Trust in the Future April 2016

Spring 2016

04 Free WiFi for patients and visitors

05 Kidney transplant still going strong

07 Life back for Parkinson’s patient

Editorial

Welcome

CONTACT US Got a question? You can call the membership team on: 0121 371 4323 or email: members@uhb.nhs.uk.

You can also visit the membership pages on the Trust website: www.uhb.nhs.uk

CONTACT PALS If you would like to give constructive feedback, compliments or make a complaint about our hospital services, please speak to a member of the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) who will be happy to help.

Drop in to the PALS office anytime between 09:00-16:30, Monday to Friday (no appointment necessary).

The PALS Office is situated to the left of the Information Desk.

Telephone: 0121 371 3280 between 09:00-17:00, Monday-Friday email: PALS@uhb.nhs.uk UHB NHS Foundation Trust has not vetted the advertisers in this publication and accepts no liability for work done or goods supplied by any advertiser. Nor does UHB NHS Foundation Trust endorse any of the products or services.

Every possible care has been taken to ensure that the information given in this publication is accurate.

Whilst the publisher would be grateful to learn of any errors, it cannot accept any liability over and above the cost of the advertisement for loss there by caused. No reproduction by any method whatsoever of any part of this publication is permitted without written consent of the copyright owners. Octagon Design & Marketing Ltd. ©2014.

Britannic Chambers, 8a Carlton Road, Worksop, Notts. S80 1PH. Tel: 01909 478822

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Welcome to Trust in the Future, the magazine for members of the Queen Elizabeth Hospitals

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t University Hospitals Birmingham we are used to being in the spotlight for many reasons and already, in the early months of 2016, the Trust has attracted plenty of media interest.

You will be aware that some of this coverage has centred around concerns that were raised about the cardiac services we offer at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB) following a short-notice inspection by the hospital watchdog, the Care Quality Commission (CQC), in December last year.

I would like to reassure you all that the Trust is treating this matter with the utmost seriousness and we welcome the CQC report in the interests of delivering the safest possible care for our patients.

The Trust established a Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) for the cardiac surgery service in July 2015, prior to the CQC inspection, which is ongoing and subject to external review.

None of the cardiac surgeons currently working at UHB are outliers for mortality outcomes and we are confident they will continue to offer the highest standards of care and expertise in delivering their service.

At the time of the CQC inspection, the QIP had already improved outcomes and internal issues within the service.

The subsequent report has added awareness and pace to initiatives which had already been put in place to enhance both staff and, more importantly, patient benefit.

Patient safety, as always, remains our number one priority.

Against this backdrop, it is pleasing to be able to report that the excellent work

Trust in the Future | Spring 2016 n www.uhb.nhs.uk

that goes on Trust-wide on a day-today basis has been featured in some high-profile coverage on both the BBC and ITV. BBC Radio 5 Live were at QEHB broadcasting live from the hospital for a 24-hour period in January while Good Morning Britain’s Dr Hilary Jones and his colleagues spent several hours in the Accident and Emergency department for a broadcast in February.

Feedback from both has been overwhelmingly positive with producers at Good Morning Britain reporting “an outpouring of love from our Birmingham viewers” following their broadcast.

Such coverage is a true testament to the tireless work of our doctors and nurses and their dedication to providing the best in care to our patients.

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Dressing hope for burns patients

Spring 2016 Take a look at what’s inside your latest edition of Trust in the Future Features Love still strong for UHB sweethearts 04 Romance blossomed for Colin and Jacqui on first day at work

Donor Kidney lasts a lifetime 05 Transplant 40 years ago transformed Peter’s life

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Ex-firefighter tackles Parkinson’s Disease 07 DBS treatment has given Mick his life back

More than 1,000 treated already 08 Patients seeing benefits of Centre for Rare Diseases

Fond Farewell to Dr Sunil Handa 10 UHB Governor passes away after illness

Make a date with the Clinical Dashboard 11 Staff can log on to see patient feedback

Glenn aims to help Orchards bloom 15 UHB green sites can benefit local community

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Free WiFi Love at first sight Network for patients

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atients and visitors to the Trust can now benefit from a free WiFi network courtesy of the hospital’s official charity. The network went live on Monday, 7 March, 2016.

QEHB Charity has funded the network which is available at the following locations: ■■ Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham ■■ Nuffield House ■■ Heritage Building (majority of areas) ■■ Trust Headquarters/ Haematology Clinic ■■ Post Graduate Centre ■■ The Learning Hub Patients and visitors need to search and connect to a network called QEHBCharity-guestWiFi, enter their email address and then agree to the Terms and Conditions.

