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Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust
The staff newspaper of the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust Page 2 ?
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March 2017
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Values are one year old In September 2015 we launched our values programme. This programme was a way to bring together colleagues, patients and carers to co-create a set of shared values and behaviours at a time when the RUH was changing: maternity services and the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases (RNHRD) had just joined us. Following 1000 hours of listening to over 800 staff and approximately 100 patients and carers, our new values were formed: Everyone Matter, Working Together, Making a Difference. Our values were publicly launched in January 2016 and reflect the things that we heard make the most difference to the experience of being cared for and working at the RUH. The values also encompass the things we can all do to keep improving. So, a year later, what have we done to keep making our values matter? From the values listening events we learnt how important it is for you all to feel appreciated in your jobs. Many of you felt appreciated by our patients but not by your managers, described by some as ‘recognition of only unfulfilled tasks’, and ‘I’m already giving my all’. One of our values is Everyone Matters and so we wanted to bring that value
alive by encouraging colleagues and especially managers to appreciate the efforts of their team members and colleagues in others teams who are often working in difficult circumstances. To do this we introduced a web-based tool called ThanksBox – another way of saying thank you via a computer or smartphone. If you don’t already know how to find ThanksBox, you can find the icon on your desktop. You can also download the app for free by searching for ‘ThanksBox’ in the App Store. If you have any questions about ThanksBox, Beth Powell will be happy to help x5594. As well as offering another way of recognising staff, ThanksBox measures how we are using our values in practice. So far 2714 messages of thanks have been sent, including 556 for Making a Difference by ‘being responsive and efficient’ and 17 messages have been send to colleagues demonstrating Everyone Matters by ‘being calm and reassuring’. During the 1000 hours of listening which was used to develop our values, a common theme emerged about how sometimes the systems and processes we use at the RUH can
prevent us doing the best job we can. One colleague said the following anonymously via the Friends and Family Test: “On the whole this organisation takes care of its staff. In the main ideas and innovations are supported and encourages which makes us feel values. However, as times there is a ridiculous number of hoops to jump through to get things done and this can be immensely frustrating and feel stifling.” In response to this, Chief Executive James Scott invited us all to take five minutes to complete a survey to help increase his understanding of the ‘hoops’ we all experience at work and how they can be overcome. One of the areas which you told us would make a difference was an improvement to some of our processes, one of which was recruitment. So we have been working with managers and those new to the RUH to find out what’s important to them using ‘systems thinking’ to streamline the recruitment process. This is work in progress, and we need to continue working with many people to make improvements. What’s next? It’s important that we keep paying attention to ways in which we can live our values and behaviours so they can help us make a positive
difference to the experience of being cared for and working at the RUH and how we can keep improving. You can find out more about our values by visiting the Intranet homepage. Just click on the values icon.
Have you got a story? If you’ve got a suggestion for something you’d like to see in here, please get in touch. Call x6278 or email ruh-tr.communicationteam@nhs.net @RUHBath, the staff newspaper, is also available on the intranet.
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Positively Walking Last year General Surgery Secretary and Environment Champion Geri Sheppard launched ‘Positively Walking’, an idea to help us all spend a little more time outside during our working day. Geri has always tried to go out for a walk every lunchtime and volunteered to lead a weekly walk. The walks have proved popular and will be restarting again from Wednesday 15 March. Geri really feels the benefit of heading outdoors every day: “When I make it out for a walk I always come back feeling refreshed and ready for the afternoon. I’ve met some really nice colleagues on the walks in the last year, and hope that getting out and about together has made a difference to some of those who have come along.” With the New Year resolutions in full swing and Spring just around the corner, now is the perfect time to join Geri, meet some new people and enjoy some fresh air in your working day. The half hour walks will take place at 1pm every Thursday from 15 March and Geri will be waiting to meet any keen colleagues in the Atrium. These walks are about meeting some new people, getting outdoors and taking a break from work – not a walking meeting. So come along with some comfortable shoes and a positive attitude.
