SDEC plans approved

PLANS APPROVED FOR SAME DAY EMERGENCY CARE CENTRE

Plans have been approved to build a new Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) Centre that will improve and integrate urgent care services.

The SDEC Centre will allow specialist staff from multiple departments to come together, forming a multidisciplinary team to treat patients and relieve pressure on the Emergency Department (ED). It will allow for operational improvements and deliver rapid assessments, diagnosis and treatment in the most appropriate place, in a more responsive way. Under the proposals for the SDEC Centre patients and their families will also avoid longer than necessary stays in hospital and enable more effective joint working for the Trust’s staff across the care network.

The new centre is a result of £300million worth of funding announced by the Department of Health and Social Care last year to upgrade ED facilities at NHS Trusts across the country. A total of £15m of this was allocated to the Countess to improve its care provision in two tranches over 2021 and 2022.

Chief Executive of the Countess of Chester Hospital, Dr Susan Gilby said: “I am pleased to confirm our application to build a Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) Centre on site has now been approved. The amount of funding we have received from DHSC to make this possible is more than we could have hoped for and will be vital in boosting ED capacity, which is badly needed at the Trust. The SDEC Centre will help to reduce unnecessary hospital admissions and ensure a much-improved environment and experience for patients and their families.”

Theatres celebrates three nurses’ long service

Theatres staff have paid an emotional tribute to three nurses with 140 years’ NHS experience between them.

Carol Francis, Vivienne Barratt and Christine Hunter were surprised with cake and flowers as a regular team meeting on Friday 3 September became a celebration of their careers.

Carol (pictured left), who knew as early as six years old that she wanted to be a nurse, said: “I had no idea this was happening! It was a huge surprise, and it makes me very proud. They’re such a great team and I have thoroughly enjoyed working all my life in nursing.” When the team realised these department stalwarts were reaching significant career landmarks at the same time, they had to do something. Christine (pictured right) was initially in on the surprise and led the collection to celebrate Carol and Vivienne each reaching 50 years in the NHS. Secretly, the team discovered Christine was also approaching her 40th anniversary and decided to honour her at the same time. to do something nice for them and I ended up being surprised as well.” Leanne Fletcher, Matron, said: “In the meeting we spoke about the small wins that keep us going. For these three ladies to reach 140 years of NHS service between them is a massive achievement that we all aspire to reach. They have given their whole working careers to the NHS, and we are so proud of them. We are lucky to have them on our team.”

Unfortunately, Vivienne wasn’t in work on the day of the celebration but some of her colleagues took her flowers and some cake round to her home later that evening.

Carol and Christine after the surprise presentation

CHESTER ZOO NAMES PENGUIN CHICK ‘COUNTESS’

A fluffy penguin chick hatched at Chester Zoo has been named ‘Countess’ in honour of hospital staff.

Countess is one of five endangered Humboldt penguins that arrived between 26 March and 14 April 2020. They were all named after NHS heroes and hospitals. Chester Zoo’s conservationists pick different themes when naming youngsters each year, with previous years including brands of crisps, chocolate bars and British Olympians. Last year they decided to pay homage to the efforts of NHS workers. The five chicks were named: Countess, Florence (after Florence Nightingale), Thomas (after St Thomas’ Hospital), Bevan (after Aneurin Bevan who founded the NHS) and Arrowe (after Arrowe Park Hospital). Earlier this year, following a long delay caused by COVID-19, staff from the hospital were finally able to visit the zoo and meet the penguin named in their honour. A prize draw was held among hospital staff and four lucky winners were able to attend: Michelle Griffiths, Clerical Officer; Louis Smith, Porter; Donna McGuirk, HR Assistant; and Mark Smallwood, Radiographer. “What a fantastic honour for us at the Countess to have a wonderful penguin at our local zoo named after us,” Michelle said. “As a member of the zoo I’ve experienced many lovely days visiting the animals but getting to go behind the scenes was incredible. I want to thank Chester Zoo and the Countess Charity for the amazing experience.” Lesley Woodhead, Head of Fundraising at the Countess Charity, said: “We have been watching the progress of the penguins closely and waiting for a chance to introduce some of our teams to Countess the penguin. We did not think it would take until after their first birthday – but it was well worth waiting for. I would like to say a huge thank you to Chester Zoo for their hospitality and such a special treat.” Zoe Sweetman, Team Manager of Parrots and Penguins at Chester Zoo, said: “Every year the zoo’s penguin team selects a new naming theme for any chicks that hatch. Last year, as a little way of showing our appreciation and saying thank you to our NHS heroes for their incredible work throughout the pandemic, we decided to name the class of 2020 after some of the hospitals they work in. This included the Countess of Chester.

