof. Eldeeb concluded: “In lung cancer we rarely talk about cure, but now we can use radiotherapy as a real option to surgery, and implement it early enough to make a difference to patients’ lives.”

(L-r) Clinical research radiographer Rachel Bussey, superintendent radiographer Jenny Rushbrook, our first patient Iris Goodwin, consultant clinical oncologist Professor Hany Eldeeb, and acting head of radiotherapy physics Nicky Whilde.

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◗ LETTERS

Exceptional treatment after ice slip caused fractured hip I slipped on the ice in January, after which an ambulance arrived quite quickly, I was assessed very professionally and taken to A&E. The A&E staff assessed me, gave me pain relief and admitted me to Abington ward and I had an operation on my hip. All went well. My treatment and all communication with all NGH staff was exceptional.

We really appreciate all your comments and publish many of them on our website. Here are some brief extracts from others we have received recently. concerned when I came into hospital for an operation. My treatment was second to none from the op to the after care in Rowan ward - the food was also very good. I hope that this is noted and that the red team on Rowan ward are thanked for their professionalism. Many thanks.

◗ I just wanted to say a massive

thank you to all of the staff on the maternity ward and Robert Watson for everything they did for me and my little boy following my emergency c-section in December! Both my midwives during the birth were amazing and so supportive! The care we had was brilliant. Thank you so much from me, my fiance and Baby Ted x

Obviously I would have preferred not to have had this accident, but the care and attention I received from all NGH staff was second to none. A big thank you to everyone.

◗ A big thank you to all the staff

Geoff Fletcher

Caring professionalism and expertise would happen. When we eventually saw her go into theatre we felt she was in very safe hands. The team of surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses, portering staff and staff who delivered meals over the next four days, as well as domestic staff and ancillary workers were never less than courteous and professional. I cannot thank these people enough for their expertise and care of our daughter. Email to our Patient Advice and Liaison Service

Excellent A&E care for my young daughter We were told to take our 7-year old daughter to A&E after having a temperature of 40 degrees celsius for four days which couldn’t be controlled by over-the-counter medication.

pressurised circumstances, often yelled and sworn at by drunken patients in pain yet they behaved with sensitivity and concern for my daughter.

Without exception the staff were fantastic, explaining their actions to both myself and my daughter every step of the way. The staff in A&E work in very difficult,

Thank you so much for your care and concern, and excellent medical care. Your managers should be proud of you!

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Many of our patients and their relatives are kind enough to take the time to compliment hospital staff and volunteers on the standards of service and care they provide.

◗ Please pass on my thanks to all

I must also say that in my experience the hospital meals were very good and I did tick a box on my order sheet to speak to someone from that department, but was discharged before I had this opportunity. Perhaps you could relay my comments to the catering staff. Well done!

My daughter was admitted to A&E with appendicitis. From the time she was brought into a bay in A&E for pain relief her care was of the highest standard. She was examined and checked regularly by the staff in A&E and treatment was administered with sensitivity and compassion. When it was decided that our daughter needed to be operated on the forthcoming intervention was explained in detail by the surgeon, and the anaesthetist visited our daughter again to explain what

Patient praise

Email to our Patient Advice and Liaison Service

on Balmoral ward. They made my stay with my new daughter very comfortable and couldn’t recommend them enough.

◗ Children’s outpatients wonderful

service yet again today. Thank you!

◗ Want to say how amazing the first

response and ambulance service were at getting to us so quickly and keeping us calm in a stressful situation - could not fault them! And the A&E staff for their help ... Amazing keep up the good work! x

◗ I cannot thank the Paramedics,

Doctors & Nurses of the ITU and HDU enough, for saving my life last week. (and all the other staff involved in the hospital and the trust) By some small way of return, I want to acknowledge their dedication and professionalism by sharing my story. If my story can help in some way prevent someone from starting smoking, or someone to give up, then what I (and, more importantly, my family) went through, will be the ‘silver lining’ that will have made it all worthwhile. Many, many thanks xxx See more at www.northamptongeneral.nhs.uk

If you would like to share your positive comments, please get in touch with us - email pals@ngh.nhs.uk

NEWS ROUND-UP ◗

NGH welcomes new directors We are pleased to announce the appointment of three non-executive directors and one executive director to the NGH Board.

Three non-executive directors David Noble and Elizabeth Searle joined the Trust on 1 January 2013 for four year terms. Graham Kershaw, who has already been working with the Board as an associate non-executive director, began a three year term from 10 December 2012.

NGH takes action to reduce waiting times for eye care appointments NGH has enlisted additional clinical expertise to improve waiting times for follow-up outpatient appointments in its ophthalmology department. NGH medical director Dr Sonia Swart said that the hospital was working with Newmedica, a company providing specialist eye care services to the NHS and its patients, to help eliminate delays and improve the department’s service. Dr Swart said: “Newmedica has a strong track record of working in partnership with NHS trusts to provide high quality ophthalmology services. Their additional consultants are not carrying out procedures on patients, but are working with us on site to help ensure that follow-up outpatient appointments take place on time. The majority of patients they are seeing are those on long term follow-up – that is, patients who are seen every six months for a number of years to check on their condition.

“Waiting times in the department had increased over recent months due to an increasing demand for our services, and we recognised that this was having an effect on patient satisfaction. The additional expertise provided by Newmedica is one of a range of initiatives we are developing to improve the ophthalmology service. We see this move very much as a positive development which will improve the care we provide, and we are sure that our patients will welcome the shorter waiting times.” The additional consultants, optometrist and nurse practitioner supplied by the company are all NHS staff, and the arrangement involves no additional cost to the hospital. The Trust has also employed a dedicated service manager to support the improvements being made within the department, which are being overseen by a project board chaired by Dr Swart.

Graham Kershaw Graham Kershaw has been a main board director of a number of major UK retail companies including Lloyds Pharmacy, Capio UK and Joshua Tetley’s. He is currently managing director of a business providing change management and business turnaround input mainly to the public sector. David Noble David Noble’s career has been in finance covering both the public and private sectors. Most recently David has spent nine years as Finance Director of the Equipment Procurement and Support sector of the Ministry of Defence, leading change programmes to improve the performance of the organisation. After qualifying as a nurse and working in cancer and palliative care, Liz Searle held posts in higher education developing palliative care courses, with Macmillan as Director of Education Development and Support, and at Sue Ryder Care as Head of Palliative Care working with their hospices. Welcoming the appointments Paul Farenden, chairman of the Trust, said: “Liz, David and Graham will bring valuable and wide ranging expertise to our Board and we are delighted that they are joining us.”

New Director of Workforce and Transformation Janine Brennan will be joining the Trust in April 2013 as Executive Director of Workforce and Transformation. Janine has many years’ experience in human resources and organisational development, development, most recently as Director of Workforce and Organisational Development at the Royal Berkshire Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. Dr Gerry McSorley, Chief Executive, welcomed Ms Brennan’s appointment: “Janine is a very experienced HR director and we look forward to her arrival in April.”

