staff magazine | Spring 2016
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust @LTHTrust
Contents
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4 Fire exercise prepares staff for the real thing 5 Focus on winter as Hilary Benn visits ED 6 The Leeds Improvement Method transforms care 8 Royal visit for robotic theatre at Jimmy’s
4 Fire Exercise
8 Princess Anne opens Robotic Theatre
11 Budding LTHT poets tackle infection prevention 12
World Cancer Day
15 Occupational Therapists team up with Fire Service to save lives 17 Patient safety projects reach new heights
11 Infection prevention poetry
17 Patient safety efforts continue across Trust
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My job
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Farewell
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60 seconds
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 or call exts. 67381/66494/66244. Copy deadline is 5 May 2016 For more news on a daily basis from LTHT please follow us on social media:
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LGI becomes national hand transplant centre
Swimming club helps to upgrade pool
search for ‘Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust’
@LTHTrust
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Trolley good donation from Friends of Alfie Martin Many thanks to local charity The Friends of Alfie Martin (FoAM) and Yorkshire law firm Gordons, who presented a transport trolley and all the equipment to go on it (transport incubator, physiological monitor, suction, humidifiers and ventilator) to the Neonatal ward, L43, at the Leeds Children’s Hospital. The new trolley and equipment will replace older devices which have now come to the end of their use. This will help staff on the unit provide specialist care for the Trust’s tiniest patients. FoAM donates thousands of pounds each year to the Leeds Children’s Hospital – to purchase neonatal intensive care equipment - as the hospital receives the sickest babies from across the region – approximately 1,700 patients each year – and require the latest equipment to care for them. Gordons have raised over £23,000 for
the charity after becoming its first corporate sponsor. Dr Lawrence Miall, Consultant Neonatologist, commented “In Neonates, we care for some of the smallest babies in the region. I’m pleased to say that this new equipment will make a real difference for these very young patients we see each and every day on the ward. “I would like to pass on my sincere thanks to The Friends of Alfie Martin for this wonderful donation and Gordons for their fundraising efforts.” Fiona Martin, Founder of FoAM, said “We’ve been overwhelmed with the genuine interest and enthusiasm with which Gordons and their clients have embraced our cause. We hadn’t anticipated such incredible support and the monies raised will now go directly to where they’re needed, so this huge donation really will make a difference and save babies’ lives throughout Yorkshire.”
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Ward staff welcomed the fluffy donation from Production Designer, Andy
Bears bring joy to Children’s Hospital Staff on L10 at the Leeds Children’s Hospital were in for a big surprise, when a number of teddy bears arrived on the transplant unit for the young patients to keep. Andy Holden-Stokes, Production Designer for Kay Mellor’s BBC drama ‘In the club’, came along to generously donate a number of toy bears for youngsters on the ward to take away.
“…what better way to say ‘thank you’ than to donate them to the children on one of the wards.” The bears, which featured in the programme, were bought especially to help brighten up the environment of the hospital while filming. Once they had appeared, Andy decided to pass them on to the Children’s Hospital which will bring comfort and joy to many poorly youngsters. Andy said: “Following their starring role in the show, we no longer had any use for the bears. That led the production team and I to think what better way to say ‘thank you’ than to donate them to the children on one of the wards. “I hope that these bears provide comfort for their new owners while being cared for at the Leeds Children’s Hosptial.”
The Friends of Alfie Martin and supporters presented the equipment to staff
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Fire exercise prepares staff for the real thing As part of increasing collaboration between the two organisations, the Trust welcomed the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) to St James’s to take part in Exercise Giles. The exercise saw a disused part of the St James’s site filled with smoke for over 40 WYFRS personnel to battle their way through and test their readiness for such a situation. Volunteers from LTHT also had the opportunity to test out their acting skills by playing distressed patients and ward staff. Both hospital staff and firefighters worked together to ensure that plans developed for such a scenario could be put in place and carried out effectively, ensuring buildings were evacuated and the ‘fire’ was put under control. Running in conjunction with the live exercise was a table top exercise involving the Trust’s outpatient department clinical service unit, which tested their response to such an incident.
Some of our staff volunteers expertly portrayed patients and ward staff in an emergency situation
The Trust objectives were very much aimed at ensuring that the hospital could continue as normally as
possible and minimising disruption, while looking at the interaction between the hospital fire team
and WYFRS and the information available to responding hospital staff and fire crews. Assistant District Commander for Leeds, Chris Bates, who organised the exercise on behalf of WYFRS, said, “The exercise was very successful and allowed us to test our operational procedures alongside hospital staff. “Crews worked extremely well to carry out a swift search and rescue operation, evacuating the premises in good time. “This kind of training is all about being prepared for the very unlikely event of an incident happening at the hospital.” Peter Aldridge, Fire and Corporate Services Manager at LTHT added, “We are proud to work alongside WYFRS on exercises such as this, ensuring plans are in place should the worst happen and an emergency occur.
Fire crews worked hard to ensure that the ‘fire’ was kept under control
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“I look forward to continuing the great partnership between the Trust and the fire and rescue service, working to develop more collaborative approaches towards fire safety within the hospital environment.”
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Focus on winter as Hilary Benn visits ED In February the Trust welcomed Hilary Benn, MP for Leeds Central, to Jimmy’s.
hospital admission by providing rapid access to diagnostic tests and specialist staff.
The visit was an opportunity for the local MP to visit the teams working in the Emergency Department (ED) and Clinical Decisions Unit (CDU), the Acute Medical Assessment Area and the Primary Care Access Line (PCAL).
Following this, he then went on to meet the PCAL team who have recently merged with Bedboard to streamline the flow of patients into the hospital, either from a GP referral or via the EDs.
“It was great to be able to showcase the work that teams are doing across the different departments to ensure we are delivering the very best quality of care.” He met staff in the ED and CDU who explained how they care for older people in a sensitive and dementia-friendly way. He saw how the Trust have shortened the pathway for patients over 16 years old who may not need a
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Kim Waldron, Moira Keith and Beverley Drury in the Bexley wing.
Champagne success Artist, Beverley Drury held her ‘Champagne Birds’ raffle in the Bexley wing Atrium at St James’s and raised £510 for Yorkshire Cancer Centre Appeal (YCCA).
Finally, he talked to staff working on discharge about improving pathways home or to other care settings.
The lucky winner was Kim Waldron, a Medical Secretary based in the wing.
Mr Stephen Bush, Clinical Director for Urgent Care, said: “Mr Benn was extremely impressed with the way staff at the Trust are committed to finding ways of improving patient pathways and providing excellent care in sometimes difficult circumstances.
Moira Keith, a recently retired Physiotherapist with the Trust also received one of the special birds – a kingfisher - which her team presented her with as a retirement gift.
“It was great to be able to showcase the work that teams are doing across the different departments to ensure we are delivering the very best quality of care.”
“It’s wonderful that these beautiful, hand-crafted little birds have raised so much for the Appeal.” Beverley, who crafts the birds from champagne wire, has previously had displays of her work on the Exhibition Art wall in Bexley wing and kindly donates 25% of all sales to YCCA. The money goes towards helping the charity to support research in Leeds, improve environments and to pay for ‘home comforts’ for cancer patients being treated at the hospital. Sheila O’Shea, Director of the YCCA, said: “It’s wonderful that these beautiful, hand-crafted little birds have raised so much for the Appeal. “I would like to thank Beverley for her continued support for YCCA and for her fantastic efforts!”
