Countess Matters Summer 2022

COUNTESS MATTERS

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Summer 2022

Refurbished respiratory unit opens More on page 4

03 Spotlight on Lorraine Lloyd

05 We’re Going Greener

08 Thank you Chester Childbirth Appeal

Duke visits on ‘Rainbow Day’ 04 Page

CONTENTS

07 Tarporley

06 Community Diagnostic Centre

09 Reaching the top of the world

Welcome

FROM YOUR CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Welcome to the latest edition of Countess Matters. Since our last edition, there have been some particular highlights for me such as launching our exciting ‘We’re Going Greener’ initiative and the visit from the Duke of Westminster to celebrate our ‘Rainbow Day’ sculpture honouring key workers. I am also pleased to see the ongoing transformation of our community services with our work at Tarporley War Memorial Hospital and the expansion of healthcare services into rural areas. You can read more about these in the pages ahead.

One key area of focus is our waiting lists which increased over the course of the pandemic as we responded to the needs of our patients. All trusts had to cancel or delay operations or treatment to ensure they could redirect resources to where they were most needed. It was no different at the Countess and we have been working hard to ensure we reduce our waiting lists.

In spite of the challenges of the last two years – with the Countess being one of the five most severely affected trusts in the country by the pandemic – I’m pleased to say that our 104-week waiting list is now down to zero. We’re now focusing on any patients who have been waiting more than 78 weeks and a dedicated team is leading this work. They are looking at how we can increase our capacity to see patients – for example, by increasing the number of outpatient clinics we run – so we can ensure those patients are seen whilst we also maintain our ability to respond to the current demand for our services.

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In June, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) published its latest report on the Trust. Our overall rating has not changed and remains ‘requires improvement’. The report identifies a number of key areas for further improvement and development, and we are already well on our way to addressing those areas. I was pleased that the CQC recognised the work staff have led to embed a culture of compassionate care and treatment across our services.

We know we have more to do, for example, in the provision of some elements of maternity care, patient record keeping and training in key skills and risk management in particular areas. In our Maternity Department, we have implemented and are continuing to develop measures to ensure we consistently provide patients with the safe and effective care they have a right to expect. These measures will allow us to

build on the positive outcomes identified by the report, including the consistently compassionate care provided by the Trust’s staff to patients, the reduced observed rate for perinatal mortality at the Trust (for September 2020 to March 2021) and our data indicating that maternity services performed in line or better than the Northwest Coast average for neonatal deaths, still births and babies requiring cooling for the period between April 2021 and March 2022.

I know that the rating and feedback from the CQC about our services may cause some anxiety and concern, but I can assure you that we are focused on what must be done and are committed to ensuring our patients receive the best and safest possible care.

Best wishes, Susan Gilby

SPOTLIGHT ON…

LORRAINE LLOYD

Lorraine Lloyd, Advanced Clinical Practitioner, spent six weeks in Ukraine earlier this year, from 23 March to 4 May working with humanitarian charity UK-Med to provide medical care to local people forced to leave their homes by the Russian invasion. Lorraine was based an hour outside Lviv in a small western Ukraine town called Drohobych, working with a small team including a consultant, paramedic and GP. What were you doing in Ukraine and how did it come about?

I’ve done quite a bit of work with UK-Med before, having not long returned from working in Malawi before the emergency deployment to Ukraine.

We were the first clinical team to reach Drohobych, which was estimated to have 15,000 to 20,000 additional displaced people. We were there to provide

medical care for anyone who needed it by hosting mobile clinics.

What was it like being in Ukraine at that time?

There was some trepidation, but we were well briefed with security information beforehand. Arriving in Ukraine and experiencing the camps was a bit like a festival with people passing from each direction, with huge queues of cars and people trying to reach the border with Poland. There was a huge number of organisations giving out supplies, while there was lots of media attention. When we got to Drohobych there were roadblocks and a military presence, but it didn’t feel hostile in any way. There was a curfew of 8pm and nobody was allowed to travel anywhere on their own.

Food was delivered to our accommodation so we could stay in our building whenever

“WE MET LOTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN THAT HAD FLED THEIR HOMES. LISTENING TO SOME OF THEIR STORIES WAS JUST HEARTBREAKING.”

we weren’t at a clinic. You’d just have to wait for the air raid siren to start and then wait for the all-clear. There was one time sirens went off during the clinic but the school we were based at had a bomb shelter we could use.