MARCH 2017
New telephone system Throughout March, and after more than 20 years of use, our telephone system is being replaced. Work is taking place to swap all 2500 telephones from the old copper wired network to a new cloud-based network. By the time you read this, the first of these new handsets will be in place, and the rest should be installed by the end of March. When your old telephone is replaced you will be given a
quick reference user guide to help you use your new handset. Whilst they will look a bit different (and more modern!) than your old phone, your new phone will still do all of the same functions that you need. You’ll also be able to benefit from being able to easily see who is calling you, use a speakerphone function, manage your voicemail and create a conference call. The user guides will also be available on the Intranet from March and more details will be available in intheweek.
Student Volunteers: Give a little time, get a lot back Students are a valuable asset to the Friends of the RUH. They volunteer on the wards, serving teas and coffees for one afternoon a week at 2.30-4pm. As well as serving drinks, the students chat to our patients and offer them a listening ear. Though not involved with any of the hands on medical care, our student volunteers provide a sympathetic and much-needed service for the benefit of patients and staff. In addition to general ward volunteering, we also have a student volunteer team in the maternity unit. This role is of particular interest to those students who may wish to pursue a career as a midwife or maternity care assistant. The role involves meeting and greeting on the reception desk and gives an insight into the busy department. Volunteering helps students to develop their communication and listening skills, as well as being instrumental in building a student’s confidence within a professional environment. It’s a great addition to a CV and provides valuable experience to students who may be considering a career in the medical profession.
Do you know a young person aged sixteen or over who would like to join our growing team of enthusiastic volunteers? If so, please ask them to contact Sam Nolan on 01225 824046 or email ruh-tr.volunteers@nhs.net . Alternatively, they can find out more by visiting: http://www.friendsoftheruh.org.uk/ student-volunteering.html
Patient empowerment Acute Kidney Injury Update Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is one of our quality priorities for 2016/17 and we have been doing some great work on increasing awareness of AKI and identifying it early. AKI is a sudden deterioration in a patient’s kidney function, which can result from a number of factors, in particular when a patient has a serious acute illness such as sepsis or major bleeding but can also occur due to dehydration or as a side effect of some medications. At the RUH we see approximately 250 patients per month who have an AKI, so it’s important that we all know about it, especially if you are clinical. Back in November 2015 we launched our education and awareness campaign on AKI, UR’ine Trouble, so far 1000 clinical colleagues have been trained. A simple bundle of care for patients with AKI was also introduced and throughout 2016 we have seen a great improvement in the numbers of you using the bundle: • Fluid plan documentation has increased by 20% • Medication review has increased by 20% • Daily blood tests have increased by 30% • Senior review within 24 hours now take place for 90% of our patients. AKI Teaching is now also incorporated into the weekly core skills training and AKI/Sepsis simulation training has been developed, which is now running monthly at the Education Centre. This has had fantastic feedback from staff, “It really embedded the training and has increased my confidence with managing AKI”. The simulation training is a great way to practice managing AKI and Sepsis with real-life scenarios. If you are interested in attending this course please contact Breda Goodchild, ruh-tr.education-centre@nhs.net or call x1173 to book your date. If you want further information contact Victoria Selby victoria.selby@nhs.net or Lesley Jordan lesleyjordan1@nhs.net NEW HYDRATION CHART LAUNCHED FEBRUARY 2017 If a patient has stopped passing urine regularly this can be an early warning sign for many illnesses, and picking up any decrease in urine output early may well prevent AKI from occurring. Some of you may have already seen the new hydration chart, which has been updated for February 2017
and contains: • New column for daily monitoring of how many times a patient passes urine • Record with a simple tick – no need to record millilitres • To be used for patients who do not need strict monitoring. The aim of the updated chart is to make sure a patient is still passing urine as well as being well hydrated, even though they do not need a strict fluid balance. It is also really important to let GPs know if a patient has had an AKI for on-going care as well as raising awareness in primary care. From March 2017, there will be mandatory questions to be completed in the discharge summary if a patient has an AKI so we can be sure the GPs are receiving this important information. So, look out for the new hydration chart and help us to ensure all our patients are well hydrated and passing urine, as well as making sure all your colleagues know how to pick up acute kidney injury and what to do. If you haven’t received training, or have any questions please contact Vicky Selby x5670 victoria.selby@nhs.net
UR’INE TROUBLE!
