Insight Northampton Winter 2019/2020

Insight

THE MAGAZINE FOR NORTHAMPTON GENERAL HOSPITAL PATIENTS AND VISITORS

Winter 2019/2020 | Issue 72

We reveal our

Best Possible Care Award winners on pages 15-19

Meet our frontline flu fighters Meet the domestic team who are fighting flu on the frontline to keep patients, staff and visitors safe Supported by Northamptonshire Health Charity

 CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S COLUMN

Our Best Possible Care Awards are always a highlight in the NGH calendar. In September it was a real privilege to join with more than 200 colleagues from TeamNGH to celebrate the achievements of individuals and teams who have made a real difference to our patients, their relatives or worked to improve our services at NGH. This year our theme was superheroes, and the evening included a surprise visit from Spiderman. I was honoured to present the 12 winners and runners-up with their awards and celebrate with them.

The pride in the room was felt by all and we’re grateful for the continued support we receive from the Northamptonshire Health Charity to enable this event to take place. It’s so important that we recognise the work of those who go above and beyond to make things better for patients, staff and our services. You can read more about the reasons why our winners were nominated on pages 15 to 19.

As well as celebrating our fantastic award winners, in this issue we meet our domestic team who work around the clock to keep the hospital clean for our patients and visitors. Their work to improve the system of reporting isolation cleans has been key in saving time and also educating colleagues to achieve the most effective clean.

Our domestic team are incredibly important to the safe running of our hospital and coming into the winter season especially their work is invaluable. I hope you enjoy meeting the team on pages 21 to 23.

Our staff have also been doing their bit to protect patients and visitors by getting their flu vaccination and I would urge anyone who is eligible to take the opportunity to get protected against the flu this winter. In this issue we bring you Ned’s story. I know that many members of TeamNGH have been moved by Ned’s story and have had their flu jab as a direct result – we hope you, like them, want to support Ned’s parents in their campaign to encourage flu vaccination.

Many of you will be aware of the rising demand for hospital services, particularly in relation to emergency care. As we approach Christmas, we have one wish: that everyone in our local community asks for medical advice as soon as they feel unwell, from their local pharmacy, GP or NHS 111, rather than leaving it too long and become so unwell that they require a hospital admission. NGH will always be here for you, but please use our services wisely. Our emergency department is for real accidents, life-threatening injuries and emergencies, not somewhere where you go to get things checked out. Remember to keep your home medicine cabinet stocked over Christmas and, if you have any repeat prescriptions, that you make sure they are ordered and ready for collection when you need them.

I hope you enjoy reading this issue, and that you have a Happy Christmas and a healthy New Year.

Dr Sonia Swart Chief Executive

Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust, has not vetted the advertisers in this publication and accepts no liability for work done or goods supplied by any advertiser. Nor does Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust endorse any of the products or services.

A welcome from our charity team T

have just £1,500 left to go to our £20,000 target. Thank you for the donations received from thankful patients, their families and the local community.

Another NGH initiative supported by the charity is the Brampton Ward quiet room for elderly patients.

This quiet room has been avidly supported by the Barclaycard Fraud team and members of the community saying thank you for the care that has been received by a loved one. A different kind of giving the charity arranges this time of year is to ensure that every patient in the hospital over Christmas receives a present, especially those patients that have no visitors. The charity’s Christmas appeal is well supported by the local community, so thank you for getting involved. All donations are gratefully received as we couldn’t do it without you. Find out more on page 31.

eamNGH do a fantastic job providing superb care for their patients and as the Charity that supports the hospital Northamptonshire Health, we receive a great deal of generous donations and letters of thanks for that care.

We enjoy sharing with the wards and departments the donations received. Each area in NGH has its own charity fund pot. The charity works closely with the ward and department teams on how best to use the funds to benefit their staff and patients.

We all know how important a thank you is, so to be able to let TeamNGH know just how much they are appreciated is great.

Recent donations have seen the charity be able to almost complete the appeal for Robert Watson patients to have access to a garden from the maternity ward. We

See why our clinical engineering team is celebrating on page 13!

Insight

Winter 2019/2020 Issue 72

Insight is a free magazine. Please feel free to take a copy home with our compliments and pass it on to a friend or relative when you have read it.

Insight is produced thanks to the sponsorship of Northamptonshire Health Charitable Fund.

Editor: Zoë Catlin Contributors: Kieran Jones, Billie Whitelocke and Sally-Anne Watts Cover photo: Zoë Catlin Designed and printed by Octagon Design and Marketing Ltd, Hawks Nest Cottage, Great North Road, Bawtry, Doncaster, South Yorkshire DN10 6AB.

Keep in touch Follow us on Twitter @NGHNHSTrust

Every possible care has been taken to ensure that the information given in this publication is accurate. Whilst the publisher would be grateful to learn of any errors, it cannot accept any liability over and above the cost of the advertisement for loss there by caused. No reproduction by any method whatsoever of any part of this publication is permitted without written consent of the copyright owners.

Octagon Design & Marketing Ltd. ©2019/2020. Hawks Nest Cottage, Great North Road, Bawtry, DN10 6AB. Tel: 01302 714528

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Providing a boost of support for patients with breast cancer P

atients who undergo a mastectomy or breast removal surgery will now receive a free suitable postoperative bra to wear during their recovery, thanks to local charity Crazy Hats Breast Appeal.

Clare Tite, breast care nurse, explained how the project was developed: “We often get asked what kind of bra should be worn after an

The packs include a pink bag to store the bra, a small card about the charity, a feedback form on the bra scheme and hand cream donated by Avon.

operation such as a mastectomy. This can be a cause of anxiety and concern for patients before and after their surgery as some patients feel overwhelmed by what to choose. This initiative ensures that patients have the opportunity for the best recovery and potentially reduce pain and complications.”

rable after “You can feel very vulne get back to feeling surgery and want to king and feeling loo feminine again by is a lot more good. Although there en most of us had support now than wh to wear when at surgery, knowing wh buying your first or tal spi going out of ho rd. bra after surgery is ha ully help to pef ho ll wi t jec pro is “Th and show em ste f-e raise people’s sel bad ing eth som of t ou them that It lets en. pp something good can ha ple peo are re them know that the m to the p hel to nt wa o out there wh se au bec is feel good. What’s lovely given be ll wi y the everyone is different de for ma lor tai n bee s ha a bra which nis Hooper, what they need.” Glen ts Ha founder of Crazy Sharon Ireson, breast care nurse, explained why the choice of bra is so important: “The bras have been selected with our patients in mind. We’ve worked closely with breast and oncoplastic surgeons to identify which bras are best suited after different types of surgery.

That way each patient gets a bra which is best suited for their situation.

“The chosen bras are designed

particularly for the initial post-operative phase. They are gently supportive but soft and comfortable with a front fastening and can be worn with a soft prosthesis if required.”

During their time supporting Northampton General Hospital, Crazy Hats have donated over £950,000 to support patients with breast cancer.

They also work closely with Avon who have provided a treat for those receiving the bras.

Lauren Payne, brand and causes manager from Avon, said: “This project is something close to our hearts, not only because of the local connection with the charity and the hospital but it’s an example of how beauty can have the power to help women feel their best at any time in their lives. We believe that no matter what people are going through, beauty and feeling good is still important. By having the gesture of a the shea butter hand cream we hope it will give people some normality and a small treat from all at Avon.”

Melanie Billings, from specialists in mastectomy bras and lingerie Amoena, described the importance of support when choosing a post mastectomy bra “We’re proud to support the team at Northampton General and Crazy Hats.

As a supplier of mastectomy bras we often hear from that people don’t know where to go or what to buy after surgery.

By starting this initiative gives women opportunities to access information and support on choosing the right bra.”

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1in0utes

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Dr Neil Cunningham with:

...Star worl as a

Dr Neil Cunningham recently started working at NGH as a first year jun surgery, after graduating from Trinity College in Cambridge. We caugh find out about life after graduation and starting his first year on the job Tell us about your new role!

I’m an F1 or junior doctor, and this is my first job after studying a six year degree at university. I’m on a foundation programme and will move around different areas of the hospital. That will help me become a well-rounded doctor, who can identify various different types of conditions and how I can treat them.

What does an average day look like?

