Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Pressure Ulcer
Campaign launches page 10
Hopsital based Tissue Viability Team
Winter 2015
A magazine for staff
Welcome Welcome to the first Link magazine of 2015. The New Year has brought with it new challenges, with an increase in demand through our A&E department, wards and community services. I am acutely aware of the particular pressures that the unprecedented volume of patients accessing A&E services has brought, and the exceptional dedication and hard work you have put in to help us deal with demand. On behalf of the Board, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued hard work and in particular the focus which is currently being applied to ensuring we meet the 18 week maximum waiting standards for our patients and also to ensure we have timely discharge for patients once they no longer need our care. I know we all have day to day frustrations which sometimes get in the way of delivering the care we want to for our patients and this is something I am keen to address as we move into 2015. Listening into Action has been launched (see opposite) and I would encourage you to get involved. In this edition of LINK we showcase some amazing work again and I hope you enjoy reading about what has been happening across the Trust.
Changing how we do things around here Just over 4 years ago we launched ‘Lets Talk’ to encourage as many of you as possible to get involved in putting forward your ideas and come together to see how we could make things better for patients and each other. Some fantastic work has taken place and that will continue but we know there is more we can do to encourage more staff engagement across all the organisation so that we harness the ideas, enthusiasm and passion I know you all have. I would like to personally invite you to get involved in a new way of working which I am introducing called Listening into Action. This complements the work already underway and gives us a great opportunity to change how we do things around here. Many of you will have received information about how you can get involved and how we will take this exciting opportunity forward. Please take the time to find out more and get involved. Pulse Check: We have asked you for your views as we embark on this new journey so we can understand what you think and where we can make changes. The results from this showed
that we are already doing better than other Trust’s in almost all areas. This is a great starting point to make further improvements for our patients and staff. Big Conversations: 1,000 staff from across the Trust were chosen at random to join me in a Big Conversation. The 9 sessions were focussed on understanding where you think we can make changes and improve things for patients and each other.
Chief Executive
We are now collating all the comments, ideas and frustrations recieved and these will be themed into key actions for change we could make together. If you missed the Big Conversation, don't worry as there will be lots of opportunities to get involved as we move forward. For more information about how to get involved contact: Jaki.lowe@sth.nhs.uk.
Celebrating Community Services Primary and Community Services recently held their annual event which celebrates their achievements throughout the year as well as providing an opportunity to share good practice and feedback.
Teaching Hospitals over three years ago, even took the opportunity to host their own version of the Thank you Awards to recognise just a handful of the members of staff that had gone above and beyond the call of duty for their patients.
The busy front-line staff from community areas had a chance to get together and catch up on recent developments and share knowledge of the services they deliver.
The event included almost 40 stalls on display, each run by a member of staff from a different specialist area – including tissue viability, the intensive home nursing service and the integrated care team (therapy).
Community Services, which joined Sheffield Page 2 • Link - Winter 2015
Staff also heard a motivational speaker who was able to give examples of good team working from his own career. Penny Brooks, Clinical Director of Community and Primary Services, said: “Once again this was a fabulous event which showcased some of the fine examples of new ways of working across our patch. It was tremendous to see the enthusiasim and energy of the staff focused on constantly looking to improve the services and care we provide for our patients.”
Why I’m PROUD to be a Nurse The Trust employs over 6,000 nurses, providing compassionate care to patients 24 hours a day, seven days a week both in hospital and out in the community.
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hris Morley, Deputy Chief Nurse, said: “Nursing staff make up almost half of the Trust’s entire workforce and the PROUD values are instilled in the work they do every day. I am extremely proud to be a nurse and I feel honoured to have had the privilege of working with countless exemplary nurses here at STH over
the years who ensure that they focus on their patient’s needs.” The following profiles and quotes show why our nurses are proud of their work. If you want to show people why you are proud to work at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals and would like to be profiled in a similar way, get in touch with the Communications Team on ext. 68989.
Julie Whitaker Julie Whitaker decided she wanted to be a nurse aged six! Entering the profession in 1976 she has worked in nursing ever since. Now a semi-retired nurse Julie offers support to the wider Trust nursing community where she feels her years of experience are put to good use. Helping to improve the level of care for patients is still one of Julie’s aims.
service of a nurse at some time throughout their lives and is happy to be there providing such service in a caring and professional way.
Simon Palfreyman Simon Palfreyman is one of our Tissue Viability Nurses and also a Lecturer at the University of Sheffield. Following in his mother and sister’s footsteps as a nurse, he was encouraged to consider a career in the profession. Simon is proud to be a nurse because he is a part of a profession and organisation wholly directed at helping people. He loves that you can have a meaningful impact on someone else’s life whilst getting a sense of achievement every day. Becoming a nurse has opened up many opportunities to Simon that otherwise would not have been possible including working/living around the world, completing post-graduate education and having work published.
Ingrid Wragg Ingrid Wragg is one of our Staff Nurses at the Northern General Hospital. Ingrid became a nurse as she wanted a career in a profession that would enable her to help people and make a difference to their lives. She was inspired to enter nursing after seeing the work of the practice nurses at a busy inner city practice.
The work she does enables her to develop professionally and achieve many things she never thought possible.
Julie recognises that most of the population will need the
Ingrid loves that she is able to help people on a daily basis.
Jane Hopkins
Julie Bathie
Following in her sister's footsteps Jane Hopkins has been a nurse for over 30 years, currently the Nurse Director for Emergency Care. Jane believes that the PROUD values encompass all the positive and compassionate elements of personal and professional behaviour reflecting the essence of nursing. Working both on clinically focused roles and in her current role with a team of dedicated nurses, Jane’s pride and
enthusiasm for being a nurse has never wavered. Continually striving to improve the care that nurses deliver Jane is happy to have big responsibilities because the positives that come from her job outweigh any negative ones.
Julie Bathie, Senior Sister on the Neonatal Unit at the Jessop Wing entered the nursing profession as she wanted a job where she could care for people and work as part of a team. Being an adult trained nurse, she was unaware that she could work in neonatal care. However, she applied for a job on the unit and has worked there since 2000.
on the unit, from having a baby born early through to discharging them home which in Julie’s eyes is the best feeling. Julie is also involved in teaching and presenting at conferences.
Julie loves being able to help families through their journey Page 3 • Link - Winter 2015
More than 130 new nurses join us to meet rising demand More than 130 new nurses have joined the wards as part of the Trust’s ongoing commitment to provide high quality care for patients.