ACUTE
KIDNEY
Recognition is delayed in 43% of patients
INJURY
1 in 5 hospital admissions have AKI
Want to stop this silent killer?
Underlying cause
Treat hypovolaemia, dehydration, cardiac failure, liver failure, sepsis
Rehydrate
Assess fluid balance Bolus IV crystalloid if hypovolaemic and reassess
Investigate
Consider renal tract imaging Avoid iodine contrast. Perform daily U&E
Nephrotoxic drugs Stop NSAIDS, ACEi, ARB, Metformin, Potassium sparing diuretics
Escalate & Observe
Hourly urine outputs and EWS observations Senior Review. Consider Renal Team input
Want to know more? Visit the RUH intranet guidelines
RUH Bath ‘Think Kidneys’ Campaign
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MARCH 2017
See it My Way: Living with a Mental Health Condition The first event in the See it My Way programme for 2017 took an honest, no-holds-barred look at the realities of living with a mental health condition. Four incredibly brave speakers – all members of the public who have had contact with the RUH and its services – shared their very personal experiences of the lives they live and the care they have received. Three of the speakers were living with a mental health condition and the fourth was caring for a partner with a mental illness. All had first-hand experience of care at the RUH – and strong opinions about how that care could be improved. Over 80 people attended the event, and the lecture theatre was packed. But you could have heard a pin drop as the speakers talked about how their conditions could overwhelm them and how frightening it can be to be admitted to hospital at the height of a crisis, and in the depths of their suffering. As each successive speaker took to the floor a consistent message began to form: Small acts of empathy, caring and kindness could make all the difference; a warm tone, a genuine smile, a reassuring touch. Helen Blanchard, Director of Nursing and Midwifery said: “I would like to thank the speakers for their courage in sharing their experiences at the RUH. There were many ‘take home’ messages from the event – if you attended, please spread the knowledge you gained with your colleagues. “What struck me was the simplicity of the message echoed by all four speakers: ‘be kind and show me I’m not on my own’. However busy things get, we must all strive to see things from the patient’s point of view. The hospital environment that is so very familiar to us can be alien and frightening for any patient – all the more so for a patient dealing with a mental health crisis.” Standout quotes from the speakers: “It’s the human things that make a difference. Value me as a
human not a diagnosis, statistic or name on a waiting list” “From when I step through the door, the reception I receive makes a huge difference to me. A little compassion goes a long way. I didn’t choose my mental health condition. I’m just trying to survive life. Non-judgemental treatment really matters to me.” “I would rather you talk to me and get it wrong than shy away from my mental health condition. If you ignore my mental health, you’re ignoring half of my being. And that hurts.” “We need help. Listening. Understanding. Communication. I’m doing a professional person’s job. Please, please, please help me to keep my loved one out of hospital.” (Carer for a partner with schizophrenia).” “It’s so hard to be in hospital – listening to everything going on around me. I take on anxiety about all the other patients around me. I feel responsible for keeping everyone on my ward alive.”