I start my day at 7.30am; I prepare a list of patients for surgery and work out where they are and see if there are any outstanding investigations.

I then go on the morning ward round with the consultant. We may have up to 30 patients to see in the morning, we see each patient individually, and assess them to see if their condition has improved. We create plans for each patient, leading to them going home or having further investigations.

The rest of the day could include referring patients to specific specialties, 4 ❘ Insight

liaising with other specialist teams, or planning discharges. Before I finish, I will update a list for the night team and for the next day so care continues around the clock.

so many different people, and there is always a great sense of camaraderie, we are all working towards the same end goal, get our patients better and home safe.

Is the job everything you expected it to be?

Have there been any pressures or stresses yet?

Yes! You are thrown in at the deep end.

As a student, you shadow a consultant and you usually know what is going on, but you have very little responsibility.

One thing that is really important is to know that you are not expected to always have answers to every question. It’s ok to say that you don’t know the answer, and to request time to find out. There is also the social side of care, which isn’t medical, but still super important. You will discuss difficult topics, such as home life, family and relationships. This can also be important for discharge planning and recovery.

What do you like most about the job?

I love the teamwork, you work with

The bleep! It’s like a pager, and it gives me nightmares! This is going off constantly, you will get bleeped nonstop. There will be requests to help with various cases, but you can’t go until the ward round is complete. So, there is going to be pressure, but everyone has their own priorities. It’s about understanding and prioritising cases in terms of urgency.

What led you to want to go into medicine and why Northampton?

I really wish I had something clichéd to say, but I don’t! I was just good at science at school and I didn’t know what I wanted to do when I grew up.

There is a foundation programme that

rting out in the ld of medicine junior doctor

nior doctor in general ht up with Neil to b as a doctor. all junior doctors go onto after graduation. Aside from my medical work, I’ll be covering leadership and management. I’ll look at problems in the NHS and how they can be fixed.

This programme is only available in Northampton or Leicester.

New junior doctors were welcomed this year with a package is designed to promote self-care and empower them to take time to look after themselves in their new role.

Health and wellbeing lead, Anne-Marie Dunkley said: “For a lot of our junior doctors they might not have visited NGH before or even Northampton, so that in itself is a big change, let alone starting a new job. We hope this gesture will go a long way in letting them know that we’re here to support and help them and that we care about their wellbeing.”

The doctors were excited to use the packs and described the difference it would make: “It’s like having a little spa pack! It shows that the team have made the effort to care about us all. It’s something we forget to do so it’s nice to know and be reminded “One thing that is really that people are here to support us.”

“I think it’s fantastic and I’ve never seen important is to know that anything like it before. It will make a you are not expected to difference and the mask and ear plugs are always have answers to definitely needed especially after a night every question. It’s ok to shift! It’s a wonderful gesture to know say that you don’t know someone is looking out for you.”

the answer, and to request time to find out.”

How is your social life?

I think there are around 30 junior doctors in Northampton; we all get on really well. We find the time to have a social life outside of work, but it can be difficult at times. It’s good to have, because we are all going through our first experiences together. At the moment we are talking about our first winter in the NHS, which will be an experience.

What advice would you give to someone who is just starting as a doctor?

Don’t panic! Take a step back if you need to, there will always be someone who is there to help you. Sometimes things will be tough, nobody has walked into this job and thought it’s a breeze. You might think you are not good enough, but work with your colleagues and you will all get through your first years together.

packs y with their welcome Thujina and Subank

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Familiar faces for families in Northampton Two teams, Sapphire and Emerald, have launched to provide care for mothers and babies from same midwifery team throughout the pregnancy, birth and postnatally.

S

amukeliso Tennyson, lead midwife of the Sapphire Team, explained the project: “Women have said to us that they want to know their midwife. The current model is to see community midwives but you might not see the same midwife throughout.

However this way of working is hopefully going to help women to be looked after by the same midwife or the same group of midwives.

“My team is particularly looking at the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic women in our community. This group are more likely to have a poor outcome which is driving us to change to this model of care. We’re going to involve the women in everything we do as they are the centre of our care.”

Parents who have already experienced Esme with baby Cassius, Charlotte and baby Poppy, midwife Rebecca, this model of care praised the Oscar with mum Agata and dad Tomasz work done by the team.

Tomasz explained how when they say a name who will walk through is brilliant. They see you getting to know their when it’s convenient and midwifery team helped the door, it’s not a stranger turning up to your you create a bond and him and his partner house. I’ve seen 6 midwives “For me the friendship which is very Agata: “Rebecca was our post-partum and I knew every single one continuity of care important to the mother. midwife and leading up of them.” made a massive “We’re from Poland to the birth itself period Rebecca Harris, the lead midwife of the difference.” so English isn’t our Emerald team, explained: “Our home birth first language so having team have already provided this type of care this safety of knowing the to families and has seen fantastic outcomes. people before the birth is very It provides our patients with this core group important to us. There are of midwives who they will get to know things you are kind of subconsciously throughout their journey. scared or cautious to ask because it seems “For staff too it makes a huge difference. We private, but having a one to one session with get to know families before the baby arrives, someone you know, trust and have met before we get to meet the baby and see the family helps enormously.” come to life. The closeness you get and being Charlotte explained how her experience differed from her first pregnancy: “For me the there for delivery with these people you know well is amazing.” continuity of care made a massive difference.

Nationally there has been evidence During my first pregnancy I saw a different that women cared for using the continuity person in the community every time. That of care model have better outcomes for midwife didn’t know me or what I wanted mother and baby. The Better Births team in which was strange.

Charlotte and Esme had treatment from Northampton aim to reduce still births, birth “It makes such a difference to have this the same midwifery team throughout related brain injuries, maternal deaths and group of midwives caring for you that you their pregnancy and birth premature births by 50% by 2020. know. You know everybody and you know 6 ❘ Insight

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When Sam David (21) and Jessica May (20) visited the show home at Mulberry Homes’ Kingsbury Park development in Lutterworth, they didn’t imagine they would be in a position to reserve a Mulberry Home – or indeed any property – so soon.

With Sam currently living with his parents in Lutterworth and Jessica based in Daventry with hers, settling close to both families was essential for the couple. On visiting the show home, the couple’s desire to become Mulberry homeowners was confirmed and they reserved their two-bedroom Stanton home there and then.

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Having looked around the Kingsbury Park show home, the couple fell in love with the development and reserved their three-bedroom Beacon home shortly afterwards, with a move-in date of mid-November.

The couple had been saving for their first home together with the aid of a Help to Buy ISA, cutting back on luxuries in order to afford their deposit. Stephanie’s occupation as a teacher made the couple eligible for the Key Workers Scheme.

Daniel said: “The Key Workers Scheme’s contributions have saved us in the region of £3,500 and have gone towards our solicitors’ fees, flooring and a dishwasher!

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From left to right - Lyn Holmes, Rosie Warren, Lindsey Howkins, Michelle Price, Helen Pollard, Beata Wojcik,

Meet the team supporting our aspiring doctors on their career journeys T

he Medical Education team manage work shadowing placements for sixth formers, up to 60 medical student placements working in partnership with Leicester and Oxford Medical Schools, and training and inductions for approximately 220 postgraduate doctors. The team also support the Director of Medical Education and a small team of consultants in senior educational roles.

Usually after completing their degree, junior doctors will complete a two-year foundation programme. The team support doctors to ensure they receive the correct training following national standards set by Health Education England (HEE). During their foundation programme, doctors work alongside our consultants to gain skills and hands-on experience. In their second year, doctors will decide which career path they would like The team to pursue. support doctors to Whichever ensure they receive path they take the correct training the medical following national education team ensures standards set by training is Health Education delivered to England (HEE). the highest standard possible.

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Lyn Holmes Medical Education Manager

Lindsey Howkins, Deputy Medical Education Manager

“I find one of the most satisfying aspects of my job is supporting doctors on their journey along their chosen career path, from the time when they first show an interest in medicine at secondary school, through medical school, foundation training, specialty training and on to become consultants. I am really proud to work in a team, both clinical and non-clinical, who are all passionate about making NGH a centre of excellence for medical education.”

“I have worked at NGH for 32 years in the Postgraduate Centre. When I first started there were just two members of staff, the administrator and myself, the administrative assistant. The only group of junior doctors that we were really involved with were those on the GP vocational training scheme. Now I have progressed to Deputy Manager and we have a team of seven managing training for students and doctors at NGH throughout their careers.”