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◗ ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL

‘Fantastic’ team supported me through mouth cancer journey Diagnosed with mouth cancer at just 36, Miranda says having the NGH oral and maxillofacial team supporting her made it a positive experience When she developed a sore mouth that didn’t seem to get better, Miranda Richardson knew that something wasn’t right. She went to her dentist and obtained a referral to the hospital’s maxillofacial unit, where she was diagnosed and treated for a form of oral cancer. Now cancerfree for two years, and full of praise for the unit’s ‘brilliant’ staff, Miranda is having reconstruction surgery in what she hopes will be the final stage of her journey. Miranda said: “It started in April 2010 when I had the feeling I had burnt the roof of my mouth or scratched it. It became sore and after a week or two I decided to go

My operation was all done by lunchtime, and the plate fitted really well, so I just stayed in overnight and went home next morning. Miranda and Guy at home

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to my dentist. The symptoms came on really quickly. They weren’t really sure what it was and referred me for a maxillofacial appointment. Initially staff there thought it might just be a viral infection but there was no change when I went back after a week so I had a biopsy. “I was very concerned, although my GP was brilliant and chased the results for me, and I was eventually told that it wasn’t good news. I did have mouth cancer, but it was what was called low-grade mouth cancer, so it was highly operable and there would be a 90 per cent chance of a full recovery. I lost my mum to cancer when I was 15 and she was 45, so when I was diagnosed at just 36 with two young children it was obviously a massive worry. Although low-grade I’m in doubt that in time it would have progressed to become much more serious. “I had a series of photographs taken by the lab prosthetists, who were brilliant. Then I met my consultant Mr Smith, who gave me every scenario to explain what might happen, and was absolutely frank. There was an option for partial removal but I agreed that the more radical solution was necessary, which involved taking away part of the roof of my mouth and removing three back teeth. I was given a date in June for surgery which was quite quick. Then I had impressions taken so that an obturator could be built to replace the hole. >>

Miranda Richardson with maxillofacial prosthetist technologist Rob Ashton, clinical nurse specialist Anne Hicks, consultant oral and maxillofacial surgeon Mr William Smith, and maxillofacial and orthodontic technologist Paul de Manuel.

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◗ ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL

“My operation was all done by lunchtime, and the plate fitted really well, so I just stayed in overnight and went home next morning. I was lucky I didn’t have to undergo the normal cancer treatments, radiotherapy or chemotherapy, but it was still very stressful. Everything was quite sore, it was difficult to chew, and I lost a lot of weight. The plate had to stay in permanently for the first six weeks, and my husband Guy did an amazing job in cleaning all around the scar tissue for me. “The plate has to be a really tight seal, or else anything you drink can just come straight down your nose – which can be quite an attractive party trick! The original one had been made with a tiny hole in case it needed screwing but I had a new one made which is a perfect fit. I don’t have a lisp or anything so you would never know. Paul and Rob in the lab gave me their number and said to ring if it was at all uncomfortable and they would do whatever was needed. I’ve done that a couple of times and they have made some adjustments so as not to leave me in pain. Once I was in floods of tears because I developed an infection there after I had been ill, and the pain was agonising – but they were absolutely fantastic. “Everyone here has taken an interest, they have all got to know me – and they have been a great support to Guy too. They pay attention to what you are telling them, which is a really nice thing. If I’ve had a day when I’ve not been too good, they’ve been great – and I’ve never worried about who I’m going to see. I didn’t have a Macmillan nurse but I had a whole team supporting me and that has made a big difference. I think that’s what has helped to make it a really positive journey for me.”

Surgeon’s view Consultant oral and maxillofacial surgeon William Smith said: “Miranda was diagnosed with a malignant tumour of her hard palate called a mucoepidermoid carcinoma. It’s a relatively uncommon cancer with no known cause – it’s not related to smoking or drinking – and the principle treatment is surgery. We would not want to close the hole in the palate initially because if the cancer were to grow back we would not be able to see it as easily, so Miranda currently still has a specially modified denture to fill the gap between the roof of her mouth and her nose and sinuses. However she is now able to have further surgery to provide a permanent solution, and that should be taking place very soon. Miranda and Guy at their wedding, with their children

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Miranda has been a great patient, easy to treat, and I’m pleased to say her outlook is good.”

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INSIGHT ❘ 13

◗ ENDOMETRIOSIS

“Many women live with this condition for years without knowing” One in 10 women of reproductive age across the UK has endometriosis. That is over 1.5 million women. Research by the charity Endometriosis UK shows that it can take years from first developing symptoms to diagnosis, mainly due to lack of awareness of the condition that affects as many women as arthritis. Endometriosis is a gynaecological condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb, grows in other areas of the body, most commonly in the pelvic region. This tissue responds to hormones in the same way as the lining of the womb but with no outlet it can cause inflammation, scarring and adhesions, leading to severe pain and many other symptoms. The charity’s chief executive Helen North said: “It is simply unacceptable that so many suffer for so long from such a common disease. We hope that Endometriosis Awareness week (4-10 March 2013) and our other work on early diagnosis can educate young women and empower them to take control of their symptoms and seek the help that they need in order to manage this longterm condition.”

Rachel’s story Rachel Johnson, of King’s Heath, Northampton is an endometriosis sufferer. She said: “Many women live with the condition for years without knowing they have it, and it can take years to be diagnosed. It starts with irregular and painful periods, pain during and after sex, and general pelvic pain, but those symptoms can be mistaken for lots of other things. In 2008 I had my little boy James by emergency section, and when a few months later I was experiencing pain I just thought my body had not recovered from that. When I went to my GP I was referred to the sexual health clinic, where I was

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tested for STIs over several months, and given antibiotics - but all the tests came back clear. I had to change my whole diet to rule out IBS but it made no difference. The assumption then seemed to be that it was just bad period pain. Eventually I saw (consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist) Professor Shaxted who thought it could be endometriosis. It was diagnosed by a laparoscopy and I was treated here in gynae outpatients.”

You can feel very isolated because people don’t know how bad you feel. Because you don’t necessarily look ill it’s difficult for them to understand.

Rachel has continued to suffer bad flare– ups of the condition, and at one point even ended up in hospital having morphine for the pain as well other medication. Further tests showed that endometriosis had spread to her appendix. “In some cases it can spread further throughout the body and cause even more problems. The pain can be really bad, and there’s only so much medication you can take without it affecting your ability to function, let alone work. It does affect your attitude, causing mood swings, depression and can put severe strain on a relationship. You can feel very isolated because people don’t know how bad you feel. Because you don’t necessarily look ill it’s difficult for them to understand.

Rachel Johnson

You know your body and you know what is normal and what is not.

“Women go to their GPs but I’m sure a lot of doctors don’t know about endometriosis, so we really need to raise awareness that this condition does exist and that it affects women in so many ways, both physically and mentally. It’s hard to live with because it affects your whole life. “There is really not enough information out there about it, and I think it is very important to let people know about it. I would urge other women experiencing continued pelvic pain to go to their doctor and persevere with getting a diagnosis. You know your body and you know what is normal and what is not.”

Northampton Endometriosis Centre at NGH The Northampton Endometriosis Centre at NGH provides a specialist service to assess, diagnose, treat and manage endometriosis locally in a centre of excellence. Our aim is to provide women with all the necessary information, support and advice they need. We have all the facilities and expertise here to offer every available treatment, including advanced laparoscopic surgery. The centre’s team includes gynaecological consultants Mr Clemens von Widekind and Mr Wesley McCullough, nurse consultant Gillian Smith, colorectal surgeons, and specialist gynaecology counsellor. The team also has access to consultant urologists, consultant radiologists, specialist pain management team and dedicated administrative support.