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n top of current spending on nursing an additional £1.5million was approved by the Trust’s Board of Directors to ensure the appropriate level of care continues to be provided despite rising demand and patients being much more sick and dependent than a few years ago. Professor Hilary Chapman, Chief Nurse, said:
“As one of the biggest Teaching Trusts in the NHS we have always been fortunate to attract nurses and midwives to work in our hospitals and community health services. However more and more people are choosing to have their treatment here and we are seeing more patients who are sicker or more dependent than they were a few years ago. This requires us to modify the level and type of nursing care
we provide. For many years we have regularly monitored the number of nurses we think we need to care for patients based on these factors. The £1.5million investment is part of this planning to ensure we provide the right level of nursing care, in the right place and at the right time.” “We work in partnership with Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Sheffield to help train new nurses which means we have a pool of newly qualified nurses to recruit from but we also attract more experienced nurses from right across the NHS. We recently
England’s Chief Nursing Officer hears how our nurses are developments in patient care and treatment Chief Nurse of the NHS, Jane Cummings heard how nurses at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals are key innovators when it comes to new developments which benefit patients. Jane who was visiting the Trust as part of the NHS Leadership Academy’s drive to develop 5000 nurses and midwives in the next year said she was impressed with the innovation, passion and leadership qualities of nurses working in the city’s adult hospitals after hearing about significant improvements
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made in the way older people are cared for and those patients living with dementia. Professor Hilary Chapman, Chief Nurse, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals: “We are very fortunate to have some of the best nurses and midwives in the NHS working here in Sheffield and they often go above and beyond their role to ensure patients receive exceptional care. Nurses are at the sharp end of patient care and they are the
ones who get to know patients well and as a result often see ways in which we could do things better. We believe that nurses do not have to be in a senior position to be an exceptional leader as well as a nurse." Jane Cummings said: “Being a nurse is challenging but it is also one of the most rewarding careers and I was delighted to see so many examples today where nurses are leading the
also recruited an additional 50 Clinical Support workers and we continue to encourage nurses and those interested in being a Support Worker to take a look at the opportunities we have on offer. Like every other hospital we do have vacancies that come up from time to time because nurses go on to the next stage of their career or in some specialist areas, it is more difficult to recruit to vacancies straight away. In other areas demand may rise or the way we deliver care changes which means we may need more or less nurses in that ward or department. This is why it is important we regularly monitor what staffing we need and make plans to ensure we can deliver it. The additional investment and current recruitment of nurses will help us to do this moving forward.”
e leading way in terms of shaping how we care for patients now and in the future. I believe every nurse has the ability to be a good leader and at Sheffield I know this is a view shared by Hilary. I have certainly met some exceptional nurse leaders today and would encourage other nurses to share their ideas and suggestions no matter how small they may seem because these ideas are often the ones which spark real change and benefits for patients.”
Dr Swati Jha
Nurse given new lease of life and avoids hysterectomy thanks to new treatment J essop Wing is the first hospital in the region to offer a new treatment for prolapse of the womb (uterus), offering quicker recovery times and preventing women from requiring a hysterectomy.
to inform patients that it involves the use of synthetic mesh. The mesh is inserted through the tummy and does not carry the same risks as a vaginal mesh, though it does have other risks associated with it which is true of any surgical procedure.
The new procedure called Sacrohysteropexy, is believed to provide a more permanent solution to uterine prolapse, a condition that can cause pain, discomfort and embarrassment. The operation takes just over an hour and carries a faster recovery rate with most patients leaving hospital the next day compared to the traditional surgery for a prolapse of the uterus which is a vaginal hysterectomy.
One of the first patients to undergo the surgery in Sheffield was Ann Staniland from Meersbrook. The 62 year old mother of two suffered from uterine prolapse for ten years but didn’t seek treatment until it gradually became worse over the last 18 months.
Dr Swati Jha, Consultant Gynaecologist and Subspecialist in Urogynaecology, is one the few gynaecological surgeons who perform Sacrohysteropexy in the UK. The procedure can be performed Laparoscopically (through key hole surgery), providing a less invasive alternative to the traditional treatment option of a full hysterectomy.
Ann said: “I am very active, I do a lot of dancing and running and the prolapse was causing some discomfort whilst doing the things I enjoy. It was always at the back of my mind so it was mentally draining as well. As the condition started to get worse I looked to see if there was anything that could be done and I wanted to avoid having a hysterectomy if I could.”
Miss Jha explains: "Sacrohysteropexy allows me to put the women’s womb back in place rather than removing it. This reduces the risk of complications and speeds up recovery. It is important to select the appropriate patients for this procedure and
Ann, a Gynaecology nurse herself, put off looking into surgical treatment before she was aware of the new minimally invasive treatment option.
“Having the procedure has given me a new lease of life, I feel better physically and mentally when doing my day to day activities particularly running around after my two little grandchildren!" Page 5 • Link - Winter 2015
Safer Swallowing
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wallowing problems, known as dysphagia, affect 10-15% of inpatients and can cause a number of negative clinical outcomes including low mood, poor oral hygiene, malnutrition and dehydration.
Mark Jayes, Speech & Language Therapist, answered some commonly asked questions: Which patients get dysphagia? Swallowing problems are associated with a number of common medical conditions, including: •N eurological conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal injury, Parkinson’s disease, Motor Neurone Disease, dementia. •A cute and chronic chest conditions such as Pneumonia, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), need for tracheostomy and/or mechanical ventilation. •O ther illnesses such as Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). •C ancer due to lesions in the mouth, pharynx (throat), larynx (voice box), oesophagus (food pipe), chest or the effects of surgery or radiotherapy.
Prolonged dysphagia can extend a patient’s stay in hospital and increase the risk of choking, chest infections and pneumonia, if food and drink pass down the airway to the lungs. Although Speech and Language
short of breath when swallowing • a wet/gurgly voice after eating or drinking. Oesophageal dysphagia occurs when patients have difficulty passing food and drink through the oesophagus to the stomach. Signs of oesophageal dysphagia include: • a sensation of food or drink sticking in the chest • chest pain • f ood or drink regurgitating into the throat after swallowing. Other important signs which may indicate dysphagia: • reduced oral intake • weight loss • pyrexia (fever) • c hest infection and pneumonia (particularly right lung).
