August 2014
The Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals
insight
NHS Trust
www.rlbuht.nhs.uk
Make a Difference Awards 2014 celebrating our NHS heroes!
Page 16-18
New Royal building sustainable communities
Page 11 @RoyalLpoolHosps Facebook.com/royalliverpoolhospitals RoyalLPoolHosps
Dental Hospital wins Smile Award Page 3
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Exceptional Patient Experience
Annual General Meeting – save the date!
How are we performing?
Our 2014 Annual General Meeting (AGM) will take place on Monday 8 September between 10am and 12pm in the Education Centre and Lecture Theatre at the Royal, with a live link to the Education Centre at Broadgreen.
This allows us to monitor the delivery of
The AGM is where our annual report and accounts for 2013/14 will be presented. This event is an opportunity to find out how our hospitals performed over the last year and what our plans are for the future and staff and members of the public are welcome to come along. There will be presentations on our performance and financial position from Judith Greensmith, chairman, Aidan Kehoe, chief executive and John Graham, finance director. The AGM will also provide attendees with the opportunity to find out about the achievements of various departments with numerous exhibition stands in the Education Centre. Refreshments will be served after the presentations. If you would like to attend and have any specific requirements, please contact the Communications Team on 0151 706 5584 or 0151 706 5489.
Staff and members of the public at last year’s AGM
We, along with all other NHS Trusts, continuously monitor our progress against a series of targets that are set both nationally and locally.
our key corporate objectives of patient experience and quality of care, patient safety, productivity, people and financial health. Below is an overview summary of some of our key performance indicators.
Overview to May 2014 (except where stated) Patient Experience and Quality All Cancers: 31-day wait Diagnosis to first treatment All Cancers: 31-day Surgery wait for second or Anti cancer drug treatments subsequent treatment All Cancers: 62-day wait Urgent GP referral to treatment for first treatment Screening service referral Referral to treatment Admitted waiting times Non-admitted Incomplete Cancer: two week waits Urgent suspected cancer referrals Breast symptomatic (not suspected cancer) Accident & Emergency % patients waited over 4 hours Patient Surveys To increase by 5% the number of patients who rate their experience as good or excellent Patient Safety MRSA and Clostridium Difficile Clostridium Difficile MRSA Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) Assessments Mortality Hospital Standardised Mortality Ratio (HSMR) Risk adjusted mortality - all diagnoses Falls 30% reduction in falls by year end Pressure ulcers Grade 2 or above pressure ulcers rate Grade 3 or above pressure ulcers rate Productivity Productivity indicators Daycase Rate Average Length of Spell (Elective) Average Length of Spell (Non Elective) New to Follow Up Ratio Did Not Attend Rates People Sickness absence (July) Sickness absence rate (in month) Finance Financial Performance Financial Risk Rating
Employee of the Month Our monthly award scheme recognises dedicated members of staff who have gone the extra mile to help patients during their stay or visit to our hospitals.
The latest winners presented with their certificate are: If you would like to nominate someone for this award, please contact the Quality Department on extension 2293.
March: Debbie Simon, staff nurse, ward 5X
May: Wendy Lee, sister/ counsellor, Ophthalmology
April: Samantha Parker, staff nurse, ward 3X
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Exceptional Patient Experience
Pledge for Zero Tolerance on infections We are asking all staff to sign up to a pledge for zero tolerance of infections in our hospitals in order to keep our patients safe from harm. MRSA, if it gets into the blood stream, has a mortality rate of up to 50%. This is why our target for MRSA infections this year is zero. However we have already had some MRSA infections and are performing below what we all want for our patients. Lisa Grant, chief nurse said: “We must not put our patients at risk of infection, when this can be avoided by complying with basic
Preventing MRSA MRSA can be found on the skin of patients, visitors and staff. It can survive on walls, doors and equipment and if precautions are not rigorously followed when invasive devices are inserted or accessed, MRSA can get into the bloodstream of patients. • Staff should only perform an invasive procedure if they have the necessary training • Where invasive devices have been used this should be detailed in the case notes,
infection prevention and control measures. Whether you are a senior consultant, a healthcare assistant, or a cleaner, a bed manager, a senior manager or member of admin staff who occasionally comes into contact with patients – it is all our responsibility to protect our patients from infection. This is why we are asking all staff to sign up to the pledge.” Extra training sessions have been established where members of staff can get up to speed with the very latest infection prevention measures and sign up to the pledge – check the staff intranet for details. including who carried it out, why and the date and time • Devices should be checked and recorded each shift and any problems with them should be escalated and if necessary the device removed • All staff should follow hand hygiene regulations including bare below the elbows • Use aseptic non-touch technique (ANTT) for the administration of IV medications • Use correct protective clothing where necessary
ANTT in action • Re-useable equipment should be decontaminated appropriately • Clinical waste, sharps, fluids and bed linen should be disposed of safely • Use appropriate isolation precautions For more information on the latest infection prevention control techniques and training contact the clinical skills team on extension: 3156 or the infection prevention and control team on extension: 4416.
All smiles at the Dental Hospital The Liverpool University Dental Hospital recently won a national award for their work in helping to improve the dental health of children.
bad’ for their teeth.”
The award recognised the quality of the Dental Hospital’s ‘Smile Month’ event as part of National Smile Month aimed at promoting and improving the nation’s oral health. Sadly Liverpool has one of the nations’ highest rates of dental decay in children, therefore children were the main focus for this years’ event. The three main educational messages were to raise awareness and improve dental health regarding: 1. E ffective tooth brushing technique using fluoride toothpaste 2. Visiting the dentist 3. I dentifying sugar in foods and its effect on dentition. Our team visited local mother and toddler groups, nursery, primary and secondary
schools, Alder Hey Childrens’ Hospital and an Autism parent’s focus group. Margaret Titherington, matron said: “For some children it was their first contact with a dental professional and so it was important they had fun.Sessions were designed for the age and ability of the children involved We used dentally themed story books, puppets and giant teeth to help involve the younger children in activities, using magnetic boards and plastic food to help the children identify and separate foods that are ‘good and
Amanda Heslin, dental nurse said: “Sessions for the older children started with a lesson in dental anatomy which met the needs of their science curriculum and they took part in experiments applying acetone to polystyrene teeth to simulate the effect of sugar on enamel causing dental cavities. They chewed dental disclosing tablets to highlight plaque in order to improve their current brushing technique and we took the opportunity to show older children models demonstrating the effects of smoking on oral health.” Each child took home a dental goodie bag to practice their new skills which contained a toothbrush, toothpaste and lots of dentaly themed activity sheets, word searches, stickers and book markers. Older children were also given ‘Brush D.J’. apps for their mobile phones. Feedback from the children, parents and groups involved was excellent, saying they found the events fun, informative end educational.
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Exceptional Patient Experience
PALS team here to help The Customer Relations Team has now been renamed the Patient Advice Liaison Service (PALS). The PALS team provide help and support to both staff and patients to resolve issues that patients may have during the course of their treatment.
Listening week nurses
Staff are free to contact the PALS team for advice on dealing with difficult situations or raising concerns. They are more than happy to come and talk to teams about managing comments or complaints.
Our hospitals held a range of Listening events between 2-6 June. These included nursing staff and volunteers meeting and greeting patients and visitors in the main receptions and our chief nurse Lisa Grant and chief executive Aidan Kehoe met with patients and staff on ward 2X and Y for afternoon tea.
The PALS team still have the same phone numbers and can be contacted on 0151 706 4903/4909/2265/3216. They do, however, have a new email address PALS@rlbuht.nhs.uk.
