North Tees and Hartlepool
Issue 38 Summer 2015
NHS Foundation Trust
Steve opens new MRI scanner page 17
Friends and family test goes on line page 5
Thumbs up from medical trainees page 24
#safeHANDS page 26
Dietitian Helen Widdrington
Dietitian Sandra Taylor
Nutrition experts making a difference Dietitians at the trust raised awareness of their profession during dietitians week, which is led by the British Dietetic Association (BDA). The awareness week, which ran from 8 to 12 June aims to promote the work and value of dietitians. The team ran an information stand in the main concourse at the University Hospital of North Tees for patients and visitors promoting different areas of their work.
The team
Each day people could find out information about the importance of diet for a healthy lifestyle. They could find out about healthy eating for adults and children, the effects of alcohol on your health, managing diabetes and the risks and information about diet and medical conditions.
Dietitian We provide people Charlotte with practical Codling said: “We spent guidance to the week help them make raising the appropriate profile of the work which lifestyle and food dietitians do to choices. help people who are either in hospital or in the community. “We are here to provide expert advice. We help people to manage their conditions and provide them with the information they need to make changes to their lifestyle. “We provide people with practical guidance to help them make appropriate lifestyle and food choices.” Professional lead dietitian Julie Higgins added: “I am proud to work with a great team of dedicated dietitians across Hartlepool and Stockton, who are making big contribution to the care of our patients. “The campaign is the promotion of dietitians as the absolute gold standard, when it comes to food and nutrition they are the experts.”
In the next issue of Anthem, find out how our staff did in Exercise Medical Challenge – organised by the 201 Field Hospital where chief executive Alan Foster is honorary colonel. 2 Anthem | Issue 38
Board to ward visit for non-exec Steve Non executive director Steve Hall, who chairs the trust’s patient safety and quality standards committee, likes to find out for himself if what he reads in board papers matches what is happening in the front line. Steve said: “I am passionate about good patient care and always impressed with what I see, hear and read at the board. However as committee chair I want to see for myself how things are. I’ve dropped in a number of times to different areas in our hospitals and have also been out on visits with community staff. “It’s not everyone’s idea of a fun-packed Friday night but mine began at 11pm and finished at 2.30am the next morning. I went to accident and emergency at the University Hospital of North Tees and was met, to my surprise, with an empty waiting area. I thought there were no patients in the department but I spent some time with three staff nurses and two doctors who showed me round. The bays were full with people being assessed and treated. It felt calm and orderly. “Naturally staff took the opportunity to raise their concerns and I was happy to listen because that’s what my visits are all about. They talked about staff turnover, frustrations they sometimes have in the department with
getting people home and the importance of being recognised and thanked for the difficult job they do. My job is to listen to the good and the bad and take it back to the patient safety and quality standards group and ultimately the board for discussion. This way staff know that their views are heard and acted upon. “Next I went to the emergency assessment unit. I saw excellent hand hygiene. A number of beds were available on base wards and staff were arranging transfer of patients to appropriate base level beds to free up capacity on the unit. Again I had the opportunity to talk to staff and listen to their thoughts and experience of working in a very busy environment. “I went back to accident and emergency and spoke to a particularly grateful patient who spoke highly of the service provided. In the early hours the department dealt with an abusive patient. Most of us would be horrified to have to deal with this but accident and emergency staff view abusive patients as part of the job. I met staff assigned to the unit by Tees, Esk and Wear Valley NHS Foundation Trust who had four potential interventions to deal with. They believe the connected service with our staff is excellent. At 1.30am I said thank you to the staff in the department and made my way
to the minor Injuries unit at One Life It’s not everyone’s Hartlepool. idea of a fun-packed “I arrived at 1.50am and Friday night but mine there was began at 11pm and one patient in the unit which finished at 2.30am was staffed the next morning. with a sister and a healthcare assistant. They told me the department is usually quiet after 10pm and questioned whether their skills could be better used elsewhere. I stayed until 2.30am, thanked staff and left the department. “Most importantly I’d like to say a big thank you to the staff who allowed me to spend time with them in their departments. Yes, there are frustrations but I can see that we have dedicated and hardworking staff who are doing their very best, 24 hours a day, to provide compassionate care. They have difficult issues (and sometimes people) to deal with but they take them in their stride. As chair of the patient safety and quality standards committee I will continue to spend time with staff because it gives me the assurance that what happens in the ward is reported accurately at the board.”
Steve meets clinical director Andy Simpson and matron Viv Priestley to debrief them about his visit Anthem | Summer 2015 3
Farewell John Colleagues said farewell to quality control lab manager John Rhodes who has retired after working in the NHS for more than 30 years. John is pictured with head of pharmacy and quality control laboratory services Philip Dean and medical director David Emerton.
Welcome Another group of student nurses were welcomed to the trust. The students, who began their studies in January at Teesside University, will complete a BSc in adult nursing or child nursing. We’d like to wish the students the very best of luck with their careers.
Fundraiser for Poppy Thank you to everyone who helped raise money to help care for senior healthcare assistant Carrol Etheridge’s grand-daughter who has cerebral palsy. Staff in outpatients at the University Hospital of Hartlepool held a cake sale, helping raise £241. This money, along with £75 raised in a raffle at another event, will help pay for a special mattress and wrist monitor for Poppy. Carrol can be seen here holding a photo of Poppy. A big thank you to all who donated!
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Businesses supporting patient care A number of businesses are supporting patient care by advertising at the trust. Commercial manager Tony Wilson said: “Advertising within a hospital may not be the first place you think of to promote a business, but advertising with us means you will be supporting your local hospital with funds raised spent on patient care and frontline services. “There are many advertising opportunities which can benefit many local and national companies while the funds are benefiting patient care. It is great to see our local businesses wanting to support their local
hospital as well improve their own advertising awareness in the local community. “We offer various media formats, such as large format posters in main entrances and waiting areas, the trust’s website and staff intranet, patient information leaflets, car park lamp posts and parking bays, staff wage slips and even on the trust’s very own minibuses and vans. “We’re delighted to see so many businesses supporting the trust already and we hope that many more will in the future.” You can find out more information at www.nth.nhs.uk/about/advertising/
Trust serves up foods from around the world To celebrate National Equality, Diversity and Human Rights Week the trust’s catering team served up a special menu with cuisine from around the world to represent the trust’s diverse workforce.
Team work - Clinical effectiveness administrator Darryn Hill, survey lead Charlotte Pett, patient survey co-ordinator Jim Woods
Friends and family test goes online Patients who are treated at the trust can now complete the friends and family test online. The national friends and family test which was first introduced in 2013, asks patients the simple question, “how likely are you to recommend our ward or A&E department to friends and family if they needed similar care or treatment?” Patients were previously only able to complete the questionnaire on a paper form
It is so important that we gather feedback from our patients to make sure our patients receive the best possible experience.
before they left hospital. Now, they can also use the online form on the trust’s website www.nth.nhs.uk to give us their feedback. Patients are given answers to choose from, ranging from extremely likely to extremely unlikely, and are given the opportunity to explain their response. Barbara Carr, assistant director of nursing, quality and patient and public engagement (pictured) said: “Patients will still be able to complete the paper questionnaire, but this new form is just another way for them to give us their feedback at their convenience, either on a computer, tablet or mobile phone. “Since the friends and family was introduced it has been great to see so many people leaving us feedback, which has often been very positive. “We review all the feedback and work with the senior clinical matrons to make sure the staff receive positive comments and also to identify any areas for improvement. “Results are published on the NHS Choices website to give people an idea of the quality of care that other patients have received at their local hospitals. “It is so important that we gather feedback from our patients to find out what we are doing well and how we can make improvements to make sure our patients receive the best possible experience.”