How to recognise dysphagia: Oral dysphagia occurs when the patient has difficulties using the lip, cheek and tongue muscles to take food or drink into the mouth and move it safely towards the pharynx. Signs of oral dysphagia include: • losing food/drink/saliva from the mouth •p roblems chewing or taking a long time to swallow
Dysphagia may cause food and drink to go “the wrong way” down the airway into the lungs, rather than down the oesophagus into the stomach. This is called aspiration and can cause chest infection and pneumonia. Aspiration may be silent – the patient may not cough or show any osigns of dysphagia. A change in chest status may be the only sign that there is a swallowing problem.
• choking • f ood and drink remaining in the mouth after swallowing. Pharyngeal dysphagia occurs when patients have difficulty moving food and drink safely through the pharynx to the oesophagus. Signs of pharyngeal dysphagia include: • s wallowing several times to clear food or drink from the throat • a sensation of food sticking in the throat • coughing or throat clearing or becoming Page 6 • Link - Winter 2015
What to do if you suspect your patient has swallowing problems: If you suspect oral or pharyngeal dysphagia, refer to SLT. Inform the medical team and consider making the patient nil by mouth until SLT can assess them.
Therapists (SLT) have an important role in assessing and managing swallowing problems, everyone working with patients has a responsibility to support them to maintain their safety and dignity when eating and drinking.
Screener. If you cannot find a screener, contact your Duty Matron. How do SLT manage swallowing problems? We give some patients specific head postures or swallowing strategies to help them swallow more easily or safely. For most patients, we need to change the consistency of their drinks and /or texture of their food. Modified food and drink The different drink consistencies and food textures are explained on the yellow sheets we place above the patient’s bed. We change these signs when we make new recommendations, so it’s important to check them each time you give a patient food and drink. Patients on modified texture diets still need to be offered a choice of foods. You can obtain daily menus for different diet textures from the Catering Department. We use special powder to thicken drinks. This needs to be prescribed and may need adding to patients’ TTO lists. Do not thicken drinks unless this has been recommended by SLT, as aspirated drinks containing thickener can do more damage to a patient’s lungs than unthickened drinks. Tips for thickening drinks: •A dd a little powder at a time and whisk well •G ive the drink a few minutes to thicken before adding more •D ifferent drinks need different amounts of thickener
If you suspect oesophageal problems, refer to Gastroenterology.
• T hickener can intensify the flavour of a drink, so try making tea and coffee weaker.
If a patient has a new confirmed or suspected stroke or TIA, put them nil by mouth and request a dysphagia screening assessment by a trained Dysphagia
• I t’s easier to thicken hot drinks before you put the milk in • T hickened drinks need checking over time to check they stay the right consistency.
We use special powder to thicken drinks. This needs to be prescribed and may need adding to patients’ TTO lists
Top tips to ensure patients’ safety and enjoyment when eating and drinking: • E nsure each patient’s mouth is clean before and after meals. •C heck patients are wearing their dentures and that these are firmly fixed. •C heck patients are their wearing glasses - we eat with our eyes! • P atients should sit as upright as possible, ideally in a chair. • P atients should be fully awake and alert. •A void using spouts on beakers or straws unless SLT have recommended this. Spouts and straws may increase the risk of aspiration.
Mark Haynes Speech & Language Therapist, with a patient with swallowing difficulties
How can ward staff support patients who need help eating and drinking? Many patients need support to eat and drink, for a variety of reasons. The following advice may help staff to do this well: • If possible, support patients to give themselves food and drink (e.g., place your hand over theirs to guide them). • Talk to the patient – describe the food or drink, offer a choice. Try not to talk too much – this may distract the patient.
• Ensure the patient can see you and the fork/spoon/cup • Keep pace with the patient
Contact details for SLT are:
• For some patients, especially those with dementia, it may help to reduce distractions (e.g., turn off the TV, close the curtains round the bed).
NGH referrals:
0114 2715068 RHH or WPH referrals:
0114 2712533 Page 7 • Link - Winter 2015
Sharing Good Practice Festival Day The annual event showcasing the great works being undertaken around the far reaches of STH attracted over 100 colleagues.
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n between the various keynote speakers, there were 22 presentations showcasing diverse projects that have been undertaken around the Trust. These included work in the areas of dementia, diabetes, preventing falls, stopping smoking in pregnancy, end of life care and the nutritional needs of patients. There were also 30 posters again showing the variety of work undertaken by staff at STH. Irene Mabbott, Practice Development Co-ordinator, said: “The weather stayed bright and cheery and added to the real Festival feel of the day. The delegates who attended used the time in
between sessions to network and plan for future projects with new collaborators. The celebration cake was cut by a group of the attending Patient and Public Governors who have supported this event since it started in 2007. We look forward to the 2015 Sharing Good Practice Festival Day.” If anyone would like any information about what happened at this year’s Festival or have ideas for presentations in 2015, please contact Irene Mabbott, Practice Development Co-ordinator via Ext: 14281 or Irene. Mabbott@sth.nhs.uk.
Pictured at the event: Trust Governors: Anne Eckford, Andrew Manasse and Hetta Phipps Page 8 • Link - Winter 2015
In the Spotlight: Chaplaincy Being ill can be a challenging time for patients, relatives, and even staff. A small team of hospital chaplains, supplemented by trained volunteers, provides an important strand of support to religious and non-religious people while they are in hospital. The service promotes and safeguards the spiritual needs of service users, carers and staff, as well as linking with local faith communities.
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ev Martin Kerry, Senior Chaplain and Chaplaincy Manager, says: “We recognise that illness not only affects our body, but that also affects our whole life: body, mind and spirit. Our main role is to listen and respond sensitively to peoples’ needs. No day is ever the same and we offer support to families and individuals in many different circumstances. We think of our work under three different headings: spiritual care, emergency support, and religious provision.”
Spiritual Care
Emergency Support The team provides a 24 hour on-call service across our hospitals for urgent situations. Martin Kerry says, “It’s a sad fact that some patients die in hospital. The experience families have here at such a significant time is likely to remain etched on their minds. We can support them, and help staff to manage what is often a sensitive and stressful event.”
Religious Provision For those with a particular faith, chaplains can help meet religious needs while they are in
hospital. The in-house chaplains are from the Christian, Buddhist and Muslim faiths, although the team are able to contact community leaders from most faith and belief groups. Martin Kerry explains, “There’s a link between people’s beliefs and many patient outcomes. So when, for example, our chaplains bring Holy Communion to Christian patients on a Sunday, yes - we’re enabling them to maintain their religious practice, but we’re also resourcing them to cope with their illness and mobilising their motivation.”
