Issuu

staff magazine | Spring 2022

Building an inclusive LTHT

Contents

| www.leedsth.nhs.uk 4 Men’s Wellbeing network 5

Apprenticeships at LTHT

6 Making our hospitals inclusive for disabled staff 7

LGBT+ Network – our year

8-9

Poetry competition – winners

10 New chairs announced for BME Staff Network 11 Employability scheme empowers local people 12-13 Mind the gap - women in research 14

Sustainable new hospitals

15 Changing Places facility SJUH 6

Clear face masks

Disability staff network

16 New print run of Amplifying Voices, Mending Divides 17 Kerry Davies named Scientist of the Year 18 Building IT resilience 19

My Job - Jonathan Topp

20-21 Team Spotlight: Patient engagement team

8-9

Poetry competition winners

Mind the gap

Farewells

Introduce yourself in BSL

Charity corner

60 Seconds - James Royal

Bulletin is produced quarterly by the Communications Department. Photography by Medical Illustration Design by Octagon Design & Marketing Ltd Send your feedback, ideas and suggestions for the next edition to communications.lth@nhs.net Copy deadline is 1st April 2022 For more news on a daily basis from LTHT please follow us on social media: 19

My job with Jonathan Topp

60 seconds with James Royal

search for ‘Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust’

@LeedsHospitals

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First concept designs revealed for new Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease The first concept designs of the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease were announced in February. Day Architects, based in Manchester, supported the campaign spearheaded by rugby star Rob Burrow to build a new MND care centre by working on the concept designs. The state-of-the-art centre, funded by charitable donations to Leeds Hospitals Charity’s MND centre appeal, will be a centre of excellence in the UK and the first of its kind in Europe, supporting those patients and their families and carers living with the disease. The initial plans for this specialist centre include an attractive central courtyard garden, large internal rooms with plenty of natural light and ample shared spaces for patients and their families and carers to relax before, during and after treatments. These physical features were

high on the wish list of patients and staff who were consulted as part of the planning for the centre. Dr Agam Jung, Rob’s Consultant and Director of the current MND centre at Seacroft Hospital met with the Burrow family to share the new designs. Thanks to ongoing fundraising support from the people of Leeds and beyond, over £1.6 million has been raised so far to bring the centre to life. Lindsey Burrow, Rob’s wife and Senior Physiotherapist at LTHT, said: “We’re absolutely blown away by the designs that we have seen, it has certainly exceeded our expectations of what this centre could look like. For us, parking, accessibility and bright open spaces were the most important aspects, and it’s exciting to see that this centre will offer so much more. We’re really pleased.”

News

Welcome Welcome to the Spring issue of Bulletin! Building an inclusive organisation is at the heart of The Leeds Way. We want our hospitals to be the best place to work for all our staff, no matter their backgrounds. No member of staff should face discrimination, abuse, or unfair treatment due to their race, religion, gender, disability, or sexuality. This issue of the Bulletin is dedicated to inclusivity and celebrating the diversity of people who make up our staff and deliver our services. You’ll hear from the Disability Network, LGBT+ Network, as well as from our new Chairs of the BME Staff Network. You’ll even learn how to say “Hello My Name Is…” in British Sign Language. The more we learn about each other, the more we can help each other achieve our goals and create a workplace where everyone can thrive. Kind regards

Julian Hartley, Chief Executive

Consultant Neurologist Dr Agam Jung shows off the new concept designs to Rob Burrow and his family

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New network for men’s health launches at LTHT A new staff network has been set up at LTHT that looks to bring together people under the subject of men’s health and wellbeing in all its aspects. The group, called Men’s Action & Awareness Network (MAAN), is open to all who have a stake in men’s mental and physical health. The new network launched in November with Simon Worthington, Director of Finance attending the first meeting and lending his support. The network holds monthly meetings with a variety of agenda items exploring the complexity of being a man in the modern age. To celebrate the launch of the network, December saw a full day of talks and presentations on the subject of men’s physical and mental health.

Guest speakers included Mr Bill Cross, Urology Surgeon, who talked about on prostate cancer, and Jane Brocksom, Urology Nurse Specialist, presenting on men’s urological health. The day also saw the premiere of a film developed in partnership with Stevie Ward, former Leeds Rhinos captain, who has set up Mantality – a men’s mental health support service. The video saw the pair have a frank and honest discussion of men’s health issues with Dave Goulding, Project Manager Emergency Preparedness. Julian Hartley, Chief Executive said: “It was a real privilege to introduce the day. The different segments were inspiring, educational and practical, and it was great to hear each part was well attended. It’s a great start to the new

men’s health network at LTHT and I wish them all the very best over what promises to be an exciting first year!” At February’s meeting, a representative from Leeds United Football club presented details of all the health & wellbeing programmes they have available for members of the public. A Q&A session with current first team player Robert Koch was also held. Look out for further special dates and initiatives, including future collaborations with Leeds United in the future. Anyone at LTHT can attend the monthly MAAN meetings – for further information, contact Dave Goulding david.goulding1@nhs.net or James Royal james.royal@nhs.net

First LTHT podcast series launches The first Leeds Teaching Hospitals podcast series launched this January, Heroes Unmasked - Staff Stories from Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. With nine episodes featuring staff roles from security advisors to consultants, the series goes behind the mask and the uniform to find out about what makes the staff from Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust tick. During the pandemic, when we were searching for things to watch and listen to, many people stumbled across podcasts and it’s no surprise that the number of podcast listeners has doubled in the last three years. As of 2020, there were more than 15 million podcast listeners in the UK and popularity is rising. It was felt that a podcast would be a new communication platform for Leeds Teaching Hospitals that would enable us to raise the profile of the organisation with quality storytelling about those who work within it. An opportunity to go behind the scenes of one of the country’s biggest and busiest acute hospital trusts. The series shines a spotlight on the fact that a doctor isn’t just someone who makes people better. A porter isn’t just someone who moves people around a hospital. As staff across the NHS have been hailed heroes for their work during Covid, we go deeper to find out who they actually are.

Heroes Unmasked includes tales of past rugby careers, living on submarines, balancing children’s Some episodes will make you cry, some will make you think, all will give you an insight into the

person behind the mask. You can find the series on all your normal podcast channels and through here www.podfollow.com/heroesunmasked

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Apprenticeship scheme proves the sky’s the limit for LTHT apprentices In just three years, a new way of thinking and recruiting has made Leeds Teaching Hospitals one of the largest apprenticeship employer in the NHS, where all who complete their courses get jobs. The Trust has more than 900 apprentices across 40 different programmes covering a vast range of career paths. From cleaning, clinical support and pharmacy to radiography, physiotherapy or a masters level in accountancy, the Trust has radically transformed its apprenticeship offer. An innovative approach to recruitment lies at the heart of this success, as Robyn Swain, Head of People Development at the Trust, explains. “When recruiting apprentices, we look for people to want to work here because they care,” said Robyn. “Rather

than focusing on what qualifications or experience applicants may have, we are more interested in how they would fit in with our Leeds Way values. We’re finding that this approach gives us people who are more likely to complete their course and stay with us because they want to be here.”

reach. To mitigate this, the Trust works closely with Leeds City Council and other local organisations to provide pre-employment support, ranging from help with job applications and IT skills to understanding how recruitment works. More than 80 per cent of those taking part go on to become apprentices.

She added: “We’ve worked hard with Leeds City College to understand how best to recruit people and how courses should be run. We pay apprentices at a far higher rate than the national level and way beyond the living wage. We offer them clear options for their careers and we match them to job vacancies once they complete their courses.”