Mike Hammond, Chief Executive of QEHB Charity, said; “The new network will really benefit our patients – they can keep in touch with friends and family, browse the web and keep themselves entertained whilst on the wards or waiting for an appointment. It also means patients can give the Trust real time feedback as they will have easy access to patient experience surveys.”

The WiFi has been funded by QEHB Charity for patients and visitors to use. Staff are reminded not to use this network. The bandwidth has a finite capacity – if staff use it, this will impact on the level of service which patients and visitors receive.

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for Colin and Jacqui

Romance blossomed 40 years ago

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t was a double celebration when Colin and Jacqui Mason received their NHS long-service awards from University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB) chief executive Dame Julie Moore – because love had blossomed for the couple 40 years earlier on their very first day at work.

“The very first day we started work we met each other and it was pretty much the classic story of love at first sight,” said Colin.

“Within about a month of meeting we started going out with each other and 40 years later, here we are married and we’re still going out with each other. It’s the best day’s work I ever did!”

The pair met in September 1975, when Colin was 16 and Jacqui 17, on the first day of an induction course at Stowe House, Lichfield, for NHS starters on the Ordinary National Diploma course.

They both wanted to become laboratory technicians and Colin was starting his training at the old Dudley Road Hospital while Jacqui was based at Walsall Manor Hospital.

As their love blossomed so did their careers, taking in most of the major hospitals around Birmingham until they ended up working together some 15 years ago at Selly Oak and the old Queen Elizabeth Hospitals, which were to become UHB. True love never runs entirely smoothly, of course and their relationship has survived an early break-up - and a spell when Colin was Jacqui’s boss.

“There’s no other way of putting it, after we had been going out for a couple of months she dumped me,” recalls Colin. “There was a year when we would regularly see each other at college and not speak to each other.

But to my eternal gratitude Jacqui then asked me to go to a party with her and we never looked back.”

Colin, now 56, popped the question on Valentine’s Day in 1978 and the couple married in 1980. Both

Trust in the Future | Spring 2016 n www.uhb.nhs.uk

Colin and Jacqui Mason on their wedding day in 1980

Birmingham born and bred, they now live in Solihull with sons Christian, 25, and Michael, 23.

Jacqui, 57, has worked part-time as a biomedical scientist since the children were born while Colin moved from his lab-based role to become pathology IT manager at UHB two years ago.

The couple insist that working together has not affected their relationship.

“It has worked really well for us,” said Colin. “Although we’ve worked in the same area for many years we often wouldn’t see each other all day.

“We did have a two to three year spell when I was Jacqui’s boss and we were working in a very small group in quite a confined area, but it worked just fine.

At work you maintain a professional relationship.”

“Colin was boss at work but I was boss at home,” added Jacqui with a smile.

The couple are hoping to retire when Colin is 60 and spend more time indulging in their passion for cruises.

“By that time we’ll have clocked up almost 90 years of NHS service between us, the vast majority of which we’ve very much enjoyed,” said Colin.

Kidney transplant still going strong!

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irmingham businessman Peter Ford is urging people to join the organ donor register – 40 years after a kidney transplant transformed his life.

Peter was just 19-years-old and one of the first kidney transplant patients at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB) when he underwent his operation in May 1976 and four decades later his donor organ is still going strong.

And as living proof that transplant patients can go on to live long and very full lives Peter is eager to make sure that others get the same.

“After my transplant I remember asking how long the kidney would last,” he said. “They told me to ask again in three months. Then they said they thought it might last three years and after three years they admitted they didn’t really know and just told me to get on with living my life – and here we are 40 years later.”

Peter’s kidneys had first failed when he was six and he spent six months in hospital followed by many years of ill health as a child until they failed again in his early teens.

“I was really ill at the time and eventually had to go on haemodialysis,” he explained.

That meant trips from his home in Wolverhampton to what was then the North Staffordshire Royal Infirmary in Stoke for 10-hour dialysis sessions three times a week.

“Ten hours of dialysis three times a week takes over your whole life,” he recalled. “On the other days you recover. It was no life for a teenager.”

After one false alarm, however, Peter got the call from the QE to say that a compatible donor organ had become available and he headed to Birmingham for his transplant. But there was an anxious wait after the operation.

“The kidney didn’t start working for two weeks,” he said. “At the time doctors told me that if it took longer to start working it might last a long time.

So the fact that mine took two weeks to start working probably says something – given that it is still working now.”

H Having given up on dreams of going to university and taken a job as a bank clerk Peter enrolled on a degree course in computer science as soon as he was fit enough before going on to work for Cadbury Schweppes in Birmingham and he now runs his own business with three partners.