Freedom to Speak up surgeries
Chippenham birth centre midwife wins top honour
Your Freedom to Speak Up Guardians are in post to ensure that this Trust is an open and transparent place to work where all staff are listened to and supported with concerns they may raise. Advanced Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Jo Hodson is holding surgeries throughout the year where you can speak to her in confidence regarding any concerns you may have; whether they are about patient safety, bullying and harassment, induction or training, unsafe work conditions or a poor response to patient safety incidents. If you wish to speak to Jo you can contact her by calling x1678 or joanne.hodson@nhs.net Alternatively, you can also send an email to or ruh-tr.freedomtospeak@nhs.net Further information, surgery dates and contact details for other local Freedom to Speak Up Guardians can be found on the Intranet. Just click on the ‘raising concerns’ icon on the homepage. Tuesday 21st March, 2-3pm Room 2, Education Centre Thursday 20th April, 3.30-4.30pm Room 3, Education Centre Tuesday 16th May, 2-3pm Room 2, Education Centre Thursday 15th June, 11-12noon Room 2, Education Centre Tuesday 18th July, 2-3pm Room 2, Education Centre Thursday 24th August, 11-12noon Room 3, Education Centre Tuesday 19th Sept, 2-3pm Room 2, Education Centre Thursday 26th Oct, 11-12noon Room 2, Education Centre Tuesday 21st Nov, 2-3pm Room 2, Education Centre Thursday 14th Dec, 11-12noon Room 2, Education Centre
Congratulations are in order for Chippenham Birth Centre midwife Pam Walsh, has been awarded the Emma’s Diary Mums’ Midwife of the Year 2017 for the South of England region. The prestigious award is one of the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) Annual Midwifery Awards, recognising the remarkable work done by inspiring midwives across the country. Pam was nominated by local mum Melissa Glover, who said: “Pam gave me the confidence I needed to deal with my anxieties of loving my baby and becoming a single mother. I couldn’t have done it without her.” Melissa suffered from depression for a number of years prior to becoming pregnant. Once pregnant, she found herself single with her anxiety and depression snowballing. Melissa said she felt incredibly fortunate to have met Pam at the start of her pregnancy when she was feeling low, struggling with a loss of a relationship and worried about what the future may hold. Pam supported Melissa throughout, for both her pregnancy and her depression, did not judge her situation and gave her the confidence to see the pregnancy through to become a great mum to a beautiful baby girl, Cora. Melissa said: “I will never forget the first moment I met Pam. I was not in a good place, but Pam comforted me immediately and continued to do so throughout the course of my pregnancy.” Pam said: “I felt incredibly humbled and honoured that Melissa had taken the time to enter me for this amazing award. To me it isn’t just a job, it’s about building relationships with girls like Melissa. Understanding their problems and listening to their worries allows us to encourage and support them in the best possible way, ensuring they have the best starts with their babies.” Emma’s Diary, the UK’s support resource for mums to be and new parents, and the RCM received a record 747 nominations from mums across the UK, highlighting just how important the midwife’s role is. All entries were put through a rigorous
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ESAC shortlisted for national awards Our very own pioneering emergency surgery ambulatory clinic that cuts waiting times and hospital admissions has been nominated for three national health awards. The Emergency Surgical Ambulatory Care unit (ESAC) was set up originally as a pilot in 2013 and has proved so effective that it has been adopted by other NHS Trusts across the country. It allows patients with acute, general surgical problems, such as appendicitis or hernias, to be diagnosed and operated on in a day. Most go home that same day, meaning there is a significant reduction in the number of admissions where patients need a bed – around 120 a month. It’s estimated that 6000 patients have been treated by the ESAC team since it began in May 2013. Now the clinic has been nominated for three Health Service Journal (HSJ) Value In Healthcare Awards 2017, in the Improving The Value of Surgical Services, Acute Service Redesign, and Emergency, Urgent and Trauma Care categories. Consultant Surgeon and Clinical Lead for Emergency Surgical Ambulatory Care, Sarah Richards, said: “We’re really pleased that the clinic’s work has been recognised by these nominations. This is one of the many ways that the RUH is striving to work differently and more efficiently. We’ve shown that the service is safe and effective and helps reduce the time that inpatients wait for emergency surgery. It helps to avoid unnecessary hospital admissions and allows us to concentrate resources on life-threatening emergencies.” As well as being named as an area of outstanding practice in the our most recent Care Quality Commission report, patient satisfaction is also high with most surveyed saying they’d be extremely likely or likely to recommend the service to friends and family if they needed similar care or treatment. The ESAC team has also been running ‘Showcase Days’ for other Trusts to visit and learn. The HSJ 2017 awards will be judged in March and presented at a ceremony in London on 24 May. Good luck to the team!