“As an ‘anchor’ institution we have a duty to support the wellbeing of local people. By providing training and employment, especially for those in more deprived areas, we are helping reduce inequalities,” explained Robyn.

For people with no qualifications or work experience – especially those living in the city’s most deprived areas - applying for an apprenticeship may seem out of

This means, within seven years, someone can go from having no qualifications to being a registered nurse. It gives the successful apprentice the same qualifications as those who complete a university degree, but without the university costs.

News

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Making our hospitals inclusive for disabled staff The Disabled Staff Network launched in 2020, with a vision for Leeds Teaching Hospitals to be recognised as an employer of choice for disabled people who are both welcomed and supported to reach their full potential. The network is a friendly and welcoming group, and includes staff working in both clinical and non-clinical roles. They hold regular meetings where disabled employees can share their thoughts and experiences about the adjustments that the Trust needs to make, offer a shared understanding about the key priorities for change, and provide a forum for discussion that enables participants to feel valued as employees.

Khushbukht Sajid, Co-Chair of the LTHT Disabled Staff Network said: “We formed the network to empower and work collaboratively to support all disabled members of staff in the Trust regardless of their disability. We know that there is lots more work to do and we would love to hear from anyone interested in helping us build on everything we’ve done so far.” Luke White, Senior Project Nurse & Co-Chair of the LTHT Disabled Staff Network said: “This group matters on a personal level as I am profoundly deaf in both ears and I wear hearing aids and rely on lip reading to communicate with others. I am very passionate about supporting others with disabilities around the Trust and I’d encourage everyone to join the network as we know that together we can all make a difference to improve the experiences of disabled members of staff.”

Khush Sajid

For this year’s International Day of People with Disability (IDPWD), the network created a video that was shared Trustwide to reflect the views and perspectives of staff working at LTHT with a disability. It is available to watch on the network’s intranet page. To join the network, please email leedsth-tr.disabledstaffnetwork@nhs.net

Luke White

Clear face masks help improve communication between staff and patients Patient feedback has also been good, with patient Charlotte saying: “The new see-through masks are so much better than normal masks. When LTHT staff came to visit me, it was automatically much less awkward being able to see their faces. I lip-read so it was nice to be able to read their lips to help me understand what they were saying and also to see if they were smiling.”

Staff at Leeds Teaching Hospitals are pleased to be using new, clear Mio Masks, to support communication with patients. Many patients rely on facial expressions or lip reading, to help them to understand what a clinician is saying. Others take reassurance from being able to see a smile and feel that the masks bring a touch of normality through the challenges of the pandemic. The feedback from both staff and patients who have benefited from the clear masks has been very positive. Alison Conyers, Lead Professional Learning Disabilities and Autism, said: “We are so pleased that our new face masks have arrived. These will really help anyone who relies on seeing our facial expressions or needs to lip read in our hospitals.” Tania, a Get Me Better Champion at the Trust, said: ‘’I find them helpful, they allow you to see expressions and help you understand what people

Alison Conyers

are saying. I feel comfortable seeing the other person’s face, I would recommend them.’’

She added: “I would prefer it if everyone had these masks on, even if initially it was just my nurse for the day and people coming in for a consultation with me as I don’t know what most of the people look like. I can’t understand them and it’s often taking four people to explain the same thing in different ways. With masks everyone looks the same, very clinical, but if I could see their faces and smiling etc I know their different and I could follow conversation easier.”

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News

Welcome to the LGBT+ Staff Network Journey through 2021 As we continue to sail through the difficult tides of Covid from one variant to another, trying to find safe anchors for staff and patients, let us look back at the LGBT Network’s journey through 2021. Through its ups and downs last year, the network is ready to spread its wings further with the new Chair Paul Carruthers and Core Members of the Network.

all staff at all levels and you can book your place via the learning portal on ESR. Type in 298%E&D for all Equality related learning bursts. Or contact leedsth-tr. editeam@nhs.net

Gender-neutral changing facilities open at LGI Feedback from the Junior Doctor Body and the LGBT+ Staff Network in 2020 highlighted a need for gender neutral changing facilities at the Trust. Works completed in January on the first gender neutral changing facilities at the LGI, located in the Great George Street Building. These facilities are important for non-binary, trans and gender fluid staff, to have a safe space to get changed.

It may be difficult to put into words all that has been done but we thank each and everyone involved to bring the Network to where it stands today. If you are new to the LGBT+ Staff Network or have any questions or suggestions please email us on leedsth-tr.LGBT@nhs.net

NHS Rainbow Badges / Name Badges Following phase one of the NHS Rainbow Badge rollout, we are about to embark on phase two. Phase two involves supporting and creating an inclusive environment here at LTHT for the LGBT+ community at a much more in depth level. In addition to the NHS Rainbow Badges we now have the option to include pronouns on our Hello My Name is Badge. Apply for yours now!

look forward to seeing your entries this year!

Training opportunities Every month we have learning bursts on Trans awareness & Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual awareness. This training is open

The changing areas are situated on the ground floor of the Great George Street Building off the entrance hall, near the Innovation Centre. To access, use entry code C4578. Gender neutral toilets and changing rooms are signposted, and sanitary disposal bins are provided in all changing rooms. Lockers are also provided for staff to use with a £1 coin. Suitable space is now being sought for a similar facility at St James’s.

LGBT+ History Month Last year, the main highlights included meetings with prominent speakers like Saorsa Tweedale delivering a Trans Awareness Session for TDoV (Trans Day of Visibility) and James Greenhalgh from Flamingos Coffee House, Leeds talking about the importance of creating an inclusive environment for the LGBT+ community.

Pride Wall Competition Pride Wall Competition was a huge success with several breath taking entries, making it really tough for the Core Team to decide the winner. The HIV Corridor won the Hamper and the Trophy closely followed by the Vaccine Centre and Ward C2. We

Colleagues from the LGBT+ Staff Network and Estates & Facilities outside the new gender-neutral changing facilities.

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A poem for our times LTHT staff had the opportunity to take quills to parchment in a poetry contest over the winter to wow UK poet laureate Simon Armitage

Poetry competition winner Mischa Atkinson (pictured centre) met Poet Laureate Simon Armitage together with fellow finalists.

‘A poem for our times’ was the theme for the 2021 Leeds Teaching Hospitals poetry competition, which launched as part of the Kindness campaign across the Trust with the aim of inspiring colleagues and enabling a creative outlet away from work. With Simon Armitage on board as head judge, UK poet laureate this year and University of Leeds Poetry Centre Professor, the competition received a high number of entries, encompassing a broad range of topics including family, health, wellbeing and thanks. A panel of judges combined LTHT staff Daniel Park, Assistant Librarian, and Modupe Hector-Goma, Radiographer, together withJohn Whale, Director of the University of Leeds Poetry Centre. A shortlist of 18 were then sent to Simon for his review and judging. Our winner is Mischa Atkinson, Resourcing Officer from the Medical Staffing Service, whose winning poem, An Immigrant’s Poem, explored the nature of belonging. Runners up are Andrew Toothill, Theatre Receptionist and Mental Health First Aider from Bexley Theatres for his poem ‘We Go Again’, and Victor Gill, Quality Administrator for Blood Services, Pathology for his poem ‘Drifting Down’. We are delighted to present the winning poems here.