We’re listening to you
The focus was on listening to what our patients, relatives, carers and visitors had to say about the quality of care delivered by our staff. Managing and learning from complaints was a key theme running through the Francis Report with the Executive Summary stating: “Complaints, their source, their handling and their outcome provide an insight into the effectiveness of an organisation’s ability to uphold both the fundamental standards and the culture of caring.” Feedback postcards were gathered by volunteers from a range of wards, departments and outpatient clinics, with a total of 85 completed.
Our PALs team
Listening week afternoon tea with patients and staff on 2X and Y
60 people who completed the postcards stated they would be extremely likely to recommend our hospitals to friends and family with 20 people
responding likely, two neither likely or unlikely and three commenting extremely unlikely. Comments from the postcards included: • “Well organised and coordinated ward, caring and attentive staff” • “I have always been treated at the Royal Liverpool Hospital and would not go anywhere else.” (Diabetes Centre) • “Ex nurse, 40 years, nursing care was excellent and cleaning excellent.” • “Need to involve families and carers more.” • “Waited too long in clinic to be seen, no feedback about the wait from staff.” (K Clinic) • “Patients smoking at the front of the hospital in nightwear is unacceptable.” Other patients recorded their feedback via a video pod. The comments recorded were all very positive about the care and attention provided, with the exception of two comments in relation to food and people smoking at the front entrance. The first listening week was a success and we gained valuable feedback that will be shared with divisions to improve the service we provide. Further listening weeks are planned for September, December and March.
Patient engagement and experience In July we launched our Patient Engagement and Experience Strategy outlining how we intend to listen and learn from what our patients are telling us.
• Improving our partnerships with stakeholders
• Encouraging relatives and carers in participating with patients’ care
Lisa Grant, chief nurse said: “We want every patient to experience the standard of care that we would want for our own family and loved ones. The strategy demonstrates our commitment to continuing to put the patient at the heart of all that we do. To achieve this we intend to hold more listening events and host more patient focus groups to engage with patients, carers and visitors to find out what they think we are doing well and what they want us to improve upon. We want to encourage and support relatives and carers to be more involved in the care of patients. We also intend to involve patient groups and other members of the local community in the decisions we take and want to provide more volunteer opportunities for local people.”
• Listening to what patients, relatives, carers, visitors and stakeholders tell us about our services and taking action
More information on the Patient Engagement and Experience Strategy is available on our website and on the staff intranet.
The strategy was presented to senior nurses and representatives from the shadow governors, Patient’s Council, Healthwatch Liverpool, the Care Quality Commission and Liverpool Clinical Commissioning Group at the Foresight Centre, University of Liverpool. Developed in consultation with patients, carers, groups representing patients and staff, the strategy’s key themes are:
Patient Engagement and Experience Strategy
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Improving the quality of life for our patients
Healthy Liverpool The Trust took part in Healthy Liverpool, an event supported by Liverpool City Council and Liverpool Health Partners at The World Museum. The event gave local people the opportunity to learn more about the health and wellbeing services in Liverpool as well as offering help and advice. Various departments from the Royal and other hospitals attended, including: • Organ donation awareness •B owel cancer screening - including an inflatable colon! • Pharmacy and awareness of antibiotics • Infection control - preventing infections •N ew Royal - including a model of the new build • Sexual health •C onsent for Consent - finding out more about research studies and clinical trials
The event also involved a presentation from chief executive Aidan Kehoe to local school children who had been involved in an antismoking education campaign, that was coordinated between one of our consultant surgeons Coonoor Chandrasekar and Liverpool City Council. The first two hours of the event were broadcast live on the Sean Styles Show on BBC Radio Merseyside. There was a lively debate on local health issues, chaired by BBC Radio Merseyside’s Roger Phillips involving local MPs and health experts from the clinical commissioning group and the council. There was entertainment throughout the day including a performance by the ukulele orchestra of St Vincent’s School (a specialist school for children with sensory impairments) and live, on stage exercise classes. The event was a huge success with a steady stream of people attending throughout the day, helping to raise awareness of the big health problems faced in Liverpool and what people can do to beat them.
Better care and support for secondary breast cancer Two of the UK’s leading breast cancer charities, Breakthrough Breast Cancer and Breast Cancer Care, have teamed up to help the Linda McCartney Centre to identify important changes needed to improve services for people diagnosed with secondary breast cancer. Of the 50,000 women and 400 men diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the UK, it is still not known exactly how many of these patients will go on to develop secondary breast cancer – cancer that has spread beyond the breast or armpit to distant parts of the body. Secondary breast cancer cannot be cured but it can be treated and controlled, sometimes for a number of years. The two charities are now working collaboratively with us and local secondary breast cancer patients on the Secondary Breast Cancer Pledge, a programme funded by the Department of Health to help identify any improvements needed, and decide the best way to put them into place. This programme will help to ensure that secondary breast cancer patients receive the highest possible standard of care.
Aidan Kehoe, chief executive congratulates children from Booker Ave Junior School for their anti-smoking campaign
Luciana Berger MP for Wavertree and Shadow Minister for Public Health joins in a lively debate
Nicola Gillham, breast care nurse specialist said: “As part of the pledge, we’ll be taking part in a national survey of secondary breast cancer patients to get their feedback about their care in order to learn how we can support them better here at the Linda McCartney Centre and across the country.” Eluned Hughes, senior manager Information at Breakthrough Breast Cancer, said: “Through this, we can make a real difference to the lives of people living with secondary breast cancer across the UK, and the friends and families that surround them. Sylvia Ward, head of UK wide services at Breast Cancer Care, said: “We know that people living with a secondary breast cancer diagnosis need care and support to meet their complex needs. The Secondary Breast Cancer Pledge aims to do just this.”
Even Batman joined in the Zumba classes!
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Improving the quality of life for our patients
Pioneering use of scanner to spot Alzheimer’s An innovative technique that could prevent the misdiagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is being performed at the Royal. On 1 May, the hospital became the first in the UK outside London to use a PET scanner to look for signs of the disease in patients. Diagnosing Alzheimer’s and ruling out other forms of dementia has been a major challenge for doctors, as no conclusive test exists. A recent study of US patients with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis used Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans to find that about one in five patients did not actually have the associated proteins in their brains, called betaamyloid plaques, so did not have the disease. The ability to see these plaques while the patient is alive has not been possible in routine clinical practice – until now. Amyvid, a radioactive drug developed by Eli Lilly given intravenously, allows beta-amyloid plaques to be seen in the living brain via a PET scan. The process already has the backing of Prime Minister David Cameron and on 1 May, the Royal received its first patient to have the procedure, Joan Downey, 78, a widow from Hunts Cross. She said: “If the scan is shown to work well and helps other people in the future I will be pleased. “I can’t remember something that happened last week but I can remember things that happened 50 or 60 years ago. There’s something going on there and hopefully the scan will help find out what.” Professor Sobhan Vinjamuri, consultant in nuclear medicine at the Royal, said: “We are delighted that patients in the North West have access to this technology.” The first patients to be referred for the scan at the Royal have been recommended by 5 Boroughs Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. Ashley Baldwin, director of medical education and a consultant in later life psychiatry at 5 Boroughs, said: “We are proud to be working in partnership with Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust to deliver this ground-breaking new test to patients in the heart of Merseyside.”
Consultant surgeon Harry Rourke and Kate Clark, clinical director of emergency care, with the new blood fridge installed in the Royal’s Emergency Department
Military surgeon brings techniques from warzones to the Royal A Royal Navy surgeon used to treating wounded soldiers has introduced expert skills learned in warzones to our emergency department. Harry Rourke is a consultant surgeon at the Royal, senior military orthopaedic surgeon and Surgeon Commander in the Royal Naval Reserves. He has significant experience of performing surgery on injured military personnel in Afghanistan, especially in developing resuscitation techniques and damage control surgery. Now some of the techniques that have saved lives and limbs in the battlefield are being adapted for use on trauma patients at the Royal.