Staff Matter Too Chaplains resource staff in a variety of ways. They can be approached informally for oneto-one pastoral care. They run mindfulnessmeditation sessions. They lead training on bereavement, spiritual and religious needs. The Chaplaincy Department can be contacted on Ext 61370 (Central campus) or 15485 (NGH). Alternatively a chaplain can be bleeped through Switchboard or voice-dialling.
People in hospital can feel cut off from their normal life and struggle to make sense of what is happening to them. Chaplains have time to listen. It can help to talk to someone who has experience in helping people reflect on their hopes and fears; what gives their life meaning and purpose; and relationships that matter to them.
Where to Find Quiet Space Chapels and prayer rooms provide a quiet space where people can reflect - or simply ‘be’. They are open throughout the day to patients, visitors and staff.
Northern General Hospital Chapel: Vickers Corridor Level E Prayer Rooms: Vickers Corridor Level E (Muslim) Chesterman Wing Level D (Muslim) Robert Hadfield Wing Level A (Multi-faith)
Royal Hallamshire Hospital Chapel: A floor Prayer Rooms: B floor corridor to left of shops (Muslim) A floor inside chapel (Multi-faith)
Weston Park Hospital Chapel 1st floor
Rev Martin Kerry with the chaplaincy team Page 9 • Link - Winter 2015
Community Tissue Viability Team
"Everyone involved in delivering patient care is responsible for preventing pressure ulcers" posture or a deformity. The use of equipment such as seating or beds which are not specifically designed to provide pressure relief can also cause pressure ulcers.
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he Trust has launched a new ‘Time to Turn’ campaign to raise awareness of the importance of turning patients regularly to avoid pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers are caused when an area of skin, or the tissues below the skin, become damaged as a result of being placed under enough pressure to impair the blood supply. Typically they occur in a person confined to a bed or a chair by an illness and as a result they are sometimes referred to as 'bedsores', or 'pressure sores'.
"many pressure ulcers are preventable" The impact of pressure ulcers: •C ause pain, discomfort and or distress for patients • S ignificantly increases a patient's length of stay • Increase mortality • Reduce quality of life • I ncrease the risk of below the knee amputation in diabetes • Limit rehabilitation Research has shown that many pressure ulcers are preventable and their prevention is included in the Department of Health's NHS outcomes framework 2014/15, and is one of the National CQUIN targets. Patients in home or hospital are potentially at risk of developing a pressure ulcer. However, they are more likely to occur in people who are seriously ill, have a neurological condition, impaired mobility, poor nutrition, or bad Page 10 • Link - Winter 2015
Everyone involved in delivering patient care is responsible for preventing pressure ulcers, and all staff should be aware of the assessments that need to be undertaken and the interventions that can be made for prevention and treatment. The Trust has two Tissue Viability Teams, one based in the hospitals and one in the
Did you know? As well as the physical impact on patients, there is a cost impact. Treatment costs vary depending on the grade of ulcer, from £1,064 for a grade 1 ulcer to £24,214 for a grade 4. The cost of preventing and treating pressure ulcers in a 600 bed acute hospital has been estimated at between 360,000 and £3m a year. community, based at Manor Clinic. The Acute Team (pictured on the front cover) have a varied role within the hospitals. Their main role is in providing expert support and advice for clinical staff in pressure ulcer prevention and management and also for patients with non-pressure related wounds, e.g. surgical wounds etc. They also have a big role in educating staff, patients and carers and producing information to support learning. There is a big emphasis on pressure ulcer prevention and early detection of patients at increased risk of developing pressure damage and targeted education and support can be afforded to individual clinical areas where appropriate. The community tissue viability service was established 21 years ago and was recognised at that time as one of the first in the country. Since then the service has continued to strive to raise awareness of the complexity of wound healing. The team also work closely with
Sheffield Health and Social Services equipment loan service to ensure patients are promptly assessed and provided with the correct pressure reducing equipment for use at home and within residential homes. The team deliver regular training and education support on wound care, pressure ulcer prevention and bandage workshops. The community team takes referrals from district nurses, GP, Practice Nurses and nursing homes to offer support on all aspects of wound care. They also run leg ulcer assessment clinics and leg ulcer clinics across the city. If you would like further advise on pressure ulcers please contact The Tissue Viability Team at the Manor Clinic on 0114 3054248.
How can I prevent Pressure Ulcers? •C hanging a patient’s position is the most effective way to prevent pressure ulcers • Ensuring good nutrition and fluid intake is essential to prevent skin breakdown and aid healing • Timely assessment and re-evaluating patients risk and skin condition needs is important • Accurate, timely and descriptive documentation of the assessment and care given is essential • The Tissue Viability Team (Pressure Ulcer Prevention Team) can be contacted for advice, support and education. • Pressure ulcer prevention and management is everyone’s responsibility
The Personal Touch
A new initiative is set to be launched which will ensure that patients always know the name of the nurse caring for them on the ward.
permission, the nurse will be able to jot down any specific concerns they have to act as a prompt for other members of staff and aid communication with the patient.
The Named Nurse initiative will see the name of the responsible nurse written on a board next to the patient’s bed.
The senior Sister, Charge Nurse or Midwife will ensure the names are clearly displayed at the patient’s bedside. The Sheffield Hospitals Charity has kindly agreed to fund the purchase of boards and pens. The initiative also ties in with the “Hello, My name Is” campaign championed by Dr Kate Granger, which encourages staff to take time to introduce themselves to patients and relatives at each interaction. It also links with care rounding, which ensures that nursing staff check on patient’s needs every 2 hours throughout the day
Under the initiative, it will be the responsibility of each nurse or midwife to introduce themselves at the start of their shift and write their name on a board next to the bed so patients know who to turn to if they need information about their care. They will also identify themselves through an entry in the patient records each shift.
Nursing staff from care groups across the Trust have taken part in focus groups to discuss ideas for the scheme and education, training and drop-in sessions have taken place.
Tent boards have been trialled on a respiratory ward, with space on the back for nurses to write about what matters to the patient on that given day. With the patient’s
Guidance is set out by the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges.