“Without my transplant I would never have been able to do that and I’ve done countless other things I never dreamed I would be able to do. I’ve got two sons, who are now in their twenties. I’ve done lots of travelling - been to the United States, Canada and Japan - and I’m getting remarried in December.

“The ultimate aim is to ensure that more people who need transplants get one. You’ve got 10,000 people waiting for a transplant of one sort or another at the moment and three people a day die because they haven’t had a transplant.

“I am proof that transplants can last for a lifetime,” he said. “I was ill from the age of 6 to 19 but after the transplant life just opened up for me and I could never have done all the things I have done if I hadn’t had the transplant.”

QEHB consultant nephrologist Dr Adnan Sharif said: “What Peter has achieved with his donor kidney is an inspiration to all transplant patients.

“His case highlights just how a life can be changed by receiving a donor organ. The message is simple; more patients will have the opportunity to receive a life-changing transplant if more people join the organ donation register.”

To join the NHS organ Donor Register call 0300 123 23 23 or click on to www.organdonation.nhs.uk.

aemodialysis patients from Redditch and Bromsgrove who previously had to travel for dialysis treatment, are now able to dialyse unit on their doorstep, thanks to a new purpose built unit in the heart of the community.

The Redditch Kidney Treatment Centre, which opened on 30 March 2016, is the latest purpose-built centre to be opened as part of the Queen Elizabeth hospital’s dialysis programme.

The new satellite facility will initially cater for around 50 patients from the north of Worcestershire who require dialysis, with the capacity to treat up to 100 in the future.

It boasts 20 stations - four of these are in private side rooms, four consulting rooms and free patient WiFi throughout.

Dr Clara Day, who leads the haemodialysis programme in the West Midlands said: “We understand that travelling to and from dialysis sessions can be a source of anxiety for patients, so we hope that opening a centre in Redditch minimises travel time and enables more people to be treated close to their homes.”

In charge of the centre is unit manager Liz Simpson, who has over 30 years of dialysis care experience and most recently was matron for established renal failure at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

The centre will be run by Diaverum, who also manage the Aston, Hereford, Kings Norton and Great Bridges treatment centres.

Dr Jonathan Wells, Chair and Clinical Lead of Redditch and Bromsgrove CCG said: “This is great news and will further enhance local health services for local patients. We fully support the move to bring haemodialysis nearer to people’s homes and we will be working closely with UHB to develop plans for more locally based services in the future.”

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Trauma Research needs YOU!

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igh quality clinical research is essential for improving health and health care.

Without research we cannot discover new ways to prevent traumatic injury or make sure that existing treatments are used in the best way possible.

So how do we ensure we conduct high quality research? By involving YOU as a Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) champion!

YOUR views and opinions can help us to develop a better research programme.

The team at the NIHR Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre (SRMRC) would love to hear from you if you have an interest in shaping research and are able to spare a few hours of your time four times a year.

SRMRC Director Professor Tony Belli said: “Can you help us to plan how research is carried out, from the ideas stage through to completion by attending meetings and events?

“Would you like to make practical suggestions for new research topics which have a real impact? Why not become a PPI group member? As well as the chance to see what goes on ‘behind the scenes’ in research, you will also have the opportunity to meet others who are passionate about making a difference.”

PPI group member Duncan Buckley added: “I was attracted to becoming a member because I wanted to make a meaningful contribution to the design of research and help to ensure that money and resources vital to the NHS aren’t wasted on research that has little or no relevance.

“And I get a unique insight into the progress being made in trauma research.”

If you would like to find out more please contact Rosie Sanderson or Lee Gibson on 0121 371 4223 or visit www.srmrc.nihr.ac.uk.

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Lisa takes research to Parliament Scientist’s chance to her show work to MPs

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irmingham-based research into the effects of concussion in sport has been showcased in the corridors of power at the Houses of Parliament.

NIHR Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre (SRMRC) Research Fellow Dr Lisa Hill, a neuroscientist at the University of Birmingham, was chosen to display her work at the House of Commons in March.

Dr Hill was shortlisted from hundreds of entrants to present her research to politicians and a panel of expert judges as part of SET for Britain - a poster competition organised by the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee for researchers in the early stages of their careers.

It covers science, engineering and maths research being undertaken in the UK and is a chance for entrants to engage with politicians about their work. Entries are judged on scientific merit by representatives of relevant learned bodies, with the best selected to present posters in Parliament.