An immigrant’s poem – by Mischa Atkinson ‘Have you ever even been to Seacroft’ he mumbled, not a question,

I remember saying ‘that’s not how you pronounce Towson’ to kids from Wilkes-Barre. I know, but not really.

as if the point wasn’t to get an answer,

I know that performing the York Mystery Plays

as if provincial suburban chauvinism was a knowing game we played,

at the McDonalds on York Road

as if 26 years of frustration were pouring out, as if he knew the outlander. I know.

would be the same if York’s in Yorkshire or Pennsylvania, but not really. I know that the Powhatans’ trail has become Pulaski Highway, and Fells Point gentry will never go to Lexington Market, at least not really. They won’t be Baltimore, not really. I’ll never be Leeds, not really. I know that there are great mysteries in Cross Gates and Gipton, and yes, in Seacroft. As sameness overwhelms the strange and gloom benights the sacred, it doesn’t matter to him if I say ‘yes, I’ve been there’; what matters is that I say ‘I know,

Judges John Whale, from the Poetry Centre at University of Leeds, and Modupe Hector-Goma, LTHT Radiographer and contributing writer to Amplifying Voices, Mending Divides.

but not really’.

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A poem for our times Drifting down through the clouds, I pause. I know this place. This world. This planet. This people they call the human race. I’ve been before of course but things look strange There’s been a shift, the land, the sea, has seen a change. Glaciers are melting, the ocean levels are rising But as I look, I think that it’s hardly surprising. I sense a deeper change, a man-made alteration, It must be that there’s no other explanation. This planet’s getting warmer and warmer by the year

The future not written but seemingly bright

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We share We go again

Together you can make it all seem right. We love

We Go Again

We care

We bend

We go again

We break We go again

We nurse We give

We hurt

We go again

We ache We go again

We laugh We live

We cry

We go again

We breathe We go again

We hope We pray

Changes that are slowly destroying the atmosphere.

We mourn

And what’s this I see? Something rather drastic

We go again

The oceans gathering discarded plastic

We hurt

We go again

We grieve And every day We go again.

Where fish and seabirds of every type and kind Swim and fly free and fast yet seem blind To the perils and dangers that lie in wait And act as the worst kind of tempting bait. Now I see the people masked in fearful frustration As a dreadful virus sweeps through every nation There’s pain and sorrow as loved ones die And prayers are said, and bewildered children cry. As hugs and kisses for now are banned And no-one walks now hand in hand This world is balanced on a tightrope And yet there’s joy and love and hope But life goes on I see and so it seems That people talk and meet through Teams But something doesn’t quite compute, Everyone’s shouting “you’re on mute!”

Patient with Longest Working Pacemaker achieves Guinness World Record Mr Stephen Peech, an LTHT patient, achieved an official Guinness World Record in November for the Longest Working Pacemaker - present day. Confirmation, including a certificate, from Guinness World Records was presented to Mr Peech as the current world record holder at 37 years, 281 days. Mr Peech had the pacemaker fitted at Killingbeck Hospital on 29 September 1983 by Dr Gordon Williams and physiologist Wanda Harvey (now McDonald) - Wanda retired earlier this

year. Now, in 2022, the pacemaker - a Telectronics Optima – is still going strong. With help from Dr Williams and Wanda and assistance from Mr Peech and others, the team in Cardio-Respiratory managed to track down the original medical notes and put together the submission of proof that helped secure the record. Mr Peech and his wife are both very happy with their accolade, and in November posed for a photo holding the certificate with Dr Williams and members of the Cardiac team to commemorate the moment.

Rainbow patterns are painted everywhere Surely a sign that says we care A free world where he loves he and she loves she This is the LGBT community Where all lives matter and who cares what colour you are? There’s no place on this earth for a racial scar And so, my journeys at an end This world I love, this race my friend.

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Director of HR and OD Jenny Lewis with outgoing chairs Mohammed Bilal and Ester Jamera (far left and far right) and new chairs Modupe Hector-Goma and Monica Didi (left and right).

BME Staff Network - a new Chair and CoChair look to the next phase of the network As we move through the New Year, we say a big thank you to Ester Jamera and Mohammed Bilal for their service as Co-Chairs of the network. The network was established in 2016 with a vision to make LTHT the best place to work for BME staff and to support the Trust to unlock the inherent human potential contained within our diverse workforce. Ester and Bilal have stepped aside to welcome Modupe Hector-Goma and Monica Didi to lead the network going forward and there is no better time than now to reflect on what has been achieved, to re-confirm why the BME Network exists and to look at plans and the vision ahead.

A quick introduction: Hello my name is Modupe Hector-Goma, Specialist Reporting Sonographer and I’ve been in the Trust for twenty three years. Most of my twenty years I felt alone, lost and stuck until I decided to engage with the BME Staff Network. Through the support I received I can boldly say I am changed. I feel empowered, enthusiastic and ready to engage and support colleagues and managers in having uncomfortable conversations. My drive is to support any colleague who is in the same position I was, and to encourage colleagues to learn and unlearn through listening to

Highlights of the past 12 months: • 1 Amplifying Voices Anthology collection of LTHT BME staff stories • 1 library full of a diverse range BME authored books, medical and nonmedical

each other’s stories, because the more we learn, the closer we become. Hello my name is Monica, I have been working for the Trust since 2004. My first role began in Maternity supporting BME (Black Minority Ethnic) Pregnant women (Asylum Seekers & Refugees) to help them access maternity care. I am currently working as Deputy Patient Carer & Public Involvement Manager in the Patient, Carer & Public Involvement (PCPI) Team, working in collaboration with staff, patients and the public to develop and shape services. I have always been passionate working with BME communities, being an advocate, and supporting inclusion within services, starting off with important inclusive conversations. Why the BME Network exists: ‘To make LTHT the best place for BME staff to work.’

• 39 BME Champions for the recently launched role • 66 Dignity at Work advisors of which 18% are BME • 2 bespoke well attended sessions with CSUs; MMPS and Finance

Launch of the BME Allyship training Launched last year, the BME Allyship training is open to all staff at all levels and can be booked via ESR searching 298%E&D%Allyship The session guides staff through why the allyship was developed, talks through some of the challenges BME staff face and takes staff through the model I-APPLAUD and look at what it means to be an ally.

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News

Trust’s employability scheme continues to empower local people An employability scheme launched by Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust in collaboration with Leeds City Council over two years ago has been a great success, supporting 50 people from local communities into employment across a variety of roles within St James’s Hospital. Michelle Stanley, People Development Manager in Organisational Learning is delighted with the progress of the project - Health and Care Careers, Narrowing Inequalities - which, two years on, continues to deliver. “A number of those recruited have gone on to secure further roles/ promotions in LTHT, advancing their careers either through accessing available apprenticeships and/or formal and informal learning and development opportunities,” said Michelle. “This is real testament to our ambition to support people to ‘get in, get on and go further’.” Previous recruitment has seen one resident now working successfully in an admin role following her appointment

tackling poverty” explained Michelle. Partners across the health and care system will work together to remove barriers to employment, to significantly improve the life outcomes of people in Leeds. Through targeted recruitment it is also an opportunity to ensure that the workforce across the health and care system is reflective of the communities in which we all serve. into facilitates. Another is now working as a registered nurse after securing a position as senior clinical support worker. Building on the success of the project the Health and Care system, coordinated by the Leeds One Workforce launched a further recruitment campaign in February focussing on supporting residents from East Leeds, specifically two priority wards - Seacroft and Killingbeck and Richmond Hill and Burmantofts. “The purpose of the latest campaign is to engage with, recruit and develop the Health and Care workforce from our local communities - reducing inequalities and

During early February the team were taking a bus into East Leeds to directly engage with people there including stops at St Peters School, Shakespeare Primary School, Brownhill Primary School, Boggart Hill Drive Shops and The Community Hub, Seacroft. They were speaking to individuals about the career and training opportunities available for them to “get in” to health and care. These people will then be supported to undertake training and given advice that’s specifically tailored to their own needs, which we hope will remove some of the barriers they face when applying for roles.