Staff, patients and visitors were able to try a range of foods from around the world including, Indian, Chinese, American and traditional English fish and chips. Head of catering Colin Chapman said: “It was fantastic to be able to celebrate with different foods throughout the week. We received some great feedback from people who came along and tried the different foods. “Although we regularly have different foods from across the world on the menu, this was a great opportunity to celebrate with staff who come from different cultures and countries.” Director of human resources and education Ann Burrell said: “As a trust we are committed to ensuring diversity is recognised and equality is embedded at the heart of everything we do, whether this is our staff, patients, carers or visitors.” You can find out more about the trust’s equality and diversity work at www.nth.nhs.uk/about/equality-diversity/
Executive chef Richard Kirton Anthem | Summer 2015 5
Trust going smoke free
Smoking will be officially stubbed out at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust from 1 August. It means that smoking will not be allowed anywhere on trust premises. The use of e-cigs is not currently permitted in hospital buildings or on the hospital site as they are not currently medically regulated products. Medical director David Emerton said: “A smoking ban is now officially in place which means that smoking is not allowed on site for patients, service users, staff, members of the public and contracted workers. “As a healthcare provider, we should be encouraging a healthier lifestyle for the public, our patients and staff and smoking is not part of this. “Quitting smoking isn’t easy and that’s why we’re here to help. We are committed to doing everything we can do to support staff and patients to successfully quit and would encourage smokers to go along to one of our stop smoking clinics which are run at convenient venues across Stockton, Hartlepool, Redcar and Middlesbrough. “Quitting smoking has many benefits for patients who are coming into hospital for surgery too. Being smoke free before surgery means you will need less anaesthesia which means a shorter recovery time, it lowers your risk of chest infections, you will have fewer problems with bones and wounds healing after surgery, you will spend less time in the recovery room and have a shorter stay in hospital.” To find out more about the support available to help you quit smoking visit www.nth. nhs.uk/services/stop-smokingservice/ or call 01642 383819.
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Quit smoking and spare your loved ones the pain The trust has backed a campaign encouraging smokers to quit and be around longer for their family. The Don’t be the 1 campaign from Fresh reminds North East smokers that they have a one in two chance of dying from a tobacco related disease if they keep smoking. But quitting brings benefits at any age. A survey of people who smoke found most underestimate their risk of dying of a smoking related illness, although six out of 10 say their family worries about them smoking. Smokers can click on dontbethe1.tv to find details of local NHS support to quit, or to sign up for the free Smokefree app or Quit Kit. A smoker’s risk of dying from a tobacco related disease is infinitely more than the chances of being hit by a bus (around 2 in a million) or winning the National Lottery jackpot with six numbers (around 1 in 14 million). Stop smoking service manager
Pat Marshall said: “Our stop smoking services in Tees provide confidential one-to-one, support and treatment to help smokers in Stockton, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland and Hartlepool who want to quit. “We know that quitting smoking isn’t always easy, but people who receive support from their local stop smoking service find it easier to stop and are four times more likely to stay smokefree. “Our services offer support to all smokers who are trying to quit, including smokers who choose to use nicotine delivery devices not supplied by the NHS. “I hope this campaign encourages more people to quit smoking.” Lisa Surtees, acting director of Fresh, said: “Quitting might not always be easy – but dying from a smoking related disease is much, much harder. Quitting
lowers your risk of dying early at any age, but the sooner you quit, the better.” Smoking is the biggest preventable cause of death in the North East: • causing 16 types of cancer, heart disease, stroke and COPD, and increasing the risks of diabetes, dementia and blindness • reducing life expectancy by 10 years on average and increasing the chances of lifelimiting incapacity in older age • killing 15 people a day in the North East resulting in 109,700 hospital appointments and outpatient visits, and 527,000 GP appointments every year, costing the NHS in the region £93m a year To find out how you can get help stopping smoking visit www.nth. nhs.uk/services/stop-smokingservice/, call 01642 383819.
Anthem | Summer 2015 7
Three gifts in a day Staff in ward 42 at the University Hospital of North Tees were delighted to be presented with flowers, chocolates and a cheque donation (to go towards patient care) all in the same day from the relatives of various different patients under their care.
Susie joins sim family Meet Susie – the newest member of the family in the trust’s state of the art simulation suite. Susie is an adult who will be used to help train nurses who want to work in the community.
Successful earthquake appeal An appeal set up by health staff across the country, including a consultant here, to help victims of the earthquake in Nepal has helped raise more than £100,000 so far. Consultant paediatrician Anil Tuladhar, who is from Nepal and has family and friends affected, helped promote the cause to people around the trust. The appeal will go towards providing aid to the hundreds of thousands of people affected by the disaster. https://mydonate.bt.com/events/ earthquakechild/223973
She will join the rest of simulation family – an adult man, a sim-baby, a pregnant woman, a five year old child and two babies, a full term and a premature baby. Resuscitation manager Syd Pinkney (pictured with Susie), who manages the simulation suite, said: “Susie offers something different to the other sims and will add to the training we are able to do. “Unlike the others, Susie can be moved about. We can have her sitting down, lying down or even standing up. This makes her ideal for the training of community nurses because we can almost recreate that situation when a patient is treated in their own home by a nurse. “Since the suite opened it has continued to develop and we have been adding more and more things to it. The suite has been
instrumental in the training of undergraduate education, foundation programme doctors, nurse preceptorship and qualified nursing and medical staff. Dozens and dozens of trainee doctors, newly qualified nurses and other staff have been to the sessions we hold. We can provide a very realistic setting for people to learn in and prepare staff for the real thing.” The simulation models are operated from a remote laptop in an adjoining room. The models can mimic medical problems and can respond to treatments or drugs. Syd added: “We can provide this training in a controlled environment where we can build people’s experience and confidence in dealing with difficult situations, which will ultimately benefit patients.” The simulation suite is based at the University Hospital of North Tees, and it allows clinical staff to learn by creating specific scenarios in a safe environment.
Chris bows out After 25 years working at the trust, Christine Maloyd in design and development has retired. 8 Anthem | Issue 38
Colleagues and friends gathered in the Tees meeting room at the University Hospital of North Tees to wish her well.
The amazing adventures of Bear and Nav When ICT support co-ordinator Mark Smith’s daughter Grace, who’s nearly six, said dad had to take her bear (called Bear) to work, she had no idea of what he’d be getting up to. Grace sends Bear to work with dad once a month and ICT analyst Nav Amanat, his adopted guardian, takes him on his travels when he goes out to do jobs around the trust. This is just one day of the amazing adventures of Bear and Nav; no wonder Bear is tired out.
Grace with her dad Mark
Dad Mark said: “Grace was so excited when I told her about Bear and that he might be in the trust magazine. My partner Diane has taken him to work today...... but I fear the adventure will be nowhere near what he has here!”
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Motoring to 1,000 journeys The volunteer driver programme which helps people travel to and from their hospital appointments has passed 1,000 patient journeys.
Matty sings his way to the final for charity Hospital porter Matty Clarkson made it to the final of the big audition for TFM’s Cash for Kids. Each of the Big Audition contestants battled it out to win the chance to perform alongside some of the biggest pop stars at 2015’s Christmas Live concert. The winner was also be offered an artist management contract. Matty and the other finalists needed to raise as much cash as they can for the radio station’s charity Cash for Kids. The winner was determined based on the amount they raised and their performance at the final. Matty said: “I was really happy to be a finalist and to have been able to raise money for such a good cause. I raised more than £1,000 for Cash for Kids. I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who supported me and made a donation. It was a fantastic experience.” You can see more of Matty’s music on his Facebook page www.facebook.com/ pages/Matty-Clarkson/539557689471323
Octagon Marketing Company Ltd specialise in gaining advertising support for magazines so Anthem is now produced, packaged, distributed and delivered at minimal cost to the trust. 10 Anthem | Issue 38
The trust set up the driver scheme to help patients who have difficulty getting to its two hospital sites. A team of drivers is available to take patients to and from hospital who don’t have their own car and or access public transport. From 1-4pm every weekday a team of drivers are based in the outpatients unit at the University I have a lot on Hospital of in my life, even North Tees to help at though I am now short notice. retired, but I do Mike Ranson commit to helping and Brian Williams both every Tuesday. volunteered as a way of helping others. Mike said: “I thought it would be nice to be able to help people out in some way and I thought ‘I have a car, so why not volunteer to do this?’ “I have a lot on in my life, even though I am now retired, but I do commit to helping every Tuesday. The nice thing about it is you are helping others and meeting so many different people.” Brian said: “I have the spare time now and I wanted to help in some way. I have given lifts to people from all walks of life and had lots of interesting conversations. I like being out on the road, it’s really satisfying to know we are helping.” Lol Shute, who is 72 and lives in Billingham, is one of the service’s regular users. He has daily treatments of intravenous antibiotics to help with septic arthritis in his knee. He said: “What these volunteers do is absolutely fantastic. I don’t know how I would cope without them. “I need to be in hospital every day, including at weekends, to have my antibiotics. When I looked into how to get here I looked into getting taxis but that was going to be very expensive. Then I heard about the volunteer drivers and found out I was eligible for help. It’s a really nice and pleasant way of getting to and from hospital.”