Dr Hill’s poster, in the Biomedical Sciences category, highlighted the RECOS study in which researchers at the SRMRC, a trauma research centre based at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, are investigating repetitive concussion in sport, its possible long-term effects and novel methods of diagnosis.

Dr Hill said: “I was delighted to have

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been selected to present my sport concussion research to both Houses of Parliament at Westminster.

“Being able to present at SET for Britain gave me a great opportunity to showcase the ground-breaking research that we are conducting here at the University of Birmingham and the SRMRC. “I am especially grateful to the project leaders, Professor Tony Belli and Dr Michael Grey, for their support of my application.”

Stephen Metcalfe MP, Chairman of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee, said: “This annual competition is an important date in the parliamentary calendar because it gives MPs an opportunity to speak to a wide range of the country’s best young researchers.

“These early career engineers, mathematicians and scientists are the architects of our future and SET for Britain is politicians’ best opportunity to meet them and understand their work.”

The Parliamentary visit was a second success in quick succession for Dr Hill after her work was recognised at the 12th International Neurotrauma Society Symposium in Cape Town, South Africa.

Dr Hill’s presentation, Mitochondrial DNA and Traumatic Brain Injury, was voted best oral presentation of the conference, earning the prestigious Graham Teasdale Award and a €500 cash prize.

How ex-firefighter Mick is beating Parkinson’s symptoms DBS treatment at QEHB has given patient back his life

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former fireman has told how deep brain stimulation (DBS) treatment at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB) gave him back his life 17 years after a devastating Parkinson’s Disease diagnosis.

Mick Callaghan had been a firefighter for 28 years when he was diagnosed with the debilitating condition at the age of 47 – although he had begun noticing symptoms three years earlier.

For the first ten years his Parkinson’s was managed by tablets, albeit with the strength of the medication progressively increasing, but in the last five years his symptoms had progressed to the extent that he had become a prisoner in his own home.

His mobility was very limited, he was starting to have falls and he rarely left his home, in Bedworth, Warwickshire, for fear of his Parkinson’s suddenly ‘freezing’ him like a statue.

Eventually, in 2014, he was referred to experts at QEHB where he was assessed and deemed a suitable candidate for DBS.

“It’s not just the mobility but the DBS has given me my dignity back, I would recommend it to any Parkinson’s sufferer who is suitable for it.”

The treatment involves placing electrodes on the brain linked to a battery-powered device, like a pacemaker, implanted under the skin in the chest, which allows the electrodes to be turned on or off.

It is not a cure for Parkinson’s but can help to control symptoms by stimulating targeted areas of the brain.

Stimulation is gradually increased to optimum levels after surgery, enabling a reduction in the amount of medication needed on a daily basis.

“I had stopped going out completely,” said Mick. “The fear of getting stuck in embarrassing situations and looking as if I was drunk because of the staggering meant I just stayed in instead.”

“Things that people take for granted become a real challenge when you are living with Parkinson’s,” said wife Tina, a pharmacy technician.

“It was getting to the point where I would help Mick out of his chair on to the floor at home, he would crawl to where he wanted to go and then we would get him up again.”

“It was terrifying lying in bed at night and sometimes not being able to move,” added Mick. “After 28 years in the fire service I knew that if there was a fire at those times I would not be getting out.”

DBS has changed all that, and Mick, now 64, and Tina can

Mick Callaghan proudly shows off one of the woodwork creations he can produce once more, thanks to his DBS treatment.

now plan and do things which they couldn’t even dream of for the past 20 years. “There are risks attached to any surgery, let alone brain surgery, but this was a risk well worth taking for me,” he said. “It was the easiest decision I’ve ever had to make, not just for me but for my family.

“There are so many things I can do now that I couldn’t before the surgery – from making myself a cup of tea and going to the shops to socialising, going on holiday and visiting relatives who don’t live locally. I’ve also been able to take up my hobby of woodworking again.

“We have booked a cruise, we are retaking our wedding vows next year and I have applied to get my driving licence back.”

Wife Tina added: “It’s unbelievable the difference this has made already to us. We’ve got a lot to look forward to now.

We have our dreams back.”

“It’s not just the mobility but the DBS has given me my dignity back,” said Mick. “I would recommend it to any Parkinson’s sufferer who is suitable for it.”

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Trust-based initiative which is helping to transform the diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases and cancers is looking forward to its first full year in operation.

The West Midlands Genomics Medicine Centre (WM GMC) is helping the national 100,000 Genomes Project to collect and decode 100,000 human genomes – complete sets of people’s genes – that will enable scientists and doctors to understand more about specific conditions.