Help on hand for Trust staff living with Long Covid While many people feel better in a few days or weeks from Covid, and most will make a full recovery within 12 weeks, for some people Janet Murray symptoms can last longer. For those people the disease can cause symptoms that last weeks or months after the infection has gone, known as Long Covid. Symptoms can vary, including fatigue and shortness of breath, to problems with memory and concentration (brain fog) and joint pain. Janet Murray (65) is an Administrative Officer who has worked in adult therapy sending letters out to patients since April 2019. She caught Covid in January 2021 as a person living with diabetes. Janet was taken ill with Covid badly: “I’ve had flu” she says “and I’ve had pneumonia, but this was nothing like that. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy!”

Over a year later Janet still has many Long Covid symptoms including worsening anxiety, fatigue and breathlessness, hair loss, dizziness and insomnia. “I can’t exercise” she says. “You think you’re well and you start doing something - you’ve got a burst of energy - and then the next thing is your body is saying ‘no, stop!’” Janet came back to work in April 2021. “I had a phased return. I’ve never been off long term sick wherever I’ve worked. You think ‘I’m being a pain’ but you’re not because you physically can’t do it - along with the mental side of it. A lot of people put a brave face on things, and visibly you might look well, but you don’t know what’s going on in people’s heads. Nobody knows how long it will take to get better from Long Covid. “It helped to have support from the Trust and it was very positive once I got flexible working, so I didn’t have

to worry about driving to and from work tired.” The HR team have been working individually with staff living with Long Covid. The Health and Wellbeing Team have been running coffee morning support groups for people over the past six months, which Janet has been attending. “I’ve been going since day one. It’s nice to know people have the same sort of problems and you’re not your own. My GP also recommended I went to the Long Covid clinic - they’re very supportive and supplied me with information to give to my managers with recommendation of things to put in place.” If you are concerned about Long Covid there is more information on support available on the Staff Health and Wellbeing Support Network – find it on the internal section of the Trust website.

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Mind the gap: women in research

By Dr Melissa Maguire Dr Melissa Maguire is a Consultant Neurologist at Leeds Teaching Hospitals and NIHR Specialty lead in Neurological Disorders for Yorkshire & Humber. She holds the honorary title of Clinical Associate Professor in Neurology at the University of Leeds.

supervisors, it did require a certain level of enthusiasm from me to ensure I remained ‘research active’ and up to date within my field. Actively seeking out opportunities as a trainee goes a long way with busy consultants and once people are aware of your interest, I found more and more academic opportunities opening up to me.

The gender gap in research Women make up around three quarters of the NHS workforce and represent over half of all medical school graduates. Yet women account for just one third of UK researchers working within the medical field. This disproportionate gender pattern of researchers is seen globally and exists across other research areas including science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). So why does this gender gap exist? And how can we address the imbalance? A survey conducted by the Royal College of Physicians in 2020 reported that women members and fellows particularly those working less than full time and those working within non-university hospital settings participated in research in disproportionately lower numbers than men (a 12% gap). This was not for a lack of interest however, with more than one third not research active expressing a desire to participate. This suggests an untapped research potential. Many stated that a lack of time, inflexible job planning and perceived lack of skills and supportive culture in their organisation were key challenges. Women were also less likely to report formal academic training, a completed higher degree and university funded time at new consultant level. This suggests divergence potentially occurring during training. These factors are likely to explain why fewer women go on to attain senior leadership roles in research. For example, only 11% of professorial roles are held by women in UK Medical Schools despite a steady increase in the number of women and graduate students entering Medicine. This remains an ongoing concern since the importance (and lack of) inspirational role models and mentors are critical in supporting and developing women in research.

‘As a trainee, being enthusiastic and actively seeking out research led to a snow-ball effect of academic opportunity’

‘One third of women surveyed expressed interest in research and represent an untapped research potential’ (RCP: Research for all, 2020)

My research pathway My own research pathway began in the North West in 2004. I scrambled into a research job in Liverpool having failed to secure a training number in Neurology through my lack of a completed higher degree. At the time I had not intended to divert from clinical training yet what seemed like an uncertain off road step actually turned out to be the most important and career defining three years I have ever worked. I cut my teeth in epilepsy, acquired a bunch of new analytical skills and became part of a supportive clinical research network. The friends and mentors I made during my higher research degree continue to influence my research pathway and career today. The vast majority however were men! Experience of research opportunity during higher training in Newcastle was quite mixed given competing demands on time to deliver service work and keeping up with the training portfolio. Whilst I came across many supportive

The best part of being a Consultant Neurologist at Leeds Teaching Hospitals has been joining like-minded women peers and mentors who have a passion for research and have set out to raise the academic bar in Neurology. In 2011, I joined a research team conducting a handful of research studies in multiple sclerosis with a single research nurse. Fast forward a decade and we now have a portfolio of over 20 studies in the fields of epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, movement disorders and headache, a research team of seven, competitive doctorate fellowships and the first Professor of Neurology, who yes, is a woman! One of the key aspects for me in taking part in research is being able to contribute in a meaningful way to improving patient care and being at the forefront of new treatments and innovations in epilepsy. I find the intellectual stimulation appealing and it brings variety to what can sometimes feel like a monotonous clinical job. Approaching research as a newly appointed consultant can be daunting and some may question whether they have the appropriate skill sets and knowledge. The National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) clinical network has been fundamental in providing opportunities to early career researchers. There are MRC-NIHR academic research partnerships that can fund dedicated research time, skills workshops and network opportunities to participate in clinical trials. When I started out at Leeds, I took on a phase four portfolio epilepsy study to gain

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some experience. Gradually over the years I increased the complexity of work to include earlier phase studies and commercial studies. This I found not only embeds you into the local network but opens up a whole host of partnership opportunities and expertise to collaborate with on your own homegrown research projects.

‘For early career researchers, start small and then build up the complexity of your portfolio’ In 2017 I received the title of Honorary Clinical Associate Professor in Neurology from the University of Leeds (UoL). With three years of funded time supported by the Leeds Hospital Charity, this post has enabled me to develop novel avenues of epilepsy research at UoL with academics; a subject area previously devoid of any research activity. I now supervise higher degree research fellowships exploring clinical and biological factors in brain tumour related epilepsy and have forged links with a MedTech company to examine the clinical utility of long term subcutaneous EEG in patients considered for epilepsy surgery. As a full time NHS consultant and leading a busy epilepsy service, it has allowed me to identify gaps in patient care where translational research might benefit. Sometimes the translational impact is not always recognised within academia and it takes an experienced clinician to guide the study design and ideas.

‘Collaboration across academia, industry and the NHS is key’

Closing the gap It is widely recognised across different organisations that more needs to be done to investigate gender inequalities and understand the barriers to medical research participation of women. The Athena Swan Charter introduced in 2005 has been an important step in ensuring academic institutions promote gender equality and tackle behaviours and cultures that detract from collegiality of study environments for people of all genders. In the NHS, women clinicians are more likely to work less-than-

full-time (LTFT) with this strongly correlating with lower formal employment in research roles. Another area where women report barriers is a lack of knowledge or skills suggesting they feel less confident or find it harder to access appropriate training. NHS trusts need to ensure flexibility in job planning to protect time for clinical research including research delivery within direct clinical care programmed activities. NIHR networks need to support NHS trusts in enhancing capacity and capability of women researchers who represent an untapped research potential. NIHR have partnered with the Royal College of Physicians in designing a postgraduate certificate focused on the practical elements of clinical research. This qualification will form part of the new NIHRAoMRC Clinician Researcher Credentials Framework, which provides a range of practical, Master’s level clinician researcher development programmes aimed at experienced clinicians who are new to research. Finally, in a 2021 publication, the BMA Women in Academic Medicine (WAM) Group shared their successes and challenges in the research world. Their stories are really inspiring and a common theme in their success was the presence along the way of supportive mentors. Having a community of practice for women in research where all are welcome should be a key development aim. By providing research mentorship we can help to inspire, support and develop the next generation of women researchers, something I am passionate to make happen.