What was it like going into a bomb shelter and what was it like meeting people who had left their homes?

We were very much guided by what the general public were doing so when they headed for shelter, so did we. I remember it being very dark and cold, but we were able to continue our clinic while we waited. We met lots of women and children that had fled their homes. Listening to some of their stories was just heartbreaking. There were lots of hugs, some tears and cups of coffee.

But this was all only possible because of the brilliant translators we had with us. It was really sad leaving at the end of the six weeks because we had such a great team. I feel privileged to go there.

It was extremely humbling, but we did our small part to help.

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DUKE OF WESTMINSTER JOINS ‘RAINBOW DAY’ CELEBRATIONS The Duke of Westminster praised Cheshire’s keyworkers at a ‘Rainbow Day’ celebration at the Countess.

The Duke placed a time capsule at the foot of a new ‘Rainbow’ sculpture and spoke to staff from the Trust and other local services, including North West Ambulance Service and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.

The Rainbow, built by the British Ironwork Centre and sponsored by Medicash, is located outside the hospital’s main entrance and stands as a tribute to the efforts of keyworkers during the pandemic.

The Duke of Westminster said: “The time capsule I helped bury contains several items that all capture the local experience of Covid-19 here in Chester in such a personal and fitting way. But one thing that can never be sufficiently captured such is its scale - is the immense debt of gratitude that we all owe the Countess of Chester Hospital, alongside NHS staff up and down the country, for the care and compassion you have provided us at the most challenging time.”

The Duke placed a time capsule at the foot of the rainbow, containing local items relating to COVID-19 for posterity: pictures and letters from schoolchildren, personal messages and photographs from staff, an empty vial of Pfizer vaccine to signify the Countess’ role in the vaccine roll out, a memory bag from the palliative care team and a prayer from the hospital’s Chaplaincy team.

Representatives from the hospital and other emergency services heard the Duke give a short speech, in which he said he was “humbled by their dedication” and wanted “to pay tribute to their selfless commitment to do whatever has been necessary to look after patients” before getting the chance to meet him.

Jessie Joy, Practice Education Facilitator, said: “It’s wonderful to celebrate something so positive after what has been such a challenging time. It’s lovely recognition for everyone at the hospital and other emergency service partners.”

Over £40,000 has been raised by the Countess Charity via the Rainbow, which

The Duke meets some of the team is adorned with thousands of multicoloured hearts each representing individual donations. This money is going towards the charity’s £500,000 Blue Skies Balcony Appeal for a new outdoor area next to the intensive care unit.

Clive Knowles, British Ironwork Centre, said: “I’m incredibly proud of the Rainbow and it’s really thrilling to see it in place and finished.”

Dr Susan Gilby, Chief Executive, and Ian Haythornthwaite, Chair, represented the Countess of Chester Hospital’s Board of Directors at the event, giving short speeches and meeting other guests afterwards.

Dr Gilby said: “I am delighted that the Duke of Westminster was able to join us on this special occasion. Addressing the challenges of the pandemic has been difficult for everyone, but I have been humbled to see the lengths to which our teams have gone to support and care for our patients and each other. The Rainbow stands to commemorate their compassion, dedication and skill not just in times of crisis but at all times.”

Although it was limited attendance only at the event, every member of staff at the Countess received an individually wrapped rainbow cupcake as part of the celebration.

The Duke with Ian Haythornthwaite, Chair, and Susan Gilby, Chief Executive

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Lesley Woodhead, Head of Fundraising at the Countess, said: “Living through the pandemic has been hard for all of us, but thanks to our keyworkers’ dedication we are getting through it. We wanted to create something to remember this time and I can’t thank the British Ironwork Centre and Medicash enough for making the Rainbow possible.”

Trust joins Purpose Coalition The Countess has joined a group of organisations aiming to make society fairer for all.

The Trust has signed up to a Purpose Coalition, joining more than 50 other public and private sector organisations in committing to providing equal opportunities.

New changing facilities

‘WE’RE GOING GREENER’ CAMPAIGN LAUNCHES The NHS is committed to reaching a carbon net zero by 2045. The new ‘We’re going greener’ plan sets out the Trust’s first steps to becoming more sustainable while working towards this larger goal.

As a major organisation in Chester, the Trust recognises its responsibility to be a force for good in the local community, with safeguarding the environment for current and future generations being vital towards that. Suggestions and ideas put forward by Trust staff in an initial survey in the new ‘We’re going greener’ strategy.