Mr Stephen Bush, Breeda Columb and Hilary Benn MP discuss issues facing urgent care in Leeds
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The Leeds Improvement Method transforms care Over the past few months, the Trust has been working with NHS Improvement and award-winning US healthcare provider The Virginia Mason Institute to improve the processes which lie at the heart of the care in Leeds.
known collectively as the Kaizen Promotion Office (KPO). The team is led by Helen Gilbert and will be working with Clinical Service/Support Units to implement the method progressively over the next five years.
As part of a partnership created by the NHS Improvment, LTHT was selected along with four other NHS trusts to work with the VMI to improve patient safety and enhance the experience of our patients.
The KPO team has been working with clinical teams to tailor the programme around their specific needs and requirements through week-long, rapid process improvement workshops (RPIWs). Results so far have proved encouraging, with teams at Chapel Allerton Hospital being the first to undergo an RPIW and see the noticeable benefits of changing how they work.
Here in Leeds, this project is known as The Leeds Improvement Method and employs techniques developed in the Japanese motor industry to reduce waste and ensure the highest quality. These have been developed around a philosophy known as kaizen – meaning continuous improvement – and have been adapted by the Virginia Mason Institute to apply to the healthcare setting. Across the Trust, this work is being rolled out by a small group of staff
Chris Jones, General Manager at Chapel Allerton, said “It was amazing to see how the RPIW has improved the processes in place at the hospital in such a short space of time. We have seen a significant reduction in patients waiting on the day of surgery and have improved how we go about doing things.
“The Leeds Improvement Method is a proven method that supports our staff delivering services every day to improve what we do. The techniques we have learned will be implemented within services and supported by staff trained in Kaizen methods,” said Helen.
“At first some of the staff were sceptical about how the Leeds Improvement Method would work, but the results have spoken for themselves and attitudes are changing to focus on what is important to our patients. Hopefully, we can continue with this great work and ensure we are providing the very best care for our patients.”
“We are very much at the beginning of this exciting programme. The KPO team
You can view a video of the project by following this link: https://goo.gl/XVODQI
Kaizen Promotion Officers Helen Collins, Jimmy Parvin, Helen Gilbert and Chris Hunt
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and I are looking forward to working with colleagues across the Trust to improve care for our patients, reduce delays and ensure that we are using resources effectively.”
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Dora ‘the Explorer’ delivers a tasty treat for staff on J91 LTHT staff love to see patients get back on their feet and recover from illness, and this is especially true when patients decide to say ‘thank you’ in the form of a cake!
The Children’s Commissioner, Anne Longfield, and the Chief Executive of The Teenage Cancer Trust, Siobhan Dunn, met with staff to discuss care in Leeds
Hospital welcomes Children’s Commissioner and Chief Executive of Teenage Cancer Trust Staff at the Leeds Children’s Hospital were delighted to welcome the Children’s Commissioner for England, Anne Longfield and the Chief Executive of the Teenage Cancer Trust, Siobhan Dunn, for a tour of the Teenage Cancer unit, Ward L33. Anne and Siobhan were joined by Chief Nurse and Deputy Chief Executive, Suzanne Hinchliffe, for the tour of Ward L33, which provides treatment and support for young people living with cancer in Leeds and across the wider region. Sue Morgan MBE, Teenage Cancer Trust Nurse Consultant for Teenagers and Young Adults, who also accompanied the tour, said: “The visit was a great opportunity for Siobhan and Anne to see the amazing collaboration that happens between the incredible nursing staff at the Leeds Children’s Hospital and Teenage Cancer Trust each and every day.” Siobhan Dunn, Chief Executive at Teenage Cancer Trust, said: “It was a pleasure to meet Anne today and to show her first hand the huge difference
They visited ward L33 to take a look at the facilities
The team on Ward J91 in the Bexley wing at Jimmy’s were incredibly pleased to receive a huge treat from one of their patients, Dora – nicknamed ‘Dora the Explorer’ - following a stay on the ward.
“It certainly brightened up our day on the ward when it arrived!”
Dora, who was discharged after making a strong recovery, sent in the cake in recognition of the quality of care she had received and to thank all of the staff on the ward. Senior Sister on J91, Debbie Surr said: “We were ever so grateful to receive this wonderful cake as thanks for the care the team delivered! It certainly brightened up our day on the ward when it arrived!”
we are making to the lives of young people with cancer. The units are a real home from home, and it’s always great to spend time with the staff who are specially trained to understand the complex challenges that young people with cancer face, and are able to provide the care and support needed so young people don’t feel so isolated.” She added: “As with all our partners, we have such a unique and special relationship with Leeds Children’s Hospital. We work together to embed our vital services, very much complementing and extending the care and support young people with cancer receive.”
Staff on the ward with the specially-made cake
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Royal visit for robotic theatre at Jimmy’s Her Royal Highness Princess Anne, The Princess Royal, visited Leeds to officially open the robotic theatre at St James’s. Clinicians at the hospital invited Her Royal Highness to tour the modern theatre facilities in the Lincoln wing, which offer some of the very latest surgical techniques. HRH took the opportunity to meet members of staff who work in the unit, providing care for people from across the region, as well as a number of patients who shared their experiences after having undergone procedures involving the robot. The Princess Royal then unveiled a specially commissioned plaque to mark the occasion before leaving for her next engagement at the Thackray Medical Museum.
“We were really proud to showcase the technology we have available here in theatres.” The robotic theatre allows expert surgeons to deliver incredibly precise procedures, which can have real benefits for patients in terms of recovery times and a reduction in scarring. The technology also allows more operations to be done using keyhole techniques, offering much less invasive surgeries. Professor David Jayne, a consultant surgeon at St James’s said: “It was wonderful to be able to welcome the
Princess Anne unveils the plaque alongside Trust Chair, Linda Pollard
Princess to the hospital to find out more about the work taking place within the robotic theatre. “The robot here at Jimmy’s can make a big difference to the experiences people have of surgery. Hundreds of adult patients from across Yorkshire have already benefitted from the use of this facility. We hope to see this continue for years to come.” Joan Ingram, Head of Nursing for Theatres and Anesthesia, commented: “We were really proud to showcase the technology we have available here in theatres.” “Our teams work incredibly hard
Senior members of the Theatres and Anaesthesia team welcomed Princess Anne
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throughout the year to provide the very best in patient care, so it was great to be able to share an insight with HRH Princess Anne.”