INSIGHT ❘ 15

◗ WARD SPOTLIGHT

Busy Benham gets big thanks Since May 2012 the former Benham ward, situated on the second floor above A&E, has been the hospital’s assessment unit for male patients. It’s a very busy place, with most patients staying only between 12 and 24 hours, as they are assessed and started on treatment, then either discharged home or admitted to a specialist inpatient ward. All male patients admitted from A&E, including those referred via their GP, are seen on the unit, while female patients are taken to the first floor emergency assessment unit still known as EAU. Benham sister Carly Newport said: “Here our patients are seen and assessed, first by nursing staff and then by the doctors. Because we are an assessment unit people are with us a very short time, and are often surprised that they are moved so quickly, but of course it’s important that patients are treated on a specialist ward that’s appropriate for their condition.

I love it here and still enjoying having my own ward.

“Some of our patients, particularly the surgical and orthopaedic ones, may stay only an hour or so. With such a quick turnover it’s a very fast pace for staff and very demanding work, but we have a really good team here. Since the change last year, and particularly since our matron Shelly Bone joined us in August, we’ve done a lot of work on team building and improving the way we do things. Staff have become more settled, we’ve improved communication, we’re introducing more equipment, and morale is very good. It’s really busy and often stressful but we all seem to work well together and pull each other through. We laugh a lot too!” >>

Some of the recent comments received from Benham patients and their relatives ◗ The care and treatment I received was 100% - these caring doctors, nurses and non-medical staff do a fantastic job. Staff nurse Sarah in particular had a very warm and comforting smile and nothing was any trouble. Thank you so much (HL) ◗ The care I received in Benham was excellent, from the cleaner, waitress, reception admin to the nurses, doctors and consultants. Thank you for caring and looking after me, from a very grateful RP, wife and two daughters. ◗ My grateful thanks to you all for the care you gave to my late husband. He could not have received better treatment anywhere. A special mention for Emma and Christina who helped me through the long nights with great kindness. (CB)

With such a quick turnover it’s a very fast pace for staff and very demanding work, but we have a really good team here. Matron Shelly Bone

16 ❘ INSIGHT

Thanks from patients

Benham sister Carly Newport

◗ Excellent medical and nursing care and I have nothing but praise for staff. I witnessed them dealing with dementia patients with a level of care as if they were their own mother or father. From porters to consultants staff are polite, helpful, and there is a genuine ethos of care that really makes one feel you matter as a patient. (JR)

Doctors Livia Soriano, Adam Ryder, and Abdul Nasimudeen

INSIGHT â?&#x2DC; 17

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18 ❘ INSIGHT

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DE S IG N & M A R K E T I NG LT D

WARD SPOTLIGHT ◗

Carly worked in the original EAU for ten years and was one of the two sisters there before moving to Benham in 2011. “I love it here and still enjoying having my own ward. We’ve been through so much change and there’s always so much to do that I still find it exciting and I love the challenge of it all. I really enjoy the fast pace and quick turnover now. We may not have the opportunity to get to know our patients for very long, but it’s very rewarding to look after patients who have come in really unwell and help to move them on. Within 24 hours, nine out of ten have greatly improved and it’s lovely to see that difference.”

I love it, really enjoy it. The team are very close, and everyone gets on really well. It is busier than I expected and some patients can be quite hard work, but everyone here is so lovely.

Staff nurse Sarah Stride

Healthcare assistant Amy Cowley

Health care assistant Amy Cowley started on Benham last July in her first job since leaving college and says she is still a newbie. “I love it, really enjoy it. The team are very close, and everyone gets on really well. It is busier than I expected and some patients can be quite hard work, but everyone here is so lovely and we have the support behind us so we’re doing alright.”

for patients, so we do all we can to make them comfortable, explain what’s going on, and ease their concerns. I was very apprehensive when I first found out that Benham was becoming an assessment unit because I knew that would be a big change from working on a normal ward. But we have got the support we need and we are definitely a fantastic team.”

Staff nurse Sarah Stride has worked on the unit for 13 months, having joined NGH in 2001 as a healthcare assistant. She said: “Coming here from A&E can be quite scary

Patients on the unit seem to agree, as regular surveys produce very positive results. And many people are kind enough to send their own ‘Thank you’ cards after they leave - and even the odd box of chocolates!

Staff nurse Louise Armstrong

Healthcare assistant Ian Wilton

Matron Shelly Bone and Benham sister Carly Newport

INSIGHT ❘ 19

◗ DIABETES

Parents urged to be aware of Type 1 diabetes symptoms According to recent research, the UK has the world’s fifth highest rate of Type 1 diabetes in children aged up to 14, with estimates that 24.5 children per 100,000 are diagnosed with the condition every year. Over the last 30 years the number of cases has tripled.

intensive care here at NGH being given insulin and being thoroughly checked out. “In hindsight he had lost a little bit of weight and he was drinking a lot, but diabetes had been the last thing on our minds. “Adam spent four nights in hospital, and of course we had to be shown how to do the injections, how to calculate the insulin and so on. He came home on the evening of December 23rd, and we were given several contact numbers for help over Christmas. It was a big learning curve, and you think life will never be the same again. It was a very difficult time. There were days when my husband had to hold Adam down while I did the injection, because at 16 months he didn’t know what was going on and would be screaming.

Many people believe a child is only likely to have diabetes if they are overweight, but actually the vast majority of children with diabetes have Type 1, which isn’t linked to weight or lifestyle at all. The cause is thought to involve a combination of genes and environmental triggers, whereas it’s Type 2, which generally affects older people, which is linked to excess body fat. In a survey by Diabetes UK, just nine per cent of parents were able to correctly identify that frequently urinating, excessive thirst, extreme tiredness, and unexplained weight loss are all symptoms of the condition. If not diagnosed early enough, Type 1 diabetes can be fatal. A Northamptonshire mum whose son was diagnosed with the condition in 2000 aged just 16 months says that, unless people are aware of the symptoms, diabetes would probably be the last thing they thought of. Julie Dearsley, of Towcester, said: “Adam being diagnosed was a bolt out of the blue, the biggest shock of our lives. He had been taken to the GP surgery with something totally unrelated, but when I mentioned that he drank a lot, the doctor picked up on that classic symptom and she arranged for a urine sample to be tested the next day. It showed instantly that Adam was diabetic, and within an hour he was in

20 ❘ INSIGHT

At around eight or nine he began to do the injections himself, and that was necessary to gain his independence, to be able to go on school trips and so on.