Meet the Education Coordinators

Beata Wojcik, Project Support Officer As part of her role Beata organises the work shadowing programme providing first-hand experience in a medical environment for sixth form students.

“This experience helps them to decide whether medicine is the career for them.

I particularly enjoy supporting these young and aspiring doctors at the start of their professional journey.”

Laura Askew Rosie Warren Rosie looks after the medical students from Leicester and Oxford medical schools during their placements at NGH. “I enjoy watching the confidence of the students grow as they progress through each year or specialty block. I am passionate at doing whatever I can to make their experience as enjoyable as possible whilst they are here.”

Laura leads on all administration for the FY 2 doctors, organising the teaching programmes and supports the FY1 doctors when necessary.

“I also assist in looking after the students from Leicester and Oxford and liaise with students from other medical schools, both in the UK and abroad, wanting to do a clinical attachment here at NGH.”

Dr. Hannah Gardner “I graduated from Sheffield University and was incredibly nervous and excited to start my foundation training at NGH. I remember going to the induction and feeling very welcomed by everyone, but also terrified at the thought of starting my first proper doctor job. The next two years passed in a blur of on-calls, e-portfolio and assessments and before I knew it, my foundation years were completed!

Having thoroughly enjoyed my first two years at NGH and feeling extremely well supported, I decided to stay for a fellowship in ITU.

Michelle Price Helen Pollard, Administrative Assistant Helen is the first point of contact for all visitors to the centre and welcomes guests and helps with any enquiries.

“I also provide admin support to the education co-ordinators which includes producing the registers and feedback forms for teaching sessions, I then collate the feedback into a summary which doctors can upload to their e-portfolio. I enjoy making the new doctors feel welcome at the induction.”

Michelle’s role involves a wide and varied range of tasks, including leading on the administration for Foundation Year 1 doctors and managing the team’s information systems.

“I enjoy supporting the FY1 doctors throughout their first year, seeing their confidence grow and ensuring all requirements are met for their annual review of competence progression so they can progress through to FY2. The best part of my job is that I work in such an amazing and supportive team, not just professionally but personally too.”

I took a break from medicine for a few years, to start a family. After 4 years away, I was desperate to come back and I couldn’t think of a more friendly hospital to return to. I am now back on ITU and enjoying it more than I ever could have imagined.

My return to work was extremely daunting, but I felt well supported throughout the process. I’m now working with the team in Simulation Suite using my experience to support other returning doctors. I’m not entirely sure which way my training path will go, but I feel lucky to be working in a hospital that supports my choices and is willing to help me find my way!”

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Funding the future at NGH A new research group at NGH is aiming to improve the accessibility of professionallyled research to staff, career pathways for clinical academic careers and awareness and support staff applying for research funding.

Sarah Coiffait I was awarded the Florence Nightingale Foundation travel scholarship to visit the Dutch summer school for midwives. I wanted to learn more about continuity of carer, when the same midwife cares for a woman throughout pregnancy, labour and during the postnatal period.

This method of care is being implemented in UK hospitals and I wanted to see this in the Netherlands as their midwifery care has an international reputation for excellence.

Emily Lambert I obtained a place as Northampton General’s first Bronze Scholar. The Clinical Academic Bronze scholar award is aimed at people who want to get involved in research and is often the first step of the journey for aspiring clinical academics who want to split their working time between their role and research.

During the programme you complete research on a topic of your choice.

Having worked in a surgical ward and post-anaesthetic recovery, I looked at handovers between the ward and recovery. I introduced a new handover tool and completed interviews with staff as well as an audit.

The tool significantly improved documentation and communication post-operatively and has now been implemented into practice. For me knowing the study had improved patient care was a really positive outcome. Since starting the programme, I have gained funding to complete my masters to develop the study.

I have gained skills such as writing analytically, presenting at conferences and the ability to mentor colleagues. I have been lucky to have been supported by NGH and some wonderful colleagues and I am grateful for the personal growth it gave me.

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I spent two weeks working alongside a midwife and visited the local university in Rotterdam to talk to the student midwives and university lecturers about the way they educate their students.

During my two weeks I discovered a very different attitude to promoting normal birth. In the UK midwives promote education of our women so they can make choices. In the Netherlands they promote normality; the homebirth rate was 33% in the area I stayed in. The students are educated from the first day of the course that the role of the midwife is to provide low risk, community-based care.

I would encourage any nurse or midwife at NGH to apply for a scholarship.

Helen ElliottMainwaring I am a former adult nurse and have healthcare experiences spanning three decades of service within the NHS. I am passionate about the delivery of safe, compassionate patient care, and equally invested in improving staff experiences of delivering intelligent healthcare. I won the Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute PhD Fellowship 2019.

My PhD focuses on how electronic and paper-based visual management tools are used for the coordination of teams in healthcare. I am interested in how such tools impact on staff and patient experiences with regards to team organisational ergonomics, social informatics and the interaction between quality of service and safety of care delivered.

I have chosen to study for a second MSc in Quality & Safety during my first year at Leicester University, as part of my PhD Fellowship. I plan to use this time to develop further my methods of research for this field of study.

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Offering a ‘new kind of hope’ for cancer patients P

lans have been approved for a new cancer care centre at Northampton General Hospital.

Planning permission has been awarded for a Maggie’s Centre to offer free practical, emotional and social support to people with cancer and their families and friends.

The new centre, which will be built near the Cliftonville part of the site, will be a place for patients, their family and friends to use throughout their diagnosis, treatment and recovery.

The centre will include a library, counselling rooms, a courtyard, a roof terrace and office space.

Architect plans how the centre will look

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Dr Sonia Swart, chief executive, loom as large as the actual cancer explained how this new centre will treatments themselves. help patients in the town “Maggie’s “The holistic healing environment Centres offer a new kind of hope and services of the Maggie for cancer patients and for Centre offers a chance the people treating them. for patients and their As more and more families to connect “It is a symbol of hope families are touched with what matters for those living with by cancer and as most to them in a and beyond cancer more and more way that allows and those affected complex treatments them to value by it and will be a are available many and enjoy each fantastic asset for people are faced with day of the life they confusing choices. The Northamptonshire” have whether it is a range of emotions and shorter or longer one. practical problems often “People who treat cancer also need the chance to reflect and reconnect with the privilege of healthcare whilst they continue to work in a pressurised environment that risks squeezing the compassion out of them.

A hospital with a Maggie’s Centre is a hospital that sets out to value above all else the common humanity we share and the way patients, staff and family feel about their shared experiences of cancer and cancer treatment. It is a symbol of hope for those living with and beyond cancer and those affected by it and will be a fantastic asset for Northamptonshire”.

David Laing, HM Lord Lieutenant and Chairman of the Maggie’s Northampton Campaign has been a huge support and influence to the project. He said “A diagnosis of cancer is a step into the unknown and the proposed Maggie’s Centre in Northampton will help take the stress out of this for individuals and families”.

Fundraising for the centre is going well with over £810k with the £1million mark in sight. If you would like more information or to get involved with fundraising please visit www.maggiescentres.org

Clinical Engineering celebrates their first birthday as contracts are brought back to NGH M

embers of the clinical engineering team came together in October to celebrate their first year at NGH after the decision was made to bring £1.2m worth of outsourced maintenance contracts back in-house, saving in excess of £120,000 and rising.

Northampton General Hospital’s medical electronics and medical equipment library have joined forces to carry out work previously completed by external service providers. The team provide increased value to the hospital through the introduction of staff training and in-house equipment sourcing that would have previously been a costly process.

Medical devices manager Hassan Aghourime said: “We are all NHS staff, we concentrate on our patients, and work hard to ensure our patients are safe, rather than how we turn a profit and the bottom line.

We are a very busy team, and that’s why we have taken the time out to say thank you and celebrate the successes we have had this year.”

The clinical engineering team are responsible for managing the life cycle of devices used at Northampton General Hospital from the moment they arrive until the day they are retired from use. With over 12,000 pieces of equipment that fall within one of 450 different categories, the team are kept very busy.