Trust Staff in Perfect Tune Staff at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals and other local NHS Trusts are proving that they work together in perfect harmony – by singing together in a community choir. A number of staff have joined Chorus UK, an all-inclusive Sheffield based choir which caters for people from all walks of life and a wide ability range. The 185 strong choir includes a mix of NHS staff from Sheffield, Doncaster, Rotherham, North Yorkshire and Humber and is putting
a new slant on the concept of the Working Together programme.
STH staff involved include Operations Director Ian Scott, Self-care Educator Katy Hancock, Advanced Biomedical Scientist Karen Lester, Dietician Sue Moorhouse and Academic unit Administrator Wendy Wilson. Ian said: “We’ve got lots of NHS staff from around the region from doctors and nurses to managers and matrons, and it’s been great fun to work together in a different context.”
The choir is led by Andy Booth, who takes a similar approach to TV choir master Gareth Malone by taking new and established singers through a 12 week programme culminating in a full, orchestra supported concert. The choir performed at a number of concerts over the festive period, including at the Spinal Injuries Unit at the Northern General Hospital. New members are always welcome to join. For more information on Chorus UK, visit www.fono-productions.co.uk
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New research general enquiry number:
Email:
getinvolved@sth.nhs.uk
0114 2265911
Clinical Research Patient Alice's Story Power Increases THE NUMBER of patients in Sheffield taking part in clinical research has hit an all-time high. Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has been named as one of several NHS Trusts across the country helping to spearhead a national trend in the development of patients being involved in clinical research, which is vital if the NHS is to continue to provide new and improved treatments for patients. Published by the National Institute for Health Research’s Clinical Research Network, the league table shows that the Trust increased the number of research studies it ran over from 2012/13 to 2013/14 by
16%, with 7,645 patients taking part. The Trust also came ninth in the country for the number of studies it offered to patients. Professor Simon Heller, Director of Research and Development for Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Medical research plays a vital role in helping us understand how diseases work, improve care for patients and enable us to deliver better and more advanced treatments to the clinic quicker and faster, so we’re delighted that we’re leading the way in helping to initiate and give even more patients opportunities to take part in vital clinical research.”
Cancer patient Alice Farar is one of about 15,000 who have opted to help pave the way for new and improved treatments for patients in South Yorkshire and beyond by taking part in clinical research. She said: “The treatment here is wonderful. Everybody is so friendly that you almost forget you’re coming in with a serious illness. If you want to ask anything, you can, and if you have problems, you just phone up.”
Over 300 healthcare professionals from across the country attended the prestigious event – which was hosted by Sheffield’s National Institute for Health Research’s Clinical Research Facility after a successful bid to the Department of Health. During the two-day event, delegates heard from a wide range of high profile speakers from the Department of Health, the National Institute
The blood is spun and separated and sent away to Geneva for analysis It is hoped the research will help other bone cancer patients.
Alice, of Athersley North in Barnsley, was diagnosed with bone cancer in 2010. After 18 months of treatment she was in partial remission and
UK Clinical Research Facilities 10th Annual conference THE VITAL role Clinical Research Facilities play in helping shape patient care has been showcased at the tenth annual UK Clinical Research Facilities conference.
has been attending the research facility every month since to give blood.
for Health Research, the University of Sheffield, GSK and the Wellcome Trust
The Department of Health’s Chief Medical Officer Dame Sally Davies, delivered a keynote address on ‘NIHR and experimental medicine the next decade’ and Trust Chief Nurse Professor Hilary Chapman CBE gave a keynote address discussing how clinical research should be a core role for nurses and other clinical staff. Delegates also heard insights from researchers across the country, including Professor Simon Heller who spoke about his research into mechanisms that increases heart attack risk in those with diabetes when on intensive insulin therapy and
Dr Julian Gunn who outlined work on a 3D heart prototype, which could help guide the management of heart disease more accurately than 2D angiogram images. More than 100 posters were selected for exhibition highlighting research taking place at Clinical Research Facilities across the country. Examples include the importance of writing information sheets for children and young people, peanut allergy desensitisation therapy, predicting pre-eclampsia, feotal growth or stillbirth risk in patients, and whether cocaine suppresses appetite and reduces body weight. The event received overwhelmingly positive feedback and more than a quarter of a million impressions were made on Twitter ¬– signifying the event’s success.
New PPI research video A NEW six-minute ‘Talking Heads’ style video raising awareness of the importance of involving the public in clinical research has been developed by the Professional Services Directorate at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in conjunction with the North Trent Cancer Research Network Consumer Research Panel and Sheffield Hallam University.
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The short video aims to reach a large and diverse group of NHS staff so that clinical staff can help highlight the different ways patients and members of the public can get involved in research, including helping to design and shape research projects. To view the video click visit https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=IVUbygMNLrg&feature=youtu.be.
Sheffield professor wins one of most coveted prizes in medicine Professor Solomon Tesfaye, a Consultant Physician/Endocrinologist at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, and Honorary Professor of Diabetic Medicine at the University of Sheffield, is the first person in the UK to be awarded the prestigious Camillo Golgi Prize since 2003.
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he international prize – which is bestowed by the European Association for the Study of Diabetes to one person across the world for extraordinary achievements in the treatment and management of diabetes – highlights the impact the cutting-edge work of Professor Tesfaye and his colleagues from the Royal Hallamshire Hospital has had in helping patients with diabetic nerve damage. Diabetic nerve damage is a distressing illness causing intolerable pains in the feet and legs which is often
unresponsive to medical treatments. “I had always wanted to study medicine after watching my mother pass away due to gallstones in Addis Ababa. It took 10 days to diagnose her, when an early diagnosis would have saved her. I didn’t want to ever watch such needless suffering again.” His first focus on diabetes came from his mentor Derek Beale in Bridgend, and an opportunity then arose to work in Sheffield, where he worked with eminent researcher John Ward (then Vice President of the Royal College of Physicians) who was to become the most important person in shaping
his work. He was trained in diabetes and diabetic neuropathy. “I was advised not to try and publish too many studies, rather to focus on a few that answer fundamental questions,” recalls Solomon. Early research highlights included showing that impaired nerve blood flow was causing nerve damage in the legs. In Liverpool, he helped lead a pilot study into electrical spinal cord stimulation, with a wire inserted in the patients’ epidural space. “Most patients experienced pain relief, and a huge improvement in quality of life,” says Solomon. This groundbreaking work was published in The Lancet in 1996 and led to electrical stimulation
becoming a well-established treatment for painful diabetic neuropathy. As 20% of patients did not respond to stimulation, Solomon set about finding out why. He returned to Sheffield with Ward, and set up the diabetic neuropathy centre at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital. More recently a number of studies led by Solomon have shown that diabetic nerve damage is not just confined to the peripheral nerves in the legs but also involves the central nervous system in the spinal cord and the brain – giving hope to millions of sufferers who are currently able to get no meaningful pain relief from the disease.