Patient Joan Downey prepares to receive an Amyvid injection to prepare for a PET scan to detect possible Alzheimer’s
In Camp Bastion, blood is immediately available in ‘shock packs’ and a representative from the blood laboratory is always at hand. So Harry suggested a blood fridge be installed in the major trauma bay to give immediate access to blood. Now the £5,000 Labcold Blood Bank is up and running at the Royal - a first for Merseyside hospitals - and a phone line has been set up giving a
direct link to the blood labs to mimic immediate laboratory representation. He said: “We recognised that we could speed up the treatment of patients in the emergency department, where time can be very much of the essence. “In my time at the Royal, emergency trauma resuscitation has improved immeasurably and as a unit we aim to reach the highest standards in the world.” In the past, paramedics would alert the hospital that a patient requiring blood was on their way and blood would be brought from labs ready for their arrival. The new fridge cuts out this process in many cases, allowing medics to focus on patient care and ensuring doctors at the Royal are best prepared. Kate Clark, clinical director of emergency care at the Royal, said: “The fridge is unique to this region. “Having quick access to blood may save someone’s life and the evidence collated during our trauma debriefs supported this.”
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Improving the quality of life for our patients
Be falls aware National Falls Awareness Week took place in June and our Falls Team arranged events to highlight falls to patients, staff and visitors to ensure we provide the safest care to our most vulnerable patients.
There were stalls in the main entrance at the Royal throughout the week which included the Falls Team, dementia practitioner, continence specialist nurse, hip fracture practitioner, National Osteoporosis Society, Age UK and the Innovating Clinical Academic team. New patient movement alarms were on display, which have recently been introduced to 20 clinical areas within the Trust. The alarms use sensor mats underneath a patient
whilst in bed or sat in a chair, helping our staff to keep patients safe and reduce falls. Our Falls Team were featured on Radio Broadgreen and also attended the ECHO arena for the Royal College of Nurses National Congress. As well as this, the dedicated team were at the Liverpool branch of the National Osteoporosis Society lecture and were available to answer any falls related questions. Jackie Dawson, clinical nurse specialist said: “Keeping our patients safe and protecting them from harm is of the utmost importance. Education of staff, patients and visitors is key to this as well as the systems we have in place such as low profiling beds and movement alarms.”
CFS/ME Adult Therapy Service The Liverpool Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) Adult Therapy Service is a specialist outpatient service that offers both a diagnostic and a therapy service to patients from across the North West. The team took part on CFS Awareness Month in May to highlight the condition and the unique services we provide. CFS is a poorly understood condition, it is more prevalent in woman and affects both children and adults. There are a wide range of symptoms including: •O verwhelming fatigue which is not relieved by rest
Jackie Dawson, Denise Dougherty and Sue Thomalla at Falls Awareness Week
Royal marks first National Dietitians Week Dietitians at our hospitals took part in the first ever National Dietitians week, organised by the British Dietetic Association. The week-long event took place in the main foyers at the Royal and Broadgreen hospitals and included facts on health and nutrition as well as interactive exhibitions. Patients, staff and visitors took part in measuring grip strength, weight, body mass index (BMI), percentage body fat, Basal Metabolic Rate and what their ideal body weight should be. The results were printed out so visitors could take their statistics home with them. Principal renal dietitian Alex Schenker said: “It’s fantastic to be recognised and to promote the work we do within the hospital. Dietitians are the only qualified health professionals that assess, diagnose and treat dietary nutritional problems.” Dietitians work in various departments
across the hospital such as diabetes, stroke, haematology and infectious diseases and help many patients by providing dietary advice and modifications to improve their health and wellbeing. Patients with poor diets have three times more complications and four times greater risk of death than well-nourished patients, so dietitians work hard to help improve patients nutrition.
The Dietetics team ahead of the first ever Dietitians Week
• Sleep disturbance • Cognitive impairment • Post-exertional malaise Our service provides assessment, therapy, advice, education and support to patients with CFS/ME. We have a diagnostic clinic at the Royal, led by Dr Mike Beadsworth, whilst the therapy service is in Broadgreen, led by Collette Foster. The therapy team includes specialist occupational therapists, specialist nurses and psychologists. The therapy service consists of an awareness session followed by an individual assessment and then a mixture of one-to-one sessions and symptom target workshops. The service is validated and measured via the National Outcomes Database at Bristol University and is currently collaborating with the University of Liverpool in a study investigating Serum Vitamin D Levels and muscular changes in CFS sufferers.
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Improving the quality of life for our patients
Man given gift of sight calls for donors A motorcyclist who can see again after receiving a donated cornea at the Royal called on others to offer the ultimate gift during National Transplant Week. Former Army major David Colebourn, 64, from Parkgate, Wirral spoke of his “immense gratitude” to the donor that saved his sight. David said National Transplant Week, in July, was as good a time as any to sign up to be on the Organ Donor Register and he joined our staff at the Royal on an information desk for the week, speaking to patients and visitors about being an organ recipient. David developed an ulcer on his left eye and risked losing his sight. But after suitable corneas became available from a deceased donor, he has been able to continue living life to the full. He explained: “In July 1993, while running along a woodland path at dusk, I was struck in my left eye by a small overhanging branch. Over a period of years, I noticed the sight in my left eye had slowly deteriorated but I put it down to ageing. “In October 2010 I went to a walk-in centre in Liverpool complaining of severe irritation in my left eye. An ulcer had developed on my left eyeball and I was referred to St Paul’s Eye Unit at the Royal where they quickly determined the cornea was irreparably damaged. I was advised a corneal transplant was a possibility and was made aware of the potential risks but by this stage the vision in my left eye was completely blurred and I could see nothing out of it apart from light and shade. With nothing to lose, I agreed to go ahead with the transplant.” David’s transplant was carried out soon after in March 2011 at St Paul’s. Regular tests since have shown his left eye has gradually improved and he can now read the fifth line down on an eye chart with the aid of prescription lenses. Sports-loving David says the successful operation means his quality of life has improved and he can pursue his many interests.
You can join the NHS Organ Donor Register by:
Kidney transplant donor Paul Dixon, the Royal’s clinical lead for Organ Donation Peter Hampshire and David Colebourn at an information desk in the main reception of Royal Liverpool University Hospital He added: “I am a keen motorcyclist and car driver and have always been a competent all-round sportsman with a special passion for squash, tennis and golf. Thanks to the superb skills of the health professionals who treated me I can continue to enjoy doing the things I love. But, this story is not about me, it’s about someone much more important without whom none of this would have been possible – the donor. I would love to meet the donor’s family and explain to them the immense gratitude I have and the humility I feel through having been given a second chance.”
Dr Peter Hampshire, the Trust’s clinical lead for Organ Donation, said: “There were 73 corneal retrievals from donors at the Royal between April 2013 and April 2014. These donations allow people like David to benefit from restored sight, and to continue to live full and active lives. The upper age limit for corneal donations is 90 years, so almost anyone can donate their corneas to others. Without these donors, corneal transplantation would not be possible and people will lose their sight.”
• Filling in a form online at https://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/ •C alling the NHS Donor Line on 0300 123 23 23 (Lines are open 24 hours a day all year round. Calls are charged at your contracted rate for local calls) • By texting SAVE to 62323
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Improving the quality of life for our patients
Got a lump or bump? Get it seen to! A Liverpool grandfather who let a sarcoma on his scrotum grow to one foot in width has urged others to see a doctor sooner.
to say it’s too late, there’s nothing we can do. When you think of cancer, you think that’s it. But nowadays people are being cured of cancer.
Widower Bob Day, 83, from Speke says he did not want to make a fuss even as the swelling on his groin and scrotum grew to a weight of 4kg over 12 months.
“It is remarkable what they have done for him. The care was absolutely marvellous.”