Cara Williams, Chief Digital Information Officer, has been appointed the Executive Sustainability Ambassador as part of the plan. Cara said: “‘We’re going greener’ is a huge step forward for the Countess in becoming more sustainable. It will have a positive impact for our hospitals and on our community. We have already hit the ground running and I’m looking forward to making more sustainable changes.”

The plan sets out how the Trust will start to tackle and review its sustainability targets from 2022 to 2025. A number of significant improvements have already been made including:

• Since 1 April 2021, all the Trust’s electricity from the grid has come from 100% renewable sources • Half the Trust’s fleet of vehicles are now electric with plans in place to increase this further • The main anaesthetic gas used in theatres has shifted from the carbon-heavy emitting gas Desflurane to the greener gas Sevoflurane • T he Trust participates in the Ginger e-scooter scheme to promote alternative ways to travel •A new fully accessible changing facility has been opened for staff who want to walk, run or cycle into work •N ew secure cycle storage will soon be installed courtesy of funding from the Countess Charity via grants from NHS Charities Together Cara added: “The most important thing for me is that we’re committed to working differently to benefit environment. I’m confident we can be an example of best practice in the NHS and join other organisations in Chester aiming to take a more sustainable approach.”

As a new member of the coalition, the Trust will now produce a Levelling Up Impact Report, in partnership with former Education Secretary Rt Hon Justine Greening and former Public Health Minister Rt Hon Anne Milton, to measure its impact against 14 Levelling Up Goals.

These goals, which were created with input from businesses, universities, policymakers and regulators, cover key areas such as education, health and wellbeing, open recruitment, closing the digital divide and more.

The Levelling Up Impact Report will highlight best practice at Countess of Chester Hospital and identify where more can be done.

Justine Greening said: “NHS Trusts play a key role in society by boosting opportunity and driving levelling up in their communities. The health inequalities that exist in different communities across the UK have been highlighted even more following the coronavirus pandemic. We must continue to work together to drive change and ensure that tackling these inequalities becomes a priority across the UK.” Dr Susan Gilby, Chief Executive of the Countess of Chester Hospital, said: “As an anchor organisation committed to addressing social inequalities in our community, I am immensely proud that the Trust was the first NHS acute provider organisation in the Northwest to join the Purpose Coalition. The pandemic has exacerbated and further embedded inequalities in the region, particularly in terms of health outcomes. The Levelling Up Goals framework provides a mechanism for guiding and tracking progress in tackling these inequalities.”

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ELLESMERE PORT DIAGNOSTIC CENTRE OPENS SOON A new Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) is opening this year at Ellesmere Port Hospital.

The centre, located at the back of the hospital, will act as a one-stop shop for diagnostic testing, with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT) and ultrasound scans all available when fully operational.

These imaging tests are used to map what is happening inside patients’ bodies, with specially trained operators called radiographers carrying them out. They can be used to diagnose a wide variety of issues, including various types of cancer.

Ruth Buckley, Radiology Service Manager, said: “We know rapid diagnosis saves lives, which is why this is such an exciting development.

“By creating additional radiology capacity more patients will be scanned, diagnosed and treated sooner.

“Everyone is working so hard on this because we know how important it will be for our ongoing efforts to address backlogs

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that have been impacted by the pandemic.”

purpose of helping people to get better.”

The Trust’s CDC is one of the first 40 commissioned in a new £350million national programme designed to make more tests available closer to where people live.

Alongside the new CDC, existing MRI, CT and ultrasound facilities will continue to operate at the Countess of Chester Hospital.

It is hoped that an additional 2.8 million scans will be delivered in the first year CDCs are operational.

Joe Speed, Radiographer, said: “Since the start of the pandemic we have seen significant increased demand for our services.

It has been difficult, but I expect the new CDC to make a big difference to our patients, which will ultimately boost us as practitioners because we’re all here for the sole

Additional staff have been recruited to work in the CDC, with some radiology team members working across both the Countess and the CDC.

“WE KNOW RAPID DIAGNOSIS SAVES LIVES, WHICH IS WHY THIS IS SUCH AN EXCITING DEVELOPMENT.”

Dr Susan Gilby, Chief Executive, said: “I’m proud that we are among the first Trusts opening a CDC this year.

“This is a significant national programme that will expedite treatment for patients all over the country and our communities will be among the first to see those benefits.”