The Princess met staff who work in the theatre
Under the guidance of Professor Jayne, HRH had a go with the robot
Rosie and family donate DVD players to Leeds Children’s Hospital ward Children waiting for day procedures at Leeds Children’s Hospital will now have more entertainment while they wait thanks to a generous donation to ward L49. Rosie Cobbett, aged 13, from Eggborough, near Selby, has been a regular patient on the ward for the past six years. With her family she decided to buy some distraction equipment to help keep young patients entertained as well as raise money for the Crohn’s In Childhood Research Association (CICRA), which supports research into crohn’s disease in children The family held a fundraising Hallowe’en party at Womersley Village Hall in aid of CICRA, which raised £256.55 and also managed to secure a donation of £200 from Lafarge Industries, who work at Ferrybridge Power Station, which the family used
to buy equipment for the ward. As well as two portable DVD players, they also managed to get Sony to donate headphones and DVDs. Rosie’s mum Jane Cobbett explained: “Rosie has been coming to the ward for a number of years for injections and cannulas and although the staff do a great job we noticed there needed to be more to help take children’s minds off being in the hospital while they were waiting. We hope these DVDs will help make a real difference to young patients like Rosie.” Play leader Kairen Edwards added: “This is such a generous gesture and I’d like to say a big thank you to Rosie and her family for thinking of us. Distraction is a really important party of making our young people feel less anxious while waiting on the ward, so this equipment will be put to very good use.”
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TACKERS was a great boost for youngsters who have received a transplant
TACKERS camp boosts confidence for transplant kids A number of the Leeds Children’s Hospital’s amazing young transplant patients recently flew out to the Alps to take part in the TACKERS programme. It brings together children who have received organ donations from around the world, to participate in camps where they have the opportunity to meet others who have shared the same experience. Since TACKERS (Europe) was founded in 2002, ten winter camps have been held in Anzère, Switzerland, where hundreds of children, from 31 different countries, have participated. The aim is for the children to develop their independence by trying new sports such as skiing, snowboarding, dog sleighing, scubadiving and para-gliding and to develop a support network to help their families and each other. The camps provide an environment outside of the hospital to educate the children to comply with their posttransplant medication programme, promote good health and a fulfilling life and most importantly have fun! The initiative rebuilds their confidence and shows them and their parents that they can live life independently, like others. It is also a unique way to educate and promote the positive results of organ donation and transplantation to transplant recipients, healthcare professionals and the general public. LTHT Play Specialist Team Leader Lisa Beaumont, who flew out to Switzerland with the team, said “It’s great to be able to offer the youngsters the opportunity to meet children from across the world with similar experiences. Events like this make a real difference when it comes to improving confidence and living as normal a life as possible.
(L – R) Play Leader Kairen Edwards; patient, Rosie Cobbett; Specialist Nurse, Jacqui Ferguson; and Rosie’s Mum, Jane Cobbett.
“The kids who came out for TACKERS had and amazing time and I am sure they would love to do it again!”
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Trust welcomes Care Quality Commission Staff across Leeds Teaching Hospitals will be demonstrating their commitment to providing patients with the highest quality care and experience when the Care Quality Commission (CQC) undertakes an inspection of the Trust in May. An inspection team will be visiting our hospitals for three days, from 10 – 13 May. They will meet with Trust Chief Executive Julian Hartley and members of the Executive team before visiting wards and clinical areas across the Trust. The team will be looking at the quality, safety and effectiveness of the treatment and care LTHT provides for patients. They will talk to patients and their families and also to a wide range of staff during their visit. The inspectors will run two stalls at the Trust before their inspection to seek the views of patients, relatives, carers and the public about their experiences of receiving care at the Trust and the service it delivers. You can visit a stall on Monday 18 April in Jubilee Wing Reception LGI from 10:00 until 13:00, or Friday 22 April in Gledhill Wing Reception, St James’s, again from 10:00 until 13:00. Separate areas will be available for anyone wishing to talk in private. Further details are available on posters and leaflets throughout the Trust and on the Trust website, www.leedsth.nhs.uk for anyone who would like to know more about how to share their views. You will also be able to find more information on the CQC’s website, at: www.cqc.org.uk.
History book sheds light on nursing at St James’s A new memoir giving an insight into the history of St James’s has been published by retired former nurse Barbara Pearson. From Kentish Maid to Yorkshire Lass is the life story of Barbara, now a sprightly 82-year-old enjoying her retirement in Garforth. Part of the book tells of her time training to be a nurse at St James’s, where she arrived in 1951 as a keen young trainee. It also recounts how she met her late husband, Frank Pearson, who ultimately held one of the most senior nursing roles at St James’s and had a big impact on theatres in particular at a crucial time in the development of the site, laying the foundations of the modern hospital we know today. Barbara and her grandson, Chris Hardwick, who coincidentally now works at St James’s as an IT technician, came along to present Suzanne Hinchliffe, the Chief Nursing Officer of the Leeds Teaching Hospitals, with a copy of the book for the hospital archive, together with some photographs and other documents collected over the years. “I never intended to write a book when I started out pulling together some information for our family tree,” Barbara explained. “I began to write things down and the story gradually came together and eventually someone suggested there was enough to make a book and it all began from there.”
The chapter about life as a young student nurse recounts the many rules involved in living in the nurses home, as well as what life was like on the hospital wards and what nurses had to do at a time before many modern medical techniques had been developed. Drugs and treatments were limited and bed rest was the main cure for many patients. While Barbara left St James’s after qualifying to pursue a career elsewhere, she also recounts how she met her husband Frank at the hospital in 1954 and how his he rose through the ranks, starting off as a staff nurse in theatre and progressing to become the head of operating theatres and ultimately assistant director of nursing for St James’s as well as nearby Seacroft and Chapel Allerton hospitals. He sadly died in 1991. The book fills at important gap in the story of the development of St James’s and what it was like to be a nurse at the hospital in the early years of the then-recently formed National Health Service. Suzanne Hinchliffe, Chief Nurse commented: “Our hospitals have an incredibly rich history and it is wonderful to hear first-hand from Barbara about her memories of nurse training here in the 1950s as well as to recall the many achievements of her husband Frank. I am so pleased she has written this book to ensure these important memories will be preserved for future generations.”
arbara’s book is available at a B cost of £8 (£10 when posted) by contacting her on 0113 2866251.
(L – R) Chris Hardwick, Barbara Pearson and Chief Nurse Suzanne Hinchliffe
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Patient involvement panel help to shape care Over the years, staff in the Patient Experience team have been working with the Patient, Carer and Public Involvement (PCPI) panel to help improve services across the Trust.
Left to Right: Matron Louise Lowry, Simon Whiteley, Dr Yvette Oade, Cara Dwyer, Lisa Horrox, Dr Tim Collyns.
Budding LTHT poets tackle infection prevention Earlier this year a poetry competition was launched challenging LTHT staff to pick up their quills and put into verse the importance of maintaining good hand hygiene. The judges have now selected the winning poems, which were penned by Cara Dwyer, Simon Whiteley and Lisa Horrox. The winners were awarded with a prize and certificate for their creative efforts. Running alongside the poetry winners, Jade Meikle - a Staff Nurse on Ward J49 – also won a competition to ‘guess the number of bugs in a jar’. Infection Prevention Matron Louise Lowry, who organised the initiative, said, “We wanted something that would engage staff with the importance of hand hygiene. The poetry competition is the latest campaign to keep the principles of infection prevention at the forefront of everyone’s mind.” Cara Dwyer, an Apprentice Clinical Support Worker from Ward J49, said, “I had finished my hand hygiene training when I heard about the poetry competition. My inspiration came from the practical measures of maintaining an infection-free ward environment for patients.” Cara’s winning poem has been
proudly displayed on the ward for all patients and staff to see. Simon Whiteley, Clinical Director for Adult Critical Care, added: “I often read poetry but I’ve never tried writing any. When I learned about the competition I saw it as a great way of encouraging consistent practice in infection prevention and decided to give it a go.” Simon’s poem, The Hand Hygiene Champion, is all about setting a good example for others to follow. Lisa Horrox, a Staff Nurse from Ward 1 at Wharfedale Hospital, has a proven creative streak and is firmly cluedup on infection prevention. “In last year’s competition to find a slogan to encourage hand hygiene, my catchphrase was one of those chosen as a winner,” said Lisa. Dr Yvette Oade, Chief Medical Officer, and Dr Tim Collyns, Consultant Medical Microbiologist, were on hand to present the winning poets with their prizes. Yvette said: “It’s always a challenge to change habits, but it’s important to keep repeating the message of consistent infection prevention and to find new ways of making it accessible and memorable.”