What’s being said We have received a whole host of brilliant reviews on our Facebook page, here is just a small sample: “Ended up in the coronary care ward after a heart attack. Absolutely faultless care with humour.” “The staff yesterday were very good and treated me completely different to how I thought. They reassured me and were very kind and caring thank you to the lovely doctor and nurses that had to put up with me.” “My poor mum fell and broke her hip and wrist last night, Bath RUH is amazing: new hip and wrist repaired... completely positive experience... 5 stars all round! My thanks to all the nurses and surgeons for taking care of my mum. Special thanks to A&E and Forrester Brown ward.” “Came here for my daughter and can’t believe how thorough and fantastic they have been. Even though it takes over an hour to travel there I have no hesitation with ever coming back which I know we will a few more times yet.” “I had my beautiful baby girl by caesarean section on Monday. Words cannot explain how amazing every member of staff I came in contact with was. All of the midwives were so attentive and kind. The doctors were so knowledgeable and so personable. The anaesthetists were exceptional - they made me feel so at ease. I am so grateful to each and every one of them for making my caesarean and recovery as pleasant as it could be. Thank you. (Mary Ward and staff).” “All staff was brilliant yesterday with my 5 year old daughter who had an operation to have some teeth taken out. They were all lovely to not just my daughter but to me and her dad too. Excellent all round!”
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Learning and Development National Apprenticeship Week National Apprenticeship Week runs from March 6 to March 10 this year – and the Learning and Development (L&D) team will be promoting the enormous benefits apprenticeships can bring. Our apprenticeship programme not only helps the Trust to enhance the services we provided to patients it also provides development opportunities for you. Did you know that we offer apprenticeships to support development in clinical and non-clinical careers? From clinical healthcare support to management – and everything in between. Here in L&D we have our own apprenticeship success story – Ruby Williams. Ruby joined us as an apprentice in December 2015 and has brought real value to the team through her fresh ideas and interest in supporting the work we are doing. Ruby is greatly involved in developing the schools and college work experience and engagement work we do, as well as supporting the ambassadors who attend events. In addition to this, she assists with the development work we do with the workforce of the future, from careers events to mock interviews. Ruby has completed her level 2 qualification in Business Administration and is now starting her level 3. Not only is this a reflection of how her role has grown, it also gives Ruby the opportunity to take her career to the next level. To coincide with National Apprenticeship Week, we will be running a drop in session for Healthcare Assistants who may be interested in a Level 2 or 3 apprenticeship. This will take place on Tuesday 7 March between 11am and 3pm, Room K in the Education Centre. There’s no need to book – just come along and take the next step in transforming your career!
L&D apprenticeship success story, Ruby Williams
Are you newly registered?
Study days
Just because you have successfully completed your training it doesn’t mean support for you should cease… This is where your Preceptorship begins. Our year-long Preceptorship programme provides a unique opportunity for all newlyregistered nurses, midwives, allied health professionals and operating department practitioners (‘Preceptees’) to become competent, confident and autonomous registered professionals. Jules Beaven is the Preceptorship Lead. She says, “My role is to help Preceptees through the challenges they face during the first year of practice as a new registrant. If you are a newlyregistered nurse, midwife, allied health professional or operating department practitioner then make sure you are booked on our 12-month preceptorship programme.” To find out more visit the Preceptorship page on the intranet or contact Jules directly on jules.beaven@nhs.net or 01225 824480
Study days are an essential way for you to take time out of your role in order to sharpen essential skills or learn valuable new ones. L&D curate a programme of study days throughout the year across a range of subjects. Study days are promoted via the staff newsletter ‘intheweek’ and to senior staff in relevant wards and departments. If you are a band 1-4, keep your eye out for any days which might interest you. The next study days in the programme are… Therapies – What’s it all about? 28 March
Jules Beaven, Preceptorship Lead
By popular demand… The RUH Learning and Development Prospectus is coming soon, keep an eye out in intheweek and on the Learning and Development Intranet pages for more information.