Medical Devices Training Coordinator, Tom Holmes said: “Whether it’s a thermometer, ventilator or an anaesthetic machine, all equipment is thoroughly tested by our team before it is released onto our wards and departments. We also provide our clinical colleagues with full training on how to use specific devices and also investigate, repair or replace when we have equipment failures.

“Our clinical

“It all engineering team comes down should feel very to patient proud of their safety, and accomplishments our team is over the past year.” here to give reassurance to patients and their loved ones visiting Northampton General Hospital, that our clinical teams are fully trained and the medical equipment and devices used are constantly maintained to ensure safety.”

Director of Estates and Facilities, Stuart Finn said: “Our clinical engineering team should feel very proud of their accomplishments over the past year. The team play in important role in keeping both our staff and patients safe from harm and it was great to spend some time with the team while they celebrated their successes.”

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Celebrating national and international successes at NGH! NGH wins national Health Technology Award!

Northampton General Hospital won the Best Use of Data award at the 2019 Health Tech Awards.

The winning submission the ‘iBox system’ was developed to help to reduce the time people wait to be seen in the A&E department, helping patients to get home sooner and manage bed allocation in the hospital.

Chief information officer, Hugo Mathias, “NGH are delighted to have been recognised for the

iBox solution. We have worked closely with our clinical teams, listening carefully to requirements and shaping solutions that are suitable for staff who use the solution. This has enabled us to develop an excellent tool to help manage patient flow in real time.”

A well done for wellbeing Staff wellbeing has been recognised at NGH as being among of the best offerings by NHS England and NHS Improvement and the Burdett Trust.

The hospital was shortlisted for the Best Health and Wellbeing, Rewards and Benefits award thanks to the work to provide support and training for over 500 staff around mental health. This work compliments the hospital’s comprehensive range of staff wellbeing initiatives including; an in-house slimming group, managing mental health workshops, trained mental health first aiders and champions, mindfulness, sleep, stress, resilience and

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menopause workshops, staff health checks, stop smoking support, hospital choir, lunchtime ballroom and Latin dance classes, yoga classes, walking group, running group and discounted on-site gym membership.

Health and Wellbeing Manager, Anne-Marie Dunkley explained her pride at being shortlisted “It’s fantastic to have the recognition for the work we do to take care of our staff. We have over 5000 staff and many who work in a high pressure environment so it’s important to give staff the opportunities to relax, take time to recharge and also learn about their own and their colleague’s physical and mental health needs.”

Sam Highly Commended for work in Zimbabwe Congratulations to midwife Samukeliso Tennyson, who was Highly Commended in the UK Midwife Achievement Award category at the International Maternity Expo awards.

Her nomination came from the Mpilo Life Project which she started to provide midwifery support in her home country, Zimbabwe. Being a Mpilo baby herself and after training in the UK, Sam wanted to go back home to see how the maternity unit differed to a UK hospital. Sam visits the country yearly to help to provide support and training to midwives in Zimbabwe.

Sam said “Every year has its own challenges but that’s what gives me the drive to go back. We are trying to support the midwives working there, teach a lot of skills, how we would deal with certain scenarios and take our knowledge to Mpilo.

“The recognition means we will continue doing the good work and supporting women in Zimbabwe as they go through the child bearing journey. I am so grateful that my colleagues support and encourage our work.”

Best Possible Care Awards

e r u h c o r b n o i t i d e l a i c e p s The 2019 Best Possible Care awards saw another evening of celebration to recognise the achievements of our dedicated staff and volunteers. The theme of superheroes celebrated the teams and individuals striving to provide the best possible care to patients everyday in the hospital.

The annual awards provide staff, volunteers, visitors and patients with an opportunity to recognise those who’ve made a difference. This can be people who have added to your hospital experience or who have helped bring about real improvements to our

services and the care our patients receive.

We were joined by special guests host Stuart Linnell and Spiderman from Kelly’s Princess Parties came to join the fun too!

We meet our winners and find out why they were crowned winners at the awards.

r e r n e n i n n w i e w h e t h t eet t e m e e m w e w t FFiir rsst g n i g n d i n d a n t a s t t s u t O r Ou ur ou o d off o r d a r w a a w a n o i n t u tio b i u H b r i t r n t o n C o C Our Outstanding Contribution award went to someone who knows Northampton General Hospital inside and out and who has dedicated her life’s work to the hospital.

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Hilary celebrated her 50th working anniversary at NGH earlier this year and without her commitment and dedication thousands of patients wouldn’t have received the care required for them to live life to the full. Her dedication to the team and the invaluable support she has provided to colleagues shows in the amount of gratitude and respect people have for Hilary.

The support she gives to the department is second to none and she have been recognised not only by her colleagues, but it was an easy decision for our judging panel too.

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Hilary Hart

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Clinical Clinical Team Team of of the the Year Year Award: Award:

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The team ensure babies can be discharged home from the neonatal unit earlier with nursing support. These babies have often been on a long and difficult journey in their short lives and this service enables families to continue to care for babies in their own homes. Joyce and Amanda use their wealth of knowledge and skills to provide support and care for these families for as long it’s required.

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Neonatal Outreach Team

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Michelle Hardwick, ward manager on Gosset ward told us about the project the team were nominated for “We work hard as a team on Gosset to provide the best possible care for the babies and their families, we therefore felt privileged to have this recognised.

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“Although the award was for the neonatal outreach team it is a whole team effort. The discharge process starts on admission to the ward and all members of the Gosset team are involved in this helping prepare the baby for home. We have excellent feedback from families for this service which enables them to go home earlier and be a family unit.”

:: d r d a r w a A w l A a iic al n c i l n i C l o C r o e r He gH ng un U nssu Un H Mihaela

My mum was at the end of her life and looking at the flowers through her window in Collingtree ward. She was an avid gardener. The day before she died we visited and there was a little pot of flowers on mum’s table. We later found out that Julie noticed her looking out of the window and went and picked them for her so she could smell them. This little act of kindness meant the world to us.

Julie told us about the evening: “It was an amazing evening, I felt very humbled and a little overwhelmed to have won. A big thank you to all those who have organised the evening.”

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Julie Melvin

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One evening in resus we had a young patient who had been stabbed in the chest.

I was concerned he may have a life threatening heart injury so called for Dr Ene. Despite it not being her speciality, she was there immediately and scanned the patient to confirm that his heart was ok. She had a very heavy workload but she stepped up, as she always does, to help her patients and colleagues when they are in need.

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Volunteer Volunteer of of the the Year Year Award: Award: H Audrey and Tim are our first volunteer couple, and have been instrumental in strengthening our service and enhancing the training offered to volunteers and services offered to patients.

Their wealth of knowledge has been invaluable to the service and They are two amazing people who whole heartedly support NGH and we could not be without them!

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Non-Clinical Non-Clinical Team Team of of the the Year Year Award: Award:

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In a year of challenges, the team put together the best quarterly audit results ever achieved at NGH. A genuine desire to improve how we capture quality, accurate and useable clinical information has been at the forefront of this. The dedicated admin team who tirelessly chase notes, the coders who always have quality as their mantra and the management team, have made it a year to be proud of.”

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Head of Clinical Coding, Ben Greasley said: “It’s nice to be recognised with a pat on the back for the hard work the team put in. The evening was a good way to celebrate that fact and to also enjoy the success of others.

Thank you to all involved.”

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Clinical Coding Team

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Audrey and Tim Barnard

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Fundraiser of the Year H

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This award was new for 2019 and celebrates staff and volunteers who fundraise for the Northamptonshire Health Charity.

Brian is a volunteer at NGH. At 82 years young he has supported the charity for a number of years and took on the challenge of abseiling the lift tower for the second time this year. He raised an incredible £1,206.48 for Breast Care Services at NGH and last year raised an amazing £1,345 for the Childrens wards.

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Brian Hayes

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:: d r d a r w a A w l a lA c a n i c l n i C l C n o n N o No r o H e r H e g H n g u H n s u n s U Un H Joseph ah Ahenkor

Joseph has supported many of our projects using his unique, technical skill set and friendly approach to produce excellent work.

He’s very flexible, gives fair timescales though often delivers much sooner, and always makes sure he’s understood the brief fully before starting work. Joseph deserves the award for all he does behind the scenes that goes unrecognised by the front end IT users.