The PCPI panel offers valuable insight and a broad spectrum of views and concerns which help LTHT to develop care in a patientcentred way. Recently, they have been helping improve environments on the Respiratory Medicine and Cystic Fibrosis ward J6; in Infectious and Tropical Diseases; in the Elderly Medicine CSU; and in Metastatic care, with Clinical Nurse Specialist Mary Hall. Their efforts, led by PCPI Patient Chair, Betty Smithson, have seen some real changes in how patients are cared for and ensured that ward areas and clinics are comfortable and offer ‘home comforts’. Sayed Loonat, Deputy PCPI Manager, said “The work that the panel does is really helpful for the Trust, helping us to identify those areas of the patient experience that can sometimes be overlooked. “Betty and the other patient and carer representatives have worked tirelessly to ensure that ‘no stone has been left unturned’ and we look forward to continuing to work with them.” Betty added “It is wonderful to know that the Trust takes such an interest in the views of its patient representatives. Over the past few months we have seen much welcome change in different areas of the hospitals and this has impacted positively on care being delivered.”
Staff and the PCPI panel meet regularly to share ideas in order to improve services
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Researchers based at the Leeds Cancer Centre came together to show their support for World Cancer Day. Each wearing a Unity Band, the specialist doctors, scientists, nurses and support staff linked up in the atrium of the Bexley Wing to form a giant human DNA helix, while pledging their support for the global awareness day. The Unity Band is made of two parts, knotted together, to represent strength in unity and the power of what can be achieved when people join forces.
“World Cancer Day was a chance to get involved and help reduce the impact of cancer on future generations.” On World Cancer Day, four leading cancer charities, Cancer Research UK, Breast Cancer Care, Anthony Nolan and the Movember Foundation UK joined forces to motivate people all across the country. Together, their aim was to unite the nation and help transform the lives of millions of people affected by cancer. On the day, each charity sold a number of Unity Bands in their own colours to raise money for the charities’ individual research projects and support services. Andy Wilson, Research Engagement Manager at the Cancer Research UK Leeds Centre said: “Wearing a Unity Band is a simple but powerful way for people to show their support. By joining forces on this day, everyone played their part in beating cancer sooner. “Whatever your motivation - to remember a loved one, celebrate people who have overcome the disease, or to support those going through treatment - World Cancer Day was a chance to get involved and help reduce the impact of cancer on future generations.”
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Staff formed the double helix in the Bexley Wing Atrium.
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Young adults lead the way with self cannulation A pair of younger patients at the Beeston Dialysis Clinic, run by LTHT, have been some of the first using the service to learn how to self-cannulate. Lauren Corker and Kieran Conlon have been using the service, based at James Reed House, for some years to help with their kidney conditions. Both, however, were needlephobic which led to anxieties around attending the service. With this in mind, LTHT Nursing Assistant, Mirella Werner, decided to do something about their needle worries and taught Lauren and Kieran to apply their own cannulas. Mirella said “By being able to take control of this aspect of their care, Kieran and Lauren can both feel more at ease about the process. “They have made remarkable progress and now when they come in they can now line and programme their own dialysis machines, get their packs ready, and put in their own cannulas. I’m really proud of how far they have come.”
Lauren and Kieran with staff at the unit
Lauren said “It seemed like a big challenge at first, especially because of my anxiety around needles, but now I hardly even think about it. When I come in, I just get everything ready myself and wait for the nurse to check and set off the treatment.”
Kieran added “Thanks to Mirella, we can now both take control over our care and this makes a real difference to the experience of patients. Hopefully, other people using the service may see the benefits of selfcannulation.”
Doctors’ mess provides new space at St James’s Congratulations to Junior Doctors Josh Nwanazia, Sophie Earle and JamieAlexander Clarke following their work in helping to develop a doctors’ mess at St James’s. After several years without proper facilities on site at St James’s for doctors, the trio took it upon themselves to approach Dr Yvette Oade, Chief Medical Officer, who agreed on the importance of the facility. Soon the development of the Mess gained momentum with the
Doctors now have a space of their own at St James’s
involvement of Dr Jon Cooper, Director of Medical Education, who assisted in the layout and inventory. Once the area had been selected and was ready for opening the committee were helped by Geraldine Thackray, Stuart Haines and Annette Clarkson who assisted with all of the logistics. The Doctors Mess itself is situated on level four, Gledhow Wing and is for doctors of all grades in all specialities. It will be maintained by a small monthly
fee from all its members. The area is split into two parts, with a kitchen providing microwaves to warm up food and basic snacks such as cereals, tea, coffee and biscuit; and a space to take a break for lunch, which includes a mini cluster of computers that can allow staff to carry out jobs while away from the ward and undertake valuable quality improvement projects without crowding ward offices. Providing doctors with a space of their own that allows them to take a short break from the hustle and bustle of the ward, the new Mess has been well received by all. Furthermore, it allows members involved with the Mess the opportunity to meet other doctors outside of their own units, a number of trainees at all levels have moved to Leeds from elsewhere, the Mess can allow them to integrate and help settle into the Trust. The team are not quite finished however, as they are hoping to develop a similar space at LGI.
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Children’s Hospital launches first Quality Improvement Forum Staff at the Leeds Children’s Hospital recently launched the first ever ‘Quality Improvement Forum’ specifically for paediatrics. The exciting event was held to showcase the fantastic work taking place to improve patient safety and quality in the Children’s Hospital, provide teaching in Quality Improvement (QI) and also to create a QI network where ideas to improve patient experience and quality of care can be shared across the hospital. Led by Dr Amanda Newnham (Clinical Leadership Fellow), Dr Anna Winfield (Patient Safety Manager and Elderly Physician) and Dr Lawrence Miall (Quality Lead and Consultant Neonatologist), the event offered the opportunity for multidisciplinary healthcare professionals to discuss how to make Leeds Children’s Hospital the best for patient safety and experience. Attendees were inspired by the work of Tracey Martin (play specialist) who developed ‘Little PALS’; the multiple mini-QI projects of Sarah Hibbert and the physiotherapy team; Helen Cunliffe and pharmacy team’s work
on improving eDAN efficiency; and Dr Ali with his work on reducing clotted neonatal blood samples. Those attending were also invited to take part in a QI challenge to build Mr Potato Head, demonstrating quality improvement by improving their time taken to build from 93 to 5 seconds! Dr Anna Winfield said: “It was a really positive event and offered people working across the Children’s Hospital the opportunity to discuss ideas, share
good practice and ask questions around safety and quality improvement. By holding events like this, we can ensure that our patients receive the best possible patient care. “There has been a lot of interest in this event and on the day, the room was so packed people were spilling out into the corridor. I am sure there will be many more of these events to come over the following months and years, offering everyone the opportunity to make a contribution.”