Understanding DNA, and how it can predict and prevent disease, provides a precise diagnosis and direct targeted treatment will soon play a role in every aspect of medicine, from cancer to cardiology.

The aims of the 100,000 Genomes Project are to bring benefit to NHS patients, create an ethical, transparent programme based on consent, enable new scientific discovery and medical insights and kick-start the development of the UK genomics industry.

As part of the project the WM GMC will deliver up to 18,000 of the total number of genomes, through a collaboration of 18 healthcare organisations. The WM GMC is designed to: ■■ Enable the participation of patients and family members, with their informed consent ■■ Collect and process samples to extract the DNA for sequencing ■■ Capture clinical and other diagnostic information to inform the overall interpretation of the genome sequence and its expression ■■ Validate the findings from whole genome sequencing for diagnostic and care management purposes.

UHB leads the WM GMC on behalf of all acute trusts in the region, with the University of Birmingham as its academic partner and the collaboration underpinned by the West Midlands Academic Health Science Network (WM AHSN).

One of the first 11 GMCs in the country, the West Midlands Centre was operational by spring 2015 with rare diseases patients the first to be recruited. Already, more than 6,350 genomes have been sequenced nationwide.

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New Centre benefits over 1,000 patients Specialised multi-disciplinary facility already having a major impact

A colourful patient waiting area at the Centre for Rare Diseases

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ore than 1,100 patients have already undergone treatment in just the few months since the doors opened at The Centre for Rare Diseases (CfRD).

The new facility brings together a supra-regional integrated multispeciality, multi-disciplinary centre of excellence for the care of patients with Rare Diseases based within the Institute of Translational Medicine (ITM) at University Hospitals Birmingham.

An extensive fundraising campaign coordinated by the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Charity with support from The Birmingham Mail helped fund the facility which is already having a major impact on how patients receive their treatment.

Dr Graham Lipkin, consultant nephrologist and clinical lead for the

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CfRD, said: “The Centre is a unique asset to UHB. We have 34 Rare Disease clinics running and have seen over 1,100 patients since opening.

“The Trust treats a range of rare conditions, and many of these patients have conditions that affect multiple organs.

“This means they need treatment from a variety of clinicians who fall across divisional specialities. The transfer of rare disease clinics into the ITM is an opportunity to review the way services are delivered and change the way we work to deliver a first-class, onestop service that meets the needs of patients.”

The Centre for Rare Diseases is part of the ITM, which works in collaboration with the University of Birmingham.

The ITM provides a single point of entry for individuals, organisations and business. This brings benefits for industry, the economy and patients through the rapid assessment of costeffective new drugs and medical devices within clinical settings.

Past remembered Heritage building celebrates its proud history

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From the top; Heritage building artwork, new main entrance and staff base in the Centre for Rare Diseases

atients and visitors to the Heritage Building at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham are now greeted by an apt reminder of its proud history.

The building, renamed last summer, was formerly the old Queen Elizabeth Hospital which had been largely mothballed when the new hospital was opened next door in 2010.

However, new life has been breathed into the old site with the opening of the prestigious Institute of Translational Medicine and Centre for Rare Diseases following a multi-million pound refurbishment.

The name change to the Heritage Building quickly followed - but a picture montage in the new reception area is ensuring that the past is not forgotten.

The installation fills the wall behind the Heritage Building reception desk and includes historic images of a visit from King George VI and the Queen Mother as well as pictures of doctors and nurses caring for patients on the wards of the old QE, trainee nurses

attending lectures and catering staff hard at work in the kitchens.

The Trust has also opened an extra 170 beds in the Heritage Building, as well as a second Ambulatory Care facility and two theatres, to ensure capacity for the increase in the number of patients wishing to be treated at the hospitals.

University Hospitals Birmingham chair Jacqui Smith said: “Changing the name of the old QE to the Heritage Building was something we did specifically to acknowledge the rich history of the former hospital and the fondness in which it had been held by staff, patients and the wider community.

“Now every time someone comes into the building, as a patient, visitor or a member of staff coming to work, they will get a tangible reminder of that.

“We are putting the heritage back into the Heritage Building and celebrating the fact that it is, once again, playing a key role in delivering the best in care to our patients.”

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Fond Farewell to UHB Public Governor Dr Sunil Handa Haematologist devoted later life to raising awareness of head and neck cancers

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t is with much sadness that we mark the passing of Dr Sunil Handa, Public Governor for Erdington, Hodge Hill, Ladywood, Yardley, Perry Barr and Sutton Coldfield, who died on 7 March after a period of ill health.