“But you do come to terms with it. Obviously you have more contact with healthcare than you might have envisaged because it’s important to keep a close eye on things that could become a problem in the future. We have learned a lot in 12 years and, as one doctor predicted, we have ended up knowing more about our child and his diabetes than they do. Adam doesn’t have perfect control but it is manageable. As he continues to tell people ‘diabetes is a condition, not an illness’. “As he got older, things happened very gradually. Letting go was the hardest part and still is. He had excellent people to help him at preschool and all his schools have been fantastic. At around eight or nine he began to do the injections himself, and that was necessary to gain his

independence, to be able to go on school trips and so on. As a parent you have to step back and let them grow up like any other child, but you still worry a lot. “I would emphasise that Adam does have a normal life and he does everything that any other healthy child would do. He’s doing well at school, he has lots of hobbies, he plays football, he goes off on his own doing all sorts of things. Life does find a sense of normality. “Although you cannot help thinking about the possible complications of the condition, there are things a lot worse. Adam has a normal life but you can look around a hospital ward and see children who perhaps won’t have that, so you have to look at the positives.” Adam now has an insulin pump which delivers a constant supply of insulin into him in much the same way that a pancreas does. Every time he eats he checks his sugar levels with a fingerprick test and works out the carbohydrates he is going to eat and the amount of insulin to use. It means freedom from injections, and the pump can be easily disconnected to take part in sport and other exercise. The family have a nurse at NGH they keep in touch with for any advice, and Adam has quarterly checks at the children’s diabetes clinic. Julie said: “As well as the consultant appointment, we also have access to a dietitian and a psychologist at the clinic so I think we are well looked after at NGH. I think we are very fortunate with the care we have here. >>

Julie Dearsley (centre) and son Adam from the Diabetes UK South Northants group (left) present a new continuous glucose monitoring device to children’s diabetes nurse Andrea Kempa. The group bought the iPro2 monitor so that more children with diabetes could benefit from its ability to measure glucose levels continuously over a period of time, giving a more accurate picture than fingerprick tests. The very small and discreet device costs £1,800, which the group paid for by various fundraising activities and a generous donation.

INSIGHT ❘ 21

◗ DIABETES

“When Adam’s sugar levels have varied in the past we have been able to borrow a glucose monitor that can be worn for four or five days to provide continuous monitoring that can help improve control. There was only one in the department for a growing number of patients so our local group recently purchased and donated a new one so that more children can benefit.” Julie is a parent coordinator for the South Northants Diabetes UK children’s group. “When Adam was first diagnosed we went along to a family weekend at Grendon Hall organised by the Northampton area group, and he had a fantastic time. The children do all kinds of activities – including abseiling which I decided not to watch – while parents have various speakers from the hospital to provide information and answer questions. “We saw how useful it was for both parents and children to meet socially and discuss their condition, and I decided to offer any help that I could to the South Northants diabetes group who were trying to set up a similar thing in the south of the county. Our group is now very active and has a packed programme of events including things like rock climbing, a summer barbecue, and ice-skating. While the children are active we parents sit, have coffee and chat about how we are managing. It’s vital therapy because while you do carry on and have a normal life, diabetes is a big part of it and it can be hard work. “I would urge all parents to be aware of the symptoms of Type 1 diabetes frequently urinating, excessive thirst, extreme tiredness, and unexplained weight loss – and take their children to a GP for a simple test if they have any worries. “I say to parents of newly diagnosed children that, although you don’t think it in the beginning, everything will be alright, and life will return to a form of normality. It opens your eyes to children who are worse off, and you have to look at the positives. As Adam says, ‘it’s a condition not an illness’. And the hardest thing is letting go, but you have to do it.” Julie understands how parents feel in caring for a child with diabetes and is happy to support other parents who have children with the condition. You can contact her on 07790 875072, or the group’s secretary Amanda on 07842 220939.

22 ❘ INSIGHT

For more information about Type 1 diabetes and the symptoms, please visit http://www.diabetes.org.uk/the4ts

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INSIGHT ❘ 23

◗ PEOPLE SPOTLIGHT

Congratulations to more of our NHS Heroes Congratulations to these members of NGH staff who were nominated by patients as NHS Heroes in the recent national campaign.

Janet holds a special place in our hearts for the care she gave.

24 ❘ INSIGHT

Gosset Ward staff, including Alex Highton, Samantha Zajac, Andrew McLeod, and Janet were nominated by Lucy, Shay and Aiden Brennan, who said: “We will never forget the care they showed to our baby boy, and my husband and I. The things

they did really made a difference. Sam greeted me the first time I saw Aiden hooked up to monitors and covered in tubes. She took a photo of Aiden for me to take back to the ward, and this meant a lot when I could hear the other mums with their

babies. Andrew reassured me when I was scared to touch Aiden’s fragile little body and showed me how to do it. Janet holds a special place in our hearts for the care she gave, and Alex was so always ready to go that extra mile to help.”

The NHSHeroes.com website was set up to recognise the great work that individuals and teams do every day in the NHS in England. The scheme ran for limited periods during last year and February 2013 and is now closed, but all NHS organisations continue to welcome feedback about members of staff who provide outstanding care. To nominate staff from Northampton General Hospital, please email or write to our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (pals@ngh.nhs.uk), NGH, Cliftonville, Northampton NN1 5BD.

PEOPLE SPOTLIGHT ◗

Collingtree Ward and Ruby Coles were nominated by Darren Dale, who said: “Ruby’s dedication to her patients is superb. She is not only caring and generous of heart she has an aura of professionalism about her that puts a patient totally at their ease. Ruby has a manner about the way she cares for her patients that gives you the ability to totally trust her and when you add her manner and the way she is with her patients really stands her out from the crowd. She is always smiling and makes you smile too and when your are not well that is invaluable. She deserves recognition and praise.” Of Collingtree Ward, Darren said: “Having been an in patient for four weeks after an amputation, the care provided by Stacy and her team was exemplary. Annie, Ruby, Eleanor, Sarah, Heather, Jenneifer, Sue, Pam and I am sure I have missed someone are a credit to NGH - and I could not wish for better care even if I went private. The HCAs are an awesome part of the team. Sam, Natasha, Amy, Rosie, Maggie and Peter all contributed to making my stay here as comfortable as it was. They are a credit to the NHS and deserve your recognition and praise. Well Done Guys!”

Amy Atkinson of Paddington Ward was nominated by Gina van Weenen, who said: “When our 11 day old baby was admitted to hospital with severe reflux and had to be tested for meningitis, Amy was kind and compassionate in her approach. She was reassuring and gentle when he was in great distress during his lumber puncture. As first time parents, having our son admitted to hospital at such a young age was very distressing, but Amy made us feel completely safe and looked after. The interest and care she showed us during his recovery will never be forgotten.”

Spencer Ward staff were nominated by Roberta Hollingshead, who said: “From the domestic support staff to the nurses, they are the most caring people I have ever encountered. They all showed great empathy whilst remaining professional.”

Nigel Carter of Willow Ward was nominated by Sally Halford, who said: “Nigel is the most cheerful person you will ever meet - kind, calm under pressure, loves patient interaction, always willing to go the extra mile. What a wonderful hostess.”

INSIGHT ❘ 25

◗ NGH MIDWIVES OVERSEAS

Midwife Sally presents to RCM conference NGH midwife Sally Pezaro was invited to present a paper to the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) annual conference in November. Sally’s presentation entitled ‘Midwifery in Africa’ focused on empowering birth, enriching practice and celebrating projects to reduce childbirth mortalities within resource poor countries. Sally has seen at first hand the troubles faced by resource poor countries, having made two trips to the Gambia to help many traditional birth attendants to be trained in delivering safer care. Working in The Gambia at Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital in Banjul, Sally witnessed many miscarriages, neonatal deaths and still births.

She said: “Gambia suffers from poor access to healthcare, and a lack of skilled workers, infrastructure and management. Drugs and equipment are often out of date, staff use outdated techniques, and their access to medical literature is that of 20 years ago. Staff are poor themselves, often unable to afford glasses so that they can see properly to suture wounds. “I saw flies everywhere, including around cannulas and around open wounds in theatres. Live chickens were found on the labour ward as staff stored their evening meals bought at the market during the day. “Any blood transfusions have to be done contemporaneously by a willing relative as there are no storage

There were some very high status guests and speakers, and I was very proud to represent the home birth team of NGH at this national midwifery event.

facilities, and limited compliance with HIV testing. Deceased babies were lined up on the bathroom window sill where all women showered and used the toilet. Women had to take their dead home to bury, and often had issues with transport. “Use of traditional medicines (herbs and tree barks etc) is widespread in the Gambia, where superstition and traditional medicines are very much respected. I left the Gambia with the desire to explore projects to reduce childbirth mortalities within resource poor countries.”