Reg Ramsden, who manages the volunteer driver service, said: “To reach 1,000 patient journeys shows how far the volunteer driver scheme has come. “More and more patients are getting to know about the service and making use of it. If you need help getting to and from your hospital appointment, then we are here to help. You simply need to call the number below to book one of our volunteer drivers. He said: “We are delighted with how the volunteer driver service has progressed over the last few months. “Being able to offer an on-site service on weekday afternoons is just the latest step forward we have made as we look to develop the service.” To book a driver under the new scheme should call the service desk on (01429) 522550.
Mike Ranson with Lol
Julie Gillon
David Emerton
Cath Siddle
Thank you for putting patients first Directors have place on record their thanks for the hard work and dedication of colleagues over what has been the busiest winter we’ve seen for many years. Chief operating officer and deputy chief executive Julie Gillon said: “In the communications we’ve sent out Despite how busy during periods of escalation we were we kept medical director our standards of David Emerton, director of care high. nursing, patient safety and quality Cath Siddle and I have thanked colleagues who have been amazing during winter. In fact our winter started early and finished late; we were still under pressure at Easter. “When we report to the board we always say our levels of performance don’t happen by themselves and the board acknowledges this; it takes hard work to respond to pressure and to keep up all our level of performance. It has felt very tough at times but we have to remember we were still one of the best performing trusts in the region and the country. It’s a testament to everyone who contributed that we achieved
what we did over a prolonged period. There’s something about the way people in this trust pull together which is remarkable and we should really celebrate that.” Medical director David Emerton added: “Despite how busy we were we kept our standards of care high. It would be tempting to close our doors but that is not the attitude of this trust; we only diverted ambulances on one or two occasions. I would like to pay tribute to our medical colleagues and everyone working with them; we came through a difficult and extended winter; we learned much that is helping us plan for the next one.” Director of nursing patient safety and quality Cath Siddle said: “It’s very pleasing that our friends and family scores and staff and patient experience and quality standards (SPEQS) visits weren’t compromised by how busy we were. Having been a nurse myself I know how difficult it is to keep performing at a high level when it’s extremely busy. When we were having twice daily meetings during the periods of intense pressure I was proud of the way everyone pulled together, both in and outside the hospital to ensure patients received the very best care, discharge home and after care they needed.” Julie added: “It speaks volumes about our trust that we continued to perform well, especially when considered in the national context where the system was under
immense A vital part of learning pressure. from the winter and We’ve looked getting ourselves at how prepared for future we can surges in demand is organise ourselves to listen to staff and to manage gather their ideas the winter and become and thoughts. even more resilient in future. “A vital part of learning from the winter and getting ourselves prepared for future surges in demand is to listen to staff and gather their ideas and thoughts. We had many opportunities to do that over the winter through SPEQS and other visits and the regular meetings we were having. This will continue, alongside other opportunities to engage with staff, so we can listen and share ideas to help us work together to meet the needs of patients now and in the future. “The health service is always under scrutiny but I think we can hold our heads up and say we kept our patients at the centre and responded magnificently. I want to thank everyone for the continued hard work and commitment. It’s very much appreciated and acknowledged by the board and, most importantly, by patients.” Anthem | Summer 2015 11
Janet takes to her bike for cancer charities Head of midwifery and children’s services Janet Mackie took her wheels to the big city for charity. She took part in the 2015 London Nightrider 100k bike ride for Breakthrough Breast Cancer and Breast Cancer Campaign. The ride started at 11pm and finished at 7am. Janet said: “I’d like to thank the support team and those who sponsored me.“ You can still donate at http:// uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Jmackie
Collaborative meetings a great success Medical and clinical colleagues with an interest in shoulder and elbow surgery gathered at the University Hospital of North Tees for their regular team meeting which marked two years of collaborative working.
Best Exotic Bollywood Night to raise money for local charities
Consultant orthopaedic surgeon Rajesh Nanda (pictured fifth from the right) said: “Surgeons, physiotherapists, radiologists and trainees from South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation
I was delighted to host the meeting.
Trust meet three times a year to discuss difficult cases, research projects, audits, streamlining physiotherapy and surgical guidelines and procedures. “The meetings take place on a rotation basis between the three trusts and are an excellent way of improving care for patients across the wider area we serve. I was delighted to host the meeting which marked two years of collaborative working and look forward to the network developing further.”
The Society of Indian Doctors (Cleveland) is once again holding a charity Bollywood Night to raise funds. Consultant orthopaedic surgeon Rajesh Nanda (pictured) said: “The society has been organising various cultural and educational events since 1980s and contributing to local charities and some in India every year. “We raised £9,000 for children’s cancer ward at RVI in 2011 and £2,000 for Zoe’s Place in 2013 through similar events. This year we have contributed £250 to Nepal Earthquake relief through one of our members who is going there later in the year.” This year’s Bollywood Night will be held in the Grand Marquee, Wynyard Hall Hotel, on Saturday 26 September from 7pm til late. Tickets are £45. The society’s chosen charities this year are The North Tees Breast Cancer Fund and the South Cleveland Heart Fund. For tickets and further information please contact Rajesh Nanda on 07810 542787. 12 Anthem | Issue 38
Alice in Wonderland ball raises funds A special ball has helped raise thousands of pounds for the neonatal unit. The ball, organised by Michael and Kathryn Carruthers, whose daughter Alice was born 13 weeks early, has raised £3,480 with a further £2,000 donated from Barclays bank. Ward manager Debbie Bryan (pictured centre) said: “Alice’s Wonderland Ball was an amazing event. The organisation of the ball was second to none. The whole evening encompassed everything magical to what only the imagination could dream
of down to the very finest detail. It was an honour and a privilege to be part of the evening and to receive the amazing amount raised on behalf of the neonatal unit. It is unbelievable that after Alice was born 13 weeks early that Michael and Kathryn could arrange something on such a large scale in gratitude of the care that Alice and they received. “Technology is constantly changing and the survival rate for premature babies is also improving because of this. We are so very grateful for the generosity that Michael and Kathryn and others have given
so we are able to buy additional equipment to care for premature and sick babies. We wish them all well and would like to thank them once again.”