Dr Handa, a Consultant Haematologist, was born in Nairobi, Kenya and came to the UK in 1975. He went on to train in medicine at Leicester Medical School and embarked upon a career in the NHS, which spanned more than three decades.

After a number of years in junior doctor roles, Dr Handa joined Sandwell General Hospital as a consultant, where he was appointed the Head of the Laboratory and lead for Clinical Governance for Pathology before moving to New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton.

Dr Handa, a keen bridge player, became involved in the Trust following his diagnosis of oral cancer, for which

he underwent extensive treatment at both the Selly Oak and Queen Elizabeth Hospitals.

His appreciation of the Maxillofacial department, which he described as ‘world class’ inspired him to devote the later part of his life to raising awareness of head and neck cancers and especially the dangers of chewing the Betel nut – a common practice amongst those in the South Asian community – and raising funds for the hospital’s Getahead charity.

Dr Handa was elected as Public Governor in June 2014.

UHB Chair Jacqui Smith said: “I was truly saddened to learn of Dr Handa’s passing.

“We are very grateful to him for his commitment and enthusiasm in his service to the Trust as a governor and his loss will be deeply felt.

“My thoughts are with his family and friends.”

Health talk dates Our free health talks are open to everyone, and there’s no need to book. If you think you’d be interested in one of the talks listed below, please come along to Lecture Theatre 3 in the Education Centre, Level 1 at the new Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, on the date shown below.

Daytime talks 10:00 – Registration and coffee 10:30-12:00 – Health Talk Venue: Lecture Theatre 3, Level 1, Education Centre, QEHB

TOPIC DATE

- Thursday 21 April - Allergies and intolerance - Monday 16 May - Dementia - Thursday 16 June - Men’s health - Tuesday 19 July - Arthritis/Rheumatism - Friday 19 August - Skin conditions - Monday 19 September - Organ donation - Thursday 20 October - Mental health - Thursday 17 November - Keeping well in winter - Friday 23 December - Sexual health in older adults If there’s a topic you would like to hear about at our monthly health talks please email us at members@uhb.nhs.uk

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Trust in the Future | Spring 2016 n www.uhb.nhs.uk

Make a date with clinical dashboard New system lets staff tap into patient feedback

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taff are being urged to check out their perfect partner and make a date with the Trust’s Patient Experience Dashboard (accessed via the Clinical Dashboard).

The new Patient Experience section on the Clinical Dashboard shows what patients really think about their hospital experience.

As well as a dial, which shows each individual ward’s performance measured against the Trust average, staff can drill down into data which shows what patients think about hospital food, communication, noise at night, cleanliness and the discharge process, amongst a number of other criteria.

The patient experience data is fed through to the Clinical Dashboard from a variety of sources, including a number of different patient surveys.

Nicky Beecher, Patient Experience

Manager said: “This new level of data, available on the dashboard at ward level for the first time, provides staff with their perfect partner when it comes to improving patient experience.

Staff now have additional tools, which combined with their enthusiasm, can help to make UHB wards the best places possible for our patients and visitors.

“It’s important to remember the data on the dashboard reflects what our patients think. We must always remember that behind the numbers are real patients who have spent time in our hospital and are giving us vital information about their experience.”

Nicky is delivering ward-based training on how to make the most of the Patient Experience dashboard and recently met up with staff on Ward 407 at QEHB, including Suzy Hipwood, Ward Manager.

The search is well and truly on for the 2016 Member of the Year.

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he annual awards celebrate the exceptional achievements, dedication and commitment of so many at University Hospitals Birmingham.

But it is not just the outstanding feats of live-saving surgery or front line staff that receive praise. Shirley Turner, like so many of our members, gets a great deal of personal satisfaction from giving up her time to improve the hospital experience for patients and her contribution does not go unrecognised.

Shirley was crowned Member of the Year, at last year’s awards ceremony for her long-standing support – because saying ‘thank you’ to those who have made a real difference to the care we provide is an important part of the team spirit here at UHB. There are 14 categories celebrating the variety of ways staff, members, volunteers and QEHB Charity supporters contribute to providing the best in care.

So if there’s an individual or a team that you feel deserves to be celebrated, show your gratitude by nominating them for one of these very special awards.

Anyone can nominate and nominating is easy. The finalists and some of those who nominate them will be invited to a glittering awards ceremony in November where the worthy winners will be announced.

To make your nominations write to Best in Care Awards, Communications, University Hospitals Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TH; complete the online nomination form www.nhs.uk/ awards; or call 0121 371 6490.

Nominations close 31 July 2016.