“Being able to now finally introduce some of the amazing Countess of Chester team to Countess the penguin was a real privilege. We know what enormous pressure NHS staff have been under and hopefully meeting the penguins, and in particular a special little penguin by the name of Countess, helped to raise a few smiles.”

Five Humboldt penguin facts:

• This South American penguin is named after the chilly Humboldt current, along which the penguins commonly swim • Humboldt penguins are becoming increasingly rare. Of the world’s 17 penguin species, Humboldts are among the most at risk, with the species classed as vulnerable to extinction by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) • Found on the rocky coastal shores of Peru and Chile, the penguins face a number of threats such as climate change, over-fishing of their natural food sources and rising acidity and temperature levels in the oceans – all causing the penguins to search further from their nests for fish and increasing their vulnerability. • Humboldt penguins ‘fly’ through the water at speeds of up to 25mph • They enjoy a diet of small fish (anchovies, herring, smelt) and crustacean

“I was given a time slot by 111 and was booked in very quickly was happy with the all-round service was only there one and a half hours from start to finish very efficient service.” A patient in ED in July

“Everyone was very kind and my appointment was on time. There is nothing the staff could have done better, they are all wonderful.”

A patient in the Breast Clinic in June

“The staff are fantastic. They are so caring and put you at ease. I have nothing but good words to say about the staff and procedures.”

A patient on Ward 60 in June

HSDU sets ‘gold standard’

Our Hospital Sterilisation and Decontamination Unit (HSDU) has been celebrated and profiled as a case study for their work to maintain Draeger Atlan anaesthetic machines. These medical devices generate air flow of medical gases to induce and maintain anaesthesia during surgical procedures. When these machines arrived in May 2020, the team purchased specialised cleaning carts to decontaminate all the different components, as well as setting out a swift process to get the devices back to colleagues in theatres. It was this work that has seen them set the “gold standard” for these devices that others will be recommended to follow.

Facilities boss meets Boris

Russ Morrow, Head of Facilities, met Prime Minister Boris Johnson when he attended an NHS Covid Thank You reception on 24 May. Russ was nominated to head to Downing Street for the way he and his team have coped during the pandemic. He was joined by colleagues from NHS organisations across the country at the event. When Russ met the PM, he discussed how the teams within Facilities, comprised of Domestic Services, Portering Services, Waste Management, Catering Services, Linen Services, Security Services, Transport and Chaplaincy Services had been incredibly flexible and worked in new ways during the pandemic. He said: “It was an absolutely brilliant opportunity to showcase who we are and what we do.”

Biomedical Science Day

Pathology celebrated Biomedical Science Day on 24 June by giving a glimpse into their lab-based work that few get to see. Liam Ross, Biomedical Scientist, (pictured) said: “There are new challenges every day. This is my first job since graduating and I love it.”

Apprentice Awards

Congratulations to all winners at the fourth annual Apprentice Awards, which acknowledges the achievements of both our apprentices and those that support them.

Blood Bikes unveil latest bike at the Countess

Shropshire, Staffordshire and Cheshire Blood Bikes is a charity that has supported the Countess for years, transporting blood and milk samples. Earlier this year they launched their newest bike ‘Denman WI’, courtesy of donations from Cheshire WI. The Trust helped the blood bike riders launch the new bike, with Cheshire WI representatives and some of our pathology team gathering outside of ED.

HEARTS TO HEARTS – RAINBOW UPDATE

Support has continued for The Countess Charity Rainbow with funds raised going to the Blue Skies Balcony Appeal. The Rainbow has currently raised over £37,000 with fantastic support from both the local community and corporate supporters buying multi-coloured hearts.