Gambia suffers from poor access to healthcare, and a lack of skilled workers, infrastructure and management.

26 ❘ INSIGHT

Sally has become a keen speaker for the empowerment of women and safer, normal birth globally. She has also fundraised and worked with the charity ‘Maternity Worldwide’ in Ethiopia facilitating accessible, safer maternity care for women. The RCM annual conference was held in Brighton in November. Sally said: “There were some very high status guests and speakers, and I was very proud to represent the home birth team of NGH at this national midwifery event.” Sally currently works within the Northampton homebirth team, provides private antenatal education sessions (www.birthorama.com), and is studying towards an MSc in Leadership for health and social care.

NGH midwives Sam Tennyson (left, below) and Kat Wahl with Mpilo staff

Midwives Sam and Kat volunteer in Zimbabwe NGH midwives Sam Tennyson and Kat Wahl have been to Zimbabwe where they volunteered their services at Mpilo maternity hospital in Bulawayo. Working at the busy hospital, which sees 30 births a day, they described as “a challenging, but very fulfilling” experience. They also fundraised before they went and were able to take £600 of vital medical equipment to donate to the hospital. They said: “After planning for months we finally went out to Mpilo in October, where we were made very welcome. Statistics show 960 women out of a 100,000 die during child birth in Zimbabwe - one of the highest figures worldwide. This gave us the drive to go out and volunteer our services.

We aim to do it again next year and a few more midwives have shown interest and would like to come with us.

“From the first day we worked as part of the maternity team we both realised how lucky we were to be working for the NHS - and how lucky women are to be having their babies in NHS hospitals. It was such a challenging experience that we put all our skills into practice and yet it was so fulfilling. “Mpilo is a referral unit with around 30 births a day, a very busy unit with a lot of emergency deliveries and in many cases there are bad outcomes for both mothers and babies. The hospital would benefit from a team of midwives working out there to teach and participate in the management of emergency situations. “We would like to say thank you to everyone at NGH who participated in donations and to our managers for allowing us time off to pursue our dreams. We aim to do it again next year and a few more midwives have shown interest and would like to come with us.”

INSIGHT ❘ 27

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CHILD HEALTH DONATIONS ◗

NHS students support children’s wards Year eight students from Northampton High School have raised £600 for the children’s wards by selling doughnuts and homemade friendship bracelets, and holding a teachers challenge and a ‘Mr & Mrs’ competition. The funds are to be used to purchase a camera and sewing machine, and also to go towards purchasing recliner chairs to be used by the parents so that they can sleep by their children’s beds whilst they are here in hospital. The camera will be used by long term patients to take photos to put into scrap books, photos of procedures and departments to prepare children for their treatment, and pictures of people visiting or donating to the department. Play co-ordinator Kate said: “The sewing machine will mean a lot to the older children being treated, as some of them are here for days at a time and they run out of things to do. It will give them the opportunity to socialise with a member of the play team as part of a supervised activity.”

L- r: Sue Faulkner, Emily Middleton, Ellie Sterling, nurse Nick Penny, Harriett Leeding and healthcare assistant Sophie Kean

Silson Joggers donate to children’s physio EACH YEAR following the Silverstone 10k race, local running club Silson Joggers make a charity donation to a deserving cause. For 2012, the decision as to which organisation should be chosen to receive the donation was a very obvious one. When member Chris Wood’s baby Isabelle was born prematurely earlier this year, the family received great support from the Children’s Physiotherapy Department at NGH. The unit works with children who need any form of physical therapy, including those with acute and chronic respiratory conditions, and delayed or disordered movement development. John Fowler, Brian Keers and Heather Kirk with staff and Chris, Jules and Isabelle Wood at the Child Development Centre

Coincidentally the unit is also where another club member,

Heather Kirk, works. All of these factors made it easy for the committee to reach a unanimous decision with regard to the 2012 donation. After Heather discussed with her team various options, they chose equipment totalling £500 which will benefit the unit, and those that use it. The club, represented by Brian Keers and John Fowler, was delighted to present a cheque for that amount to the NGH team in December. Meanwhile, planning continues for the 2013 Silverstone 10k, which will be the 30th running of the event. Information about how to enter this iconic event will be available towards the beginning of February 2013 on the club’s website at www.silsonjoggers.org.uk.

INSIGHT ❘ 29

◗ CHARITABLE FUND

NGH

ble ChaFruitnad

Northampton General Hospital Registered charity no: 1051107

All donations to the hospital are managed, separately from NHS finances, by the trustees of the NGH Charitable Fund, a registered charity. If you would like to make a donation, or be involved in raising money for NGH, please contact our fundraising office on 01604 545857. Please visit our website for more fundraising stories and details of how you can get involved www.nghgreenheart.co.uk

Curryoke raises nearly £1,000 for Gosset It was a proud moment for Abdul Kadir when his restaurant Eastern Balti totalled up £940 for Gosset ward, our neonatal unit, after he packed his restaurant to capacity with guests enjoying a Curryoke Night. Guests enjoyed an Indian banquet followed by an entertaining couple of hours of karaoke plus a raffle. The evening was organised by Abdul, along with NGH employee Sara Magson, ethnic food journalist and presenter Paul Motley, and

Aktar Hussein. Sara Magson explained that having a premature baby that needs intensive treatment is the most heart wrenching experience in a parent’s life and the staff of Gosset not only provide medical care to tiny people but emotional support to the families, Sara, who is not only a nurse but also a parent who has used the services of that ward, explained that a special care cot on intensive therapy costs

£1,355 per day before drugs and basic housekeeping are taken into consideration, and an incubator can cost between £12,000 and £25,000. Sara wanted to do something in return for Gosset in recognition of the help they had given to her family in their time of need, and this has now been made possible with the help of Abdul’s restaurant and members of the Bangladeshi community who were eager to help in the night’s organisation.

John Lewis gifts help child patients John Lewis has helped two of our departments enhance the activities they have on offer for child patients by donating £500. The Neurophysiology team purchased the items pictured, including back packs for children to take home a portable ECG machine which helps with the diagnosis of epilepsy. They also bought toys, DVDs, pens and crayons, and lullaby monitors to help babies fall asleep so that tests can be carried out. The Nuclear Medicine team purchased a number of DVDs, Wii and DS games which children can use in the recently donated Starlight machine that keeps young patients occupied during the often lengthy imaging process

30 ❘ INSIGHT

Pipers play to benefit children’s wards Christmas shoppers in Northampton’ Market Square were entertained by the Northampton Pipe Band one Saturday in December. With the generous donations from passing shoppers they raised £280 in just one lunchtime. The band, who wanted the funds to benefit child patients at NGH, are photographed handing the cheque to Keith Brooks from the charity. The funds will be used to support the purchase of a high specification ultrasound machine.

Every year there are around 25 babies born in Northampton with heart disease. The ultrasound machine affords confirmation of the correct diagnosis in an acutely unwell baby, and assists in directing the most appropriate early emergency medical management. If you would like to help in raising funds for this machine please contact Alison McCulloch, NGH Charitable Fund Community Fundraiser on 01604 545758.