L-R: Prof Andrew Boulton from Manchester (European Association for the Study of Diabetes President), Prof Solomon Tesfaye, Prof Paola Fioretto (European Association for the Study of Diabetes Vice President), Allan Karlsen (from Novo Nordisk, who sponsor this prize) Page 13 • Link - Winter 2015
What does PROUD mean to you?
The Trust’s PROUD values and behaviours highlight the principals that STH staff practice every day in their working lives.
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ic Brookes, PA to Radiation Services, has developed a poster to be displayed around Weston Park Hospital to highlight the importance of PROUD values. She said: “I am a Personal Assistant and have no professional patient contact, but when I am in the hospital I interact with patients and the public (smiling, opening doors and giving directions) and in these interactions I use PROUD.” The values don't just apply to patients, but to colleagues and visitors as well. Although we are all very busy, these small actions can make all the difference to how people feel. “So PROUD is quite central to everyone in how we behave and interact at work. This will result in Weston Park Hospital being a centre of excellence for values and behaviour, which is a good thing for the patients, and at the end of the day they are why we are here. “
News in Brief The Heads Together Support Group have kindly donated £500 which they raised through various fund raising activities. The group of recovering cancer patient’s generous donation has allowed staff on Ward I1 at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital to purchase a recliner chair for patients to use. Page 14 • Link - Winter 2015
New Service for Patients with Blood Clotting Diseases C
linicians have established an innovative service to ensure that patients with venous thromboembolic diseases (VTE) receive the best care from hospital to home.
Dr Rhona Maclean, Haemophilia and Thrombosis Consultant and Dr David Kiely, Pulmonary Vascular Disease Consultant, lead the Centre of Excellence’s multidisciplinary team approach to the treatment of VTE. Dr Maclean said: “We want to ensure patients are provided with effective, safe, quick and convenient care. Patients that attend A&E with VTE are now immediately referred to a specialist thrombosis nurse who sees them within 2-3 days to review their case and choose the optimal treatment method for the patient.”
VTE causes blood clots in the leg (known as deep vein thrombosis) or lung (pulmonary embolisms) and can be fatal if left untreated. Patients are treated with clot busting drugs, known as Anticoagulant Therapy, which also prevent further blood clots developing in the future. Patients with VTE were traditionally treated as inpatients but now thanks to an innovative service re-design, 70% are now treated as outpatients and require no stay in hospital at all. The multidisciplinary team, from radiologists to specialist nurses to GPs, looked at how care could be improved. They developed a new treatment package to provide better support for patients, eliminate anxiety and reduce hospital admissions.
Tim Devey, Thrombosis Nurse Specialist at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital, was instrumental in the design and development of the new service. He said: “The aim was to ensure that patients had a thorough understanding of their condition and the treatment they were on. Spending one-toone time communicating with the patient ensures that they are fully equipped to deal with their illness and reduces any anxiety they may have.” “They are able to see the people they
need to see, learn about the condition and treatments relating to them all at once and from there they leave with a clear concise treatment plan that they understand. By delivering this service patients have a better experience and avoid unnecessary hospital admissions.” Colin Williams, of Fulwood, recently developed Deep Vein Thrombosis for the second time. The father of one said: “The service has improved since the last time I was admitted with a blood clot, I was seen much quicker by a specialist than before. After going to A&E I was referred to a specialist and seen within days rather than a week or two before. He added “I was able to continue working whilst undergoing treatment unlike previously where I had taken time off work, mainly down to my anxiety.” The team recently hosted a workshop to demonstrate to other clinicians how to deliver clinical excellence in the management of venous thromboembolic diseases on a daily basis.
Tim Devey, Thrombosis Nurse Specialist with patient Colin Williams
Consultant wins patient choice award Dr Rhona Maclean recently received the prestigious award of ‘Individual Health Professional of the Year’ in the AntiCoagulation Self Monitoring Alliance awards ceremony for clinicians and medical professionals who have contributed to the field of self monitoring of anticoagulants.
As Rhona was unable to attend the awards ceremony at the Palace of Westminster, Mr Paul Blomfield MP presented her with the award at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital. Tim Devey, Thrombosis Nurse Specialist, was also commended at the ceremony after being nominated by a patient for the care he provides.
Dr Rhona Maclean was presented with a Patient Choice award by Mr Paul Blomfield MP Page 15 • Link - Winter 2015
“We’re so lucky to have this service down the road” A TEACHER suffering with ovarian cancer says the new research and treatment suite at Weston Park Hospital has made a “massive difference” to her life. Lynne Levey, 65, of Fulwood was diagnosed with cancer after a full hysterectomy earlier this year removed most, but not all, of the cancerous cells in her body. Now she is one of the first cancer patients in the region to benefit from the brand new £1.3m research and treatment facilities. Lynne said: “I was absolutely blown away by how peaceful and calm the unit was, and meeting new people on the unit has really helped. Cancer is a club that no-one wants to join, but I’m a great believer in positivity because it’s the only way forward. “When I first came to the new research and treatment suite I didn’t know what to expect, but from the moment I sat down everyone was so kind and I knew I was going to be well looked after. “The new suite is so calming and peaceful, and everything is so well thought through – from the comfy chairs and the restful decor just helps to make the treatment easier.” As well as coming in every week for chemotherapy, the new research and treatment suite has given Lynne an opportunity to take part in cutting-edge research. “I was asked about taking part in a clinical trial, and I thought if people like me hadn’t tested new cancer drugs and treatments in the past years ago, we wouldn’t be in the position we are now in with cancer treatments,” added the grandma-of-three, “We’re all really well monitored, and it’s such a small and intimate place where you get to meet people from all over the country that I feel so lucky to have this service down the road in Sheffield.” Page 16 • Link - Winter 2015
‘Gold standard’ cancer unit opens at Weston Park Hospital CANCER patients living in Sheffield and beyond now have more opportunities to beat the disease thanks to the opening of a brand new research and treatment suite at Weston Park Hospital.