RESPIRATORY REFURB TRANSFORMS CARE Respiratory care at the Countess is changing, with new state-of-the-art equipment and a centralised hub being created for all respiratory patients.

disease (COPD) were already having an impact before COVID-19.

The increased 11-bed RSU almost triples the existing RSU’s capacity. These beds are used to treat some of the most poorly patients who need increased breathing support, either through medications or machines like continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy.

Ward 48 has been renovated to house a respiratory support unit, inpatient beds, a day case unit and specialty nurses all on the same ward.

The unit has been built for purpose, with 38 beds – including 11 Respiratory Support Unit (RSU) beds – and improved monitoring facilities for patients in the community being managed through a ‘virtual ward’.

What makes the unit such an exciting prospect for Dr Dutta is that alongside this increased capacity for very unwell patients, a new day unit will also enable other respiratory patients to be assessed, diagnosed and treated on the same day.

Dr Prosenjit Dutta, Respiratory Consultant, said: “This is a very exciting time for our respiratory team because we are looking at innovative ways to deliver our services.

“Our new unit will provide greater continuity for patients as they will be assessed, diagnosed and have their treatment optimised all in the same place, with all of our teams working more closely together.”

At present Dr Dutta is one of five respiratory consultants working in the team. As part of the expansion a further two consultants will be recruited in the coming months.

Demands on these services have increased significantly during the pandemic, with COVID-19 being a respiratory disease, but increased prevalence of other conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary

Dr Dutta added: “We are looking forward and planning for the future so this is a fantastic time for new consultants to join our team. There are opportunities for every specialist interest.”

Trust helps to secure Tarporley War Memorial Hospital’s future The Countess is working with the Trustees of Tarporley War Memorial Hospital to continue providing services to the local community.

The Hospital at Home team will have a base at Tarporley

Under the new agreement TWMH will become a rural hub for the Cheshire West Integrated Care Partnership’s (CWICP) Rapid Response and Hospital at Home teams, allowing for closer working with GP practices and existing community teams.

The Rapid Response Team provides care and rehabilitation for patients in their own homes, which is proven to aid quicker recovery.

Hospital at Home supports patients at home who would otherwise need to go into hospital for their treatment.

The team provide increased regular monitoring and IV antibiotics at home.

From July to October in 2021 the team helped 51 patients to return home from hospital sooner and prevented 364 patients being admitted.

CWICP will be looking to increase staffing across those teams, particularly by recruiting therapy and community support workers, who would be able to provide care and rehabilitation for people within their own homes.

Rachel Wright, Chair of the Trustees, said: “We are pleased to have found a longerterm financial solution for the muchloved hospital that allows the facility to continue to provide healthcare services to the local community.”

Tarporley Hospital entrance

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Sophie, Countess of Wessex, with Pat in 2006

Michael Owen, with Pat, opens the teenagers’ unit in 2008

Louise Owen, with Pat, opens the refurbished Comfort Zone café

CHESTER CHILDBIRTH APPEAL: THANK YOU The Chester Childbirth Appeal (CCA) has left the Countess of Chester Hospital’s Women’s and Children’s Building after supporting babies, families and staff at the Trust for more than 30 years.

would not have a lot of the facilities we do now without the childbirth trust donations and the hard work and tenacity of Pat. She is a and will always be a big part of what we do.”

The charity has successfully funded many improvements to Countess services, including purpose-built family accommodation on the old neonatal unit, a major donation for the Countess Charity’s Babygrow Appeal for the new neonatal unit and a waterbirth suite and bereavement accommodation on the maternity unit.

The office areas being vacated by the CCA will be used to provide additional clinical space, enabling the Trust to see more outpatients whilst maintaining social distancing.

Former midwife Mrs Patricia Daniels MBE founded the charity in 1991 shortly after retiring from the NHS. Her continued efforts for patients, families and staff made her an extremely popular figure at the hospital and in the local community.

Dr Susan Gilby, Chief Executive at the Countess of Chester Hospital, said: “Pat is a remarkable lady. Having spent her working life caring for families in Chester she has then spent the next 30 years tirelessly campaigning for and delivering significant improvements for this hospital. As a community we are incredibly lucky to have benefitted from this tireless compassion and steadfast commitment to patient care. This is, however, only the end of a chapter and we hope to continue working closely with the Chester Childbirth Appeal for many years to come.”