CHARITABLE FUND ◗

Local business Utilyx helps raise a smile Northampton-based energy and carbon management specialist Utilyx, raised £1,880 in December to help provide presents for patients staying in hospital over the Christmas period. Jo Butlin, Utilyx managing director, said: “I was absolutely delighted by the range of activities and enthusiasm our fundraising activities generated across the business. It’s really important that local businesses support local charities.”

I was absolutely delighted by the range of activities and enthusiasm our fundraising activities generated across the business. Jo Butlin, Utilyx managing director (centre) presents the cheque to surgery lead nurse Natalie Green, with nurses and health care assistants from surgery and medicine.

Rebecca Brown, NGH group director for surgery said: “It is nice for every patient in hospital at Christmas to have a gift, and the nurses enjoyed handing out the presents as it helped to bring Christmas to the wards whilst they were working. We would love to be able to have the support of Utilyx or other such companies again so we can do this next Christmas.”

Join our hospital gardens project Gardens provide a retreat from the busy hospital environment for patients, carers, visitors and staff. We are starting a project here at Northampton General Hospital to develop and maintain the 14 garden spaces around the hospital site. Our aim is to create a relaxing, quiet space for all users of the hospital to enjoy. A garden is one place where a patient and visitor can converse in private in an attractive setting; where a family can wait for someone in surgery or an outpatient wait for a prescription to be filled; or where staff members can relax together on their lunch break. We know that outdoor spaces have a positive therapeutic impact on physical and mental health and well-being – and gardens are seen as uplifting and inspiring places. The Willow & Cedar Wards garden is where we have started to work with the ward staff and volunteers to develop the outside space into somewhere that is inviting and relaxing. We would like to plan the garden in detail and then purchase the trees, shrubs and benches to create a comforting and welcoming environment. If you would like to help with fundraising for this

project that will benefit patients, their families and staff – or if you would like to volunteer to keep the garden looking lovely – please do get in touch. Contact Alison McCulloch, Community Fundraiser for the NGH Charitable Fund at Alison.McCulloch@ngh.nhs.uk or on 01604 545857.

INSIGHT ❘ 31

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Our experienced fitters complete installations quickly and considerately with minimum disruption to your property and ensure your complete satisfaction. We welcome enquiries from members of the public as well as architects and developers and will be pleased to advise on any queries you may have.

CERVICAL SCREENING ◗

‘Here come the girls’ to highlight importance of cervical screening What’s more embarrassing... ◗ Toilet roll stuck to your shoe? ◗ Having your skirt tucked into your knickers? ◗ A cervical screening test? That’s one of the questions NHS Northamptonshire have been asking women across the county in a series of events aimed at encouraging women to beat embarrassment and have a cervical screening test. Studies show that the main reasons why women in Northamptonshire don’t attend their cervical screening appointments are embarrassment, fear of pain, and that they don’t have enough time, so a campaign called “No excuses” has been launched by NHS Northamptonshire. The campaign aims to promote cervical screening to women aged 25-29, addressing the main barriers to screening and letting them know that if caught early, cervical cancer can often be easily treated. As part of the campaign, a video of cheeky flashmobs in Northampton, Leicester and Coalville has also been released – http:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZzthnYXgtM. The Northampton flashmob took place on Abington Street and featured women with

their skirts tucked in their knickers walking proudly down the street to the sound of “Here Come the Girls” to the amusement of Saturday shoppers. The message was that having your skirt tucked into your knickers in public is embarrassing, but having a cervical screen is not. It’s normal. The flashmob also promoted www.noexcuses-nhs. co.uk - a new website where information on cervical screening can be found, including where to go for a cervical screening test and frequently asked questions. The outreach teams have been hitting town centres across the county in recent weeks, talking to women about cervical screening, and handing out useful information. The remaining two events in the programme are: Saturday 9th March - 10am-6pm Grosvenor Centre,

Saturday 16th March - 10am-6pm - Corby Town Centre/Morrisons Almost 3,400 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in the UK each year – that’s nine women every day. It is the most common cancer in women under 35 years old. The national screening target is to screen 80%. In Northamptonshire, screening rates among women aged 25-29 age group were significantly lower than this national target at 66% in 2012. If you are female and between the ages of 25 and 64, NHS cervical screening programme staff will write to you every three to five years and ask you to go for a test at your GP surgery. When you get your letter, it’s really important that you attend these appointments, because, if caught early, treatment can often prevent cervical changes developing into cancer. Make sure you are registered with a GP so that you are invited for NHS screening tests. If you are not registered with a GP practice or you would prefer an alternative you can have a cervical screen at a family planning clinic or genitourinary medicine (GUM) department. For more information on where to go visit www.noexcuses-nhs.co.uk. For more information about cervical screening, visit www.noexcuses-nhs.co.uk.

INSIGHT ❘ 33

◗ CANCER SERVICES

New prostate cancer treatment needs just two sessions HDR brachytherapy was his best option, because it allowed him to have just two treatment sessions separated by ten days.

34 ❘ INSIGHT

NGH clinicians recently used “monotherapy” high dose rate brachytherapy for the first time for a patient with prostate cancer, enabling the patient to make just two visits to the clinic for treatment. Traditional external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) requires the patient to undergo as many as 40 therapy sessions over seven weeks. HDR brachytherapy uses a single high-intensity radiation source on the end of a thin cable that is temporarily inserted – via remote afterloader – into catheters positioned in the

disease target. Clinical oncologist Dr Chris Elwell said: “Monotherapy HDR brachytherapy – using this form of brachytherapy as the only treatment – will be used for patients who are not suited for EBRT due to medical reasons. This first patient had inflammatory bowel disease and could not tolerate a full course of EBRT. HDR brachytherapy was his best option, because it allowed him to have just two treatment sessions separated by ten days and enabled us to reduce the radiotherapy dose. In this way, the patient’s travel to the hospital

was greatly reduced and he could return to normal life more quickly.” The complexity of planning HDR brachytherapy demanded an advanced solution, which NGH physicians found in HDR Real-time Prostate Solution (by Nucletron, an Elekta company), which provided live ultrasound images in real time for contouring, planning and optimisation. “Because we run a busy department with high patient throughput, live ultrasound planning was critical,” said Dr Elwell. “It provides an efficient and streamlined workflow for HDR brachytherapy.”

Jan Bolton Meet our Macmillan social care coordinator What does your role involve? I’m a social worker within a team of Macmillan clinical nurse specialists. It’s a unique role because most social workers aren’t fully integrated within healthcare teams. My job is to ensure a smooth transition between health and social care for people affected by cancer, by navigating and negotiating social care referral processes on their behalf. Different social care services, such as adult social care, immediate care services or the Blue Badge parking scheme, all have different access points and procedures. I help people to access these services in a timely manner. I receive referrals from the multidisciplinary teams and clinics across the oncology and haematology directorate, and I accept direct referrals from people living with cancer and their families. Patients are always given my phone number as I remain a point of contact for them throughout their cancer journey, whether they are inpatients or outpatients.

Why was the post created? It was created by our lead cancer nurse Lizzie Summers, who envisioned a role that would ensure continuity of care for inpatients and outpatients. I was very lucky to step into the role when it was new. I had previously worked for the NHS and for social care services for many years, in separate positions, so this was the ideal role to fit my background and experience.