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Ruth has led on and recruited volunteers to join her in promoting the services available to veterans and those serving in the Armed Forces coming to NGH. She’s done a huge amount of work towards this already. She encourages us to do our best to provide the best care to those who contribute so much to our society, but can be easily overlooked or who may be less visible.

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Ruth said: “What a fantastic event of staff recognition. I am so proud to be part of Team NGH and work alongside true superheroes everyday so to be nominated and awarded this by them is overwhelming.

The Armed Forces awareness work we do is a team effort so to all my champions, anyone who has attended an info session, put up a poster or referred a veteran on for care - thank you.”

Ruth Smith

Clinical Clinical Educator Educator Award: Award:

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Mr Gnanachandran is the epitome of an excellent clinical educator. In the days of increasing pressure on theatre lists and reducing time for training he always finds a way of turning each experience into an educational opportunity. He trains juniors both surgically and medically and is constantly supporting junior doctors to participate in research projects. He facilitates friendly debates and learning.

Chellappah told us about being nominated “I was grateful when I got to know that I was nominated. Now, I am delighted as a winner for clinical education especially by mentoring for gynaecology scan and Laparoscopic surgery which help patients and the NHS. Thank you to everyone who nominated me for the award.”

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Quality Quality Improvement Improvement Award: Award: David has been responsible for a drastic increase in patients being treated and cured of Hepatitis C. His devotion to treating patients has developed the service into the local community with the goal of eliminating hepatitis C in England by 2025. David has created exceptional working relationships with teams across the NHS and county. I can’t say thank you enough for his commitment to this service.

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Chellappah Gnanachandran

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Sue Lloyd

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From the Archive

The Spanish Flu

Julia Corps (Volunteer at NGH Museum and Archive)

The Spanish Flu came at the end of WW1 killing more people than fell in the war. It was one of the greatest medical disasters of the 20th century and it affected every continent.

Why was it nicknamed Spanish Flu?

During the pandemic over 50 million people died worldwide and a quarter of the British population were affected. The origin War time censors minimised early reports of this virus is difficult to pinpoint given of illness and death in Germany, USA, the extreme mobility of the military and France and the UK. These countries had personnel involved in the war, but cases media blackouts on news that might lower were first observed in Europe, USA morale, so although there were and parts of Asia before swiftly influenza cases elsewhere, spreading around the world. it was the Spanish cases A flu pandemic, such as the The Northampton that hit the headlines. one in 1918, occurs when Public Health As Spain was neutral in an especially virulent new Laboratory was one WW1, coverage in its strain, for which there newspapers gave the idea of two labs involved is little or no immunity, that Spain was especially appears and quickly in the most important hard hit by this virus. spreads and was no doubt research of influenza This strain of the flu helped by malnutrition and viruses. virus was thought to be exhaustion at the end of a similar to bird flu and 10% four year war.

By the summer of 1919 the to 20% of those infected died.

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flu pandemic came to an end. Almost 90 years later, in 2008, researchers announced that the reason this flu was so deadly was because of a group of three genes which enabled the virus to weaken the bronchial tubes and lungs, clearing the way for bacterial pneumonia.

When WW2 started it was feared that a similar pandemic could occur. The Northampton Public Health Laboratory was one of two labs involved in the most important research of influenza viruses.

The lab was headed by bacteriologist, Dr Leslie Hoyle. At the time, the public health laboratory was housed in the basement of the Hawkins pathology laboratory before moving into a purpose built lab in the 1950’s. This brick building with the green roof now houses the Blood Taking Unit (Area H.)

Frontline flu fighters With a site spanning over 50 acres, which is never closed, the domestic team have a huge task to keep the hospital clean. We met Natalia, Viorina and Spencer who work in our domestic team, to find out what they do in the hospital and how they stop flu and other winter illnesses spreading.

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atalia Ziarko joined the team back in 2014 and moved into her current role in the linen room and Springfield House in March.

On an average day the linen room team are responsible for the delivery of 3,000 sheets, 1,600 blankets, 2,000 pillow cases, 1,500 towels and 400 modesty and bariatric gowns to wards, clinics and theatres. If there are infections in the hospital the demand for linen increases and the team have adjust how much linen is needed.

“My day starts at 8.30 by loading and collecting a trolley full of the linen I need.

I do the same route each day in the same order so I get everything in the right order.

I start by going to Endoscopy and Manfield Theatres, which can take up to 40 minutes depending on how much they need.

“When I first started this job I had to write down what I needed to help me remember but now I know what I need for my areas and it comes to me naturally. You learn how the departments work and what needs to be done.

“I really enjoy the job, you get to meet different people from around the hospital and its good exercise in the morning too!”

Natalia finishes her first round of deliveries and goes back to reload her trolley and then delivers to Fracture Clinic, Ambulatory Care, X-ray, Ultrasound and Maxillofacial. Once she’s completed her rounds she helps with any other tasks before spending the afternoon cleaning Springfield house.

“I really enjoy the job, you get to meet different people from around the hospital and its good exercise in the morning too!”

Iwona and Natalia prepare the linen for delivery around the hospital site

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Spencer told us how important the role of a domestic is to the hospital

We caught up with Ilvita in the fracture clinic “The team are very friendly and helpful. I am always welcomed into the ward or department and enjoy meeting different people. I know the site really well and am lucky to see different departments and meet new people.”

Viorina works in the domestic team on Esther White ward, she carries a bleep which means that she is on hand to cover different wards and departments when required. Her job involves a wide variety of cleaning and she is a vital part of the team who are there to provide cover and support to different departments. This includes covering isolation cleans or helping with additional pressures including infections or illnesses which require more cleaning.

“I am always

welcomed into the ward or department and enjoy meeting different people.”

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Spencer Jackson started working at NGH when he was 16.

“I think it’s a good job for young lad to have. It’s versatile and there’s a lot to do. A&E is probably one of the best places to work as you’re always on your feet and there’s a lot to do due to the high number of patients. You need to be quick at cleaning the bed spaces for the new patients coming in. The toilets are definitely my least favourite part of As a result of the the job but I think if you ask anyone they’ll probably say the same! project the team “When I started I didn’t really see the achieved an 80% importance of how my role fitted into reduction in the the rest of the hospital. But as I’ve number of isolation grown up I’ve realised how important the team is. If there is an infection it can cleans completed. linger in the room and if a patient was put in there without it being thoroughly cleaned then they’re more likely to get an infection. Our role is to provide the best cleanliness to get rid of the risk.

“In winter and during the flu and sickness season there are a lot more isolation cleans to do. All isolation cleans are with gloves and aprons and you wash your hands thoroughly before and after the clean. You also don’t come in and out of the room once you have started cleaning to prevent infection from spreading. With flu you also have a flu mask and everything in the room has to be disposed of or cleaned with Chlor-Clean. It’s a lot of wiping and mopping.

“A lot of staff value what we do and say they couldn’t do the things we do. A lot of ward staff are very welcoming and they help with some of our tasks. The staff prepare the room ready for the domestic to carry out an isolation clean by stripping beds, cleaning and removing nursing equipment. They’re very welcoming and make you feel valued.”

Isolation clean project When a patient without an infection leaves the hospital, the bed and surrounding areas are cleaned to make it safe for the next patient. However if a patient has had an infection, the room or bed space will require an isolation clean from the domestic team.

An isolation clean is a thorough clean using a chemical called Chlor-Clean to remove any infections. Isolation cleans include cleaning blinds, replacing curtains, wiping walls,

“Everyone involved did an amazing job. It was never a challenge people were so willing to capture the data and take on the project”.

Alice Hall, Quality Improvement Advisor

windows and throwing away anything left in the the aim of reducing isolation cleans by 5%.” room such as toilet rolls and paper towels due With support the team introduced a new to potentially harmful airborne bacteria. monitoring system to identify genuine isolation Earlier this year it was identified that the cleans. From this data they were able to help number of isolation cleans wasn’t tracked and to educate ward teams on what is categorised that the team were seeing more requests. as an isolation clean, monitor the amount of Ros Ingall, domestic and accommodation requests and work collaboratively with the manager, explained how the isolation infection prevention team. cleaning project began The domestic supervisory team, “The isolations cleans are a told us how the project has very reactionary process. aided communication Our teams have to stop “Since the start of this other cleaning duties to project we’ve been Did you get that bed available able to work more know? for a patient coming in closely with infection To help us to clean to hospital. We found prevention and effectively we needed that the number of communication has to order 9200 requests for these improved with matrons isolation mop heads types of cleans and staff on the wards. from December was rising.