The Countess Charity is delighted to be working in partnership with the British Ironwork Centre on the Rainbow, which is sponsored by Medicash. Lesley Woodhead, Head of Fundraising said: “We have talked about the Rainbow for the last six months and it is fantastic to see it coming together. Hearts have been bought by so many companies and individuals. They commemorate key workers such as Countess staff, the police, ambulance and fire services who have all made such a difference this year. They have been bought for sons and daughters, mums and dads. Once in place I hope everyone can feel pride in their hard work over the last 18 months. I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone that has bought a heart.” This will be a lasting tribute to all key workers who worked so hard during 2020 and 2021, playing such a key part in taking care of others. Funds raised from the Rainbow will go towards the Blue Skies Balcony appeal. This is a £500,000 appeal to build a balcony onto the Intensive Care Unit at The Countess of Chester Hospital. Clive Knowles, Chairman, British Ironwork Centre, said: “We are looking forward to installing the finished rainbow at The Countess of Chester Hospital to commemorate all the hard work of so many key workers.” Each heart can be sponsored for a minimum of £10 - we will send you a favour to keep in your purse or pocket of the colour you choose. Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet make up our rainbow. We hope to complete the Rainbow in the autumn of 2021.

Did you know there’s a weekly lottery that provides funds to the Countess Charity?

By supporting the Countess Charity Lottery you not only have the opportunity to win some fabulous cash prizes, you also contribute to providing more for patients at both the Countess of Chester and Ellesmere Port Hospitals. Funding from the lottery, which is run by Giant Cash Bonanza based in Huddersfield, was used on a patient’s wedding day this year. The patient had proposed to their long-term partner while receiving treatment, with money from the lottery being used for decorations and food on the big day in the hospital. By being a member of the lottery every Friday you could win one of 30 cash prizes consisting of 1x £1,000, 1x £100, 4x £50, 4x £25 & 20x £10. A total of £1,600! On the last Friday in March prizes are boosted to include a top prize of £10,000 and 10x £500 too, a fantastic draw to be involved in!

Along with cash prizes we also run several special prize draw events throughout the year where you could win a variety of great prizes just by being a lottery member. Previous prize draws have included a family pass to Blue Planet Aquarium, Afternoon tea for two at The Chester Grosvenor and an overnight stay along with dinner and breakfast for two people at the fantastic Hotel Indigo in Chester City Centre. To join The Countess Lottery it is £8.67 payable monthly by Direct Debit on either the 1st or 15th of each month. To register simply email Nicola on n.stubbs@ nhs.net for a registration form or visit the link to register online . https://giantcashbonanza.online/ countesscharity/ If you would like the chance of winning £1,000 every Friday, why not join our lottery today!

Ways to put a heart in to our Rainbow – it’s not too late

Complete a cheque made payable to The Countess Charity and post to The Countess Charity Countess of Chester Hospital Liverpool Road, Chester CH2 1UL Give online at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ putaheartinourrainbow2020

Celebrating NHS’ 73rd birthday

Over 40 Countess colleagues nominated a colleague for a special NHS birthday present organised by the Countess Charity.

All the names were placed in a computer-generated prize draw, which was won by Joanna Martin, Skin Cancer Specialist Nurse. Some lovely comments were made about how colleagues go over and above for patients. Those nominated were: Victoria Forrest, Emma MacGregor, Amanda Woodard, Bridgett from Eye Department, Jan from Eye Department, Joanna Martin, Farrah Doyle, Karen Lloyd, Jordan Manley, Lorraine Heayns, Debbie Simm, Caroline Small, Joanna Jarvis, Clair Smith, Sean Cannavan, Joanne Edmunds, Rebecca Dean, Joanne Lightfoot, Gail Walster, Sarah Drummond, Jaqui Kord, Emma Jones, Rebecca Dean, Katy Roberts, Kathryn Yates, Mark Barnett, Sue Casey, Greg Hawkins,Vannes O’Brien, Emma Bond, Kay Dorman, Leanne Fletcher, Ffion Williams, Rebecca Dixon, Sandeep Acharya, Rachel Mossman and Timur Choudury. A heart was placed on the rainbow for all nominees in the colour of their choice.