Palliative Care 12 June For details of the full range of study days available to staff (both clinical and nonclinical) on bands 1-4 please contact Anita Paradise in the Widening Participation Team: aparadise@nhs.net or x1681/x1542 “The course was so informative. We have to use Excel daily in the office and I was always frightened of it. But the tutor explained it in such easy steps that I felt confident when leaving the day.” Attendee from a recent ‘IT Skills for Beginners’ study day
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MARCH 2017
The 100,000 Genomes Project The RUH is taking part in the exciting national Genomes project that aims to change how NHS patients with cancer and rare diseases are treated. 13 Genomic Medical Centres (GMC) have been set up across the UK. The RUH is part of the West of England GMC and after many months of planning and collaboration, the RUH will soon invite individual cancer patients and individuals with rare diseases to take part in the project. The national aim is to sequence 100,000 whole genomes from patients which have certain types of cancer and rare diseases. This means that patients who are invited and sign up, will have their DNA extracted from a blood and tumour sample for sequencing and analysis. Information based on their genome may give insight into the exact nature and genomic changes that are causing the individual’s cancer or disease. We caught up with Medicines Information Pharmacist and Genomics Champion Ellen Brennan-Rist. Ellen says: “Genomics and personalised medicine are the future of healthcare, and I wanted to take the opportunity to learn more about this exciting area, and ensure that our health service remains a world leader in this research. Understanding more about genomic differences that affect our health and response to medicines will improve the quality of healthcare services and effectiveness of treatments. “As a Genomic Champion, my role involves promoting the 100,000 Genomes Project, educating healthcare professionals and members of the public about genomics, encouraging recruitment of patients and implementing new ways of working. The 100,000 Genomes Project aims to sequence the genome from 100,000 samples from
people with cancer and rare diseases by 2018. This data will be analysed to identify variances in genomes, which will inform more accurate diagnoses and new treatments. “For now I am increasing my own knowledge about genomic medicine by taking a free online course on Whole Genome Sequencing. This course is designed by Health Education England and is open to everyone via Future Learn (www.futurelearn.com). I hope to arrange teaching sessions, for example at Grand Rounds, to inform members of staff about the project and explain how they can get involved. I am also planning to hold an event in the atrium to promote the 100,000 Genomes Project to patients and members of the public. For a wider reach, I am working with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society to educate and engage pharmacists across the country.” Look out for updates about this exciting project on our website: www.ruh.nhs.uk or for further information about Genomics visit: www.genomiccsengland.co.uk
Caring for One Another It’s not just the general public our staff treat. Many of our clinical staff will have experienced caring for colleagues from across the Trust at some point in their careers. One RUH Staff Nurse was so bowled over by the amazing care she received in ITU following a very serious illness, she decided to forgo Christmas presents and instead pool the cash in order to make a donation. Andrea Murphy, who has recently returned to work as a Staff Nurse in the Eye Unit, handed over more than £400 to the ward that effectively saved her life when she was admitted in July 2016. Andrea, who lives with Pulmonary Hypertension, is the first to admit that it’s hard being a patient when you’re used to being the one who does the caring. But she thanked the team who delivered her care in a heartfelt letter, saying: “Everyone I met provided exceptional, dedicated care to facilitate my
recovery, and wonderful support to my family at a difficult time. I will always be indebted to you all, and grateful for the world class medical facilities we have in the NHS – much of it invisible to the public (literally) behind closed doors – having spent so much time on both sides of the ‘fence’.”