This has given staff 2018 to “The amount of cleans with a better working February we were requested to environment. Our team 2019. do didn’t match up with are passionate about the amount of infections introducing new ideas and identified by the infection working together to use their prevention team and staff told time as effectively as possible.” us that the amount of isolation cleans was having an impact on their morale as they felt unable to complete their ordinary tasks to a high standard. That’s when the project began with

30 seconds on flu with Holly Slyne, Infection Prevention Nurse “The domestic team play a key role in protecting patients from flu in the winter and keeping the wards safe from infection.

“They do this by cleaning all areas of the hospital every day, in particular the wards and outpatient departments.

The team provide a 24 hour service with night teams carrying out essential isolation cleans to keep patients and staff safe. Additionally, when a patient with an infection, or a suspected infection, is transferred from one ward to another, or is discharged home, they ensure that the side room that the patient was in receives a thorough

isolation clean. This prevents the spread of infection from infections like flu in the hospital.

“One domestic has the power to prevent more cross-infection than a room full of clinical staff, because through cleaning that room they physically remove the infection from the environment so that it can’t be spread to other patients. For me they really are our unsung heroes and the work they do every day is essential to keeping patients safe from infections, such as flu.

“The team are always keen to get their flu vaccinations and protect, themselves, their family and our patients from flu.”

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Sharing Ned’s Story After the tragic death of one of their twin baby sons to flu, parents Nikki Shaw and Dan Rowe from Market Harborough are campaigning for people to have their flu vaccination.

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ikki and Dan had their sons Ned and Gus on December 7, 2018, at Leicester Royal Infirmary. On the morning of January 24, Ned woke around 6am and fed normally but within minutes Nikki noticed something was wrong.

She said: “Ned had suddenly become cold, grey and floppy. We acted quickly and dialled 999 and started CPR right away.

“The paramedics arrived and we were rushed to Kettering General Hospital where the team managed to bring our baby back but he was in a critical condition and had to be on a ventilator.”

Ned was then transferred to paediatric intensive care at Addenbrookes Hospital.

Dan, said: “While we were there they did a virus screen on Ned. They found that he had the flu virus and had a rare complication of it.

“The damage caused by the effects of

the virus had been too much. There had been a very specific, but significant, effect to one part of his brain which controlled his breathing. He couldn’t sustain his own breath.”

Nikki explained: “We spent 12 days in total at Addenbrookes with Ned on life support.

“When they diagnosed the complication we realised that our seven week old baby wasn’t ever going to get any better and he wasn’t going to come home to his brother.

“On February 4th we made the decision that we would let the doctors remove the tube connected to the ventilator to maintain his breathing artificially to see what he could do for himself.

“He managed to survive for a short while but then he couldn’t any more. He passed away in our arms at 1.57pm.”

Ned was one of 1,692 people who lost their lives to flu last year. Although Nikki

had received the flu vaccination during her pregnancy protecting Ned from the most common forms of flu, he developed a less common strain.

Dan said: “How many times we had that conversation – it’s just the flu. People underestimate the impact it can have and how serious it can be.”

Nikki said: “By telling Ned’s story, I want people to know how serious flu is. I want people to know how deadly it can be. I want people to know and I want people to talk about Ned. I want them to know what happened to him.

“I want them to take our message out into the world and I want them to get vaccinated. There is no reason why you shouldn’t have a vaccination if you are able to have one.

“Ned’s twin brother Gus is nine-and-a-half months old now. He is a beautiful reminder of everything that we could have had with Ned. He is our entire reason to be some days and I don’t want him put at risk. I am going to have him vaccinated as soon as we can.”

We would like to thank Nikki, Dan and Kettering General Hospital for sharing this story with us.

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Proud to be in the “Top 3 Most Recommended” Care Home in Wellingborough Area Established over 30 years ago The Cottage Care Home is based in the beautiful picturesque grounds of Irchester in Wellingborough. The area benefits from a range of amenities including a health centre, a chemist, a school, a library, churches, shops, public houses and a country park.

We provide premium care for the elderly, to enable them to continue living an active and independent life, in warm, safe and comfortable surroundings. We deliver a comprehensive range of care under one roof. This includes respite and specialist dementia care and end of life care. We recognise each individual is unique. Our compassionate and experienced staff ensure that each person receives the care that is tailored to their individual needs, personality and wishes, to enable them to lead the life they like in a dignified way. No wonder The Cottage Care Home is in the ‘Top 3 Most Recommended’ Care Homes in Wellingborough!

The Cottage Care Home, 80 High Street, Irchester, Northampton, NN29 7AB T: 01933 355 111 E: cottage.reception@wellbeingcare.co.uk W: www.wellbeingcare.co.uk

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Northamptonshire Health Charity

NGH Staff Fundraiser of the Year – Brian Hayes Brian Hayes has been an NGH volunteer for an impressive 10 years and has been a passionate supporter of the charity throughout this time. At 82 years old Brian has taken part in two Northamptonshire Health Charity abseil days and has descended the magnificent 418ft of the Northampton Express Lift Tower twice.

From this, he has raised an incredible £1,345 for the Children’s wards and £1,205 for Breast Care Services at NGH. Brian always takes a keen interest in the charity’s activities and has over the years given us tremendous support where he can, helping out at numerous charity events, including being top salesman at our tombola stall in Weston Favell and bucket shaker extraordinaire at Matalan and the cricket ground. Brian has also aided the charity by coming in on Christmas Eve to help us collect and deliver Christmas presents to NGH patients.

In total Brian has fundraised and donated nearly £4,000 to benefit NGH but it’s not just about the money. All in all, Brain has

become a very much treasured part of the charity team. He not only helps out where he can and fundraises for us but he gives us all a boost every time we see him on a Friday morning volunteering at the Billing Road entrance of NGH, which is invaluable! Brian has also utilised his prime position at the entrance by taking delivery of numerous Christmas presents from the local community and he has helped the charity team spread the word with the NGH team and visitors about our current appeals. Brian has gone above and beyond by liaising with local companies asking for charity support by way of matched funding applications and vouchers and by taking charity posters and leaflets to share with his outside clubs and local community.

We thank you Brian for all your support!

A big well done to all of the nominees for Staff Fundraiser of the Year which included teams from Becket, Cedar and Talbot Butler wards as well as the Brian Haynes has ab seiled the Northampto Child Development Centre team and n Lift Tower twice & raised/dona ted nearly £4,000 to the charity in total. the NGH Volunteers.

#TeamNGH Challenge 500 This year Northamptonshire Health Charity challenged NGH staff to fundraise for their own areas with the charity matching pound for pound up to the value of £500.

Our thanks to all staff who have been involved so far from across the hospital including Singlehurst, Spencer, Becket and Esther White wards and the Child Development Centre.

Spencer ward team jumped out of a plane, raising almost £2,000 towards improving one of their side rooms for ladies who miscarry.

Together, the Anticoagulant team raised £1,185 from various activities including, 10k & half marathon runs, wine & cheese tasting evening, raffle & tombola.

Becket ward team hiked Scafell Pike earlier this year, raising £1,800 in sponsorship.

The Child Development Centre team raised £87 9 from a cake sale & raffle and also a 10K run and the MK Half Marathon so they cou ld update their assessment toys.

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Thank you!

The team on Esther Wh ite ward wanted to buy a TV for the waiting area and were able to after raising a fan tastic £924 by holding a raffle.

Northamptonshire Health Charity

Northampton Half Marathon runners raise over £12,000 This year, Northamptonshire Health Charity teamed up closely with Go Beyond Sport for the Northampton Half Marathon and we are thrilled to have had such a wonderful team of runners taking part in the race.

In total 33 people chose to fundraise for the area

of their choice, training hard and some of them coming together to form smaller teams of their own. Teams included the Bulging Membranes made up of the Barratt Birth Centre staff and Team Anaesthesia who raised funds for Main Theatres.

Overall our team of Northamptonshire Health

Charity runners raised over £12,000 supporting numerous areas across the hospital.

Would you like to run for us in next year’s half marathon? You can register your interest with us today.