Because we have challenged the normal way of doing things, there has been some resistance. That side of things has been a struggle at times.

What are the biggest challenges of your role? The first challenge was building a whole new way of working. Previously patients were all too often just given a list of numbers to call. They would have to battle for access to social care services alone, on top of their other worries, and waited longer for referrals to take place. We wanted to transform patient care from a model of being reactive to being proactive. I wanted to look at processes from a patient-centred point of view and challenge conventions; to ask questions like, ‘Why do we need to fill in all of these forms?’. Because we have challenged the normal way of doing things, there has been some resistance. That side of things has been a struggle at times. However, being a

Macmillan professional does open a lot of doors for you. The team I work in is brilliant and Macmillan loves innovative ways of working.

Tell us about the Innovations Project? This is a local service development initiative I have worked on. It has involved me having my own budget, based on a fixed-term funding agreement for extraordinary services and not statutory provision. The fund is aimed at providing patients with practical help, such as one-off pieces of equipment or accommodation. The project has really made a difference. It allowed one man to die at home as he wished, as overnight care was not available from anywhere else. It also meant I could arrange for a homeless lady to stay in a holiday cottage when she was dying, and organise for her friends and family from around the world to visit her. In another case, a lady just wanted me to arrange help with taking her dog out for walks.

And you visited the Houses of Parliament last year? Yes, I visited the Houses of Parliament

on behalf of Macmillan in September, to take part in the Social Care at the End of Life Parliamentary Round Table. Macmillan is campaigning to make social care free for everyone at end of life, so that people with cancer can die at home if they wish.

Who is your biggest inspiration? Lizzie is one of them, along with Jacqui Graves, Macmillan’s Head of Health and Social Care, and my colleague Julie Reece, Macmillan Occupational Therapist.

What is the most unusual job you have had? My current role has involved doing some quite unusual tasks. We once organised accommodation for a homeless man and ended up helping him to refurbish the entire flat and move in, including carrying boxes up the stairs and packing Julie’s car. Aside from that I can often be found packing my car with a variety of things for work, from wheelchairs to commodes – you name it. Reprinted by kind permission from Macmillan Voice magazine

INSIGHT ❘ 35

◗ NOTICEBOARD

MORE ONE-LINERS The kids text me “plz” Because it’s shorter than “please”. I text back “no” because it’s shorter than “yes”. I really need to confront my phobia of German sausages, but I fear the wurst. I see nothing but continued growth and expansion for the foreseeable future... but enough about my diet. I can still remember a time when I knew more than my phone. How dare you incinerate that I don’t know big words. Men get frustrated because they don’t understand how women think. Women get frustrated because they understand how men think. I can start a fire with two sticks. As long as one of them is a match. What do we want? A cure for short-term memory loss! When do we want it? When do we want what? The first five days after the weekend are always the hardest.

SUDOKU Fill the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 block contains the numbers 1 to 9.

DO SOMETHING AMAZING…

TRANSPLANTS SAVE LIVES 96% of us would take an organ if we needed one. Yet only 29% of us have taken action and joined the NHS Organ Donor Register. If you believe in organ donation, prove it. The NHS Organ Donor Register gives hope to more than 10,000 people of all ages across the UK who need an organ transplant. Yet many people – on average three a day – die before they can have a transplant because there are simply not enough organs available. Do you believe in organ donation? If you would take an organ, would you be willing to give one and help someone live after your death? Register now. It’s simple to join the NHS Organ Donor Register. Either:

◗ go to www.organdonation.nhs.uk 96% of us rely on the other 4% to give blood. Please don’t leave it to someone else.

Who can give blood? Most people can give blood. If you are generally in good health, age 17 to 65 (if it’s your first time) and weigh at least 7st 12Ib you can donate. You can give blood every 16 weeks, that’s approximately every four months. For more information please visit www.blood.co.uk The next donor sessions at St Giles Church Rooms, St Giles Terrace, Northampton NN1 2BN are: Monday 11 March 1.30pm to 3.30pm; 4.30pm to 7.30pm Monday 08 April 10.00am to 12.30pm; 2.00pm to 5.00pm Monday 22 April 1.00pm to 3.30pm; 4.30pm to 7.30pm Friday 03 May 1.00pm to 3.30pm; 4.30pm to 7.30pm Friday 21 June 10.00am to 12.30pm; 2.00pm to 5.00pm To book an appointment call 0300 123 23 23.

◗ call 0300 123 23 23 or ◗ text SAVE to 84118

ANNOUNCEMENTS RETIRED (or soon to be?) NHS Retirement Fellowship (Northampton Branch) meets on first Wednesday of each month at 2.15pm at Northampton East Salvation Army, Northampton, NN3 8EZ. Range of speakers and activities. Open to ex NHS staff, together with spouse or partner. Please contact the chairman Mrs Pat Oliver on 01604 839085.

To advertise in Insight, please contact us on

01909 478822 BACK ISSUES of Insight are available online at www.northamptongeneral.nhs.uk - go to About Us > Documents and Publications

Come and join us By becoming a member of Northampton General Hospital you can have a say in the way your hospital develops, and you can be sure your voice is heard. You may want to simply sign up for our members’ newsletter, or you may want to attend meetings and local focus groups, or even stand for election to become a member of our Governors’ Council. The choice is yours. All you need to do is fill in the form and return it to the Freepost address below; or you can call us on 01604 523894, or email us at members@ngh.nhs.uk. We look forward to hearing from you. Please return your form to this Freepost address – there is no need for a stamp: Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust, Membership Office, Freepost RRBA-RGGA-TEEL, Cliftonville, Northampton NN1 5BD. Title and name ..................................................................................................................................... Address ................................................................................................................................................. ....................................................................................................Postcode ............................................ Telephone . ............................................................................................................................................ Email address ...................................................................................................................................... Please write clearly in BLOCK CAPITALS, thank you

OUR COMMUNITY WAYFINDING ◗

Find your way around the hospital Follow the signs to the area letter, then look for local signs to the ward or department you need DEPARTMENTS D Accident & Emergency L Antenatal Assessment Unit K Antenatal Outpatients K Audiology W Billing House H Biochemistry K Blood Taking Unit R Centre for Elderly Medicine E Chapel D Chest Clinic L Child Development Centre K Children’s Hearing Clinic K Children’s Outpatients U Chiropody J Cripps Centre K Day Surgery Unit K Dermatology J Diabetes Centre E Discharge Lounge C Echocardiography K ENT L Eye Unit B Forrest Centre D Fracture Clinic R Genitourinary Medicine K Gynaecology Outpatients R Haematology (temporary location) D Hand Therapy C Heart Centre Q Human Resources B Integrated Surgery W Limb Centre F Main Theatres Admissions Unit A Manfield day case L Maternity day unit R Maxillofacial Unit K Medical Outpatients H Mortuary and Chapel of Rest J Neurophysiology E Nuclear Medicine N Oncology Centre S Pain Relief Clinic R PALS and Bereavement Service G Pathology K Pre-operative Assessment D Radiology (X-ray) D Rapid Access Chest Pain J Research and Development F Respiratory Laboratory F RESTART C Rheumatology W Sunnyside Q Training & Development