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he unit, funded through Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity’s £1.3m ‘Do Your Bit’ campaign and the tremendous support of Westfield Health and Yorkshire Cancer Research, will provide patients with ‘gold standard’ cancer treatments and facilities in a warm and welcoming environment. The number of cancer patients taking part in clinical trials in Sheffield has dramatically increased over the past few years, with one in five patients taking part in clinical trials in 2014 compared to one in 25 in 2000. The bright, airy suite includes a main treatment area with 10 comfortable, reclining chairs for patients having cancer treatments that may last for several hours and a new private consulting room, which gives additional space for hospital
staff to talk to and assess patients and give the latest information about chemotherapy treatments and research. There are also two private bedrooms, including one with en-suite facilities, for any patients benefiting from new treatments who need to stay in the unit for longer periods of time. Tony Pedder, Chair of Sheffield Teaching Hospitals said: “We are very fortunate to have such fantastic support from our Cancer Charity, Yorkshire Cancer Research, Westfield health, patients, the public and local companies. Weston Park Hospital is one of four dedicated cancer hospitals, recognised locally as a leader in cancer research and treatment, and this new unit will enable even more patients from across the region to access the latest advances in care.” Phase 1 of the project has been funded by the ‘Do Your Bit’ campaign, which was launched by Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity in May 2012. Sheffield-based not-for-profit health insurance provider, Westfield Health, kick-started the campaign with an initial £100,000 donation, and pledged to match public donations, pound for pound, up to a further £250,000. Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity raised £350,000 and Yorkshire Cancer Research donated £300,000.
New Bliss Nurse joins Neonatal Unit T
he families of premature and sick babies are benefitting from the appointment of a new nurse to help them through one of the most difficult times of their lives.
Sandra Brown is working as a Bliss nurse at the Jessop Wing neonatal unit, where she provides practical and emotional support to families. Bliss is a charity which works to provide the best possible support to all premature and sick babies and their families. Sandra, a qualified senior sister who was previously a coordinator in a high-dependency unit, is the fifth such nurse in the country to be appointed. She said: “As a Bliss nurse I can dedicate my time to helping families most in need of support. “The role will enable me to work closely with staff on the unit to enable us to adopt new ways of thinking, working and communicating with parents to make their experience of the unit a time to look back at positively with good memories. “I want the Jessop Wing to become the best family-centred care unit in the country.” Bliss aims to have 28 nurses by the year 2020, one in each region. Visit the Sheffield Teaching Hospitals Facebook page to see what people have been saying about Sandra.
Master Fundraisers
Two teams from Sheffield Teaching Hospitals have raised almost £9,000 for two charities by taking part in challenges from concerts to bungee jumps. The Voices of Jessop choir from the Jessop Wing, led by Nurse Director Dotty Watkins, and a team from Medical Education, led by Natalie Slater, flexed their fundraising muscles to raise the most money of any single organisation in the 2014 Master Cutler’s Challenge. This year’s Master Cutler was Trust Chairman Tony Pedder, and the money raised will be split between the Sheffield Hospitals Charity, supporting the Jessop Wing neonatal intensive care, fertility and maternity units, and the Whirlow Hall Farm Trust.
with the Bel Canto choir at Sheffield High School, and also organised a sponsored swim, skydive, tabletop and cake sales and a comedy sketch evening. Medical Education arranged a plethora of fundraising activities, including a charity calendar, bungee jump, man v food challenge and cocktail and clairvoyant nights. Natalie won the outstanding contribution award for
all her efforts in coordinating and organising the events. The Chief Executive of Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sir Andrew Cash, said: “For two small teams to put so much of their own time and energy into the fundraising is a real credit to them. “To raise as much as they did is a fantastic achievement.”
The challenge raised over £200,000 in total. More than 80 teams from across the city were given £100 and challenged to put their creativity to the test to multiply the cash for charity. Of those 80 teams, the Trust teams raised the fifth and sixth most. The Voices of Jessop made £4,950 and Medical Education £3,961. The Voices of Jessop took part in a concert Page 17 • Link - Winter 2015
Ward's kind donation to Zimbabwe Hospital
On rare occasions, we will have medical supplies which we can no longer use and would normally be disposed of. However on one such occasion nursing staff on G1 at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital set about finding a way to get them halfway across the world for a very worthy cause. Permission was obtained by appropriate departments and work commenced getting these medical supplies ready for their journey. Sister Clare Chappell, who worked in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe as a student nurse during her elective placement, championed the initiative. Having witnessed the deprivation of the elderly people in Zimbabwe first hand, the senior citizens service with which she has maintained links was an obvious choice to receive these items. The next task was getting them from Sheffield to Bulawayo in Zimbabwe, as quickly and cheaply as possible. Following weeks of relentless negotiations, emails and phone calls to various shipping companies and charities, DHL very generously offered their services. The support from Suzanne Westlake and Martin White who worked for DHL was amazing. They took care of absolutely everything from collection to delivery of the good at the final destination the Senior Citizens Service in Bulawayo. These simple items were very gratefully received and will be put to good use enhancing the lives of the many elderly people.
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Trust commended for major improvements in fire safety
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heffield Teaching Hospitals have been recognised and commended by the Chief Fire Officer for operating best practice in fire safety. A comprehensive staff fire safety training programme has ensured that in the last three years the Fire and Rescue Service has not been called out to a false fire alarm at any of the Trust's premises. The Trust’s experienced Fire Safety Team developed key training packages to deliver the ‘Fire Action Procedure’ to each and every staff member which includes fire safety awareness, how to prevent fires starting as well as how to deal with a fire before the Fire & Rescue Service arrives. The fire officers provide staff members with the necessary skills to deal with a fire immediately, from initially raising the alarm, contacting the Trust switchboard, to using the correct type of fire extinguisher.
is vitally important in minimising the risk to staff, patients and visitors and of course maintaining our service provision and business continuity. Martyn Eastman, Fire Advisor at the Central Campus said: “We have an excellent training culture and ethos here and staff are willing to engage in the training so that they are able to operate effectively when a fire alarm sounds and in a real fire situation. Our aim is to make sure staff are confident and knowledgeable to be able to use the equipment in a safe manner”. Fire training at the Trust is mandatory and is included in
the induction process when new members of staff commence work at STH. If a staff member discovers a fire, they should always, raise the alarm by operating the nearest fire alarm call point, ring switchboard on the emergency 2222 number and then, if it is safe to do so, use the correct extinguisher to tackle the fire. The practical training is available for all staff, if you have not yet had the opportunity of attending one of these sessions please do so by checking the dates on the fire safety intranet site and give it a go!