Karen’s back on her feet, thanks to specialist surgery Matron Karen Stamper’s job takes her to all parts of the hospitals in Stockton and Hartlepool. Karen, who looks after pre-assessment, access lounge and the day case units, covers miles every day. And it was on one of those days back in March 2014 when she knew she had seriously damaged her foot. Karen said: “I was just doing my rounds as usual when I went over on my foot and ankle and I knew something was wrong. This happened on my other foot four years ago. It took months, but it eventually healed. “This time I knew the fracture (of the cuboid bone in my foot) wouldn’t be visible on an x-ray It took an because MRI scan to when I damaged identify the the other problem. foot the fracture didn’t show up. It took an MRI scan to identify the problem. It also felt different so I knew it was really serious. There were days when I crawled around on my hands and knees because it was so bad.” After an initial outpatient appointment Karen was referred to consultant orthopaedic surgeon Rajiv Limaye who specialises in foot and ankle problems. She had an appointment in September and was booked in for surgery in November. Rajiv Limaye explained: “As Karen found with her other foot, these common types of ankle ligament injuries can resolve themselves over time. However in about 20 to 30 per cent of cases they leave the patient with an unstable ankle and surgery is
needed to stabilise it. “In Karen’s case she told me she often went over on the side of her ankle and it’s clear that this was the case with her. She also had a minor fracture around the cuboid bone in her foot. However it was the unstable ankle ligaments which she was getting symptoms from. The ankle swells up and becomes very unstable. We also see many women who wear very high heeled shoes developing this type of ligament injury as can people who run, hike and take part in sport if they put their foot down on an uneven surface for example. Ankle ligament injuries are very common and sometimes overlooked and can lead to further instability despite having physiotherapy. “Our aim is to fully restore the ankle and function of the foot to get the person back on their feet. This is crucial for people who enjoy or participate in sport. It was for Karen too; it was impossible for her to carry out her role as a matron because of the injury and she was keen to get back to work. In Britain this is one of the common reasons to attend the accident and emergency department. Ankle ligament injuries are very common, can be overlooked and sometimes undertreated. However with an increase in people taking part in sport we see this all the time and have done this procedure regularly in both hospitals.” The surgery typically involves carrying out ankle keyhole surgery followed by
reconstruction of torn ligaments using bone anchors, and a device called tightrope. There are two metal buttons attached to this device. Sometimes on occasion a screw is also inserted. This enhances the healing and provides stability. Karen had to stay off her feet for six weeks then had another six weeks in a moon boot and physiotherapy to help her get back to normal. Subsequently stability testing is performed in
the operating theatre with x-ray control to make sure the ankle is stable. Karen said: “What I’d say to anyone with this sort of problem is that, if in a few weeks it is not getting any better, get it checked out. You could be among the 70 to 80 per cent where it gets better over time or, like me, you could have an unstable ankle which needs surgery. I would still be off work now if it wasn’t for the care and treatment I’ve had with Mr Limaye and his team.” Anthem | Summer 2015 13
Family thank hospital for easing teen’s op anxiety The parents of a teenage boy with severe autism have thanked staff for doing all they can to help him with his anxiety over being in hospital.
Terri zip slides across the River Tyne for charity Congratulations to personal assistant in education and organisation development Teri Colquhoun, who has completed a zip slide from the Tyne Bridge across the river to Gateshead. Teri raised £130 for the Cats Protection.
Staff in the day case unit at the University Hospital of Hartlepool made sure Jamie Garbutt felt as comfortable as possible during an appointment to have an operation to remove both of his large toenails. The day before Jamie’s operation, his mum Paula contacted the unit and explained to nurse Gayle Kier about her son’s fears. To help the 18-year-old feel more relaxed staff made sure his operation was scheduled at a time when no other patients would be there. Jamie was also allowed to wear his own clothes rather than a hospital gown and was anaesthetised using gas rather than having an injection. While under general anaesthetic, the community dental service She made sure were also able his needs were to carry out fully met, making a check on Jamie’s teeth – it a positive something which experience would have been for him. impossible if he was not anaesthetised. Afterwards, staff made sure Jamie woke up with both his mum and his dad Peter by his bedside to reassure him.
Staff bake off fundraiser for Nepal Thank you to everyone who donated to charity medical bake off staff took part in – raising £227 for the Nepal Disaster Fund. Consultant physician Catherine Monaghan (pictured) came up with the idea for staff in the emergency assessment unit and ambulatory care to take part to raise money to help victims of the earthquake in Nepal. 14 Anthem | Issue 38
Dad Peter, seven year old son Liam, Jamie and Paula
Left to right: Healthcare assistant Linda Guttridge, sister Melissa McKie and nurse Gayle Kier
Paula, who is a healthcare assistant in surgery and urology at the University Hospital of North Tees, wrote to staff to thank them. She said: “Jamie has severe autism – his is non verbal and has learning disabilities. I know staff put a lot of planning into his care to help with the great anxieties he has around hospitals. “I phoned Gayle and explained my son’s needs and she took all of the stress away from the very start contacting consultants, anaesthetists and planning his care for the day ahead. She made sure his needs were fully met, making it a positive experience for him. The way they treated him will help make him less afraid if he ever needs hospital care again. “We thought it was an amazing idea that while Jamie was in theatre the consultant agreed to let the community dental service come in to plan if further work was needed. “All the team in theatre were so accommodating to us when Jamie came out of theatre in recovery, and sister Melissa McKie was nothing but helpful and very kind to Jamie as was healthcare assistant Linda Guttridge who also went the extra mile for us. All of the All of the staff were fantastic.” staff were “It was positive experience for Jamie fantastic. and hopefully with more like this he will understand that people are here to help him. We are very lucky to have such a wonderful hospital with such amazing staff.” Ward sister Melissa McKie said: “We as a team felt very proud to have made a difference to Jamie’s experience by reducing his anxiety. Paula and Peter’s feedback has really made our day – it is the reason why we do our jobs, to care for people who need our help and to make a difference.”
Chairman Paul Garvin welcomes members
Trust holds event for members Ear, nose and throat services and adult safeguarding were on the agenda at the recent member event held at the University Hospital of North Tees. Adult safeguarding
Named nurse for adult safeguarding Stuart Harper and deputy director of nursing Julie Lane spoke to members about adult safeguarding. Stuart explained that the trust has a duty to safeguard the public, particularly those who are vulnerable, for example someone with a learning disability. He spoke about the law in the relation to the Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Guidance, and what adjustments are made when caring for people with disabilities, safeguarding
vulnerable adults, looking after patients with dementia and understanding the needs of patients with learning disabilities. He explained how patients with learning disabilities have a health passport, to help staff to understand more about them immediately so they can give them the care they need.
Ear, nose and throat services
Members heard a presentation from consultant surgeon Derek Bosman from South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. He explained that ENT, clinically known as otorhinolaryngology head and neck surgery, is about everything above shoulder level, apart from the brain and eye conditions. It is about four of our five senses, which are vital functions. It therefore incorporates subspecialties within their service structure. He told members that the trust provides a service for ear and balance problems and a regional cochlea implant service. Head and neck problems, including cancer and voice box related conditions are also delivered. He spoke about the specialist outpatient clinics which are run at the University Hospital of North Tees, University Hospital of Hartlepool, Peterlee and One Life Hartlepool. Nose and sinus problems are treated by another specialist arm of their service. His particular area of
Consultant surgeon Derek Bosman
specialism is children’s ENT, and he shared a number of young patient stories, illustrating their progress with photographs. He also outlined clinical advancements in the field of ENT which are being implemented by their department, including endoscopic surgery; balloon sinoplasty; middle ear implants, and in cleft lip and palate services. Member events are free and open to members and people interested in becoming members, but you need to book. Look at the members’ notice board for details of this year’s events and book your place by emailing membership@nth.nhs.uk or by phoning 01642 383920.
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Named nurse for adult safeguarding Stuart Harper and deputy director of nursing Julie Lane
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Enhanced midwifery service for local mums Seven community midwives from the trust who work in the Hartlepool area have formed a new birthing team to take care of expectant women from the town. Already bookings for the midwife led unit at the University Hospital of Hartlepool are starting to rise. Head of midwifery and children’s services at the trust Janet Mackie explains: We are “The already seeing new the bookings team will take in the care of women unit start whose to rise. pregnancies, labour and delivery are expected to be low risk. They have chosen to have their baby at the birthing centre in the University Hospital of Hartlepool and opted for an early discharge home. Team leader Wendy Atter added: “Women benefit from being under the care of a small team. The expectant mum will get to know the team well who will be able to support her throughout her pregnancy, labour, birth and after her baby is born.