A clotty business In January, an evening seminar was organised at the Thackray Medical Museum to discuss the most recent developments in the prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in pregnancy. The event was organised by Dr Etienne Ciantar (Consultant in Obstetrics and Medical Education at LTHT) and Dr Elizabeth Horn (Consultant Haematologist - Thrombosis and Haemostasis at LTHT) who also spoke on the evening. Dr Ciantar focused his talk on the physiological changes which occur in blood during pregnancy which lead to an increase in VTE, the appropriate investigations to diagnose a VTE, followed by a discussion on treatment, blood monitoring and planning delivery. He also touched on the current research in the field and concluded his talk by discussing less common and equally important VTE
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presentations in pregnancy, including life threatening pulmonary embolism and cerebral vein thrombosis. Dr Horn’s presentation dealt with VTE prevention, touching on the various risk factors for developing a VTE in pregnancy as well as the new guidelines on the subject. She pointed out the relevance of newly described risk factors for VTE such as in-hospital stay for pregnant women, stillbirth and preterm birth.
run a weekly obstetric haematology clinic at the LGI in which we see pregnant patients with thrombotic and haemostatic disorders, so this subject matter is something of great interest to us. “It was wonderful to see so many people attend the seminar and to be able to share our knowledge and experience on the issue of VTE in pregnancy.”
The event was very well attended by professionals from Leeds and beyond, from various grades and specialties, including obstetricians, gynaecologists, haematologists, hospital and community midwives, haematology nurses, trainees and medical students. It was felt to be a very successful evening which led to a lot of thought-provoking discussions within the multidisciplinary team. Dr Ciantar said: “Both Dr Horn and I
Dr Ciantar and Dr Horn led the evening
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News
Occupational Therapists team up with Fire Service to save lives The Trust welcomed a team of firefighters to the Bexley wing at St James’s to meet a group of Occupational Therapists as part of a new initiative to help reduce casualties from fire in the homes of older people. Over recent months there has been an increase in domestic dwelling fires where fatalities and injuries have occurred in communities across West Yorkshire, especially among elderly people living alone.
“Occupational Therapists play a key role in preparing patients for their return home.”
Following discussions between West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS), the Trust’s Fire and Corporate Services Manager, Peter Aldridge, and the Head of Occupational Therapy, Denise Sterling, it was agreed that
there were opportunities for LTHT and WYFRS to work together to identify vulnerable people at risk from fire in their homes. The partnership agreement between the Occupational Therapy service and the WYFRS will hopefully help to save lives across the city and improve the living conditions of older people. Denise Sterling, Head of Occupational Therapy, said “Occupational Therapists play a key role in preparing patients for their return home. As we assess the home environments we will be able to assist in identifying individuals who are at high risk from fire and refer them for a free Home Safety Visit from the WYFRS.” Peter Aldridge, Trust Fire and Corporate Services Manager, said “This joint working between LTHT and WYFRS builds on an already solid foundation of mutual cooperation. This is in the spirit of the Concordat that exists between the two organisations and will make sure the people of Leeds and West Yorkshire stay healthy and safe.”
Generous donation supports liver transplant research Following her live liver transplant at Jimmy’s in October 2015, LTHT patient Pat Foden-Purser has decided to give a little something back to support surgical research taking place within the Trust and has raised £324 for the Rays of Hope Charity.
“I think it’s really important to raise awareness around this condition and to help support research into transplant surgery.” Pat underwent the lengthy transplant procedure after being diagnosed with polycystic liver disease –a condition where tissue of the organ develops multiple cysts - in January 2005. Fortunately, her best friend’s son, Jack Buckley, generously offered part of his liver to help save Pat’s life. She raised the money through a raffle of Avon products and Jewellery. Pat said: “I think it’s really important to raise awareness around this condition and to help support research into transplant surgery. “Hopefully this donation will be the first of many and I hope to continue my support for Rays of Hope over the coming years.”
Occupational Therapists and the Fire Service are working together to help older people
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News
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Stuart Andrew visits Children’s Heart unit Maintaining good relations with local MPs through regular visits plays a pivotal role in helping them to understand the work carried out across the Trust. It was on this basis that Stuart Andrew MP came to Leeds Children’s Hospital to have a look at recent improvements in children’s congenital heart services meeting LTHT Chief Executive Julian Hartley, visiting staff on Ward L51 as well as the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).
Surgery Campaign.
our work to high profile figures.
“Over the past few years, the team at CHSF have been able to support paediatric cardiac surgery here in Leeds in so many ways, so it’s great to be able to showcase
“We will continue to work with people across the city to ensure that this vital service can continue to provide the very best possible care.”
The MP was impressed by the progress since his last visit to the facility, when the PICU was still under construction. He discussed progress with the implementation of the latest NHS England congenital heart service review and plans to enhance the unit further, and chatted with parents about the care they are receiving. He also met fundraisers from the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF) who do so much to support the facility. Sharon Coyle, Chief Executive of the CHSF, said: “It was great that Mr Andrew could join us to take a look around the unit. The support of all our MPs meant an awful lot to our families during the Save our
Matron Heather Wardle, Sharon Coyle, Dr Mike Richards, Julian Hartley, Stuart Andrew MP, Dr Elspeth Brown and Miriam Barker.
Leeds Centre for Sexual Health archives find new home It was the end of an era for the team at the Leeds Centre for Sexual Health when they moved out of LGI and into new premises at the Merrion Centre. Lots of work went in to preparations for vacating the old Sunnybank Wing, and this process led to some interesting historical material, which had been collected over the years, being rediscovered. Dr Michael Finn, who is responsible for the University of Leeds’s Museum of History of Science, Technology and Medicine, came along with postgraduate student Polina Merkulova to take custody of the material from consultant physician Dr Jan Clarke. The material included papers, glass slides and photographs which tell the story of sexual health in Leeds. A formal service was set up in the city towards the end of the First World War to ensure a more co-ordinated response to a huge rise in cases of venereal diseases across the country, thought to be associated with the extraordinary
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circumstances of wartime. The archive, which has now been donated to the University, includes detailed annual returns, the first of which is dated 1918, setting out the numbers of patients treated for a range of sexual health conditions with information on Leeds and other locations around Yorkshire. The material also details treatments available, some of which were much more drastic and long-term than current practice.
meet the needs of patients. We can trace the development of antibiotic treatments, see the introduction of new technology for testing and track the emergence of diseases such as chlamydia and HIV through the years. “We are very pleased it has found a new permanent home where its historical significance can be appreciated.”
Dr Finn commented: “This material will be of particular help to researchers studying the history of sexual health as well as building understanding of how the service was organised on a national level on a model that considerably pre-dated the NHS, and what difference that made to treatment and outcomes.” Dr Clarke added: “This archive has been collected over the best part of a century. It tells the story of how our service started up and developed to
(left to right) Polina Merkulova, Dr Jan Clarke and Dr Michael Finn
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News
Patient safety projects reach new heights Across the Leeds Teaching Hospitals teams have been working over the past few years to implement new quality and safety projects, and the launch of collaboratives and huddles to improve care on wards has been part of this.