Andrea Murphy, Staff Nurse on the Eye Unit
People moves
Your genome is your unique sequence of DNA, 3 billion letters long. Genomes are found in almost every cell of your body Sequencing is a technique that is used to ‘read’ DNA
Multi faith Centre Our programme of estates redevelopment, to transform our site and ensure we are ‘Fit for the Future’ includes major new builds, such as our recently completed Forbes -Fraser Pharmacy and our eagerly anticipated Dyson Cancer Centre, projects which you’re probably very familiar with already. However, our redevelopment programme is also unlocking other opportunities to further improve what we can offer to our patients, visitors and staff, and the new Multi Faith Centre is a great example of that. Departmental moves mean the Chaplaincy (C26) can relocate to a new home on the crossroads of zones C and D on the ground floor. Sensitively designed to offer a special place to sit and think or pray, work on the new centre gets underway in Spring. Accessible and open 24 hours a day, the new centre will include ablution and prayer spaces as well
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as a quiet and private space for confidential and sensitive conversations. Looking out onto a courtyard garden, the Multifaith Centre has been designed in conjunction with our Chaplaincy team, with input from staff and patient representatives, to create an environment where the team can offer pastoral and spiritual care to people of all faiths or none, respecting each person’s integrity, beliefs and needs. The chaplaincy will still visit the wards to offer support, comfort and, when appropriate, prayer to patients, their families and staff. Books of remembrance for both adults and babies will remain within the centre, set aside in a designated area, along with a book for people to write their own prayers and thoughts. We’ll keep you updated as our new Multi faith Centre takes shape. The Chaplaincy Team can be contacted on 01225 824039
Artist’s impression of the new multifaith space. Courtesy of Arturus Architects
Back in February we said ‘farewell’ to Director of Estates and Facilities Howard Jones who has now retired. Howard said: “My successor will inherit a super team of dedicated staff who are experienced, qualified and committed to delivering excellent estate and facilities services and an ambitious capital programme. “It’s been a very happy and enjoyable eight years and I shall really miss you all. The Board and my Executive Director colleagues have been brilliant to work with and always supportive and enthusiastic, we have shared the same vision for patient safety, quality of care and sound management of resources. Against this background we have achieved much for our patients and staff but there will always be more to do in this dynamic and frankly, pressurised health system. “I shall leave with very fond memories of a friendly hospital where I would be happy to be cared for, I am sure you will give my successor Simon Neale the same warm welcome that I received and following a break, I will pop back for a few weeks on a part-time basis until he arrives. “Thank you for your support, friendship and sheer hard work.” We also said a fond farewell to Senior Communications Officer Anita Houlding. Anita was instrumental in creating and running @
RUHBath for part of her years at the RUH. Many of you will have met Anita, had your photo taken or been part of some filming! Anita says: “By the time you read this I’ll have left the RUH after 17 years of working here – I think it’s going to take a bit of time to adapt! “My time in Communications has been a bit of a crazy ride; madly busy, sometimes stressful, never boring, frequently challenging and often surprising. There has been a lot of hard work, much laughter and occasional tears. Times when I’ve chafed but mostly championed, and I wouldn’t have missed a minute of it. “I’m leaving behind so many great colleagues and a little bit of myself. I’m taking with me a host of memories of the things I’ve done and the people I’ve met. “People use the word ‘privilege’ a lot when they talk about working at the RUH and I’ll add my voice to theirs. It is a great organisation full of passionate and talented people doing wonderful things every day – don’t ever forget that. “Thanks for everything. I’ll miss you all a lot. “Look after one another.”