But when the growth could even be seen through clothing, it was spotted by family members who urged a reluctant Bob to get it seen to. Speaking as part of Sarcoma Awareness Week in June, the retired butcher said: “The tumour was getting bigger and bigger but I kept putting it off. I wasn’t in pain. I was still doing everything as normal.” But his daughter Jennifer and son Stephen spotted the lump and had noticed their father getting tired and sleeping in his chair more often, as well as shivering. After seeing a doctor in December, Bob saw a urologist at Broadgreen. He was referred to the Linda McCartney Centre at the Royal and after a series of scans; he was booked in for surgery. His daughter Jennifer, 54, added: “With the size of it, I thought they were going
The Royal boasts one of four regional sarcoma units in the UK and covers a population of around four million people The operation to remove the tumour was performed in February by Philip Carnford and Coonoor Chandrasekar. Mr Chandrasekar said: “Lumps and bumps are common. One in 100 turn out to be a sarcoma. Sarcomas are treatable and if people come forward for treatment earlier, it can be easier. People shouldn’t worry. If Bob hadn’t had it checked, because of the way tissue breaks down it could have spread to his lungs which can prove fatal. It is very important that it is seen early.” Bob added: “If you see a lump, don’t be afraid to go to the doctor. I was a fool, I should have gone earlier. There’s no need to be frightened – everyone at the Royal was so reassuring.” X-Ray of Bob’s 4kg sarcoma on his scrotum
Did you know - the pharmacy department provide a weekend service? The pharmacy department is open to receiving dispensing requests for processing during the following hours: • Weekends 10am to 12.30pm •M onday to Friday 9am to 6.30pm (Broadgreen pharmacy is open 9am to 5pm) • Bank holidays 10am to 12.30pm. N.B. The pharmacy at the Royal covers Broadgreen Hospital at the weekends and bank holidays.
Bob Day outside the Linda McCartney Centre
At weekends, there is a pharmacist and technician on site for urgent discharges and urgent supply until 5pm. All dispensing requests after the closing times are filtered via the duty manager. On standard week days, a number of pharmacists and ward technicians are on their wards to verify new prescriptions, to assess newly admitted patients’ own-medicines and to assess dispensing needs for patients ready for discharge. At weekends and on bank holidays, the ward presence of pharmacists and ward technicians is reduced compared to weekdays, each having several wards to visit.
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Improving the quality of life for our patients
Full marks for rehab network The first review of the Cheshire and Merseyside Rehabilitation Network has given us and the other units in the Network top marks. The Peer Review awarded 100 per cent compliance rates against all standards, reflecting the delivery of high quality and effective specialist rehabilitation services. Dr Peter Williams, medical director said: “We’ve all worked extremely hard to establish the service over the last eighteen months and this review demonstrates the achievements to improve services for our patients and their carers.” What was also apparent to the peer reviewers was the very positive culture in each unit, with staff so evidently enthusiastic about the service they offered to patients and the improvements achieved already and planned for the future.
The collaborative rehab network Since January 2013, the Cheshire and Merseyside Rehabilitation Network (CMRN) has been commissioned to provide specialist rehabilitation for patients following traumatic injury or illness across hub, spoke and community services.
Art in theatres Following the refurbishment of the theatres pre-operative waiting area at the Royal, staff wanted to complement the excellent clinical setting by providing a more comforting environment to support patients waiting to undergo an operation. Nicky Duirs, the arts lead worked with the theatres team to choose an artist to produce images for the walls of the waiting area. Nicky said, “We wanted to provide a sense of calming space but allow patients to find something intriguing within the images.” Liverpudlian artist Sharah Smith was selected for her open landscape
This whole systems model of care is delivered through collaborative partnership working: • The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust • St Helens Hospital
•B roadgreen Hospital • Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Trust • Liverpool Neuro Physio and Health and Social Care Partnerships • Local clinical commissioning groups
in the USA. I then took the original photographs and created them into photomontages to create images that were relaxing and calming for the viewer to look through. “I was interested in finding what I perceive as the ‘fantastical in nature’ which occurs when a beautiful Jane Beattie, consultant, artist Sharah Smith, landscape is highlighted by the light Judith Greensmith, chairman and Nicky Duirs, forms, shapes and shadows of the things that fill the landscape, like a tree arts lead, present the new art work. or butterfly. I wanted to create images that gave you more than the two photography and her ability to work with dimensional image but rather something colour and detail, the result was a selection to be explored through the viewer’s own of ‘Dreamscapes’ taking pride and place on memories or imagination. I hope the the walls of the waiting area. viewer experiences a moment of joy or Sharah said, “The Original photographs relief from their stresses and worries and were taken in Nevada and California enjoy the ‘fantastical’ around them.”
Own a photo Sharah has kindly donated eight beautiful prints from her collection to R Charity. If you are interested in purchasing one of these, please contact the fundraising office on 0151 706 3153 for further information. All monies raised will go towards Arts in the New Royal.
Two of the prints available to purchase, check with fundraising for more.
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Developing a sustainable health system
New Royal – building sustainable communities Various events and activities have been held to ensure that the new Royal creates a lasting legacy for Liverpool and the local community.
people who use this service, such as help with breakfasts and activities. •S acred Heart Primary School: a project to launch a ‘Pumpkin Growing Competition’ for the children at this local primary school.
Apprenticeships and training In May, an apprenticeship and training event was held to provide young people with an overview of the opportunities in construction trades that will be created during the building works. The event included stands hosted by Carillion and the main electrical contractor, Crownhouse, as well as Liverpool In Work and the National Apprenticeship Scheme. More than 200 local people attended and people unable to attend were signposted to further support. Together with Carillion and partner organisations, we are also in the process of identifying a funded Employment Support Package to assist long-term unemployed people to become ready for work, with the aim to get them placements on the new Royal construction. Government funding will be used to provide a comprehensive training package, which will provide skills and confidence to allow local people back into employment.
More information will be provided through In Touch. ‘In the Pipeline’ children’s activity the other. Feedback was positive and we had one of the most popular stands of the day.
Supporting the community A community volunteer workshop was held for staff from the Trust, Carillion and their contractors. The workshop gave attendees an overview of the benefits and practicalities of volunteering and was well received by all who attended. Following feedback from the event, we are launching volunteering opportunities at three local organisations: •K ensington Fields Community Association: projects will include schemes to upgrade some of the facilities, as well as longer term opportunities, such as supporting community lunches or children’s activities. •W hitechapel: Projects available include the upgrade of facilities and volunteering opportunities to support the homeless
An exciting part of the sustainable communities programme was the launch of the Liverpool Community Fund on 19 May. The fund has been created by Carillion and is available to local community groups, charities and not for profit organisations. Bids of up to £2,000 will be assessed and awarded over the three years of the fund. The winning bids for 2014 were announced in August. The children of Kensington Fields Community Association have designed a series of ten paintings, which came runners up in a national competition, called the Ivor Goodsite Hoarding Design Competition. This competition is part of the Considerate Constructors Scheme aimed at encouraging construction firms to be good community partners. The children’s designs were created around the theme of ‘In My Liverpool Home’ and are displayed on the site hoardings opposite Linda McCartney Centre.