‘Inspirational role models make a difference’

Feature

Meet our people – Nick Devereux What is your role at the Trust and how did you get into it? I’m a Registered Nursing Associate, currently working in Urology Theatres at SJUH. When I initially joined LTHT I worked as a Clinical Support Worker on J83 and was encouraged by one of the ward sisters to apply for the nursing associate apprenticeship. I spent my two year apprenticeship working on an acute surgical ward before making the decision to transfer to theatres so I could focus on developing my clinical skills as a newly qualified.

Tell us something about your role that people find surprising. How much variety there is in the nursing associate role! There are a lot of different routes the role can take. I know people who work in adult nursing, children’s nursing, learning disabilities, mental health, community and education so there are plenty of opportunities as the role becomes more recognised.

What do you find most rewarding about your role and would you recommend it as a career? What I find most rewarding is having a role that I feel makes a difference. I loved being able to care for my patients in a way that made an inpatient stay a little bit brighter and in my new role I’ve got so much to learn it’s a whole new challenge for me.

Conclusions I hope that my story provides at least some inspiration to female trainees and new female consultants coming through who may not wish to be fulltime academics but want to develop an academic branch to their NHS job role. With a flexible, supportive work environment, protected research time together with positive enthusiasm, it is possible for all women working within the NHS to get involved in research. This can only benefit professionals and patient care in the long run.

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Building a sustainable and inclusive future Our exciting plans for two new hospitals in Leeds has made real progress in 2021 with the site at Leeds General Infirmary now cleared of old vacant buildings ready for the next stage of the development.

Trust’s appointed architects the Perkins&Will team. Sustainability is also at the heart of the new hospitals’ designs with the new hospitals being an opportunity to develop sustainable, long-life buildings that will be fully adaptable to the changing nature of healthcare.

Throughout this coming year we will see the Trust reaching out with important engagement between its architects and patients, service users and staff so that the best hospitals can be developed to meet the needs of those who use them and work there.

Some of the sustainability measures that are being considered as part of the design proposals for the two new hospitals for Leeds include:

Engaging with these groups on the new designs is a fantastic opportunity for them to have their input and help shape the way the new hospitals will eventually look and feel. Appointed architects, the Perkins&Will team, are responding to the Trust’s brief to create hospitals designed around the needs of patients and staff, making sure they enhance the experience for everyone using the new facilities. As iconic buildings in the centre of Leeds the new hospitals’ relationship with the community goes beyond the site boundary, ensuring the project plays a positive role in the community long after the buildings are completed. One example of the extensive community engagement planned for 2022 will involve the Trust reaching out to areas around its new hospital development site to promote training and job opportunities. It will mean working closely with its design and construction partners to support social value initiatives in Leeds for those with the greatest barriers to training, skills and employment opportunities. The city of Leeds experiences the third highest level of inequality in the UK, with 24% of its population being in the 10% most deprived areas nationally. There is a strong link between social inequalities and disparities in health outcomes, with Covid-19 exacerbating this because of its disproportionate impact on those who already face disadvantage and discrimination. The Trust’s initiative, with support from its partners, includes apprenticeship programmes, school engagement

• Rainwater collection and bio-filtration • Grey water reuse • Onsite solar energy harvesting

events, and work experience opportunities - targeted at areas surrounding the new hospitals’ development as well as some of the city’s most deprived neighbourhoods. James Goodyear, LTHT’s Director of Strategy, explained: “Due to its size and scale our new hospitals programme is not only a long-term vision for patients and staff but also for local communities. “As a member of the Leeds Anchors Network, it provides a major opportunity to work collaboratively with our suppliers and city-wide partners to deliver a place-based programme of inclusive growth to help improve health outcomes for its residents and patients.” Among the design and construction partners who will be involved in the initiative are contractors WSP, Arcadis, Arup, MJ Medical, and the

•P assive design & energy re-capture (the capture and reuse of waste heat) •M aximising the capture and use of natural light • Natural ventilation •P roposed provision for bird, bat and bee hotels • Outdoor gardens and terraces •S ophisticated energy management systems that maximise energy efficiency and minimise waste Also, as part of the demolition, the Trust has been aiming to recycle between 95% to 99% of materials from the old buildings and the rates are currently running at 97%. Crushed material is being moved from site and an agreed stockpile quantity retained for use for the future hospital build project. The new facilities are planned to be operational by 2027.

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News

Changing Places facility at St James’s means greater accessibility for patients with disabilities A Changing Places facility installed in the Gledhow wing at St James’s provides improved facilities that meet the needs of disabled people visiting the site. The facility is located on the ground floor of Gledhow wing on the corridor heading towards the Paul Sykes Centre, and is certified as achieving the standards of the national Changing Places initiative. More than 250,000 people in the UK cannot use standard accessible toilets. This includes people with profound and multiple learning disabilities, musclewasting conditions, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy, as well as people who have suffered major physical trauma, had a head injury or stroke, as well as some older people. In 2006, the Changing Places Consortium launched its campaign to install a facility in every major public building in the UK. St James’s now joins Leeds General Infirmary in having one of these important facilities on site, providing

extra equipment and space, and empowering disabled people to use the toilets in safety and comfort. Alison Conyers, Trust Lead for Disabilities and Autism, said: “The number of people who need access to Changing Places toilets is increasing rapidly. This is because of advances in medical care, and the fact that we’re all living longer. Some people are often not able to go out and do things many take for granted because they rely on Changing Places toilets. Having this new facility here at St James’s will be a huge relief for many disabled patients and their families, who now know we have an accessible, certified facility that caters for their needs and comforts.” A Changing Place facility provides all the necessary equipment for a disabled user, including a height-adjustable changing bench, a hoist, as well as enough space for the disabled person, up to two carers and their equipment. The facility contains a centrally-placed toilet with room

either side for the carers, and a screen or curtain to allow some privacy. This safe and clean environment also features wide tear-off paper roll to cover the bench, a large waste bin for disposable pads, and a non-slip floor. The key for the St James’s Changing Place facility is available at the Gledhow wing reception. The Changing Place facility at Leeds General Infirmary is situated on A floor in the Clarendon wing – the key is available from Clarendon wing reception.

Chaplain Rabbi Alby Chait receives New Year’s Honour LTHT Chaplain Rabbi Albert Chait received an MBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honour list in January. Albert – or Alby – received the Honour for his tireless services to the Jewish community and to charity in West Yorkshire, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic.

An MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) is awarded to someone in recognition of an outstanding achievement or service to the community. This will have had a long-term, significant impact and stand out as an example to others.

Alby is senior minister of the United Hebrew Congregation (UHC) in Leeds and, during the height of the pandemic, launched a virtual service, which drew a worldwide audience. One service, recorded at Elland Road stadium in December 2020, was viewed by 20,000 people from around the world.

Alby said: “Whilst this is something I will treasure and cherish for the rest of my life, I would however like to dedicate and share this award with the whole UHC Leeds and wider Anglo-Jewish Community whom I am so privileged to serve and whose trust in me both as a Communal Leader and LTHT Chaplain... immense and sacred responsibilities I promise you... I never have OR will ever take for granted.”

Chief Executive Julian Hartley said: “Alby is such a credit to Leeds and to the Trust. He is an incredibly

compassionate person caring for patients and staff at important times in their lives - often responding to emergency requests 24 hours a day and working with our catering team to help provide breakfasts at Passover and at Christmas. Alby always goes the extra mile. He is also a vital link with Jewish communities in the city.”