“We know from research that building this relationship is important, gives the mum confidence and can improve the mum’s experience of pregnancy, labour and delivery. If mums have trust and confidence in their midwives it can lead to them feeling more in control, needing less pain relief and therefore a quicker recovery from childbirth. “We are already seeing the bookings in the unit start to rise. So in a few months we’re looking forward to more babies being born in the unit”. “This team has been in place since January 2015 and, once mum is in labour, the midwife will meet her at the Hartlepool birthing unit. It’s sometimes difficult to tell how advanced labour is so, in the future our birthing team midwives will be able to make house calls to assess whether it’s time for the mum to come to the unit”. “The new arrangements make better use of the midwives who, after all, came into the profession because they wanted to ‘be with’ and care for women throughout pregnancy, labour and delivery and support them, their baby and the family throughout this special time. It’s a very positive move for women from Hartlepool who are more likely to know the midwife who will deliver their baby.”
Team leader Wendy Atter (centre) with midwives Trish Pearce (left) and Tricia Walker 16 Anthem | Issue 38
Raising awareness of coeliac disease Dietitians at the trust raised awareness of coeliac disease, during coeliac awareness week. Coeliac disease is a life-long condition caused by the immune system reacting to the protein gluten. Gluten is found in wheat, barley and rye, in foods People can such as develop the bread, pasta, condition at pizza, any age. cereals and cakes. Around one in 100 people have coeliac disease. The symptoms of coeliac disease vary between individuals. Not everyone with coeliac disease will have the same symptoms. The symptoms can include bloating, changes in bowel habits, unintentional weight loss, nausea and tiredness as well as iron deficiency. Dietitian Kirsty MacLean said: “As a dietitian I see just how challenging living with coeliac disease can be, but the condition can be treated when people begin to manage their diet and avoid products
containing gluten. “If you have symptoms of coeliac disease, you should talk to your GP and not just remove gluten from your diet. People can develop the condition at any age. Screening involves having a simple blood test and is often recommended if there is a family history of coeliac disease, as it can run in families. Further investigations may be required. “Left untreated it may lead to iron deficiency anaemia, osteoporosis and an increased risk of small bowel cancer. “If you have had a positive diagnosis the only treatment is a gluten-free diet for life. It is important to eat a healthy, balanced diet of gluten free foods and to understand the risks of cross-contamination for example using the same butter that someone else has used who is not on a gluten free diet. Working with your dietitian and being aware of gluten free food products to manage your diet can make a big difference to the symptoms and risks of untreated coeliac disease.” You can find more information about coeliac disease at www.coeliac.org.uk/home/
Former GB athletics star unveils new state-of-theart MRI scanner Former Olympic medallist and World Champion middle distance runner, Steve Cram, was on hand to help Alliance Medical and the University Hospital of North Tees to launch its new state-of-the-art MRI scanner at a special event. Steve, who won gold medals at the 1982 and 1986 Commonwealth Games as well as a silver medal at the 1984 Olympic Games, visited the hospital to cut the ribbon on the advanced 3T MRI scanner. The new MRI scanner, part of a £1.6m investment by Alliance Medical, will help to improve the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses and reduce waiting times for patients. The equipment will enable clinicians to take high resolution images of body parts, organs, and soft tissues, allowing for swifter and more accurate diagnosis. The advanced scanning technology will increase the hospital’s capacity for complex and routine MRI scanning and reduce the time patients wait for scans. The size and design of the new MRI scanner will improve patient comfort, reduce claustrophobia and accommodate a large variety of body shapes, sizes and clinical conditions. The new MRI scanner replaces the existing scanner at the hospital; it has been in operation since 30 March 2015.
Steve cuts a celebration cake, pictured with Alliance Medical’s service development manager Peter Winchester, chairman Paul Garvin and director of radiology Matthew Trewhella
Steve pictured with the scanner at (left to right) medical director David Emerton, consultant cardiologist Nic Child, Alliance Medical’s service development manager Peter Winchester, clinical director of radiology Matthew Trewhella and chairman Paul Garvin
David Loasby, business development director of Alliance Medical said: “We are delighted to continue our partnership with the North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust and help them to deliver further improvements in diagnostic imaging capabilities at University Hospital of North Tees. The new scanner will provide high quality images and will enable the hospital to extend the range of examinations it can offer, helping to meet local demand and reduce waiting times for vital scans.” Clinical director for radiology Matthew Trewhella said: “We are delighted to have Steve join us to officially open our new MRI scanner. This new equipment will mean that patients can be seen more quickly and the hospital can provide a wider range of MRI imaging to ensure the best levels of diagnosis and treatments for our patients. The ability to perform cardiac examinations is particularly beneficial and will allow more patients across Teesside to access the scans they need locally.”
Colleagues say goodbye to Liz Liz Paul, who worked for many years as a secretary in estates, left the trust recently to enjoy her retirement. Colleagues from past and present met at the Middlefield Centre at the University Hospital of North Tees to wish her well. Anthem | Summer 2015 17
Events showcase school nursing service The school nursing team held two events in Stockton and Hartlepool to launch the new way their service is run. Colleagues from other health services, social care, schools and voluntary organisations joined the nursing team and other organisations who are working with children and young people.
Just the job for Charlotte When her husband’s job took him north to Leeming, staff nurse Charlotte Collister was looking for a trust where she could develop her career. She looked on NHS Choices and saw the trust ratings and, when a job came up, she was keen to apply. She I’m still trying joined the to find my way trust on ward 27 in June around but and has never people always looked back. help me. Charlotte said: “I’ve been qualified for 18 months and I’m keen to develop in my nursing career. I trained in a small hospital down south and I loved my job but I wanted to work in a bigger hospital. This is a big hospital but it doesn’t feel like one. Everyone is so friendly and helpful. I’m still trying to find my way around but people always help me. I love it and a feel like I’ve slotted in straightaway. I’ve also had fantastic professional support. I can ask anyone for help and they’re willing to give it. I’m driving here from Leeming but it’s worth it because it’s such a great team and a great place to work.” Ward matron Jane Corbey said: “I was delighted to appoint Charlotte to our team. This is a very busy ward and I’m very proud of the compassionate care we give. It’s all about good team work and it’s great to hear that this is what Charlotte is finding now she’s with us.” 18 Anthem | Issue 38
Alison Thurston, school nursing lead for Stockton, said: “The events were a great opportunity to launch the changes to the service we provide and for us to speak to colleagues from other organisations who we work closely with to make sure that children and young people get the best possible service. “We work with children and young people aged between 5 and 19, providing a range of care, health promotion and advice. This includes health assessments, health education, support around emotional health and wellbeing and sexual health awareness and advice. We also promote and refer to other services to help children, young people and their families
lead a healthy lifestyle and reach their full health potential.” Terri Wells, school nursing lead for Hartlepool, said: “We’re making some improvements and changes to the service we provide. Each primary, secondary and special school will have its own named nurse who will be the point of contact for any support. “We will be promoting our services on social media, using a text message service, extending our drop-in sessions and much more. “Children and young people deserve to have the best possible school nursing service and we’re looking forward to continually working to improve them and make sure they are accessible and provide the right support that is needed for the future.” You can find out more about the school nursing service at www.nth.nhs.uk/services/school-nursing/
Finding out food likes and dislikes of patients For people who have dementia, it can have an impact on the whole mealtime experience. Left to right, dementia champion Vikki Donald with Jo Sims, Jane Hayllar, dementia champion Elaine Morrison and Anita Birch at an information stand at the University Hospital of North Tees
Raising awareness about dementia Dementia can happen to anyone and there’s currently no cure. It can strip you of your memory, your relationships and your connection to the world you love, leaving you feeling isolated and alone. As part of dementia awareness week, the dementia team spoke to staff, patient and visitors to help raise awareness. Dementia nurse Jane Hayllar said: “Our role is not only to care for patients with dementia but also to support staff to understand a patient’s individual and sometimes complex needs. “Life doesn’t end when dementia begins, and we do everything we can to help people living with dementia hold onto their lives and the things they love for longer. “Dementia awareness week was an opportunity for us to highlight to staff, patients and visitors everything we are
doing to help patients with dementia. “We were out in public areas on our two hospital sites as well as in the wards.” Dementia awareness week also encourages people to open up and talk to others if they are worried about their health. The trust has a team of staff who act as dementia champions – helping raise awareness in their own work areas. They also spent the week highlighting the All About Me (pictured) document which patients with dementia can use to tell staff about their needs, preferences, likes, dislikes and interests.