Yvonne Griffiths, Neonatal Unit Manager, said: “Pat has supported the neonatal unit for many years and has a wealth of knowledge and experience within the maternity field. Pat always puts the family’s comforts first and strives to improve the facilities available for families. She has been integral in supporting parents throughout their neonatal journey and recognised the need for protected space for parents to relax but still able to be close to their baby.

Through many charitable events at the beginning of the millennium she helped raise money for a purpose-built parent accommodation which is still utilised today by all the families.”

Lesley Woodhead, Head of Fundraising, said: “Pat is an inspirational woman with so much energy and a can-do attitude

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One of the CCA’s biggest highlights was former Liverpool striker Michael Owen famously visiting the hospital in 2008, having donated £212,000 for a teenagers’ unit.

A CCA volunteer said: “For someone entering retirement to embark upon and sustain such successful fundraising efforts for the next 30 years is a truly remarkable achievement worthy of the utmost praise. Mrs Daniels and her team have made a huge difference for both patients and their families. The tireless commitment of her and her team deserves the heartfelt thanks of all those who benefited. All our good wishes are sent to Mrs Daniels for dedicating so many years to supporting others.“ Mrs Daniels, who still actively manages all the CCA’s fundraising activities, said: “During the past 20 years it has been a real honour to provide, through the Comfort Zone, a place of comfort, quiet and sustenance for parents, friends, staff, volunteers and patients.

From 2000 to March 2020 the CCA successfully managed the Comfort Zone café in the Women’s and Children’s Building. This café and shop served a host of homemade comfort foods, reading material and gifts for anyone visiting newborns for the first time. It was hugely popular with both hospital staff and families alike.

Anne McGlade, Matron for Children’s Services, who has worked with Mrs Daniels for 25 years, said: “I am so appreciative of what Mrs Daniels has done for us in paediatrics and neonatal over the years, we

to constantly improving facilities for our patients and their families. She should be very proud of all that she has achieved.

Thank you, Pat, for all that you have done to make a difference every day to people working and being cared for at the Countess. Pat is famous throughout Chester for all she does and her 90th birthday will always be remembered. She has so many guests she needed two boats for the river cruise. She went down the river on one, made a very tricky swap over mid river and came back to the mooring on another.

Nothing stops Pat!”

Mrs Patricia Daniels MBE

“Thanks to the endeavours of Chester Childbirth Appeal staff and volunteers, we have been delighted to raise more than £2million over the past 30 years, to support the hospital in the provision of medical equipment and premises along with multiple additional facilities to improve the patient journey and staff wellbeing.”

REACHING THE TOP OF THE WORLD Endoscopist climbs Mount Everest for charity Phil Walton, Endoscopist, has climbed Mount Everest, raising money for several charities including the Countess Charity’s Blue Skies Balcony Appeal.

Phil took on the challenge as part of Tri-4-Life, which is a group of lifelong friends that regularly tackle extreme physical feats to raise money for charity. In the past they have cycled from one side of the United States to the other, swam the English Channel and they host an annual Across Mersey Swim inviting swimmers to join them in swimming from Liverpool to the Wirral.

“Climbing Mount Everest is something I’ve been dreaming about for as long as I can remember,” he said. “I’ve been climbing mountains since I was a teenager and I always like to keep challenging myself in everything I do. As part of Tri4-Life we spent years working towards this.”

has extra significance after he spent three months being redeployed on the Countess’ Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the start of the pandemic.

The Blue Skies Balcony Appeal is aiming to build a new outdoor balcony area adjacent to ICU, making it easier for the most poorly patients to get outside and feel the fresh air during their rehabilitation.

Phil said: “Working in ICU during the first wave of COVID-19 was an extremely eye-opening and difficult experience.

Phil Walton at the top of Mount Everest The expedition was entirely selffunded with every penny raised going straight to three charitable organisations: Community Action Nepal, the Wirral University Teaching Hospital Charitable Fund and the Countess Charity’s Blue Skies Balcony Appeal.

the local Nepalese community, knowing how important Sherpas would be in helping them reach the world’s tallest peak. With strong NHS representation in the group, giving back to their two closest hospitals was also seen as a priority.

It was always important to the group to give something back to

For Phil, the Countess Charity’s Blue Skies Balcony Appeal

“It is what we train for and we knew what was required of us to treat patients, but it was also about just being there for them and their families at such a scary time. I think the Blue Skies Balcony Appeal is a really positive initiative that will make a huge difference to patients and I’m delighted we’re able to support it.”