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New print of Amplifying Voices, Mending Divides A second print run of the anthology of stories, Amplifying Voices, Mending Divides – which launched in October 2021 during Black History Month - has now been finalised and new copies of the book were delivered to the Trust in January. This new print run has meant that every member of staff working at the Trust may now order a copy of the book for free. Julian Hartley, Chief Executive, said: “This is a vital resource that I hope will help spark inclusive conversations across the Trust about what we can do as individuals, teams and as an organisation to root out racism and make LTHT a place where everyone can thrive, no matter their background. It’s a truly moving collection and I urge you, if you haven’t already, to take this fantastic opportunity to start a reading group with colleagues in your team to read through the book together.”

The book, edited by Ester Jamera, Co-Chair of the BME Staff Network, features 14 diverse voices from across the Trust and beyond, giving deeply personal accounts of racism and of hopes for race equality.

How to get your free copy To get a free copy of the book, LTHT staff should search online “Amplifying Voices LTHT” to find all the information how on the Trust’s website.

What next? There’s plenty more staff can do to support building an inclusive organisation at LTHT. Find out more on the LTHT website by searching “Amplifying Voices LTHT” – and join the conversation on Twitter: #AmplifyingVoicesLTHT

A delivery of the second print run of the anthology in January now means that any member of staff can claim their free copy

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Understanding the experience of safeguarding patients The Trust is committed to protecting the safety and welfare of children and adults at risk of or experiencing harm or abuse, and ensuring these patients have access to inclusive healthcare. When a safeguarding concern is recognised and responded to, it can be a difficult time for patients who are in hospital.

to a referral to remain at the centre of the safeguarding process. For example, writing ‘learning disability’ in supporting documentation was not enough to ensure the patient’s wishes were understood. During interviews it became clear that non-verbal cues or particular words were important in understanding how an individual might express themselves.

The Adult Safeguarding team worked collaboratively with the Patient Carer and Public Involvement (PCPI) team to understand the experience of inpatients when a safeguarding concern had been raised.

Thanks to this inclusive work, a range of improvement opportunities have been identified. This includes staff understanding the nonverbal cues that patients may use as a way of expressing their desired outcome of the safeguarding process.

The PCPI team interviewed 17 patients, to understand the interaction between the patient and staff at the point when the safeguarding concern was raised. The interview conversations identified areas where the experience of these patients could be improved. A number of themes became apparent, for example, some patients were reluctant to access safeguarding support due to a fear of losing their independence or how they might be perceived by their

Members of the LTHT Safeguarding team

peers. At least four patients interviewed had become unsafe due to the breakdown of informal support during the pandemic and they became unable to ‘look after’ themselves. This led to two

becoming the target of others due to their acquired or perceived vulnerability. Patient centred communication stood out as the most important way to help those subject

This work will now continue as an ‘Always Event’, an approach that involves those with lived experience sharing their experience, skills and knowledge alongside staff to make service changes using quality improvement methods. This work will now also include the children’s safeguarding team and patients at Leeds Children’s Hospital.

Dr Kerrie Davies named UK Healthcare Scientist of the Year Dr Kerrie Davies, Healthcare Associated Infections Research Group, Microbiology, was awarded the Chief Scientific Officer’s UK Healthcare Scientist of the Year, 2021, in December. Chief Scientific Officer, Prof Dame Sue Hill, presented the award for Dr Davis’ contribution to the national Covid-19 testing programme and for contributions to infectious disease research, particularly for her work on test product regulatory validation and technical validation of test assay.

Dr Davis was seconded to the Department of Health and Social Care as Scientific Lead for the Technical Validations Group, chaired by Dame Sue Hill and Prof Mark Wilcox during the pandemic. She has played a key role in the Trust’s diagnostic response to the pandemic, including the rollout of rapid testing to Emergency Departments. Julian Hartley, Chief Executive at LTHT, said: “This prestigious award is a welldeserved recognition of her expertise, talent and hard work - well done!”

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Leeds Children’s Hospital designated ‘Centre of Excellence in Supportive Cancer Care’ In 2021 The Paediatric Haematology and Oncology Service at Leeds Children’s Hospital was designated as a ‘centre of excellence in supportive care’ by the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC). Leeds Children’s Hospital is the first children’s hospital in the world to be awarded this status and now joins other leading services around the globe to receive this designation including the Gustave Roussy Institute in Paris, the Institut Jules Bordet in Brussels and the

Levine Cancer Institute, USA. ‘Supportive care’ refers to all the elements of cancer care which are not directly combatting the cancer itself such as the management of infections, prevention of nausea and vomiting, nutrition, physiotherapy, physiological, emotional and social support - all important elements of a patients cancer care. Dr Bob Philips has played a key role in securing this designation and commented: ‘We already know survival rates in Yorkshire for children with cancer are among the best in the world. This new recognition from MASCC shows that at Leeds we are not solely focussed on the treatment – we’re also making the process of living with and beyond cancer the best it can be with our team providing all aspects of research and care in one centre.’ Mr Colin Holton - Clinical Director at Leeds Children’s Hospital said: ‘On behalf of Leeds Children’s Hospital, we’re so very proud to be the first designated children’s hospital worldwide to achieve this status. It highlights how collaboratively the different specialities within our Haematology and Oncology team work to deliver the best outcomes for patients. This is a further example of excellence in clinical care at Leeds as we move towards the next exciting phase of building a new Children’s hospital over the next few years.’

Building resilience into Trust IT systems Across LTHT, a number of different IT applications are used by our clinicians to help provide patient care. These applications depend upon computers, storage, networks and telephony systems which form the digital infrastructure for the Trust. Part of the DIT team’s role is ensuring that this infrastructure is resilient, safe and secure, supporting patient services now and in the future.

The Digital team is currently working with Microsoft to future proof PPM+, one of the Trust’s most important IT systems. Current work is looking at moving PPM+ to the Cloud, providing reliability, resilience and scalability while taking advantage of the flexibility of the Cloud to explore new features such as patient-entered data in electronic forms. New features like this have the potential to offer

many benefits for the Trust, and also for patients, reducing appointment times, the need to travel and enabling patients to take a more proactive role in their treatment. This work is also central to the plans for the new hospitals, where patients, staff and guests will be surrounded with the digital infrastructure needed to support them in their journey through the hospital.

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My Job

Jonathan Topp What’s the best thing about your job? I am working closely with a great bunch of highly driven and like-minded Clinical Leadership Fellow colleagues, and have developed friendships that will continue beyond the secondment. My current role also allows me to independently manage my own diary and time which has contributed to a better worklife balance.

What is the one thing you would change at LTHT to help you do your job better?

Jonathan is a physiotherapist and clinical leadership fellow in quality improvement and the Leeds Improvement Method. He has worked at LTHT since 2009. Summarise the main aspects of your role? A physiotherapist by background, I am usually based at St James’s Emergency Department and other front-door clinical areas e.g. SDEC, providing holistic assessment of the older patient, facilitating timely discharge and working towards hospital admission avoidance. I am currently non-clinical, undertaking a Health Education England Future Leaders Programme secondment in Quality Improvement and the Leeds Improvement Method. This role involves being an ambassador for Quality Improvement in the Trust, promoting improvement activities in staff, assisting with the provision of Training and Coaching and organising Quality Improvement Network Events. This role also allows me to invest in the development of my leadership skills and to understand how the Trust functions at corporate and Board level, crucial during crisis contexts such as the Covid-19 Pandemic. I am involved in many exciting and challenging projects and activities and am also undertaking a Post-graduate certificate qualification at Bradford University.