To help with this, a new initiative has started to find out the food likes and dislikes of patients, including those with dementia. Catarina Azevedo, one of the trust’s dementia champions, said: “People with dementia can experience dehydration and changes in their weight. We all have likes and dislikes and eating habits – these are important when trying to meet a patient’s nutritional needs. “Malnutrition and dehydration can contribute to the risk of developing confusion. The more we know about the food preferences of a person with dementia, the easier it is to meet their nutritional needs. “That’s why, on our elderly care and stroke wards, we are introducing a food likes and dislikes list. A patient’s visitors, family or carers can add to this list to help us get to know the patient better. This list is available at the patient’s bedside for those who need help choosing their meals.”
Women’s group donation to dementia care Soroptimist International Stockton on Tees made a donation to go towards care of patients with dementia.
Left to right, Pauline Townsend, Kate Wilson, student nurse Rebecca Ryan, Jane Hayllar and Jo Sims
The group, a volunteer movement to help transform the lives of women and girls, donated £300 to the dementia team. They used the money to help buy several pieces of equipment they needed including a stethoscope, a blood pressure machine and an otoscope. Kate Wilson (pictured, second from left), from Soroptimist International and a health user group Stockton member and governor, met the group recently. Anthem | Summer 2015 19
Thank y making a d
The trust marked International Nurses’ Da just our nurses but all of our staff do to ma Chairman Paul Garvin (pictured left, above) and director of nursing, patient safety and quality Cath Siddle (pictured right, above) visited ward areas to present them with hampers and thank them for everything they do. Cath Siddle said: “Every day our nurses and health professionals support people to keep them healthy and look after them when they’re under our care. “Nurses make a significant difference to a patient’s experience on our wards and in the community. “From ensuring patients are cared for compassionately, wards
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you for difference
ay – highlighting the amazing work of not ake a difference to patient care. are safe, clean and tidy, patients with long term medical conditions are supported at home and infections are tackled - our nurses have had an impact on thousands of people across the area we serve. “Nursing is still the vocation it always was and it remains, quite rightly, a respected profession. “I would like to extend my personal thank you to all nurses and health care staff across the trust. It is a pleasure to be leading such a fantastic group of nurses and healthcare staff who all work hard to provide the very best care to our patients.”
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Building on success in research and development All points north now for Vaughan Friends and colleagues gathered to say goodbye to Vaughan Jackson from the performance, planning and development department. After an already long and varied career, Vaughan joined the trust 11 years ago. Paying tribute to Vaughan, assistant director of performance, planning and development Lynne Taylor said: “Vaughan could always be relied on to turn any problem into a solution and he had the gift of bringing a sense of humour to any situation. Thanks to Vaughan we were one of the first trusts to have a dashboard system to monitor our performance and, as a result, Vaughan was invited to do a lot of work, both in and outside the trust, to improve their reporting systems. I will miss him as a colleague and I’m proud to call him a friend.” Vaughan was treated to a This is Your Life presentation, put together by his colleagues. They also presented him an engraved watch to remind him of his time with the team and the trust. Vaughan said: “This is the longest I have stayed in any job. I’ll miss everyone. It’s the people who kept me here.” It might be a retirement from the trust but Vaughan won’t be resting. He’s off to help run and bed and breakfast on the island of Orkney. The pinny, oven glove and knife set he was also given will definitely be put to good use! A big thank you for everything you’ve done during your time in the trust Vaughan, and our very best wishes for the future.
After six years as director of research and development Volker Straub (pictured second on the left) has supported the trust to increase awareness of research and development and aimed to make research an integral part of the care we provide for patients. In six years the numbers of patients being recruited into clinical trials has risen significantly and more staff are becoming active in research. With his period of tenure at an end, Volker has handed the research and development baton to consultant neonatologist Samir Gupta (pictured second from the right) who, along with his team, has put the trust’s neonatal unit on the national and international map for both leading edge research and the numbers of babies recruited into clinical trials. Chief executive Alan Foster, medical director David Emerton, clinicians and managers gathered to thank Volker, reflect on what has been achieved and what the future holds for research and development in the trust.
A number of clinicians and managers gave their views of the realities and practicalities of carrying out research in busy departments with finite resources. Consultant cardiologist Justin Carter and his colleagues have four research studies on the go and, Justin said, patient care has improved as a result. He said there are benefits for patients, staff and the whole trust from taking part in research and there was no shortage of patients wanting to be involved in research. Everyone needs to get used to seeing research as part of the care they provide, he said. Samir Gupta paid tribute to the work Volker had done assisted by research and development manager Jane Greenaway and her team and the excellent relationships built up with colleagues at all levels in the trust and he hoped to carry on the good work and further develop research in the trust. To find out more about research in the trust please visit http://www.nth.nhs.uk/ services/research/ or to find out about research opportunities in our region go to www.makingresearchbetter.co.uk
Five professors at the research and development dinner – Philip Dean, Volker Straub, Jane Metcalf, Samir Gupta and Matt Rutter
Walking in memory of Roger Once again a hardy bunch of walkers braved the wind and elements for the annual Roger Kirby Memorial Walk. The walk began on roads but after a short ascent the group crossed to well-trodden tracks and up the steep slopes to the south of Roseberry Topping. Roger Kirby, who died in November 2008, was a much loved and well respected surgeon at the trust. A total of £60 collected at the walk will be donated to the British Lung Foundation. Thank you to those who contributed. 22 Anthem | Issue 38
Seaside mural in memory of Reagan The Tilery estate in Stockton helped raise the money to have this amazing seaside mural painted in the children’s ward in memory of 15-year-old Reagan Jack. Reagan, who died in January, had complicated medical problems his whole life and spent a lot of time being treated in the ward at the University Hospital of We would like North Tees.
to say a big thank you to Julie, her family and friends.
Reagan’s mum Julie and her neighbours on the estate
held a fundraiser, helping raise £3,658 to pay for the artwork by commercial artist Stephen Robson. It also helped buy three blood pressure machines for the ward. Ward matron Vicki Whitfield said: “It was lovely of Julie and her family to think of the ward, especially at such a difficult time when she and her family are coming to terms with the loss of Reagan. “The mural brightens up the entrance to the ward for the children, young people and families accessing the unit and makes
it a nice environment for all members of staff too. “We would like to say a big thank you to Julie, her family and friends. Their donation has made a big difference for everyone and it was a pleasure for all the staff to be involved in Reagan’s care throughout the years.” Julie, who along with other neighbours on the estate were filmed as part of a Channel 4 series, is raising money to help other children like Reagan. To donate visit www.gofundme.com/ujq47yk
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Thumbs up from medical trainees Farewell to Graeme Friends and colleagues gathered to say a fond farewell to ICT operations manager Graeme Dixon who is leaving the trust for pastures new. Graeme joined the trust in 1998 when 40 people had email address and there were 10 computer systems to look after. Now thousands of people in the trust have email addresses and the systems are too numerous to mention. Associate director of ICT Tony Naylor thanked Graeme for the support he had given to him, the ICT team and colleagues right across the trust. Graeme was presented with a framed navy blue polo shirt worn by the ICT team embroidered with his starting and leaving dates as well as some shopping vouchers. Good luck in new career Graeme. You’ll be missed.