Rosie and her family were delighted to welcome the stars of Strictly Come Dancing onto the ward
Stars dance their way on to ward L31
This work has been vital in helping to prevent falls and stopping patients suffering harm while in hospital. It has involved many different individuals and teams, developing techniques, such as safety huddles, and sharing ideas across the Trust. Efforts have also been seen to be paying off, with results being noticeable across the Trust. Ward J17 at St James’s was the first medical ward to reach 50 days without a fall, earning the team a Platinum award. In addition, they have also received certificates for going 150 days without a patient developing a pressure ulcer, and 100 days without a crash call.
One of the Trust’s young patients on Ward L31 received a very special surprise when BBC Strictly Come Dancing stars Francesca Bridge, Jake Wood and Janette Manrara popped in to say hello.
Staff on L37 support a patient in their care
Ward J26 in Chancellor’s wing was the first acute medical admissions ward to achieve 30 days without a fall and for this they earned a Gold award. They have been working with the falls team to introduce proven interventions to help reduce the number of patient falls.
Consultant Dr Katrina Topp said: “As a member of the team improving safety on J17 and L37, I feel a huge sense of pride in what the teams on both wards have achieved. By improving what we do on a day-to-day basis we can help to ensure that we are providing the very best possible care.
“I hope that the successes we have seen so far can be rolled out right across the Trust.”
“By working together, we can help to deliver both harm-free care and make necessary interventions to prevent patients from deteriorating or suffering falls. I hope that the successes we have seen so far can be rolled out right across the Trust.”
Achievements across the Trust for wards that run daily safety huddles include: • L37 going over a year since a ‘crash’ 2222 - call (prior average between calls 29 days)
“The huddles mean that everyone is aware of the part they play in keeping people on the ward safe.”
• L35 reaching 166 days between 2222 calls (average 52 days) • L19 managed to go over 50 days without a 2222 call (average 17 days) • J96 went over 70 days without a call (average 22 days) • J89 reached 200 days between calls • J27 recently went 63 days, and J21 over 100 days before a call which are their best runs too
Catherine Stevens, Sister on J17, added “Safety huddles have been absolutely invaluable in helping staff on the ward to be aware of potential problems for patients and taking steps to avoid them. The huddles mean that everyone is aware of the part they play in keeping people on the ward safe.”
Rosie Ford, who is currently being treated on the ward for leukaemia and is waiting for a transplant, was visited by the dancing celebrities thanks to some family friends. She was very excited to meet the trio as she is a huge fan of the show.
“Rosie’s face lit up when they arrived on the ward and she was fizzing with excitement throughout the visit.” Other young fans also took the opportunity to grab some photos with the famous three and Dr Kevin Badloo even learned a few steps! Both Rosie and her family have helped to raise money for a variety of charities which support the Children’s Cancer Unit and support services, and her Granddad, Gordon, is preparing to raise more! Gordon said: “It was wonderful to meet the stars from the show. Rosie’s face lit up when they arrived on the ward and she was fizzing with excitement throughout the visit. “Everyone on the ward really appreciated that they took time out of their busy diaries to visit and meet Rosie and other youngsters being cared for on the ward.”
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Student volunteers help with nutrition and hydration Nutrition and hydration play a very important part in the recovery process and this is especially true for older people on the wards. With this in mind, the Trust recently teamed up with Leeds Beckett University in a joint initiative that sees postgraduate dietetics students volunteering their time between studies to assist our patients at mealtimes. Following training, around 25 student dieticians are now to be found on wards, helping teams deliver this essential part of patient care and boosting the work of Trust volunteers who also assist at mealtimes out on a daily basis. This work supports the most vulnerable patients and ensures they get enough to eat and drink. Staff have commented positively on this exciting initiative explaining how it improves patients’ food and drink intake and also gives dieticians of the future a valuable insight into patient care, which they can take forward into their future careers. It is a great example of collaborative working and bolsters the current work of volunteers to provide help, assistance and company to patients while providing students with hands on experience about the many problems involved in ensuring older adults have good nutritional meals.
Some of our new student volunteers with HR Director Dean Royles
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Staff from the LDI celebrate their success
Recognising success for LDI admin team The admin team at the Leeds Dental Institute (LDI) recently came together for a clinical timeout and training event to recognise the incredible hard work that has taken place at the LDI over the last few months. In this period, the team helped to launch an electronic patient record, increased performance in different areas and improved the patient experience immensely. On top of training and the timeout, the management team designed an awards event modelled on the
values of The Leeds Way and asked all the admin staff to nominate projects or pieces of work or colleagues to recognise special contributions. The event was also a great opportunity to offer some
special recognition awards for valuable contributions to LDI over the past year. Patient services coordinator Samantha Sinclair said “It was wonderful to be able to recognise the hard work and amazing effort of this often over-looked team. Over the past dozen months, they have really demonstrated the values of the Trust: The Leeds Way. “We will hopefully see yet more success as we move into the future, helping to work with teams across the LDI and wider Trust, ensuring we are delivering the very best in patient care.”
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My Job
Dr Matt Simpson around the hospital and appears to be favoured by the ward staff. 3. Ophthalmic anaesthesia - Since starting my job at St. James’s, I have worked regularly with Mr Ball, anaesthetising patients for corneal transplants, helping them to regain their sight. 4. Colorectal anaesthesia, involved with robotic colorectal surgery. 5. Regular Saturday working in acute theatres.
What else have you done in your career so far?
Dr Matt Simpson, Consultant Anaesthetist at St. James’s, has worked at the Trust for four years Summarise the main aspects of your role? 1. Obstetric anaesthesia - I cover the delivery suite every Tuesday for elective caesarean sections, emergency cases and labour epidurals. I also cover the high risk obstetric clinic, seeing obstetric patients with medical problems or previous bad experiences. 2. Advanced vascular access - I have a regular vascular access list where I put in Hickmann lines, PICC lines and midlines into patients who have poor venous access and need long term medication. More recently I have taken to inserting the midlines on the wards, with a specially designed trolley, this limits moving highly infective patients
• I chair the Trust’s Clinical Information and Outcomes Group which is making huge inroads in assuring the quality of data leaving the Trust. • I have set up a course for midwives, training in caring for critically unwell women. • I organise and run an exam course for the anaesthetic final exams for the trainees. • For the last five years I have been designing, inventing and producing a new system for delivery of regional anaesthesia and am currently awaiting patent granting and first stage of testing. This has created a lot of links with Leeds University and I am now an Innovation Scout for the whole of the Yorkshire and Humber region.
What’s the best thing about your job? The best thing about
my job is how varied my week is. I get to work with some fantastic people in completely different areas of the hospital and no two days are the same. I guess I am quite fortunate that doing anaesthetics I reach into so many different areas of the hospital and so despite its size Jimmy’s feels very friendly and familiar to me.
What is the one thing you would change at LTHT to help you do your job better? I am sure I am not alone in saying this, but all my colleagues and theatre staff I work with are genuinely here to help patients. I see frustration creeping in when there are unnecessary delays in getting that care to the patients. If I could change anything it would be to remove those delays and allow people to do what they have been trained to do and not have to wait frustrated.