What else have you done in your career so far? I have won two significant poster awards at the British Geriatric Society national convention in 2012 for quality improvement work looking at communication issues in the older patient with hearing impairment and staff awareness of issues facing this patient group.

As a clinician, it can be difficult to obtain access to suitable computer facilities to participate in virtual meetings and do other important tasks such as online training. Being able to access a computer in a quiet and calming environment would really help me thus it would be great if there could be dedicated facilities throughout the Trust.

What is one thing people could do to be more inclusive of the needs of deaf/Deaf colleagues at LTHT? Think of your approach in face-to-face conversations with deaf colleagues, acknowledge that they may have difficulties hearing well and ask how best to communicate with them. The Covid-19 pandemic has been particularly challenging for those with hearing-impairments – the wearing of surgical face masks may pose a significant issue for those colleagues who depend on lip-reading/facial expressions so consider lowering your mask for the duration of your conversation (if it is safe and appropriate to do so) or use NHS approved transparent face masks.

What’s your best advice to a new starter at the Trust? Get into the habit of taking time out to reflect on and record your experiences, both positive and negative, and learn from these as you progress through your career.

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Team Spotlight - Patient engagement team The Patient, Carer & Public Involvement (PCPI) Team work in collaboration with staff, patients and the public to develop and shape services. Their work drives forward improvements in the care provided at LTHT by using the feedback received from patients, carers and visitors.

What are the different roles within the team? There are five members of the team: Jennifer Gaunt - PCPI Projects Manager, Rosie Horsman - Lead Nurse, Monica Didi - Deputy PCPI Manager, Scott Cunningham - Deputy PCPI Manager and Deb Tighe - Partner Manager.

What happens on an average day? The team work on a wide range of different projects and every day is different. They support the Trust’s Clinical Service Units (CSUs) to gain patient feedback about the care they provide or any changes to their service that are planned. This includes creating surveys, organising workshops, patient panels, reference groups and delivering training and development sessions. They support members of the public to work alongside staff in meetings and forums to provide a public perspective and contribution to discussions. They spend time planning and delivering projects, which includes writing and developing materials and papers for meetings, taking into account different communication needs, so as many people as possible can get involved. They also work with patients to create powerful films that tell the story of their experience, which help to highlight good practice and drive improvements at Trust Board level. The team attend meetings as part of collaborative work with a number

of partner organisations in the city, including Healthwatch Leeds and Forum Central, to gain a broader understanding of the views of patients.

How do the team make a difference at LTHT? The PCPI team work collaboratively to help LTHT deliver services that are accessible and inclusive, ensuring the patient voice is at the centre of any changes that are planned. For example, they have recently been working with our Eye Clinic team to involve patients in a change to the service that will directly affect them. Working with patients, including those who have visual impairments or are blind, they have facilitated accessible patient reference groups so that this group of patients can share their views to provide a deeper understanding of the impact this will have.

One example they have been working on is the implementation of a Calm at Night Always Event, to help patients to sleep better at night on busy hospital wards. It is important that all hospital services are inclusive, and the team work with services to ensure a diverse range of patient voices are heard. They work with community organisations and charities to reach

patients, including those with alcohol or drug misuse, as well as older people who may only use a telephone and not the internet to communicate. The team also help services to gather feedback on literature including new leaflets and booklets before they are distributed to patients. This ensures they are written in plain English that is easy to understand and any diagrams are clearly formatted with patients in mind. This empowers patients to use the information in the leaflets to manage their care and feel comfortable asking questions to the clinical teams caring for them. Strategies are an important part of managing the way services are run and providing direction, and the PCPI team help to make their development patient centred. They recently worked with the safeguarding team on their new strategy and they also enabled patients to play a key role in the development of the Trust’s patient safety incident framework. Always Events are “those aspects of the patient and family experience that should always occur when patients interact with healthcare professionals and the health care delivery system”. They aim to understand what really matters to patients, people who use services, their families and carers and then co-design changes to improve experience of care. The team support clinical services taking forward Always Events by collecting and analysing patient feedback and facilitating co-design meetings. One example they have been working on is the implementation of a Calm at Night

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Always Event, to help patients to sleep better at night on busy hospital wards. The team deliver engagement events to understand patient views on service changes. An event was delivered in the Hearing and Balance Centre to understand how moving the service might affect patients and what should be considered for this patient group when choosing the new location for the service. The service has now moved to Seacroft Hospital to enable building works for two new hospitals at LGI to commence.

The key to this has been learning how to empower patients to feel comfortable in joining these meetings Deb recruits and provides training to the public, so they can be involved in the quality and safety related work of the Trust as patient partners. So far, partners have joined the unplanned care board, quality improvement collaboratives and supported the work of the Kaizen Promotion Office (KPO). The key to this has been learning how to empower patients to feel comfortable in joining these meetings and learning how to support staff to work alongside members of the public in this way.

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Leeds Children’s Hospital bring back Father Christmas! In December, Leeds Children’s Hospital had a very special visit from Father Christmas, Mrs Claus, elves, reindeer and even some very festively dressed donkeys! Father Christmas and his helpers met with patients from across Leeds Children’s Hospital in a specially created, socially distanced grotto in the Candlelighters Trust Pavilion outside Clarendon Wing.

that patients could come and see them face to face.

2021 was the second year that Father Christmas hasn’t been able to visit the wards due to Covid-19 restriction but the team at our children’s Hospital are not easily beaten when it comes to bringing Christmas magic to children in hospital!

Play Leader Lucy Dove was part of the event team: ‘It was amazing to a part of the Santa experience and see all the patients, parents and staff’s faces when they saw the donkeys, reindeer, Santa and Mrs Claus, which made their time in hospital far more enjoyable! A special mention should go to Santa and Mrs. Claus who did a brilliant job of engaging and entertaining the patients.’

In 2020 staff created some Christmas magic (and quite a lot of attention) by making Father Christmas fly - with a little help from a cherry picker. This year the team have worked tirelessly in the run up to Christmas to be able to welcome Father Christmas and his helpers back into hospital grounds so

Creating a socially distanced grotto in the Pavilion at short notice was no mean feat but hosting Father Christmas on hospital grounds meant that even some of our most unwell patients were been able to visit, accompanied by medical staff.

The event was made possible with a huge team effort involving staff from across the hospital and charity partners Leeds Hospitals Charity and Candlelighters Trust.

Are there any recent achievements or plans for the future? The team were delighted to have their patient partner work recognised on a national platform when they won the Health Service Journal, Patient Safety Awards 2021: Service User Engagement and Co-production Award. The Leeds Hospital’s Partner Programme - Powering Improvement with Patients and Public now includes 16 ‘Partners’ or recruited members of the public, who are making meaningful contributions to all areas of Quality and Safety Improvement work. A new project called the Community Connectors is also underway. The overarching aim of this work is to tackle health inequalities and enable public health messaging to reach communities including refugees living in Leeds. This includes working with a number of partners and charities in the city and insight gathered from this will help drive forward improvements in healthcare.

Farewell

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A fond farewell to our long-serving staff Sarah Simpson Sarah Simpson, Senior Sister at the Seacroft R&S unit retired at the end of January. Many people will know Sarah as she has worked for the Trust for 43 years. Her time included working at the Renal Unit at St James’s, then she opened the Cookridge Dialysis Unit and helped organise its transfer to Beeston when it closed. After that she ran both of the dialysis units at Seacroft Hospital. Sarah has been a key part of the renal haemodialysis team for a very long time.