L-R Suzy Hipwood, Ward Manager with Nicky Beecher, Patient Experience Manager

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ADVERTORIAL

Striking a Perfect Balance With Birmingham’s educational landscape dominated at secondary level by some of the finest grammar schools in the country and, in King Edward’s School, one of its leading independent schools, the pressure for gaining such coveted places is well and truly on. The scenario is one of which staff, pupils and parents at West House School are all too aware.

Situated in the leafy oasis of the Calthorpe estate and founded in 1895, the school has enjoyed over a century of outstanding academic success.

However, Headmaster Alistair Lyttle, an old boy of the school himself, is quick to voice an opinion on the place of academic rigour within a broader educational context. “While our results speak for themselves, they do not come at the cost of pupils engaging in a rich learning journey and an enjoyment of childhood,” comments Mr Lyttle, “It is vital that the West House experience allows the boys not only to get involved in sport, drama, art and music, but to appreciate the extent to which these subjects contribute to their overall enjoyment of school life and personal development.”

At the heart of the school’s ethos lies the view that boys should be allowed to be boys and that they are at their most productive when an appreciation of the correct balance between work and play is achieved. “One of my greatest concerns is my belief that the enjoyment of being young is being compromised by the pressures of the system,” continues Mr Lyttle. “The vast majority of our leavers take up places at their first choice selective secondary schools, but in doing so, leave West House having enjoyed opportunities, unparalleled at prep school level, to explore potential gifts and talents.

West House School is a member of the Independent Association of Preparatory Schools. For further details please contact Miss Kim Stevenson, Headmaster’s PA on 0121 440 4097.

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Trust in the Future | Spring 2016 n www.uhb.nhs.uk

Join QEHB Charity and see top tennis players in action Tickets available now for AEGON classic at Edgbaston Priory Club

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lthough summer may seem like aeons away, at QEHB Charity we have our eyes keenly set upon the sights of strawberries and cream and watching tennis players battling it out for the highly coveted trophy, at this year’s Aegon Classic.

The event, taking place on Monday, 13th June, will be held at the famous Edgbaston Priory Club, which has hosted some world-class names. This year’s event will also see some of the world’s most famous tennis players take to the court, including the first British woman to reach the Australian Open since 1983, Johanna Konta!

Reputedly known as the best lead up to Wimbledon, the event is popular with groups of school children, families, professionals and sport-lovers alike.

Justine Davy, Head of Fundraising at QEHB Charity, said: “The Aegon Classic is such an enjoyable event, and we are delighted to be able to raise awareness for the Charity once more. The event provides fun for all ages, and is a catalyst for brewing anticipation and excitement for Wimbledon.

“We hope that many come to Edgbaston Priory Club on the 13th June to witness world-class tennis matches, as well as hoping that the Great British rain stays away for the day!

“All attendees will receive a wonderful QEHB Charity goody bag.”

Tickets are on general discounted sale for £7, whilst NHS staff and members can enjoy a further discount of £2. Hospitality boxes, complete with a champagne reception, three course lunch, afternoon tea and a free bar, are available for £99 per person.

All monies raised will go towards helping patients and staff at the QE, across a plethora of funds and wards supported by QEHB Charity.

To purchase tickets, please visit www.qehb.org/events or contact Justine.Davy@uhb.nhs.uk for more information. Alternatively, please call 0121 371 4852.

The 2015 Aegon Classic

The QEHB Charity Team at last years tournament

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Heritage walks at QEHB to help the elderly stay active

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new partnership to help older members of the local community remain active, social and mentally stimulated has been launched at QEHB. Working with Age Concern, QEHB have introduced a weekly walk and talk group that tours the hospital building and grounds, whilst exploring the rich history of the area and the city in a safe guided environment.

The walks are regularly lead by volunteers from Age Concern who have a passion and interest in local history and who are able to make elements of our history come alive.

Walk and talks will include talks about local history such as the Metchley Roman Fort which encompassed part of the hospital site and is visible from the air.

Walking is excellent exercise, but much of this ceases when the weather is poor, however with the option of

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walking within the hospital when surfaces are slippery, walk and talk groups can also take in the incredible views of Birmingham and the region from Level 7 of the new hospital.

This project showcases Birmingham’s heritage, whilst offering the health benefits of a simple walk – whatever the weather.

If the walk and talk groups are successful, there are also future plans to involve clinical teams at QEHB, such as the falls prevention team, as well as input from experts at the University of Birmingham to talk in more depth about the illustrious history of Birmingham.

Volunteer at Age Concern, Paul Tomlinson, said: “As we all get older, it becomes more and more important to remain active particularly if we want to stay healthy and maintain our independence.