Countess pilots new NHS learning disability training Countess staff have piloted a new learning disability training before it rolls out across the NHS.

Lauren Binks, Safeguarding Practitioner, said: “It’s extremely important for this training and helping patients with learning disabilities to be a top priority for all NHS organisations. I think hearing first-hand about these experiences is extremely powerful and the feedback that we’ve had is all positive.”

The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training in Learning Disability and Autism is named after Oliver McGowan, whose death shone a light on the need for health and social care staff to have better training.

A key factor of the learning is reminding health workers to always view patients as individuals, listening to and respecting the views of all those they care for.

Sophie Hunter, Equality and Diversity Manager, said: “The training has been very interesting and thought provoking, with some incredibly sad examples of things that have gone wrong in the past. I know colleagues across the NHS will get a lot from this.”

The Trust’s Safeguarding and Complex Care team successfully applied to be part of the pilot and worked with provider Be Well Learning to deliver the course to 77 Countess colleagues.

A number of NHS organisations took part

in the trial in Autumn 2021 to determine the best way of delivering this training before it is extended to all NHS staff.

While some areas trialled online learning, the Countess tested a two-day face-to-face course, with various situations presented and discussed.

This included including a session led

by Sarah Morris who shared her own experience of accessing healthcare with a learning disability. Sarah explained how appointment letters are often difficult for her to follow and visiting hospital can be stressful.

Nikki Parry, Director of Be Well Learning, said: “As a training delivery partner for The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training Trials, having autistic people and people with a learning disability co-produce and co-deliver the training has been crucial. Learning from the expertise and lived experience of the people who receive health care services must shape the training. This will ensure staff working in health and social care have a better understanding of people’s needs, resulting in better services and improved health and wellbeing outcomes.”

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FRIENDS AND FAMILY FEEDBACK “I’m sure I’m not alone in thinking that you do a fabulous job and you bring a smile to the faces of people who are probably having a bad day.”

A comment about Louis Smith, porter

“I just want to say thank you to the amazing staff @ TheCountessNHS I had hernia surgery and the care I received was absolutely amazing, staff were so happy, helpful and friendly #NHS”

“Looked after well. Pleasant staff. Good food, good variety.

Spotless ward.”

A Friends and Family Test comment

A comment left on Twitter by a patient

Catering scoops national award Catering Services won ‘Hospital of the Year’ at the Hospital Caterers’ Association North West awards. The team’s desire to deliver home-made comforts and a diverse menu for a wide variety of nutritional needs was commended.

Endoscopy achieves JAG accreditation Endoscopy achieved JAG accreditation following months of hard work and an inspection of the unit at the start of the year. Assessors were impressed by the team’s commitment to service improvement during the pandemic.

Margaret’s surprise

Although access to the hospital remains limited due to the pandemic, the hospital’s main entrance has undergone significant renovation, creating a brighter and more welcoming environment for staff and patients when they arrive at the hospital.

Non-Executive Director changes Pam Williams has joined as a Non-Executive Director, bringing a wealth of financial and Board level experience to the team. The Trust has also said farewell to Mark Adams who finished as a Non-Executive Director on 1 March.

Facilities celebrated Margaret Kilvington after a patient’s family praised the warm compassion she showed to their loved one. A member of the team said: “Margaret loves her job and does everything she can for patients. We’re very proud of her.”

New faces on the Board Welcome to Nicola Price, Director of People and Organisational Development; Cathy Chadwick, Chief Operations Officer; and Paul Edwards, Director of Corporate Affairs, who have all joined since our last issue.

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Main entrance renovation

Blue Skies Balcony Appeal update The Countess Charity are delighted to announce that £390,000 has been raised so far towards the Blue Sky Balcony Appeal which will build a balcony next to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) so poorly patients can be taken outside to see the blue sky and feel fresh air on their faces.

A huge thank you to everyone who has contributed including:

London Marathon Team

Chester Business Club Walk 2021

The Countess Charity was fortunate to have four gold bond places kindly provided by Chester Lions.

The sun shone and the skies were blue for the annual Chester Business Club walk. A great day was had by everyone involved and a fantastic £1,200 was raised for the appeal. Please join us for the next walk on 18 September.

Graham O’Reilly, President of Chester Lions Club, said: “Chester Lions Club congratulates the runners on their magnificent achievements. This has been yet another in the long history of successful collaborations between Chester Lions and the Countess for the benefit of all its patients.”