Apprenticeship hopefuls in the Education Centre
Healthy youngsters Business in the Community coordinated a large scale action day with a theme on healthy living, aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of young people from Liverpool. The focus was on inspiring young people between the ages of 10 to 12 to lead a healthy lifestyle and encourage them to build this into their daily routine. The aim was to support schools to make the process of educating young people on the benefits of a healthy life style a fun thing to do. Carillion’s activity “In the Pipeline” required the children to use coordination and teamwork skills to transport a golf ball through strips of pipe from one end of the room to
Children from Kensington Fields Community Association with their designs
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Developing a world-class workforce
Security Matters Violence and aggression against NHS staff We do not tolerate any form of abuse of our staff. Abuse may be physical assault, verbal abuse, racial abuse and sexual abuse to name a few. Recording incidents of abuse is really important to ensure appropriate measures can be applied to those who have abused our staff. Not all abuse of our staff is intentional and it is recognised that patients are sometimes too unwell to realise what they are doing is abusive. However these incidents still need recording in the same way to ensure the best outcome possible for patients and staff, should they find themselves again in our care. We have procedures to deal with those who abuse our staff, which are detailed in the ‘Dealing with Violence and Aggression Policy and can be found on the intranet. For more information take a look at the security department’s intranet pages or contact your local security management specialist (LSMS) Ian Wright on ext: 3999 or Keith Hands on ext: 2280.
Bicycle theft We have experienced a number of bicycle thefts recently where using CCTV our security patrol officers were successful in assisting with the arrest and prosecution of offenders. It’s important that all cyclists use the recognised secure areas and don’t leave their bikes at the front or rear of the hospital. Wherever you leave your bike, the type of lock you use is important and your LSMS is available to advise on what locks are best.
Staff car parking at the Royal Due to construction work around the Duncan Building set to start in autumn, we are asking for volunteers to give up their onsite parking passes and use one of the off-site parking areas close-by that we have secured spaces for. We recognise that there have been issues with staff car parking at the Royal and that this will create some difficulties for those who currently park on site. Throughout the construction period for the new Royal there will be further restrictions to onsite parking for staff. From the period when we move into the new Royal (in 2017) to when the current hospital is demolished and underground parking established in its present site (by 2020), there will be further reductions in parking for staff in the multi-storey car park. This will be to provide patients and visitors with around 300 parking spaces close to the new Royal, rather than in Q-Park. The car-parking office and project team are currently looking at a variety of offsite options in the locality to supplement car parking for staff at the Royal during this period.
Don’t leave your bike here!
There will be difficulties with regards to onsite staff parking at the Royal during the
construction period. But this is a necessary part of construction and once the whole project is complete in 2020 the multistorey car park will be returned to use for staff and there will be underground parking for patients and visitors, in addition to the current off-site parking locations close to the Royal. Whilst we are at present looking for volunteers to move off-site, we will need to take further measures in the future to reduce the numbers temporarily and would like to hear your ideas about this. We will hold a staff conversation event, details are in In Touch, on the intranet.
Off site parking alternatives for staff: Q Park Kempston Street Kensington Field Community Association Low Hill Mount Pleasant Passes in these car parks can be arranged through the car parking office – email carparkingoffice@rlbuht.nhs.uk and they will be charged at the same fee being charged to the Trust.
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Developing a world-class workforce
Creating a healthy hospital We want to give our patients a positive experience of the service they receive and central to achieving this is having well motivated, compassionate members of staff. To help provide staff with a better working environment we have updated our strategy for health and wellbeing.
We have worked in partnership with Merseyside police and Stophate UK to become a hate crime third party reporting centre from August. As part of this initiative we have recruited named volunteers as Equality and Human Rights Practitioners, that have been trained by Merseyside police on third party reporting and can offer support to anyone wishing to report a hate crime.
This strategy, called Creating a Healthy Hospital, builds on improvements made to engaging with staff to understand their issues and support them through better appraisals, training and targeted health and wellbeing initiatives.
These are:
Our new health and wellbeing strategy (2013-16) was launched in May with a number of aims including:
Andrea Smith – equality and diversity manager Elaine Butchard – assistant director of Human Resources
•D eveloping an open culture where staff feel valued
Ian Wright – head of security
• T raining managers to provide staff with the skills to enable them to improve personal wellbeing •M aking early interventions to reduce levels of sickness absence and prevent sickness absence where appropriate • E mpowering staff to better understand the risks to their own health •A ctively communicating about health, safety and wellbeing issues and the support services available.
Our strategy for creating a healthy hospital
• • • • • • • •
It strengthens your heart Lowers the risk of disease Keeps weight in check It can help prevent dementia and osteoporosis It tones legs, bums and tums Boosts vitamin D levels Gives you more energy Increases happiness.
We encourage staff to use the stairs as part of their recommended 30 minutes exercise each day. There are many ways to get into the habit of walking more; after all you can burn off up to 150 calories with 30 minutes walking.
Lynn Murphy – lead nurse in the acute medical unit Jackie Morris – HIV specialist nurse Carole Cheshire – senior dental nurse
A document outlining this strategy is available on the staff intranet or you can contact Mark Caffery, human resources manager on 0151 706 2811 to request a copy.
It’s good to walk – the benefits of walking Sometimes the best forms of exercise are the easiest. Walking is a gentle, low-impact form of exercise that’s easy, free and suitable for people of all ages and most abilities. Here’s why it’s so good for you:
Hate crime third party reporting
NHS Choices and Change for Life websites have a number of useful tips to increase your activity. These include: • • • • • • •
alk part of your journey to work W Walk to the shops Use the stairs instead of the lift Leave the car behind for short journeys Walk the kids to school Do a regular walk with a friend Go for a stroll with family or friends after dinner
Stephen Cooper from the Stroke Unit at Broadgreen has started off a monthly Walking Club. Don’t forget family, friends and dogs are welcome. Any enquiries on this initiative should contact Stephen on extension 6253/6914 or email stephen.cooper@rlbuht.nhs.uk.
Andrea Smith, equality and diversity manager said: “We are committed to raising awareness of hate crime in our hospitals and have done a lot of work in this area over the last year. A “hate crime” is anything perceived by the victim or a witness to be motivated by hate. Hate crime is still known to be under reported by victims and we want to increase reporting of any hate crime related to our staff, patients and visitors.” For further information on reporting hate crime contact Andrea Smith, equality and diversity manager on ext: 2944 or Ian Wright, head of security on ext: 3999.
14 Developing a world-class workforce
MP honours adult learners A hospital administrator who used adult learning to overcome a range of health problems was honoured at the Adult Learners’ Week Awards. John Callery, who works in medical education at the Trust, was a joint regional winner of the Adult Learners’ Week Health Education North West Award for First Steps into Employment. He received his accolade from Luciana Berger, MP for Wavertree, who also presented Adult Learners’ Week Awards to people who have worked to engage people living with dementia in the wider community.
The Workers’ Educational Association (WEA) also presented Merseytravel with the first WEA North West Region Health & Wellbeing award in recognition of the £5,000 funding they provided to kick-start their dementia work. The WEA used the money to carry out a community project linked to travel and transport and chose to link their work around people living with dementia and considered issues they faced accessing transport and connecting with the community.
The Trust’s dementia practitioner Shaun lever receives his award from Luciana Berger MP
People from over 30 local organisations were consulted about key issues, including travel and transport. The WEA also supported memory cafés, called ‘Remember When’ sessions, to encourage people to come into the city and use transport links. Two cafés were set up, in the Royal’s Costa Coffee and at Maggie May’s café on Bold Street. Our lead dementia practitioner, Shaun Lever provided Dementia training to volunteers, WEA staff, those working in the memory cafés venues and staff in the travel and transport sector.