“It’s simple. Walking is a tremendously

Trust in the Future | Spring 2016 n www.uhb.nhs.uk

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good activity for us all. It’s free and almost anybody can do it.

“Along with the interesting element of history that surrounds the hospital site – the walk and talk groups offer more than just a physical health benefit, but a mental health benefit, by allowing some of our older members of the local community to socialise and continue learning.

“These groups will have a very real benefit for maintaining mobility and independence.”

If you would like take part in a walk and talk group, you don’t currently need to book – you can just turn up.

Walk groups meet every Friday at 1pm, meeting at the Main Entrance, QEHB. Near the stainless steel sculpture ‘To the Future’ to the front of the hospital. Or if you would like more information, please email: p.tomlinson@ ageconcernbirmingham.org.uk

Every possible care has been taken to ensure that the information given in this publication is accurate. Whilst the publisher would be grateful to learn of any errors, it cannot accept any liability over and above the cost of the advertisement for loss there by caused. No reproduction by any method whatsoever of any part of this publication is permitted without written consent of the copyright owners. Octagon Marketing Company Ltd. ©2016. Hawks Nest Cottage, Great North Road, Bawtry, Doncaster DN10 6AB

Hospital orchard can bear fruit for local community Glenn is on a mission to make the most of green areas around QEHB site

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he community orchards and gardens at University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB) are to benefit from the attentions of a dedicated community worker.

Glenn Powell, of Moseley, has been handed the task of building upon the success already enjoyed by the developing green areas around the Trust’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB) site.

Glenn is undertaking a 12-month Natural Networks Traineeship, funded

by The Heritage Lottery Fund, through The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) and working with UHB to support the development of up to 12 green spaces across the hospital site.

For the past two years he has been working for the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds as an events/ fundraising officer and enjoys inspiring people and families to connect with nature and the outdoors.

“This is a great opportunity to play a part in enhancing and improving green areas in our city for the benefit of all,” he said.

“I think that access to green spaces

and an understanding of their value to us, as well as nature, is crucial to healthier and happier communities for all.

“It is proven that access to green spaces and the outdoors has beneficial effects for issues such as obesity, inactivity, stress and antisocial behaviour and this is why the partnership between TCV, QEHB and the community is vital.

“I am very much looking forward to getting started!”

The community orchard and gardens have seen an incredible amount of activity over the past year with more than 1,000 trees planted, including almost 200 British apple, pear, damson and plum trees. At the same time, a new raised food growing area has been created.

The project has been supported from the start by TCV through the Health for Life initiative - a five-year programme for south Birmingham, funded by the Mondelez International Foundation which promotes healthy lifestyles and helps to create and develop community allotments and food growing spaces.

Antony Cobley, health and wellbeing

lead at QEHB, said: “We really need to extend the work we are doing to reach out to local people and community groups. Glenn’s role will enable us to do this and I hope that we will see a significant increase in the activities across the Trust’s green spaces.”

Chris Blythe, Health for Life programme manager and Operations Leader for TCV West Midlands, added: ‘’It’s great to see so many of the green spaces at QEHB being used for the benefit of all.

“We are delighted to be involved in the project to give people more opportunities to be involved in growing their own food and building healthier and happier communities.’’

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Notice of Election For the Council of Governors of University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust The Trust gives notice that it will hold elections to the Council of Governors of University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust.

Elections are to be held for the following number of Governors in accordance with the Trust’s Constitution: Governors for the following Staff Constituency areas: • Medical (1 seat) • Ancillary, Administration & Other (1 seat) • Nursing (2 seats) • Clinical Scientist & Allied Health Professional (1 seat) Governor for the Public Governor Constituency • Rest of England (1 seat) The period of appointment for the above seats will commence on 4 July 2016 for a 3 year period.

Governor for the Public Governor Constituency (By-Election) • Erdington, Hodge Hill, Ladywood, Yardley, Perry Barr & Sutton Coldfield (1 seat) The period of appointment for the above seat will commence on 4 July 2016 and will run until 30 June 2017.

If you are uncertain as to your eligibility to nominate yourself as a candidate or have any queries, please contact Sarah Snowden, Corporate Affairs Department on 0121 371 4323 or via members@uhb.nhs.uk.

Nomination forms can be downloaded from the Trust Website via www.uhb.nhs.uk/cogjune16 All nomination forms should be received by the Returning Officer: Returning Officer, Idox Elections, 25D Bishop Street, Londonderry, BT48 6PR by 12 noon on Friday 20 May 2016. Faxed or emailed nominations will not be accepted. The results of the elections will be published on the UHB website on Monday 4 July 2016.

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