A huge than k you to Hel en Clayton who took on 6 running ch al including th is one, raisin lenges, g £1,076.47 in total for th e Talbot Butle r EAB.

raised over Membranes a The Bulging rth Centre, e Barratt Bi £2,300 for th ement! hiev fantastic ac

Thanks to Sean Knight for raising £200 towards the Maternity Garden appeal.

Thank you!

Wouter Van T Klooster finished the race in a speedy 1hr54 mins raising £570 for his ward, Walter Tull.

Well done to NGH Volunteers Team Emma, Tracy & Lee for raising £980 for the NGH Volunteers!

Charity Golf Day helps towards Maternity garden appeal We are thrilled to announce that we raised just shy of £5,000 at our fourth annual golf day in September with the funds raised going towards our maternity garden appeal. Thank you so much to everyone who took part and helped us to raise so much towards this appeal. And a special mention to Sue Hall, who supported us for the third time with her wonderful coffee morning raising £1,366 towards the appeal.

We are now only £1,500 away from the target, can you help to get us there to deliver this wonderful space for mums in hospital?

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Northamptonshire Health Charity

Refurbished Expressing Room opens on Gosset ward Thanks to the Gosset shared decision making council and the wonderful charity supporters of the ward, the expressing room underwent a fantastic makeover.

A huge amount of work went into making the changes so a big thank you to everyone involved, especially Jenna Leeder and Lucy Brown.

Staff circulated a questionnaire to mothers so they could provide their feedback. The responses indicated how it was cramped, unwelcoming, the chairs were uncomfortable and it lacked privacy. Furthermore, using big screens to make a private area took too much effort for a mum who has just had a C-section.

The room has been completely renovated and decorated. The heavy screens have been replaced by curtains instead that can easily be drawn round. It looks fresh and new without feeling too clinical. The chairs have been replaced with the new more comfortable ones, and

thank our supporters.

Sending out a thank you to; Theresa Wright, Gareth Bartley, Michelle Munday & Wendy Stone, 6-year old Elizabeth Kairis, Will Malloy & Print Data The expressi Solutions, Trudi Stripp, Tanya ng room befo the refurbis re Charter and to Mark Warren hment. & Harley’s Runners. It is thanks to your fundraising and donations that Northamptonshire Health Charity were able to support this project for Gosset.

they recline easily making it easier for ladies who have just had major surgery. The small kitchen area in the room has been developed but scaled back so there aren’t so many cupboards taking up space and the new fridge freezer is more compact and out of the way.

“Following the renovations, we distributed the same number of questionnaires. The results showed that mothers were pleased with the room and find it welcoming, clean and tidy. They said they could have a hot drink and sit relaxing in the chairs making the expressing experience more comfortable and calming” explained Jenna.

With the refurbishment complete, Northamptonshire Health Charity worked with Jenna to arrange two official opening events for both staff and donors/fundraisers. We wanted to celebrate the huge difference the transformation to this room will make to mums on the ward and

The new look expressing ro om

“I’d New mum Carly Stone, m used the expressing roo the er aft and both before at refurbishment and wh me to e enc made a differ ess a was being able to acc ma fro d hot drink and foo than her rat m roo the in fridge the gh ou having to walk thr m the ward to the family roo other end.”

Gosset mums and fundraisers came in to officially open the new expressing room.

We are grateful for the generosity of local people whose donations help make our wards more comfortable and help us support staff development and training, buy the very best equipment, further medical knowledge & expertise and to help us improve the environment for patients and staff. You can choose to donate to the ward or service that most touched your family.

Help us today to improve lives tomorrow How can you help?

You can make a donation to the area of greatest need or to the area most personal to you, or alternatively why not try some fundraising?

Contact the charity team to register your interest on T: 01604 626927, E: greenheart@nhcf.co.uk,

W: www.nhcfgreenheart.co.uk NorthamptonshireHealthCharity @NHCFGreenHeart

Ways to donate:  Post us a cheque: please make cheques payable to Northamptonshire Health Charitable Fund or abbreviate to NHCF and post it, or hand deliver to: Northamptonshire Health Charity,

Your donation will make a real difference, thank yo 28 ❘ Insight

Northamptonshire Health Charity

Thank you to our fantastic supporters!

u to Laura us thank yo A mountaino ent from Couch to w Dunsby who g over camp, raisin Everest Base At NGH £1,000 went ! £3,000 for us ,000 was given to the £1 to HDU and team. anticoagulant

A big thanks to Kier WSP Highways for kindly donating £500 they raised this year to Gosset ward.

Longstanding NGH volunteer Celia Penn has raised a whopping £21,000 via her monthly quiz over 18 years. Recently, she’s supported Urology & Paddington, presenting her final donation of £460 to Talbot Butler ward. Thank you, Celia!

e Machu on took on th August & Zoe Shacklet in ru Pe in l Trai g Picchu Inca l year, raisin ndraising al r tle Bu ot has been fu lb Ta so far for over £3,000 wards. t se os G d an Springfield, Cliftonville, Northampton, NN1 5BE.  Bank transfer: please contact us.  Online: visit our website and click on “make a donation”. M astercard, Visa, Visa Delta and Switch: credit/debit card payments can be accepted over the phone. R egular giving: you can donate regularly by setting up a standing order, please give

A huge warm thank you to Ben and Nick Carter for raising £8,743 for the Talbot Butler EAB. Ben surprised Dad, Nick with his very own Golf Day.

Thanks to The Wine Walkers for raising £2,861 for the Talbot Butler EAB, in memory of Stephen Cohen by completing the Edinburgh to Glasgow walk.

Trudi Stripp celebrated her 40th Birthday by jumping out of a plane & asking friends and family to donate to her fundraiser. Thanks, Trudi for raising £805 for Gosset ward! us a call for details.  Payroll giving: you can arrange with your employer to deduct a set amount each payday.

Please give us a call for details.  Gift in your Will: Call us to find out how you can make a gift in your Will.  Gift Aid: remember if you are a UK taxpayer we can claim an extra 25p from the Inland Revenue for every pound you

Fresh Direct donated 1,00 satsumas to 0 us for the fir delicious st World Patient Safe ty Day. The QI Team at NGH offe red rounds raisin these out on their g awareness on the day.

A special th ank you to Pa tr for the gene rous donatio ick Byrd n of £680 to the Stroke U ni Sara Stedy ro t for them to purchase a ta stand.

donate. This won’t cost you a penny! Just let us know if you would like us to claim Gift Aid when you donate.

We really appreciate your donations and it is important to us that they reach the ward/ department you choose. Please let us know which area your donation is for and please include your contact details so we can let you know when your donation has been received, thank you.

ou for helping us today to improve lives tomorrow.

Insight ❘ 29

Northamptonshire Health Charity

UltraMarathon Runner Jake raises over £3,000 for Head & Neck Words adequate enough to express the depth of our gratitude to Jake Gillingwater are hard to find. On Saturday 15th June, Jake took part in what has to be one of the most extreme endurance tests on the planet! Jake wanted to thank the Head & Neck ward team at the hospital because of how wonderfully they cared

for his fiancée’s grandmother, Sandra. So he chose to take part in the 69-mile Ultramarathon known as The Wall. Thanks to the amazing support, Jake raised an incredible £3,120!

Sandra’s journey has been a long one, of which the Head & Neck ward have been, and continue to play an integral part. Following a

It was clear to see the beautifully close nature of the relationship Sandra and the family have with the ward staff when she came in with Jake to present the funds raised.

Jake Gillingwat Fundraiser & Ultramarathon ru “Words cannot describe total laryngectomy, care and amazingly posit Sandra spent 4 and impact that the staff weeks in recovery on Sanrda’s recovery. E on the ward. “This down to helping patien was made as positive and the reassur comfortable and to both the patients an supportive as possible members was bey by the staff on the Head their ‘job remit’ and Neck Ward, the care that Sandra received from all staff on the ward was second to none!” explained Jake.

The mammoth marathon that Jake completed begins at Carlisle Castle, runs along Hadrian’s Wall and ends so many miles later at Newcastle’s Millennium Bridge. He completed the tough course in just 16 hours 9 minutes and 36 seconds! The days following the Ultramarathon were a very scary time for Jake, Chloe and their families as he ended up being admitted to hospital with Rhabdomyolysis and was even on dialysis for a while. We’re so glad he has since made a full recovery.