John Callery receives his Adult learners’ Week Award from Luciana Berger MP
Award winning reductions in surgical site infections William Harrison, orthopaedic trainee at the Royal, recently presented a project at the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) 2014 conference for the Shared Learning Awards.
surgical site infection. Complex cases were discussed in fortnightly meetings and an outpatient wound clinic was initiated. Data from both the Royal and Broadgreen were collected and analysed following the new measures:
The project was called ‘Reducing Surgical Site Infection in Orthopaedic Patients’ and was voted the best hospital based example and best surgical example of implementing NICE guidelines in the UK. There were over 70 submissions for the award this year. The project has been on-going for the last four years and has been led by consultant orthopaedic surgeons Mr Kalra and Mr Santini as well as specialist nurses Karen Herdman and Kerry Anson having a major contribution. Previously rates of surgical site infection on the orthopaedic ward were higher than expected. After looking into the reasons
• t otal hip replacement infection rates fell from 1.9% in 2010 to 0.2% in 2013
William Harrison with NICE chairman Prof. David Haslam for this the team found this was due to a number of reasons including lack of communication and inaccurate data often resulting in ‘non-infections’ being labelled as ‘infections’. Several measures were put in place to make improvements including reviewing every
•h ip fracture surgery infection rates fell from 5% in 2010 to 1.6% in 2013 • r eadmission rates fell to below national averages, helped through establishment of the new wound clinic William said: “Our project has surpassed expectations. We’ve managed to bring surgical site infection down below national averages, enhance care and improve the patient journey.”
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Developing a world-class workforce
Well done brave Lisa! Lisa Beedles, a healthcare assistant at the Royal has told how she fought to save the life of Lee Quinn who was involved in an accident on his motorbike on 29 June 2014.
Unfortunately, Mr Quinn did not survive his injuries and Lisa added: “I just want to pass on my condolences to his whole family and say I’m sorry the outcome wasn’t what we hoped it would be.”
Lisa had been travelling home from work at the Royal, where she has worked for ten years, when she came across the accident on Walton Road.
Lisa Grant, chief nurse said: “Lisa acted with bravery and professionalism, going above and beyond to help someone when they needed it most. Her actions illustrate what fantastic staff we have here at the Trust and I’m sure we are all very proud of her.”
Lisa told the Liverpool Echo: “I didn’t see the accident. I arrived a minute or so afterwards and saw the motorbike and the gentleman lying on the ground, so I offered my help, as much as I could. “I had to revive the gentleman and try to keep him alive as long as I could until the paramedics arrived. We had no response from him.”
John Graham, finance director, congratulates Lee McCoy on his new qualification
Lee’s the real McCoy! Lee McCoy, supplies project manager at the Royal has received his Member of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (MCIPS) qualification. This qualification is recognised worldwide and is only awarded on successful completion of the Diploma, Advanced and Professional diplomas along with three years’ experience in a position of responsibility in procurement and supply. Lee, who has been working at the Royal for two years, says: “I am delighted to have received my MCIPS qualification and would like to thank the Trust for supporting me in achieving it. A lot of hard work has gone into acquiring the qualification, but more importantly I have gained a lot of knowledge. The next step is to put some of that knowledge into practice for the benefit of the department and the Trust.”
After giving Mr Quinn CPR at the scene, she then travelled to Fazakerley Hospital with him in the ambulance. She continued: “Everything seems a bit of a blur. It’s very different to being in a medical setting. I didn’t know what injuries he had, I just tried to look after him.”
Celebrating International Nurses’ Day The amazing work of our nursing staff was celebrated on International Nurses’ Day in May with free relaxation and beauty treatments to reward our nurses for their hard work and dedication. There were poster displays highlighting how
our teams meet the ‘Principles of Nursing Practice’ and raffles with great prizes including Liverpool One gift vouchers. Our chief nurse, Lisa Grant introduced interactive welcome sessions at the lecture theatre in the Royal with a video
Staff nurses learning about tracheostomy and laryngectomy
link to our Broadgreen staff at the education centre. A motivational session, entitled “Making the 1% Difference” by Steve Head followed, a full time key note speaker, inspirational trainer, coach and author.
Nursing staff enjoying relaxing head and foot massages
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Developing a world-class workforce
Make a Difference Awards cele The Divisional Star Awards, sponsored by Hill Dickinson Solicitors:
The amazing achievements, hard work and dedication of our staff were celebrated with the Make a Difference Awards at the BT Convention Centre in July. More members of staff than ever before attended, with around 600 staff and guests being treated to an entertaining awards evening, hosted by BBC Radio Merseyside presenter Roger Phillips.
Surgery The Phoenix Centre for Rehabilitation
Medicine Dr Peter Burnham and the Acute Medical Unit for the GP telephone referral service
Judith Greensmith, chairman opened proceedings and thanked everyone for taking part in the awards. Judith said: “The Make a Difference Awards celebrate all your hard work to improve the health and wellbeing of patients and staff, recognising individuals and teams who have demonstrated improvements in working practices that have or will benefit patients.” Awards nominees were selected by members of staff, with a few
exceptions: The Patient’s Choice award, which was selected by patients. This award and the Staff Star award were sponsored by the Liverpool Echo and open to an online vote, with around 750 people taking part. The Highly Commended Award was chosen by the judging panel from all those who were shortlisted but hadn’t won and the Star of the Night was selected by the panel from those that had won. Aidan Kehoe, chief executive said; “Thank you to all our staff who took part in these awards and thank you to Lloyds Pharmacy, RCharity and all our other sponsors. The Make a Difference awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognise the excellent work of our staff and I would like to congratulate all of our staff who took part. I’m proud to work here with such a great team of people within the best healthcare system in the world – the NHS.”
Directors’ Star Awards, sponsored by Covance:
Core Clinical and Support Services The Neuroendocrine Team The Chairman’s Award The Roald Dahl Centre
Corporate Continence / Patient Safety, Infection Prevention, Control and Urology
The Chief Executive’s Award Emergency Medicine Handbook App Team
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Developing a world-class workforce
ebrates our NHS heroes Transformation to 2018 Award, sponsored by T Sloyan Builders The Royal Lifetime Achievement Award
The Liverpool University Dental Hospital and Sterile Services
The People Choice Awards, sponsored by The Liverpool Echo:
The Patient Choice Award The Major Trauma Team
Highly Commended Star Award
The Blood Bourne Virus Team – Abigail Hosier and Rebecca Tamaklo
Employee of the Year Award, sponsored by CDP Print Management
The Star Staff Award Sam Holder, occupational therapist
Doreen Schlechte, shadow lead governor
Joanne Taylor, healthcare assistant
Star of the Night Award
Emergency Medicine Handbook App Team
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Developing a world-class workforce
Make a Difference Awards: Our glamorous guys and gals! Here are just some of the shots from the night – more available on www.makeadifferenceawards.co.uk
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Developing a world-class workforce
NHS and Corporate Games The fourth annual NHS North West Games took place in July at Kirkby Sports College, with 14 North West trusts taking part.
Alex McCrudden, lean practitioner together with staff from the other trusts, organised the games. Well done to our football team who came first, our netball team who came second and the rounders team who were given the Fair Play trophy. Further events spread over three weekends included a golf day, a series of 5K runs and the actual games day in Kirkby. 40 members of our staff took part in the 5K run held in Princes Park and our very own Dr Bryan Renton was beaten by a millisecond but still finished in a worthy time. Public health services were also in support of the events with attendees from Active Sefton, England Athletics, Smoking Cessation Support, Safeplace Merseyside and Knowsley Contraceptive and Sexual Health Service.
Our dragonboat racers
Our football team Liverpool also hosted the Word Corporate Games in June with 176 organisations entered into the event including a 66 man team from the Trust.
Our netball team
Staff took part in events such as dragonboating, tennis, cycling, triathlon, swimming, table tennis, running and karting. Our very own Paul Skipper, assistant director of pharmacy brought back a medal in the triathlon event and Dave Lawton, biomedical scientist won another medal.