Parents benefit from new ‘bed chairs’

The four runners (Melanie and Andrew Devine, Mark Hill and Kevin Bramall) raised a fantastic £9,000 between them.

The Countess Charity applied successfully to the Morrisons Foundation for bed chairs for parents to use on the Children’s Unit.

Chester Marathon Rebecca Findlay from the Countess took on her first marathon to raise money for the appeal. Well done Rebecca!

Lunch in the City The Countess Charity was delighted to host Lunch in the City at the beautiful Old Palace Chester in support of the Blue Skies Balcony Appeal.

David Scott, Morrisons Foundation Trustee, said: “I’m delighted that we’ve been able to support the Countess Charity with a grant of £11,966. The charity provides a vital service for patients and their families from across the whole region and I’m proud that, through the Morrisons Foundation, more families will be able to stay together with their children whilst they receive the expert care they need.”

On behalf of all those that will benefit – thank you Morrisons Foundation.

This event was kindly sponsored by Law by Design, Illingworth Seddon and Haines Watts.

Guests were welcomed to the impressive surroundings of Old Palace Chester for a unique lunch experience. After lunch guests heard an inspiring speech from Dr Lyndsay Cheater, Consultant Anaesthesia and Intensive Care. Dr Cheater shared her experiences of working through the pandemic and spoke about the team spirit that helped all on ICU to keep going.

This event raised £4,000 for the appeal with thanks to match funding support provided by Lloyds Banking Group.

Please join us for the 2022 lunch on 22 September.

To get involved in any way contact the fundraising team on 01244 366240 or email coch.fundraising@nhs.net

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GOVERNORS’ NEWS Dates for your diary Governor Elections: this year nominations for governor candidates will close on Wednesday 3 August, with voting packs being sent out to members in late August. Voting will remain open until mid-September.

Annual Members’ Meeting (AMM): this year’s AMM will take place on Thursday 29 September from 4.30pm to 6pm.

Would you like to be a Governor?

Being a Governor gives you the chance to make your voice heard and shape the future of your local hospitals.

Every year Governor elections take place to elect new members to the Trust’s Council of Governors, with these positions confirmed at each Annual Members’ Meeting (AMM).

There are three types of Governors at the Countess: public, staff and partnership organisation Governors.

This year there are nine vacancies for public governors that will be up for election, covering Chester and Rural Cheshire; Ellesmere Port and Neston; and Flintshire.

Members will be contacted with details of the nomination process and all members will get the chance to vote and decide who will represent them on the Trust’s Council of Governors.

ORGAN DONATION WEEK – THANKING COUNTESS STAFF Caroline Stein, Chair of the Organ Donation Committee, took time out to thank Countess staff during Organ Donation Week.

During 2020 organ donation at the Countess resulted in seven lifechanging or life-saving transplants.

Given the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, this reflects the commitment of staff at the Countess to supporting organ donation.

In a message that was shared with staff and on the Trust’s website, Caroline said: “ I want to thank all the staff at the Countess who have played their part in making organ donation possible during such a difficult time.

Their commitment, empathy and professionalism must be applauded.”

UNTESS CO TTERS

OCTAGON

MA

Trust membership Anyone nominating to be a Governor has to be a member of the Trust. Membership is open to anyone aged 16 and over living in Chester and Rural Cheshire, Ellesmere Port and Neston, Deeside or elsewhere in England and Wales.

All hospital employees become staff members when they join the organisation.

The Trust is currently looking for more people from every community, age group and background to join.

Trust members can expect: • Free copies of Countess Matters by email or post • Invitations to take part in surveys and discussions about services • A vote in annual governor elections • A seat at the Annual Members’ Meeting Anyone interested in becoming a member, Governor or attending the AMM can look out for further information on our website or contact the team by emailing coch. membershipenquiriescoch@nhs.net or calling 01244364706.

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Summer 2022

Refurbished respiratory unit opens More on page 4

03 Spotlight on Lorraine Lloyd

05 We’re Going Greener

08 Thank you Chester Childbirth Appeal

Duke visits on ‘Rainbow Day’

Page 04

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Refurbished respiratory unit opens More on page 4

03 Spotlight on Lorraine Lloyd

05 We’re Going Greener

08 Thank you Chester Childbirth Appeal

Duke visits on ‘Rainbow Daey’ 04 Pag

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