Tracy Clephan Tracy Clephan, Head of Dietetics, retired from her role at the Trust in January. Tracy has worked 40 years in the NHS, starting in Leicester in 1981. She joined Leeds in 1993 as Head of Dietetics and has been in the role ever since, although with some reorganisations, which has meant she has led a number of different teams and services during her time at the Trust.

He team said: “We’ll miss her and appreciate her extensive contribution to the care of patients and staff in the renal service and the Trust. We are sure you will want to join us in wishing Sarah a long and very happy retirement.”

Tracy’s team ensured she had a terrific virtual send off where many staff, past and present, joined her to mark this end of an era. Tracy is re-joining the CSU team in a new, part-time role of Education and Training Project Lead. Her team hopes she enjoys the new post and makes the most of her new part-time hours!

Linda Lewis Linda Lewis retired from her role with the Prosthetic Service in December. Linda has worked for the Trust since 1984 and joined the Prosthetic Service in 2011. Linda was a valued member of the team and her knowledge, experience and leadership will be greatly missed by the whole of the Specialist Rehabilitation Service, who wish her good luck in the future.

Kathryn Coulson Kathryn Coulson (previously Judson) was appointed in the Trust as a newly qualified Radiographer in 1976 at Leeds General Infirmary. In 1981 Kathy obtained a diploma in Medical Ultrasound and began working as a sonographer at the LGI and Leeds Maternity Hospital. Over the years Kathy has also worked at St James’s and Seacroft hospitals but has been mostly based in the ultrasound department at LGI. Kathy developed a keen interest in paediatric and obstetric ultrasound and has represented the department as obstetric screening co-ordinator as well as in many other roles. Kathy has mentored and trained numerous sonographers and radiologists over her time in the Trust passing on her extensive knowledge and experience in ultrasound. She has also supported sonographer training in the region by contributing to the Yorkshire Ultrasound User Group. Kathy is retiring almost exactly 45 years to the day her employment in the Trust commenced. She has been at the heart of the ultrasound department for so many years and has been a key member of the team. She will be greatly missed. All her colleagues in the Ultrasound Department would like to wish Kathy “Good Luck” in her new adventures and wish her well for the future.

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News

Hello My Name Is… in British Sign Language Introduce yourself in British Sign Language! Sign Language is a visual means of communicating using gestures, facial expression, and body language. Knowing some simple Sign Language will help people who are Deaf or have hearing impairments understand you.

1. Hello

2. Name

3. My

4. S

5. I

6. D

7. R

8. A

Fingerspelling is a method of spelling words using hand movements. The fingerspelling alphabet is used in sign language to spell out names of people and places for which there is not a sign. British Sign Language (BSL) uses a two-handed alphabet however some other sign languages use a onehanded alphabet. Sidra shows us how to sign “Hello, my name is Sidra.” Try it yourself!

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Leeds Hospitals Charity news 250,000 children to benefit from charity-led project transforming the hospital experience Thanks to an exciting project led by Leeds Hospitals Charity, in collaboration with local businesses and national charities, the reception area at Leeds Children’s Hospital has been transformed. Now, from the moment children and their families walk through the entrance of Leeds Children’s Hospital, they will be immersed in a rainforest themed reception area, complete with feature lighting, brightly coloured flooring, and interactive activities to help create a more welcoming environment for everyone. The entrance includes the latest technology, funded by national children’s charity Starlight, to distract and engage patients and their families. This innovative technology includes touchfree motion sensor games, a virtual fish tank, and a floor projector to complete the immersive experience. Esther Wakeman, CEO of Leeds Hospitals Charity said: “We’re so proud to lead such an exciting project which will make a real difference to the experience of some of the youngest and most vulnerable patients in Leeds and their families. None of this would be possible without the support of our donors and the generous help of all the wonderful organisations involved.”

Rob and Lindsey Burrow announced as Leeds Hospitals Charity’s first-ever patrons Rugby League legend Rob Burrow and his wife, Lindsey, have been given the honour of becoming Leeds Hospitals Charity’s first ever patrons. The announcement of the couple’s new role comes just a few months after

and Yorkshire. LTHT is currently running over 12,000 clinical trials with over 800 patients involved – Leeds Hospitals Charity wants to make sure as many patients as possible have the opportunity to be a part of a trial here in Leeds. Find out more about the searching online: Leeds Leads Research Fund.

the Burrow family spearheaded the Charity’s Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) appeal. Rob was diagnosed with MND in 2019, and since then his family have worked tirelessly to help raise awareness and funds for several charities, including Leeds Hospital Charity’s appeal to build a specialist MND centre in our city. Lindsey, who works as a Physiotherapist at LTHT has seen first-hand the difference charitable donations can make, she says: “Rob and I feel is a great honour and privilege to be asked by Leeds Hospitals Charity to be patrons. Together, we will continue to do everything we can to help raise awareness and much needed funds to support the Charity and the Rob Burrow Centre for MND appeal.”

Jacob’s Story – Leeds Leads Research Jacob was diagnosed with Leukaemia at 14 years old, doctors told him he had an 86% chance of survival. Unfortunately, not every child who is diagnosed with cancer will be as lucky as Jacob. Some of the world’s leading scientists and researchers are based here in Leeds actively working on new drug discoveries, better treatments and ultimately cures for health conditions that affect individuals and communities in Leeds

Easy ways to donate to Leeds Hospitals Charity’s shops! As a thank you to those donating much needed items to Leeds Hospitals Charity’s Merrion Centre shop, Morrisons are now offering customers up to half an hour free parking to enable you to easily drop off in store! Simply park in the on-site Morrisons car park on Woodhouse Lane and obtain your voucher from the Leeds Hospitals Charity Shop to redeem at Morrisons customer service kiosk. There are also plans to launch a free collection service for supporters wishing to donate to the charity’s Merrion centre and Crossgates shopping centre stores, thanks to new Leeds Hospitals Charity van, generously donated by local IVECO and FIAT Dealership –Northern Commercials. More information about Leeds Hospitals Charity’s retail stores can be found on the charity’s website.

www.leedsth.nhs.uk |

60 seconds

60 seconds James Royal

What do you do to wind down and relax after a hard week at work? My favourite way to relax and wind down is by playing or watching football. I’m usually either playing Saturdays or heading down to Valley Parade to watch Bradford City. Unfortunately I can’t get my wife and kids to share the same passion.

What is your ideal holiday destination and why?

James’s role at LTHT is Health and Wellbeing Project Lead and has worked at the Trust since September 2021.

Japan has always been a place I’ve been fascinated by and would be the first place I would go if I ever won the lottery. I love the mix of Japan’s traditional culture, the history, the amazing scenery as well as the hi-tech innovation.

What did you want to be when you were growing up? When I was younger I really wanted to be a documentary maker. I love interacting with people and hearing their stories.

What is your favourite film? The Lord of the Rings trilogy would be up there as my favourite films. It’s hard to separate them. I could happily watch the full extended trilogy from start to finish (all 11 hours).

Tell us something we don’t know about you … In 2009 I had to have an ileorectal anastomosis which involved my large bowel being completely removed.

What is your favourite food? I’m a big fan of all things chicken, but my absolute favourite would be a good quality chicken and mushroom pie.

Congratulations to our Bulletin competition winners! In the Summer 2021 issue of Bulletin we teamed up with RHS Harlow Carr Gardens as part of our Kindness campaign to offer a lucky member of staff and their family or friends free entry to the gardens followed by tea at Betty’s Tearooms. A runner-up also had the fab opportunity to visit the gardens themselves. Congratulations to Winner Rachel Fleming and Runner-up Laura Holt! We hope you both enjoyed the gardens in their autumnal glory or lit up for winter. Pictured is Laura and her family enjoying the garden at night under the glow of festive lights.

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