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Walk of Life - Saturday 13 May Walk a marathon & celebrate the life and memories of your loved ones. Join The Forever Friends Appeal and hundreds of people across Bath, Somerset and Wiltshire, for the Walk of Life’s very first walking marathon route, along the beautiful Kennet and Avon canal. Open to both men and women, general entry places cost £20 per person, with a pledge to raise a minimum of £100 sponsorship. Funds raised can be dedicated to the RUH Cancer Care Campaign or an RUH ward or department of your choice. You can sign up to join in the full 26.2 miles (new longer distance) along the Kennet and Avon canal from Devizes to Bath or walk 10 miles in the afternoon from Bradford-On-Avon to finish at the iconic Holburne Museum in Bath – it’s up to you! Michael Eavis CBE is official ambassador Glastonbury Founder Michael Eavis CBE is our official ambassador for the 2017 Walk of Life. Michael will be attending the walk’s starting point in Bishops Cannings to meet and greet walkers, before joining participants as they begin their marathon route from The Crown Inn along the Kennet and Avon Canal. Hurry, early-bird places have now sold out
News from the Friends of the RUH This year the Friends of the RUH will be celebrating their Diamond Jubilee 60th year! Come along to the celebration event in the Atrium on Friday 31 March. The fun will start at 12midday and will go on until 1.30pm. Entertainment will be provided by the RUH Choir and there will be opportunities to find out more about what the charity do. Please invite all your colleagues to come along for a cake and join in the celebrations. Pre-order your lunch You can now order sandwiches and food from the Friends Coffee Shop. Phone extension number 4184 by 10am and place an order which will be ready to collect at lunchtime. The Friends Coffee Shop is also now open on a Saturday from 11am to 4pm.
Just a minute…
David Chodkiewicz (Datix Dave) Risk Applications Manager and general entry places are selling fast! Sign up at www.foreverfriendsappeal.co.uk and join us for what will be the biggest and
best Walk of Life yet! The Walk of Life is proudly sponsored by Kier Construction.
ART AT THE HEART EXHIBITIONS IN THE CENTRAL GALLERY (Ground Floor, Zone B) Until 27 April Hilary Paynter: Age of Enlightenment A striking new body of wood engraving work by Hilary Paynter specifically commissioned by Devon Guild of Craftsmen for this project on the subject of ageing has been informed by dialogue, interaction and Mad Dog, Wood workshops run through Daisi with Engraving by Hilary Paynter inter-generational groups. The exhibition also features work by printmaker, film-maker and photographer Leonie Bradley. Imagined Worlds: Kubla Khan Imagined Worlds’ features the work of twenty contemporary artists inspired by Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s visionary poem Kubla Khan. The exhibition curated by Somerset Art Works on behalf of The Friends of Coleridge Society is part of a programme of events timed to coincide with the bicentenary of the poem’s first publication. For more information please see our web page http://artatruh.org/exhibitions/temporaryprogramme/central-exhibition/ LOCAL GIVING We have recently set up a Local Giving web page, and as an incentive, Local Giving will match any donations made for the first £250. Take a look at our AATH page to see how
donations really do make a difference to our programme https://localgiving.org/charity/art-at-theheart-of-the-ruh/ We’ll soon be launching our next Staff and Volunteers exhibition, keep an eye out for posters around the RUH site and visit our news page http://artatruh.org/news-events/
How long have you worked at the RUH? 2 Years What’s the best thing about your job? The people I work with are great and I love meeting and training new people on how to use Datix. If you could spend a day in another department, which would it be? Why? I would love to work on the Hospital Radio Station and play some of my favourite music. Is there one great thing you wished everyone knew about the RUH? How good the artwork is and that it is worth popping in if you’re passing by to take a look. How would you describe yourself in three words? Funny, enthusiastic and ambitious Who would play you, in a film about your life? James Corden Surprise us – what don’t we know about you? I have only just got my driving licence at age 32 What talent do you wish you had? I wish I could paint (pictures, not walls!) What is your dream holiday? Golf, golf, beer, golf, food and a bit more golf What possession couldn’t you live without? Golf clubs Which three people (past or present) would you invite for dinner, and why? Elvis, John Lennon and Jimi Hendrix and then I would let them jam What was the last book you read? Sherlock Holmes: The complete stories What would be your ideal menu and where would you eat it? I do love a good steak and it wouldn’t matter where as long as my wife was with me What would be your Mastermind specialist round? The music of Queen