What’s your best advice to a new starter at the Trust? Don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice. Coming to a Trust this size can be fairly daunting for some people, but deep down we are all part of the same team, with the same goals and working together in harmony will always achieve greater results than doing things in isolation. Leeds is a fantastic place to work and there are always people willing to help or offer a friendly ear.
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News
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Leeds Teaching Hospitals named as the national hand transplant centre NHS patients in England are to become some of the first in the world to benefit from publicly-funded pioneering hand and upper arm transplants delivered by a specialist team at Leeds General Infirmary. NHS England has given the goahead for a leading centre at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust to begin assessing suitable adult candidates and performing the highly-complex procedure from April. A website aimed at potential patients of the Leeds unit is available: www.handtransplantuk.com Hand and upper limb transplant offers patients the only method of reconstruction that looks and functions like a normal hand. Transplanted successfully, the hand will, in time and with expert aftercare, move with strength and dexterity, sense its surroundings, feel warm to the touch and heal itself when injured. People who have had a hand transplant also report a better quality of life and wellbeing, and the majority are eventually - after extensive physiotherapy - able to undertake daily living activities. Dr Jonathan Fielden, NHS England’s Director of Specialised Commissioning, said: “The NHS is leading the world in offering this cutting edge procedure, which has been shown to significantly improve the quality of life for patients who meet the strict criteria. “We will be working closely with Professor Kay and his colleagues at Leeds, as well as NHS Blood and Transplant, to ensure that this highly innovative service for the NHS can get up and running as soon as possible.” The centre in Leeds is headed up by leading consultant plastic surgeon Professor Simon Kay, who successfully performed the UK’s first hand transplant in 2012 and will accept suitable patients from around the country. The beneficiary of that transplant, Mark Cahill from West Yorkshire, has reported regaining almost complete use of his transplanted hand, allowing him to, for example, tie his shoelaces, carry his granddaughter and drive a car.
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Celebrating the news at Leeds General Infirmary are (left to right) James Brownjohn, Sarah Stephens, Professor Simon Kay and Melanie Hudson
Prof Simon Kay said: “We are delighted to be confirmed as the provider of this new service. The extensive multiprofessional expert team here at Leeds is keen to now assess new patient referrals and benefit patients and their families in a way they may never have thought possible before.
“My experience as a patient and my quality of life since the hand transplant has been fantastic.” “The Leeds unit has an existing surgical service which can now continue with NHS England support. Oxford has an existing organ transplantation service and strong track record in research in this area.” Mark Cahill said: “My experience as a patient and my quality of life since the
hand transplant has been fantastic. I would like to thank once again the family of the donor who gave their permission for me to have the hand of their relative at such a difficult time for them. It really has transformed my life”. Due to the special matching required of donor limbs for transplant and the complex nature of the procedure, patients will be carefully screened for psychological and physical suitability. It is anticipated that between two and four patients a year will be listed for surgery to benefit from the procedure as an alternative to having a prosthetic limb or hand. NHS Blood and Transplant will work closely with the team in Leeds to identify possible donors for those accepted for surgery, with a primary focus on blood group, skin tone and hand size. The option to choose to donate limbs is not recorded on the NHS Organ Donation Register, so specific permission will be sought from the families of potential donors after their death.
Bedside Buddies find their way to children’s wards! Wards at the Leeds Children’s Hospital have been made much brighter recently with the introduction of Bedside Buddies!
Specialist Team Leader Lisa Beaumont, who worked with Volunteering to ensure that a rigorous screening process is in place.
The Bedside Buddies are a group of students from the University of Leeds who volunteer to spend time with younger patients while in the hospital.
Bedside Buddy, Chloe Manley said: “I love spending time on the ward keeping the kids company. It’s great to be able to volunteer and offer my time to support the patients at the hospital.”
“The Buddies are making a real difference on the wards here at the Children’s Hospital.” Wearing their distinctive multi-coloured t-shirts, the Buddies have been making weekly visits to a number of wards on an evening to spend time with children being looked after. By playing with the youngsters and making sure that they have some company, the volunteers have helped to prevent the patients feeling lonely during their stay on the wards. The scheme has been pioneered by Play
“As a Bedside Buddy, I stay with the children for a couple of hours on an evening when the play leaders have finished. This allows parents to pop out or go home if they need to and offers often much required respite.” Lisa Beaumont commented: “The Buddies are making a real difference on the wards here at the Children’s Hospital. They offer the kids some company and companionship at what can be a really scary time.” “The scheme is currently available in a handful of areas, but it is hoped that as numbers of volunteers increase the Buddies will be able to get out and about across the hospital.”
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News
The Urogynaecology team and Director of Strategy and Planning, Simon Neville, celebrated their success
Urogynaecology team sees success Congratulations were shared at St James’s, where the urogynaecology unit recently received accreditation by the British Society of Urogynaecology. The purpose of accreditation is to define and monitor standards of care, organisation and quality within urogynaecology units. These standards are measurable, comparable and identify those units which deliver best practice, and are designed to provide a robust mechanism for ensuring quality control in units practising clinical urogynaecology, which will be of value to patients, commissioners and providers.
“It was great to see the unit awarded this important accreditation.”
LTHT is only the 16th unit in the UK to achieve this standard. It is a huge boost to the Urogynaecology team who have worked incredibly hard to ensure all our pathways, processes, patient care and outcomes are evidence based and robust.
The Buddies are working with staff on the ward to improve experiences
General Manager for Women’s Services, Emily Griffiths said “It was great to see the unit awarded this important accreditation. The standards provide a framework that will help the urogynaecology unit to improve patient care, encourage multidisciplinary working, and enhance prospects for individuals units to grow and develop.”
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Farewell
| www.leedsth.nhs.uk
A fond farewell to our long-serving staff
Hilary Norman
Janet Perry
PA to the Director of Quality, Hilary Norman has retired after working at the Trust for 12 years.
Staff Nurse Janet Perry has left the Trust after working for 16 years in the Urgent Care Clinical Support Unit.
Hilary has been based with the department throughout her time at the Trust, supporting work which has helped improve care and safety across LTHT.
Prior to working at the Trust, she worked in various areas of Pontefract Hospital for Mid-Yorkshire NHS Trust.
In retirement, she is looking forward to spending time with her husband, enjoying long walks and spending time sewing and knitting. Colleague, Lindsey Brady said “We are very sorry to see Hilary go. She was absolutely delightful to work alongside and brought a real sense of life to the team. “We hope she enjoys a long and relaxing retirement and many holidays!”
Dr Fiona Davis Staff from the Anticoagulation team bid a fond farewell to Clinical Assistant Dr Fiona Davis. Fiona worked within the anticoagulation service for around 15 years. She has now retired from work and is going to enjoy some peace and quiet up in Scotland. Dr Lishel Horn made a presentation of flowers, cakes and gifts from the team. Karen Hodgkinson, Clinical Nurse Specialist/ Team Leader, said “Fiona will be missed by all within the team, but we wish her the very best for her retirement and hope she enjoys a well-earned rest!”