Fond farewell to Nina Friends and colleagues gathered to say goodbye to clinical team leader Nina Bedding who is left the trust to join Teesside University as a lecturer. Nina, who said in her farewell speech that she’d loved every day she worked here and would be recommending the trust to all her students, started work in the University Hospital of Hartlepool in occupational therapy in 1999. She has also been a staff governor. There were tears and smiles as people shared stories of her professionalism, humour, kindness, generosity and support. 24 Anthem | Issue 38
Medical training at the trust has again come in for praise, following a recent quality visit and a national survey. Durham and Tees Valley GP Training Programme visited the trust, speaking to the lead for each speciality and getting end of post feedback from trainees who rotate into six specialities (emergency medicine, respiratory, care of the elderly, respiratory, obstetrics and gynaecology and paediatrics). The visit was extremely positive, with lots of feedback on the high quality of both training opportunities and clinical supervision. Meanwhile Health Education North East (HENE), which oversees all medical training in the region, has scored extremely highly nationally in the latest General Medical Council (GMC) trainee survey. For the fifth year in a This is a row the region ranked fantastic place first for educational to work. supervision and also scored highly in areas such as overall satisfaction, feedback, local teaching and supportive environment. The trust’s medical training programme features in the new HENE website www.nhsfindyourplace.co.uk Consultant in emergency medicine Nicky Desira (pictured) started her training at the trust as a junior doctor 10 years ago. Over the last few years she has moved around several NHS organisations across the region before returning back to the trust. She said: “This is a fantastic place to work. When I was training here I was given a great deal of support and looked after really well. I
was given experience in areas where I had a specific interest. I was given a lot of help by senior staff and never felt like an anonymous face here - this is the advantage of learning in a smaller trust because people usually have more time for you. “I have left the trust and worked across the region but I have always wanted to come back. I have found it to be the most forward thinking place I have worked in my career and I really enjoy it here.” Consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist Atul Nalawade (pictured) had his first training job in this region at the University Hospital of North Tees. He enjoyed the training and decided to come back to the trust for his advanced training. He said: “I found consultants in the unit were very approachable and supportive. They had time to talk to trainees and provided much needed career guidance. The unit here is a medium sized one which made it very easy to develop rapport quickly with colleagues and other staff members and meant we had plenty of opportunities for learning. It just seemed like the right place for training. “Medical trainees want hands on experience in a safe and supportive environment, rather than just having an exposure to a huge caseload and watching senior staff do their job. Trainees enjoy getting involved and doing things. This is what this trust provides. “After completing the training I decided to stay in the region as a consultant as I didn’t see any reason to leave. I had made many friends socially and at work during my training and felt very well settled in the region – it is a good place to raise a family. My wife who is a senior trainee anaesthetist is also very keen to work in this region as a consultant and will be looking for job opportunities locally.”
Help for people with diabetes Diabetes nurses and dietitians held information sessions for people with type 1 diabetes. They were joined by reps from Medtronic, the trust’s insulin pump providers. Research nurses Francisco San Diego and Jason Pickering
Research facilitator Helen Talbot and research assistant Angela Scott-Johnson
It’s ok to ask about research To celebrate International Clinical Trials Day the trust’s research nurses promoted the importance of taking part in clinical research. The team spent the day raising the profile of research and promoting the national campaign that “It’s OK to ask about research”. Research and development manager Jane Greenaway said: “We want patients to feel that they can ask their clinician, nurse or healthcare professional about research and how they can become involved in research activity. I would like “We take part in clinical to encourage research patients to studies for become involved a number of different in research. clinical illnesses.
Research nurses Anne Eastick and Carol Adams
Record number of care makers Research nurse Debbie Wilson and data assistant Deborah Smith
Research is important because it can help to improve healthcare by finding out which treatments work best. “Many patients are helping the trust with research projects but we want to include more people and give more of you an opportunity to contribute to improving care now and in the future. “We’re extremely grateful to all of our patients, who take part in research. Without patients who are willing to take part, we wouldn’t be able to develop and explore effective treatments through trials. “I would like to encourage patients to become involved in research. Research can make a big difference to the treatments we provide for our patients in the future and on the future advances in healthcare.” You can read more about taking part in research in our trust at www.nth.nhs.uk/services/research or at www.makingresearchbetter.co.uk
There are now more care makers here than any other trust in the country after more staff signed up. The latest group of staff to volunteer to be care makers were presented with certificates in the lecture theatre in the Middlefield Centre at the University Hospital of North Tees. Colleagues apply to become caremakers because they are passionate about making a difference to patients, families and colleagues and act as ambassadors for the 6Cs. The trust has more care makers than any other trust; over 120 out of the national figure of 1,200.
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Highlighting importance of #safeHANDS
Staff, patients and members of the public in our hospitals and out in the community all helped promote hand hygiene day – backing a national Twitter campaign #safeHANDS Hand hygiene is the single most important way of preventing the spread of infection and if all of us work together we can continue to reduce the risk of infection. You can help by: • cleaning your hands – use alcohol hand rub or wash your hands when entering or leaving a ward and before and after contact with a patient • limiting the number of items you bring into hospital – clutter makes it more difficult to clean and therefore prevent infection • telling us if toilets or other areas don’t look clean • not sitting on patients’ beds. Please use available chairs • not visiting friends or loved ones if you feel unwell and have illnesses such as colds unless it is absolutely necessary
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Hands in the hospital Hospital chaplain Robert Cooper (pictured) put together a display of photos he took himself showing people’s hands. Robert, a keen photographer, took the photos of staff, patients and visitors in ward 42 and the neonatal unit. The photos were on display in the chapel at the University Hospital of North Tees as part of World Health Organisation hand hygiene day. He said: “Coming into the NHS, I never expected to be able to use my camera at
work because of issues of confidentiality and intrusiveness. “Colleagues, however, encouraged me to keep expressing my creativity as part of the chaplaincy’s contribution to the life of the trust. “I proposed a project on people’s hands partly because it had an element of anonymity that might
Often the hands will solve a mystery that the intellect has struggled with in vain. – Carl Jung 28 Anthem | Issue 38
prove unthreatening and partly because hands are like faces in the way in which their surface speaks of an inner story. “This exhibition would have been impossible without staff support and interest as well as that of patients and visitors and I am very grateful to them all.”
Exercise Olympic Storm
Groom says ‘I do’ by hospital bedside A patient who was told his cancer is terminal decided there was no time to lose, marrying his partner by his bedside. Dave Clarkson decided to pop the question to his partner of more than 20 years Muriel, after he was diagnosed with bowel cancer which doctors told him was terminal and inoperable. Dave and Muriel who are aged 63 and 55 and are from Easington, tied the knot in the urology ward at the University Hospital of North Tees on 3 June. Dave said: “For years we have been talking about getting married but there always seems to have been a reason to put it off. “It was only after being given the diagnosis that I thought we had no time to lose. The wedding was a brilliant day – a small number of our family were there but we didn’t even have time to tell many of our friends it was happening. “Staff in the ward were fantastic and really supportive.” The Friday the week before Dave had lost a large amount of blood when he went to the bathroom and eventually passed out and was rushed to A&E. Previous to this, at the start of May he was referred for tests and doctors discovered it was cancer in his bowel
Passers-by at the University Hospital of North Tees would have been forgiven for thinking a disaster had happened, but it was only one of our regular emergency exercises. The exercise was to see how quickly we could put up our decontamination tent and get suited up to deal with casualties covered in unknown liquids or powders. Congratulations to everyone who got the tent up in record time and to the staff who took up their roles to deal with the ‘incident’. We rehearse our many emergency procedures regularly so we can respond quickly and efficiently when the need arises.
150 years’ service for ICU nurses and had spread to his liver. He has decided to go ahead with treatments of chemotherapy, despite being told the cancer is terminal and inoperable. Muriel said: “Dave has lived a healthy life. It was a complete shock to us both. Dave had been to the GP before with some symptoms but it was not picked up on. We have never wanted to know from doctors how long he has – we don’t want that clock hanging over us all the time. “We just need to remain as positive as we can. There’s absolutely no point in thinking any other way, we have to look forward. “The marriage is everything we wanted it to be – it was a very quiet thing with just close family. Staff have helped us celebrate too and have been fantastic.” The couple want to celebrate the day at a later date with all of their family and friends. Dave has six children, four boys two girls, Muriel is 55 and has three children, two boys and a girl and they both have guardianship of two young children Darcy, 11 and Kydon, seven. Sharon Sanderson, ward matron in urology, said: “It was an honour and privilege for staff to be able to share this special day with Dave and Muriel in what was the first ever wedding in ward 28.”