Introducing the new director of operations: Donna McLaughlin Donna McLaughlin joined the trust in May as director of operations with responsibility for the day to day running of the hospital. Donna joins us from St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hosptials NHS Trust where she was director of operations and performance for five years. After graduating from Oxford University with a degree in history, Donna joined the NHS through the National General Management Training scheme. Donna says, “This was a two year work-based management programme and as part of my training I undertook an elective placement in South Africa Greys Hospital in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal South Africa.” Donna also gained a Masters in Managing Healthcare Organisations from Manchester Business School. On leaving the training scheme Donna had a series of roles in primary care, service development and commissioning during the transition from Health Authorities to Primary Care Trusts within Greater Manchester. More recently Donna was associate director for surgery at University
Hospitals of South Manchester Foundation Trust. Donna says, “This involved managing surgical specialities, maternity and children’s services, achieving three star quality status from the Care Quality Commission and foundation trust status. Part of my role included working on the reconfiguration of children’s and maternity services across greater Manchester.”
recent convert to knitting, having just finishing an Aran Jumper for her Dad’s 70 birthday. “It’s been a real labour of love which has taken a year!”
Whilst at St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals, Donna managed the successful transition of services from the old Whiston Hospital to the new one, whilst maintaining high levels of performance. Here at the Royal, Donna says her key aims are, “to sustain the operational performance of the hospital, to improve patient flow and ensure the operational processes are fit for the new Royal.” Describing what she most enjoys about her role, Donna says, “I enjoy the variety of an operational role, working with clinical teams to improve the patient experience and making a difference. I’m also very excited about the new Royal.” To relax, Donna says, “I love food – growing, cooking and eating it,” and Donna is a
Donna McLaughlin, director of operations
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Developing a world-class workforce
Staff Bank – now on Facebook The Staff Bank provides temporary staffing across the Trust, including nursing, clerical and allied health professionals. From long-term block bookings to short-term cover, the department is on hand to assist in filling requirements however they can. Over 180 shifts per day are covered by the team of four coordinators, who work tirelessly to ensure that the needs of our wards and departments are
met efficiently whilst looking ahead to forecast staffing needs. With many requests coming at short notice, the strong relationship the coordinators have built with hard working temporary staff is fundamental in the on-going delivery of a high quality service. The team also work closely with local universities and welfare to work providers to recruit a stream of hard working students and cadets that can provide appropriate staffing cover. This relationship is central to
providing learners with the opportunity to begin their NHS careers whilst providing the trust with an array of skilled workers. The team has recently set up a private Facebook page providing bank staff with a way of communicating directly with the staff bank team about shift bookings, and training needs. The team use this page on an on-going basis to highlight the very latest shifts that are available. If you are a healthcare worker on the bank, and use Facebook you can find the staff bank team on: www.facebook.com/royalbankstaff
NHS Unsung Heroes – the dietitians As part of our on-going campaign to put lesser known roles in the hospital into the spotlight, the Communications and Marketing team paid a visit to our Dietetics team to meet Jennifer Currie, senior dietitian at the Royal. Jennifer works within the Stroke and Gerontology Team however we have many dietitians working in a range of clinical areas such as Diabetes, Surgery, Gastroenterology, Renal, Cystic Fibrosis, and many more. Jennifer says: “Some patients need to follow specific dietary restrictions due to their medical condition and our role is to ensure these diets are provided safely and patients have all the necessary support and information. “My involvement in a patient’s care can be for a variety of different reasons. For example, I provide nutritional support for patients who are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition. Or I may be involved to discuss healthy eating goals to support weight reduction, lowering of cholesterol or improvement of diabetes control.”
During our time with Jennifer, she spoke with a group of patients that were in cardiac rehabilitation about how to improve their health through their diet. We also visited inpatients to monitor their daily food intake and check their body mass index. On a typical day, Jennifer says she will usually have one to one sessions with either inpatients or outpatients as well as teaching sessions with patients, other healthcare professionals or to a variety of different student groups. Jennifer says: “I enjoy the opportunity to educate and support patients in understanding their condition and how to alter their food and drink accordingly. I also enjoy the variety of patient contact; every day is different and brings new challenges and objectives.” If you are interested in taking part in our Unsung Heroes campaign, or wish to nominate someone, please contact the Communications and Marketing team at communications@rlbuht.nhs.uk.
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Achieving international recognition for research and innovation
Clinical research on the rise Clinical research is increasing in the NHS, and several of Liverpool’s NHS Trusts are helping to spearhead the trend highlighted by new figures in a league table published in June. The league table is published by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Clinical Research Network, the research delivery arm of the NHS. It shows the number of studies undertaken by each NHS Trust from April 2013 to March 2014, and the number of patients who volunteered to take part in clinical research. Across the Royal and Broadgreen hospitals, we have increased our number of studies, sponsored by the NIHR, from 140 in 2012/13 to 160 in 2013/14. Clinical research is a vital part of the work of the NHS, and provides evidence about “what works” so that treatments for patients can be improved. In addition, there is research evidence to show that patients do better in hospitals and surgeries that do research – even if they don’t actually take part in a study themselves. Dr Richard Fitzgerald, director of the Royal’s Clinical Research Unit, said: “The numbers of studies we carry out is ever increasing. We have over 400 clinical trials running in the hospital at any one time, in 40 different departments.
“We’re always looking for more volunteers to take part in clinical trials to help improve the future of healthcare. If anyone wants to know more about taking part in clinical trials call 0151 706 4860, 8am-4pm or email C4C@rlbuht.nhs.uk.”
“It’s great to see a real appetite for research in Liverpool. I would like to thank all the patients and carers who have taken part in research, and thereby made a contribution to improving NHS treatments for everyone.”
Jonathan Sheffield is chief executive officer of the NIHR Clinical Research Network. He said:
The clinical research league table is available at: www.crn.nihr.ac.uk/ annualstats
Get involved in clinical trials! A patient at the Royal is calling on people across Merseyside to get involved with clinical trials to ensure medical advances can benefit generations to come. Wavertree resident, Lovemore Zindoga recently took part in a clinical trial after signing up to a clinical trials database at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital called Consent 4 Consent. Following kidney failure, caused by hyper tension, Lovemore has been coming to hospital for dialysis three times a week for four hourly sessions. “The care I receive on dialysis is excellent, but I wish it could be simpler.” “One of the nurses talked to me about Consent 4 Consent and I agreed to sign up. The process was very easy and about a year later a clinical trial came up that I could take part in.
“The trial was for a drug to improve the care of diabetes. It had already been tested on humans but had caused mild side-effects and after it was modified they needed patients with kidney failure to test the new version on. “The doctors explained everything to me and I felt very safe taking part in the trial at the Royal. The trial lasted for two months and I was very well looked after. I stayed in the Clinical Research Unit at the Royal for the first three days on two occasions and then came back as an outpatient for routine observations. Everything went well and there were no adverse effects.” Explaining why he signed up for Consent 4 Consent, Lovemore says, “Years ago dialysis would take eight or nine hours, but because people in the past took part in clinical trials this can be done in half the time, benefiting people like me. I want to help future generations to benefit from
medical advances that can help make their lives better.” If you would like to know more about Consent 4 Consent and clinical trials taking place within our hospitals, contact the Research, Development and Innovation team on 0151 706 4860 (8am to 4pm) or email C4C@rlbuht.nhs.uk.
Patient Lovemore Zindoga with Lorraine Burgess, manager of the clinical research unit signing people up to Consent 4 Consent.
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Other news
Thank you for the gifts! The Mersey Regional Kidney Patients Support Group have kindly donated over £5,000 of equipment to our 6B, 6A, 6PDU and 11C wards for renal patients. This amazing range of equipment included a fridge, fans, scales, radio, blood pressure monitors and DVD players. This kind donation was provided to the Royal and partner organisations in recognition of the tireless work and compassionate care provide to many kidney patients throughout the years. The patients from the support group are Rob and Jane Abbott, Carol Wood, Andrew Jamieson, Terri Howarth, Michelle Allen and Joanna Wood. Equipment has also been given to all our satellite dialysis units at Broadgreen, Warrington, Halton and St Helens. Dr Hameed Anijeet, consultant at the Royal, said: “We are incredibly grateful for the gifts that the group have given us. Their support over the years to renal patients in the Royal has been outstanding and beyond measure.”