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Senior Sister Vicky Bell said “Janet will be missed by all of the team here in Urgent Care. She was great asset and a valued colleague. “We wish her the very best for her retirement and hope she enjoys many years of well-earned rest and relaxation.”
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Jeanette Metcalfe The Trust recently said a sad goodbye to one of its best loved, long serving Matrons. Colleagues said a fond farewell to Jeanette Metcalfe who recently retired after dedicating over 34 years’ continuous service to LTHT. Known as ‘Netty’ to those close to her, she had high standards and was extremely patient focused, while being supportive, kind and friendly to everyone she met. She started nurse training in 1974 at the
Farewell
LGI’s School of Nursing, as it was then, and qualified in 1977. During her time here, Netty worked in Cardiology, Critical Care and, on retiring, was Matron for Medicine, Diabetes and Endocrinology. Netty was an exceptional role model and made an outstanding contribution to nursing at LTHT. She will be greatly missed by her colleagues and patients alike. Colleagues wish Netty a very happy retirement and thank her for all her hard work, dedication, professionalism and commitment to improving patient care during her long career at the Trust.
Lorna Sykes Lorna Sykes has retired following 30 years’ service in the Trust. She started her work here as housekeeper, before moving to Medical Records as clerical officer. Lorna then moved to work in Outpatients, again in a clerical role, before finally becoming a Supervisor in the Information Quality team. Now, retired, Lorna intends to spend time helping at her local church - St John’s in Farsley – where she is a church warden and very passionate about her role.
Julie Martin Julie Martin has retired after having worked at LTHT for 26 and a half years. Starting in HR, Julie worked in various departments, and ended her career within Corporate Operations working for Mr David Berridge, Deputy Chief Medical Officer. Julie now plans to enjoy her retirement by going on lots of trips away and by spending time with her children and grandchildren in London. She has a big wedding anniversary this year, so she is planning a luxurious holiday to celebrate. Nursing Director, Dawn Marshall said “Julie was a caring and compassionate colleague, with a good sense of humour. She would go above and beyond to help her colleagues in any way she could.
“Everyone is Corporate Operations is going to miss her but we wish her the very best and hope she enjoys her time relaxing on the holidays she has planned!”
She has also been heavily involved in setting up the Sunflower Memory Cafe in the church hall (which opened in February 2016). The memory café is for those people in need of support and especially those affected by dementia, their families and carers. Colleagues bought Lorna a helicopter ride for her retirement gift as she is known to be quite adventurous, and has been known to ride pillion on her vicar’s motorbike. Patient Administration Project Officer, Trisha Croft said “There’s going to be a real space left in the Trust now that Lorna has left – she was a great example to all and dedicated three decades to the NHS here in Leeds. “Everyone who knew her is going to miss her, but we all wish Lorna the very best in her retirement!”
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News
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Harrogate District Swimming Club makes big splash to help upgrade hospital pool Members of Harrogate District Swimming Club have raised £4391 thanks to sponsored swim in support of an appeal to upgrade the Hydrotherapy Pool in the Leeds Children’s Hospital at Leeds General Infirmary. The club has 97 members from foundation level up to national and international levels. The sponsored swim covered the equivalent of the distance from The Hydro in Harrogate to the hospital pool. It was Jessica Mudd, Occupational Therapy Clinical Service Manager at Leeds Children’s Hospital, who came up with the idea for the swim and she was delighted the club took on the challenge so enthusiastically Jessica commented: “The hospital pool is a well-used facility which benefits children from across the region in
Young swimmers get ready for the event!
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need of specialist rehabilitation. It has recently been refurbished but needs some multisensory equipment so the children receiving treatment have a more engaging and effective session using special lighting and sound.
“I’m absolutely thrilled the club wanted to get involved and their cash will really make a big difference.” “Often the warm water of the hydrotherapy pool is the only way some children can receive physiotherapy because it helps to relax muscles that are tense due to a condition or pain. This sort of treatment can often be painful
and tiring but with this equipment, the experience of our young patients will be vastly improved. “I’m absolutely thrilled the club wanted to get involved and their cash will really make a big difference.” Richard Heselton, Junior Swim coach, added: “All the members of the club are well aware of the strong links between swimming, water and good health, and this appeal to help improve the hospital hydrotherapy pool is a subject close to all our hearts. “Some of our club members are swimmers with disabilities so we are particularly aware of the benefits of the hydrotherapy pool and its therapeutic effect. We hope our contribution will help other youngsters have an even better experience in the future.”
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60 seconds
60 seconds Marilyn Smith
What do you do to wind down and relax after a hard week at work? There’s nothing better than heading off on our Suzuki Volusia motorcycle to a bike rally with our friends from our bike club (several of whom also work for the NHS) When I say bike club please don’t think of some rebel motorcycle club causing mayhem or the Sons of Anarchy. We’re a family MCC people of all ages who raise a lot of money for charities like the Air Ambulance. Alternatively, I can be found in a charity shop raid finding things to remake for my annual pilgrimage to Whitby Goth Weekend in October usually Hallowe’en. Yes, I’m a Goth too!
Marilyn Smith is an Assistant Radiographic Practitioner in Breast Screening and Breast Imaging. She has worked at the Trust for 10 years
What is your ideal holiday destination and why? I love my long weekends at bike rallies. You can’t beat the British countryside when the sun shines! We meet up with friends, chat, watch bands and have a few drinks. Great friendships are forged on these sites, believe me. My summer holiday destination of choice is Cephalonia, a beautiful Ionian island, with stunning scenery and great beaches. I’m learning to speak Greek too.
What is your favourite food? Spanakopita, spinach and filo parcels with a Greek salad and a large G & T.
What did you want to be when you were growing up? Growing up I wanted to be Leathers Tuscadero from Happy Days, Joan Jett, Morticia Adams or Siouxsie from Siouxsie and the Banshees. My Gran would despair of my sticky up hair in multi colours and my black clothes. Some things never change as I can’t remember the last time I had a natural hair colour.
What is your favourite film? Wizard of Oz, I do have a pair of ruby slippers, although I sympathise more with the Witch than Dorothy (better clothes).
Tell us something we don’t know about you … When I’m in my bike gear or Gothic finery people from work haven’t recognised me. I suppose I can look a little scary or intimidating but they’ll all tell you under my black clad, heavily eye lined, tattooed exterior beats a heart of molten marshmallow.
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STRAFFORD - QUALITY BUILT IN Strafford Fabrications specialising nationwide in the manufacture and installation of high quality staircases and handrail systems for domestic and commercial projects. We are able to offer a bespoke design and manufacturing service or supply products to reflect your own ideas whilst complying with current building regulations.
Our traditional or modern staircases can incorporate a wide variety of materials including satin and mirror polished stainless steel, brass and aluminium. Also glass and a wide range of hardwoods are used to compliment our metalwork. We can also offer a powder coating service with a full range of colours. Our experienced fitters complete installations quickly and considerately with minimum disruption to your property and ensure your complete satisfaction.
Unit 3 Strafford Industrial Park, Gilroyd Lane, Dodworth, Barnsley S75 3EJ Tel/Fax 01226 296767 Wayne 07766 943937 Brian 07818 258601 E-mail: info@straffordfabrications.co.uk
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We welcome enquiries from members of the public as well as architects and developers and will be pleased to advise on any queries you may have.
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