Jake came in with the lovely Sandra to present the amount he raised to ward staff. They were thrilled and so grateful to be in receipt of this donation. Thank you so much, Jake! And thank you Head & Neck team for the incredible care you give to patients like Sandra.

Rain & Shine at Afternoon Tea Weekend Torrential downpours threatened the first day of Sue Adkins’ Afternoon Tea Weekend in June, but rain certainly did’nt stop play! Sue kindly supported NGH again this year after donating to the Stroke Unit in 2018.

“We woke up to the gazebos collapsed on the ground in the garden, so we decided to bring everything indoors for the first day.” said Sue. It is a far cry from the blistering heatwave last July. “That was torture, too!” both Sue and husband, Phil reminisce.

Day one could have turned out disastrous but with their determination to ensure everything went ahead they got stuck in for the extra work ahead. Thankfully, more pleasant weather returned on the Sunday so day two was able to take place outside as intended and it turned out to be a really beautiful day.

Together with her team of dedicated helpers they offered up no less than 106 Afternoon Teas! With the top prize being a weekend away it’s no wonder the raffle drew everyone’s

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interest again. This raised over £500; contributing to the incredible £2,100 total!

With Sue’s sisters having Cardiomyopathy they have been under the care of Cardiology and Dryden over the years so Sue chose to fundraise for the ward as a thank you for the excellent care and treatment they’ve received.

Phil’s father has dementia and so Sue decided to split the amount raised this year with the Do it for Dementia appeal, which seeks to create dementia-friendly spaces and enhance dementia care for patients across the hospital.

Thank you so much Sue and to everyone involved, for supporting us again this year!

Sue with Lesley presenting funds raised to Dryden Ward Sister, Edrina Sutherland and Dementia Liaison Nurse, Catherine Lowe.

Northamptonshire Health Charity

Brampton Ward Quiet Room Appeal

this appeal for Brampton with a We are truly grateful for the support for this appeal to the or get involved by fundraising? wonderful support we have £2,740 donation. staff and residents at Richmond Contact the charity team direct or ter, had so far for the Brampton The Barclaycard Fraud team Care Village and to the wonderful visit our website to find out how. & Ward Quiet Room. A have been busy holding events to Di Ward. Di has unner huge thank you to Sue raise funds for this appeal too. It supported both the nursing Kreft, Ladies Captain at is great to have such dedicated Gosset Ward andand the admitted to hospital with Rhabdomyolysis adequate enough to express tive attitude Words Harlestone and continued support from the Talbot Butler EAB the depth ofGolf ourClub gratitude to Jake have made 2018/19, and yourto find. team via Kislingbury Jazz Gillingwater areallhard On who have held four events Even care supporters for raising was even on dialysis for a while. We’re including samosa and pick n mix Festival and isso anglad Saturday 15th June, Jake took an incredible £10,867! nts remain invaluable fundraiser part in what has to be one sales, of the a tombola and raffle. So far, Sue helped to finish off rance given they’ve in the community. most extreme endurance tests on raised £2,500 with two has since made a full recovery. our Talbot Butler EAB nd family events still tohe come.

Would you like to the planet! Jake wanted to thank appeal and kick-started yond make a donation the Head & Neck ward team atWe theare also very grateful for ’.” hospital because of how wonderfully Jake came in with the lovely Sandra to they cared for his fiancée’s grandmother, Sue Kreft and Sandra. So he chose to take part in the supporters present the amount he raised to ward staff.

69-mile Ultramarathon known as The Wall. raised Thanks to the amazing support, Jake raised an £10,867 in incredible £3,120! total, kindly They were thrilled and so grateful to be Sandra’s journey has been a long one, of kickstarting which the Head & Neck ward have been, and the Brampton continue to play an integral part. Following in receipt of this donation.room Thankappeal you so with £2,740. a total laryngectomy, Sandra spent 4 weeks in recovery on the ward. “This was made as comfortable and supportive as possible by the much, Jake! And thank you Head & Neck staff on the Head and Neck Ward, the care that Sandra received from all staff on the ward team for the incredible care you was second to none!” explained Jake.

The mammoth marathon that Jake completed begins at Carlisle Castle, runs along Hadrian’s give to patients Wall and ends so many miles later at Please help us Newcastle’s Millennium Bridge. He completed provide a gift to every in-patient again this Christmas the tough course in just 16 hours 9 minutes like Sandra. . Your support over the years ha s be en wonderful and and 36 seconds! The days following the really couldn’t we do it without yo Ultramarathon were a very scary time for Jake, u!

Chloe and their families as he ended up being

Thank you!

Visit our website or contact the charity team to find out how you can get involved.

Thanks to the Barclaycard Fraud team for their continued support, currently helping raise funds for Brampton.

All donations to the hospital are manged separately from NHS finances, by the Trustees of Northamptonshire Health Charity, a registered charity. If you would like to make a donation, or be involved in raising money for NGH please contact our fundraising team on 01604 626927.

NorthamptonshireHealthCharity

@NHCFGreenHeart

Insight ❘ 31

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OUR PEOPLE 1 W

Our new outpatients contact centre opened in September for the head and neck directorate. The new contact centre will answer patient queries and help with appointment booking and rescheduling.

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We would like to wish Janine Brennan, Director of Workforce and Transformation, good luck in her new role at De Montfort University in Leicester. Janine joined the hospital in 2013.

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Happy first birthday to Lester, Kasey and Ella! The triplets were born last year at NGH pictured with mum Hannah and were unique as they were non-identical and each had their own sacs and placentas.

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A big thank you to our #TeamNGH heroes who organised a wedding for a patient and his fiancĂŠ at short notice.

Thank you to Crazy Hats who donated a new chair to our Breast Screening unit. The new comfortable chair can be adapted for patients having different procedures and mammograms in the department.

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Thank you to Universal Music Arts and Entertainment the organisers of the Long Road Festival for giving away free tickets to TeamNGH. Elaine Moore (pictured overleaf) took advantage of their generosity and enjoyed a weekend of fun with great music in a fabulous setting! >>

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OUR PEOPLE 6

CQC calls for improvements but praises quality of care In October we received a rating from the Care Quality Commission following an inspection of services of ‘Requires Improvement’.

Staff were praised by the CQC for their kindness and compassion shown to vulnerable people, the good care they provide to patients and the high quality interactions between patients and staff.

They also recognised several areas of outstanding and notable practice.

Dr Sonia Swart, Chief Executive, said “I would like to thank every member of TeamNGH whose commitment to providing compassionate care has quite rightly been recognised by the Care Quality Commission. Thanks to the dedication and hard work of our staff the CQC has rated our services as ‘Good’ for being caring, responsive and effective.

“Of course we’re disappointed, given our previous overall rating of ‘Good’.

However, we know that, since our last CQC inspection, we’ve seen unprecedented levels of activity as demand for our services has risen.

“I look forward to working with everyone in TeamNGH, our patients and partners in the local health and social care system as we continue to address those areas identified by the CQC where we know we need to do better.”

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Insight ❘ 35

Win a pair of tickets to

Priscilla, Queen of the Desert on Monday 20th April 2020 at 7.30pm Starring Strictly Come Dancing winner Joe McFadden, Priscilla is the hilarious adventure of three friends who hop aboard a battered old bus bound for the Outback to put on the show of a lifetime. Their epic journey is a heart-warming story of self-discovery, sassiness and acceptance. With more glitter than ever before, this smash-hit show features a dazzling array of stunning costumes, fabulous feathers and a non-stop parade of dance-floor classics, including Hot Stuff, I Will Survive, I Love The Nightlife and Finally!

Priscilla, Queen of the Desert runs at Royal & Derngate from Monday 20th to Saturday 25th April 2020.

Tickets and Info: www.royalandderngate.co.uk/whats-on/priscilla-queen-desert For a chance to win a pair of tickets to see the production on Monday 20th April, get in touch and let us know which article you enjoyed most in this edition of Insight. Send your entry to communications@ngh.nhs.uk or by post to Insight Editor, Communications Department, Northampton General Hospital, Northampton, NN1 5BD. Please include a daytime telephone number with your entry so we can contact you if you’re the lucky winner.

Send your entry to arrive by Wednesday 1st April 2020. The winner will be chosen by random lottery.

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