Wards 6A and 6B with their donations
Hospital choir sing for Lord Mayor Councillor Gary Millar recently finished his term as Lord Mayor of Liverpool and specifically requested the Royal’s Hospital Choir to sing at his farewell dinner in the Grand Ball Room at St George’s Hall.
Liverpool favourites. The choir wore blue and purple silk flowers to represent the Trust and have now agreed this will be their trademark for all external functions.
The event was attended by over 500 guests including the High Sheriff of Liverpool and fellow Lord Mayors and Mayors from different boroughs in the region.
Choir member Suzanne Low says: “The choir offers a great opportunity for staff to let their hair down and enjoy ourselves. We have had the opportunity to sing in many prestigious venues including Liverpool Town Hall, St George’s Hall, Sefton and Palm House.”
The Hospital Choir were joined by the Royal Court Theatre Choir and performed eight numbers ranging from Michael Jackson, Sister Act, World in Unison as well as music from other popular musicals and some
The staff choir meet every Wednesday 5-7pm in the staff dining room at the Royal. All staff, past or present are welcome to join. For more information, contact Suzanne on Suzanne.Low@rlbuht.nhs.uk.
Kidney donor swaps horse power for pedal power Dave Hind, who works as an animal keeper at Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre in Cheshire donated a kidney to his son Neil, 25, at the Royal in 2013 - three years after he was diagnosed with Alport Syndrome, a rare condition affecting the kidneys. Dave and Neil decided to thank the Royal by raising as much as they could cycling to Liverpool from Padua in Italy, where Neil now teaches at the English International School. Dave and Neil, who has to take medication every day and drink extra water, were joined by Neil’s friend Bobby on the trip, which included cycling over the Alps. Unfortunately, the trio had to cut the trip short at Belgium when Neil started experiencing pain and struggled to continue. However,
they still managed to cycle over 1000km; an achievement everyone is proud of. Dave’s wife Wendy said: “As a family, we are so proud of both of them and I’d like to thank Dave for giving our son a new life and a new future. And thanks to all the staff at The Royal for their excellent care throughout the whole process. Without organ donation our son’s future was bleak.” Loren Slade, events fundraiser for R Charity said: “This is such an incredible challenge and a great way of raising funds for R Charity. The money Neil and his team raised will help provide the very best facilities and equipment for future transplant patients at the hospital.” Donations can still be made online at: www.justgiving.com/Neil-Bobby
Dave Hind about to set off on his journey to raise money for R Charity
Exceptional Patient Experience
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Thank you to our staff Many of our patients and their relatives provide feedback on our services, either by writing to us, commenting on Facebook or Twitter or reviewing our services on NHS Choices. Almost all of the feedback we get is positive and here’s a selection of some of these comments from the last few months.
The Royal Two years ago, I was crushed between two HGV trailers. I broke nearly every bone from the waist up, including my face. I was taken to the Royal and I was x-rayed and scanned immediately. A pain control nurse came and made sure I had exactly what I needed for the injuries and the pain I was in. I have received the best treatment from the team in the emergency department whom I believe saved my life. My surgeons and physiotherapist who saved my shoulders and arms have all given the best care and after care I could ask for over the last two years and continue to do so. I’m so grateful for everything; the amazing, friendly, caring staff have done, not only for me but also my family. I’m their biggest fan!
The Dental Hospital I just wanted to thank the professor and team very much for all their help, care and for the treatment I have received over the last few years. When I first came to the Dental Hospital I was terrified of visiting the dentist, which is how I ended up in the mess I was in. I was diagnosed with acute periodontitis and was in a great deal of pain and discomfort. Since visiting the hospital, the staff and students have been so reassuring and caring and I feel that I have now overcome most of my anxieties. I cannot recommend the Dental Hospital highly enough and the standard of care and treatment I have received has been exceptional. I hope that the students, hospital and staff are valued as much as I value them.
Broadgreen Hospital I recently had robotic surgery to remove my prostate at Broadgreen Hospital Urology department. Admittance was perfect, there were no delays and the staff were kind, caring and highly professional. During my stay, which was across two days, I was most impressed by the cleanliness of the ward. The cleaner showed real diligence in doing things thoroughly and professionally, whilst being cheerful as she performed her tasks. I was taken to theatre at precisely the time I was given, helping to alleviate any pre-op stress, anxiety and nervousness. The person who wheeled me to the theatre was careful and witty which helped me take my mind off things. Robin Weston, my consultant, although an extremely busy man, made me feel as if I was his most important patient. Without doubt, the care and treatment I received from the Broadgreen Urology team was exemplary and should be held up as a flagship for the NHS.
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Fundraising
Join the Diddymen in chorus R Charity and The Whitechapel Centre have teamed up to set a new Guinness World Record for the longest ever chorus line, with a little help from Ken Dodd. They need to recruit 2,000 people aged 8-80 to high-kick their way into the record books. The World Record currently stands at 1,628 dancers, set in 2004 in California. The 2,000 strong chorus line plans to dance its way through St John’s Gardens on Sunday 12 October. The registration fee is just £10 per person and includes a unique event t-shirt. Ken Dodd expressed his support: “It’s absolutely fabulous. We’re here to hopefully raise funds for a very good cause.” When asked if he would be joining in, he replied: “Of course I’ll be joining in! I can still do a buck break and a time step!” Ken Dodd and the charities are urging anyone, from the Liverpool and Merseyside area, and even further afield, to sign up for the chorus line, help a worthy cause and make a world record. R Charity is raising funds for the new Royal Hospital. Through their £10 million
fundraising appeal, they aim to provide world class equipment, patient environments and therapies to enhance and improve the treatment and care of patients and their families at our new Royal. The Whitechapel Centre is a leading homeless and housing
charity for the Liverpool region working with people who are sleeping rough, living in hostels or struggling to manage their accommodation. They are committed to helping people find and maintain a home and learn the life skills essential for independent living.
All participants are asked to raise sponsorship for R Charity and The Whitechapel Centre. All proceeds raised by the event will be split equally. For more information and to sign up to be part of the world record attempt visit: www. whitechapelcentre.co.uk/chorus-line
Sizzling Summer Solstice! The 10th and final Summer Solstice walk took place on Saturday 21 June 2014 with over 130 walkers taking part. The event got off to a great start with our warm up guru Alex McCrudden getting everyone flexed and ready for their 4.4 mile walk along the waterfront of the River Mersey.
which dropped all our weary walkers safely back in the city centre to continue their journey home.
This family friendly event had walkers ranging in age from 8 months to 80 years and all managed to make it to Otters Café who kindly stayed open late and provided a delicious BBQ for us.
Special thanks goes to the staff, patients and friends of the Trust who turn up year after year to take part in our Summer Solstice walk and have to date helped raise over £46,000 for cancer services provided at the Royal’s very own Linda McCartney Centre. Your sponsorship has made a huge difference to the level of service and equipment that we provide both now and in the future.
The disco provided by Joshua Kelly kept our walkers entertained late into the night, before Stagecoach kindly provided the bus
It may have been the last time we asked you to don your hippy flares and flowery shirts in support of cancer services but a
Fundraisers begin their annual summer solstice walk new walk, with a new theme and a new route has been planned for next year so watch this space for more information. If you want to see the photographs taken of this year’s Summer Solstice walk go to www.facebook.com/rcharitylpool/photos
Fundraising
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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.
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www.straffordfabrications.co.uk
Our experienced fitters complete installations quickly and considerately with minimum disruption to your property and ensure your complete satisfaction. 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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