WARDS E Abington (Orthopaedic) 545982, 544945 C Allebone (Cardiac, respiratory, medicine) 545804, 545336 S Althorp (Elderly medicine) 544410, 544415 L Balmoral (Maternity postnatal) † 545434, 544955 D Becket (Respiratory) 545981, 544972 C Benham (Emergency assessment - male) 545537, 545337 R Brampton (Elderly medicine) 544460, 544462 A Cedar (Trauma & orthopaedic) 545553, 545353 A Collingtree (Medical) 523870, 523780 A Collingtree (Surgical) 523944, 523939 C Creaton (General medicine) 545539, 545339 M Disney (Children’s) † 545518, 545318 C Dryden (Cardiology) 545540, 545340 C Eleanor (General medicine) 545804 D Emergency Assessment Unit (Female) † 545613, 545304 D Finedon (Renal) 523530, 523560 M Gosset (Neonatal) † 545520, 545320 A Hawthorn (Orthopaedic) 545551, 545351 S Head & neck 545509 C High Dependency Unit (HDU) † 545544, 545344 R Holcot Stroke Unit † 544430, 544432 C Intensive Therapy Unit (ITU) † 545542, 545342 S Knightley (General medicine) 544620 M Paddington (Children’s) † 545319, 545519 M Paddington HDU (Children’s) † 545836 L Robert Watson (Maternity) † 544928, 544819 A Rowan (General surgical) 545549, 545349 L Singlehurst (Ophthalmology) 545483, 545083 S Spencer (Gynaecology) 545525 M Sturtridge (Labour ward) † 545058, 545426, 523629 M Sturtridge HDU † 545055 G Talbot Butler (Oncology & Haematology) 545534, 545334 S Victoria (Elderly Medicine) 545326 A Willow (Vascular) 545548, 545348 Visiting 2.00pm – 4.30pm; 6.00pm – 8.00pm unless marked with † (please check with these wards)

INFORMATION Northampton General Hospital, Cliftonville, Northampton NN1 5BD Tel: 01604 634700 www.northamptongeneral.nhs.uk D Reception Cliftonville. Open Mon-Fri 9.00am – 6.00pm. Dial 0 from any corridor phone and ask for “operator” when prompted. E Restaurant Hospital Street, open Mon-Fri 7.15am – 7.00pm; Sat-Sun 7.15am – 6.00pm. D Café Royale Main reception, Cliftonville, open Mon-Fri 8.00am – 7.00pm. WRVS shops E South entrance, open Mon-Fri 7.00am – 8.00pm; Sat, Sun, bank holidays 10.00pm – 4.00pm. T Billing Road entrance, open Mon-Fri 9.00am – 4.00pm. Buggy service Guiding and transport service provided by Friends of NGH volunteers Mon–Fri 8.30am – 4.00pm. Dial 88 then 4501 then enter your extension number to request the buggy. D Travel office For car parking permits, and travel info. Open MonThurs 9.00am – 4.30pm; Fri 9.00am – 4.00pm. 01604 545966 or 544600. E Bank Cash dispensers in lift lobby near south entrance and near Billing Road entrance E Chapel Open to all. For details of services or to contact the chaplains, call 01604 545773.

INSIGHT ❘ 37

J G Sears & Co. Ltd. (True Form Boot Company)

From the Archive

J G Sears pictured with the Prince of Wales who visited his factory in the 1930’s.

The widow of John (known as Jack) George Sears donated thousands of pounds to the hospital, often in the form of endowing beds. J G Sears established his first branch shop in 1897. By 1912 he had 80 branches, 47 of which were in London. As his business expanded so did the factory premises. He died, aged 46 in 1916 and left in his will to his wife, £400,000 (£8,484,000 today) One of the many gifts from Mrs Caroline Sears recorded in the 1929 Annual Report was for £2,000 to endow two beds in her name on Victoria Ward.

The original donation by the Northamptonshire Yeomanry of £597.17s. was invested into a Funding Loan

Bed And Cot Endowment Scheme The Northampton infirmaries were Voluntary Hospitals which meant that funding the running costs all came from the local population. One method was for persons, organisations and businesses to endow a bed or cot. The amount donated, ranging from £25 to £1,000, would be invested by the hospital, then the dividend earned annually would be used to cover the cost of using that bed or cot. Plaques would be placed above the beds giving details of the donor and clearly demonstrated the enormous support the people of Northamptonshire gave to their hospital. All classes of society became involved, the titled county families, shoe manufacturers, clubs and societies. The endowments were often in memory of a family member and after WW1, in memory of fallen comrades. Sometimes the endowment stipulated that the bed be reserved for patients from a particular village, Olney being one example. This system continued until the National Health Service

Some of the plaques on display at the Archive

was introduced in 1948 when funding then came from the Ministry of Health. The plaques were removed over the years and many have disappeared. The archive at NGH has managed to salvage some examples and these are on display for visitors.

Learn more about the history of the hospitals in Northamptonshire by visiting the Historical Archive at NGH. Open on Wednesday mornings 8am to 1pm Telephone: 01604 544868 Email: sue.longworth@ngh.nhs.uk

38 ❘ INSIGHT

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I am passionate about business and have years of hands-on experience at all stages of small business development, from inception to sale. I will encourage you to talk through and evaluate your business: I will ask questions, guide your thinking, question your assumptions and help expand your ideas. For a more detailed look at my background, view my profile on Linkedin My style of mentoring is bespoke, not ‘one size fits all’, because no two businesses are the same. If you think you will benefit from an objective business colleague who has already been through what you’re going through then please get in touch for more information.

Jane Moffett MOIEE Tel: 07798 747234 or email me janemoffett01@hotmail.co.uk INSIGHT ❘ 39

“RICHARD BEECHAM’S MOVING AND ENORMOUSLY ENJOYABLE PRODUCTION PACKS A POWERFUL EMOTIONAL PUNCH” MAIL ON SUNDAY ON IN PRAISE OF LOVE

Win free theatre tickets Dancing At Lughnasa

By Brian Friel Director Richard Beecham

Rural Donegal, 1936. The Mundy sisters cry, laugh and dance together, at a time when life is simple but making ends meet seems impossibly hard. During a summer when their missionary brother returns from Africa a changed man and the Mundy’s are gifted their first wireless radio, relationships are tested, social conventions challenged and the doctrines of the church clash with the spirit of a Pagan past. Dreams of love crumble as dusk sets on the life the sisters knew.

Fri 24 May – Sat 15 June

Tickets £13 - £28 For more information and to buy tickets for Dancing At Lughnasa and other productions at Royal & Derngate, call the Box Office on 01604 624811 or visit www.royalandderngate.co.uk For a chance to win two tickets to see Dancing at Lughnasa on Monday 27 May at 7.45pm, answer the five questions below.

Told through the eyes of seven-year old Michael, Brian Friel’s Olivier and Tony award winning play is a magical, moving, memory-story filled with humour, tenderness and the longing of unfulfilled lives.

Send your entry to arrive by Friday 26 April to peter.kennell@ ngh.nhs.uk – or by post to Insight Editor, NGH, Cliftonville, Northampton NN1 5BD. Please note that your entry must include a daytime telephone number.

Richard Beecham returns to Royal & Derngate to direct after his critically acclaimed productions of Terrence Rattigan’s In Praise of Love and Charlotte Jones’ Humble Boy.

1 Who wrote Dancing At Lughnasa?

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2 What do the 4 ‘T’s stand for? 3 Where is Mpilo maternity hospital? 4 When is Endometriosis awareness week this year? 5 How much has NGH been awarded to develop a new midwifery led birth centre?

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