Five staff nurses in the critical care unit have clocked up an impressive 150 years’ service between them. Staff nurse Jane Walker (left) has 25 years under her belt while staff nurse Sue Smith has 40 years, Marie Whelan has 31 years, Sian McMann has 29 years and Gail Adamson has 25 years. Ward matron Sonya Wilkinson (second left) and senior clinical matron Alison Coates (third left) were delighted to pose for a photo with their colleagues and congratulate them on such a fantastic achievement. Alison said: “Jane, Sue, Marie, Sian and Gail will have seen many changes in their career but one thing has remained the same; their care and dedication for the critically ill patients in the unit. Intensive care is not the job for everyone but when people have been here for as long as these ladies you can tell it’s a fulfilling job where colleagues really support each other. I would like to congratulate them and thank them for the fantastic contribution they have made and continue to make every day in the unit.”
Anthem | Summer 2015 29
Celebrating the best of health Congratulations to staff who were nominated, shortlisted or who won an award at the Hartlepool Mail Best of Health awards. Many of our staff were able to attend an evening of celebrations at Hardwick Hall, where health professionals from across Hartlepool were recognised. Congratulations to all of our staff who picked up awards or who were shortlisted. They were:
Midwife of the year
• Stockton community midwife team • Karen Pearson (nominated by a mum who very much appreciated Karen’s care and support)
Unsung hero award
• Community dental service for the way they deal with a wide range of patients with kindness, understanding and compassion, calming even the most nervous people.
Pharmacist of the year • Peter Burrell who works with the chemotherapy team
Careworker of the year
• Peterlee Community Hospital physiotherapist Craig McCarthy was shortlisted in this category. He was nominated by a grateful patient who had a knee replacement.
Hospital team of the year
• Nursing team, chemotherapy department • Main outpatient team • Assisted reproduction unit • Ward 4 (elective care unit) (nominated
by one of our consultant anaesthetists; and they got 56 nominations in total!) • Day case unit (singled out for recognition for the way they cared for a patient with autism who had to come into hospital)
Hospital doctor of the year
• Anil Agarwal (nominated by, among others, Tony Larkin of Support Your Bowel) • Manuf Kassem • Associate specialist Wayne Dennis
Nurse of the year
• Gill Roberts, infection control nurse, for her support to residential and nursing care homes in Hartlepool
Long term achievement award
• Senior clinical matron out of hours Sue Moore was nominated by her daughter. Sue started her career aged 17 as a student nurse in 1972 and qualified as an enrolled nurse at St Hilda’s Hospital in 1975. She worked in accident and emergency and later in orthopaedics becoming a modern matron. The nomination says Sue is a fantastic role model, a true professional and a huge influence.
Judges choice award
• The day case unit was awarded the judges’ choice award for their care of a patient with autism. For the full story see page 14.
Peter Burrell
30 Anthem | Issue 38
Karen Pearson
Sue Moore
Anil Agarwal
Community dental service
Ward 4 team
Gill Roberts
Day case unit
Anthem | Summer 2015 31
“Excellent” patient safety team recognised Congratulations to the patient safety team who received a certificate of excellence from Teesside University as recognition for the support they have given to students on placements. Feedback from students included that the team are “the most welcoming and enthusiastic team I have met” and have “excellent multidisciplinary team working”.
Goodbye Sue Sue Shannon’s friends and colleagues gathered to wish her a fond farewell as she left the trust after more than 26 years’ service.
Patient safety team – left to right - David Piggott, Suzanne Kilraine, Rachel Blackmore, Carol Alexander, Andrew Hay
Assistant director of facilities and hygiene Sue, who was known across the trust for her love of Suzi Quatro and yellow VW Beetles as well as her passion for the highest standards in the patient environment, is pictured with colleagues from the ward hygiene and deep cleaning team. All the very best to you for the future Sue!
Charity funds lifesaving academy A Teesside charity is saving even more lives after providing funding for a new endoscopy training centre. Two local charities Music v Cancer and Support Your Bowel has donated £15,000 to fund a new endoscopy training facility at the trust. The centre will help train medical and nursing staff from all over the UK on how to use an endoscope, an instrument used to examine the interior of an organ for various ailments including cancer detection. The new facility will be based at the University Hospital of Hartlepool, much to the delight of Music v Cancer founder Tony
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Larkin. Music v Cancer is a charity which specialises in raising awareness of cancer through music. He said: “I’m proud that we have been able to fund such an important new initiative and particularly the fact that the centre’s new home will be the University Hospital of Hartlepool. “With every weekender Music v Cancer gets bigger and bigger, allowing more people to attend our events and raise money for such a worthy cause.
This is a brilliant initiative and will ensure doctors and nurses in the UK have the best endoscopy training in cancer detection.
“Planning is already underway for our weekender in October. Z-Star, crybabycry, Alex Haynes & the Fever and Tristan Mackay are all playing the event and other artists will be confirmed closer to the time.” Money was raised through Music v Cancer’s regular Weekender gigs and merchandise auctions. Recent names to support the charity include the Arctic Monkeys, Ed Sheeran, Rival Sons, Paolo Nutini and Kasabian, while Jools Holland is the official patron. Receiving the donation from Tony Larkin, Anil Agarwal, Angela Lee and Gill Trainer of Music v Cancer and Support Your Bowel were Deepak Dwarakanath, Chris Wells, Jayesh Vasani, matron Joan Lattaway, sister Alison McCullagh and nurse endoscopist Tony McGonnell from the trust. The initiative was funded by Music v Cancer and Support Your Bowel. The training centre is set to open in July. Consultant colorectal surgeon and founder of Support Your Bowel Anil Agarwal said: “This is a brilliant initiative and will ensure doctors and nurses in the UK have the best endoscopy training in cancer detection. “I would like to thank the many patients, relatives and local people for generously donating; their contributions will be saving lives.”
North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust
Join us! As a member of North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust you will join thousands of other like minded people who support our work. It’s free to join and you can be involved as little or as much as you like.
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• just offer your support to the trust and its services You will have instant access to NHS Discounts once you’re registered and the chance to be entered into a prize draw. If you ask for a membership card you can take advantage of reduced rates in any of our Wilbers coffee outlets. Our membership office is always pleased to hear from people who may be interested in becoming a member of the trust. Anyone who is over the age of 16 can become a member by: • contacting the membership office on 01642 383765
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• emailing membership@nth.nhs.uk • completing the online application form at www.nth.nhs.uk/ joinustoday If you have a QR app you can click here to apply on line. Or alternatively please fill in this membership application form and send it to the membership office.
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Please return to: Membership Office, University Hospital of North Tees, Hardwick, Stockton on Tees TS19 8PE Email: membership@nth.nhs.uk Call: 01642 383765 Online: www.nth.nhs.uk The data you supply will be used only to contact you about the trust, membership or other related issues and will be stored in accordance with the Data Protection Act. Full details available on request.
Anthem | Summer 2015 33
Members’
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Member events
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Council of governors meeting The governors are the voice of our members who help shape the future of the trust. Members and the general public are welcome to observe the meetings which are held four times a year. The next meeting is on 16 July at 9.30am at Hartlepool College of Further Education.
Board of directors meetings The board of directors meet around six times a year. Members of the public and staff are welcome to observe the meetings. This is your chance to see how the board operates and gain first hand kno wledge on the trust’s latest developments. Spaces to attend the me etings are limited so please contact the priv ate office on 01642 383563 in advance to sec ure your place. The next board of directors meeting is on 23 July at 1pm in the boardroo m at the University Hospital of Hartlepool.
Membership cards The membership card entitles members to sta ff rates at any of the Wilbe rs Coffee Shop outlets at the University Hospi tal of North Tees or Hartlepool, as well as acc ess to NHS discounts. To obtain your members hip card, please contac t the membership office on 01642 383920 or membership@nth.nhs.u k.
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34 Anthem | Issue 38
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