Trust buildings are protected by comprehensive fire detection systems ensuring that any fire will be detected at a very early stage, giving staff the opportunity to intervene immediately and prevent the fire developing before the Fire and Rescue Service arrive. This
Doctor receives award as Sheffield hosts international neuroanaesthetic meeting Dr Joanna Gordon, Anaesthetic trainee at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital, was awarded the Harvey Granat prize for best presentation at the Annual Scientific Meeting of the Neuroanaesthesia Society of Great Britain & Ireland which was recently hosted in Sheffield. Sheffield’s Dr Asha Nandakumar and her neuroanaesthetic colleagues welcomed over 200 delegates, representing all the various neurosurgical centres
around the country. Her team invited speakers from the USA; Dr Wade Smith who introduced his Emergency Neurological Life support algorithms and Dr Irene Osborne who gave an update on airway management in neuroanaesthesia. Other invited speakers included Prof Martin Smith from Queen Square who spoke about translational research methodology, and Prof Fiona Lecky and Prof Chris Moran, UK trauma network director, who described
how regional trauma centres have impacted on patient outcomes. Dr John Andrzejowski, Clinical Lead for Neuroanaesthesia at the Trust, said: “Our department was very proud when a local trainee, Dr Joanna Gordon was awarded the prestigious Harvey Granat prize for her oral research presentation. We were also honoured to host the special event which brought together many influential clinicians.”
An opportunity
for your son or daughter? Does this sound like your child? Enjoys science or technology…is curious about how the human body works… is interested in people and health professions…perhaps enjoys playing sport as well… likes variety…is inventive and creative…wants to solve problems… would like to make a difference. If so, your child would enjoy UTC 2 Sheffield – a new government-funded university technical college, specialising in Human Sciences & Computing, which will open on the Olympic Legacy Park in the Don Valley in September 2016. The UTC will offer a mix of high quality technical and academic education for 14-19 year-olds, working with top employers. Here at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust we have a strong and proud tradition of recruiting young and talented
professionals straight from school, college or university and nurturing and developing them in to the healthcare professionals and scientists of the future, right here in our own city.
An exciting and visionary new development, which is being backed by the Trust, UTC2 will be at the forefront of developing a new generation of talented, versatile individuals able
to seize the opportunities that lie ahead of us in healthcare and wellbeing using the latest technology and cutting-edge sports research. The learner experience at UTC 2 Sheffield will be dominated by employer-led projects, enabling the next generation of healthcare professionals to meet new demands on existing roles and take advantage of opportunities available in new services and industries with worldclass research and elite sports facilities alongside a growing healthcare technologies sector developing in the Sheffield City region. The formal consultation about UTC 2 Sheffield is now open and parents of children in the South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire region are being asked to give their views on this important development. Give your views by visiting www.utc2sheffield.org.uk.
What an Experience! Through our Learning and Development department, our organisation has always worked closely with schools and colleges to provide opportunities for young people to learn more about the world of health care. From projects such as the Cutlers programme through to individual queries from students themselves, this often takes the form of work experience. This provides young people with a valuable insight into what working in healthcare is really like, and helps us as an employer to raise the profile of areas that are less visible such as business administration and procurement. Our key responsibility when supporting young people through work experience is to keep them safe. The approved work experience policy can be found on the Trust intranet and should be the first point of reference for anyone in the Trust either offering work experience or helping a young person to get work experience. In many cases work experience is about
helping young people develop 'soft skills' such as communication, team work and punctuality. Many departments have been offering work experience for a long time to a wide range of students. The post room, who deserve a special mention for the support they give students with additional needs, supported Stephen Crofts, who is profoundly deaf, to gain work experience. For the first three days Stephen came with a communicator from his college, but the staff and Stephen quickly learned how to work together and Stephen extended his placement for a further five days with no additional communication support. The experience boosted Stephen's confidence that he could work in a hearing environment and helped staff to learn how to be deaf aware. The post room staff were commended at a Hotel Services cabinet meeting for the support they gave to Stephen. For any staff wanting to know more about work experience please contact Abby Nicholson in Learning and Development on 0114 2603213. Page 19 • Link - Winter 2015
Getting to know you Name - Caitríona Meaney
Job title – Clinical Embryologist What part of your job do you enjoy the most? Communicating with our patients each day and discussing with them how their embryos are developing in the laboratory is one of my favourite aspects of being an embryologist. Unlike other scientists working in a clinical setting a large proportion of our time is spent with patients. It is sometimes difficult to report when treatment has not gone as well as expected but hopefully we have been able to give them that information in a supportive manner.
What inspired you to work for the NHS? Well I suppose in the first instance I should explain why I wanted to become a clinical embryologist. For me, as a scientist, it represented an exciting opportunity to work with advancing and novel laboratory techniques, while as an individual, it was helping people to create families. Jessop Fertility or the Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Fertility in Sheffield as it was known when I first arrived here, had the renowned reputation not just here in the UK but as far away as Australia, for being one of the best IVF training and research clinics for new embryologists. As an NHS IVF clinic we work hard to provide our patients with the best care through good success rates and minimal treatment prices.
What is the most important thing you do everyday at work? Timing is an essential part of our patient’s treatment. This requires extremely good communication between all different clinic disciplines; administration, nursing, medical, counselling and embryology teams. Page 20 • Link - Winter 2015
As embryologists our most important role is to pay great attention to detail when handling eggs, sperm and embryos in the laboratory as it is essential that they are kept at special conditions i.e. temperature and gas concentrations especially when outside of the incubators. It is sometimes easy to think that we are working alone while in the laboratory but correct management of patients involves the interaction between all teams and this is another enjoyable part of my job, working with other types of professions.
What was the last thing that made you laugh out loud? Well there is a hatch in one of our theatres about the size of a car window connecting the laboratory to the room. When a patient comes in for a procedure we will put our head through
to confirm identity with the doctor present. At this stage some patients do laugh a lot and ask for a burger and garlic sauce on chips… that’s normally pretty funny!!
What has been the highlight in your career so far? I have been an embryologist now for three years. Last year I officially finished my training and gained my Association of Clinical Embryologists Certificate which has definitely one of my best achievements to date. I would say the highlight of my career so far though has to be when we held our ten-year anniversary in 2012 and invited all the children born through our clinic. We held the event in a local play centre and it was amazing to meet everyone and see how they were getting on. I think for some of the senior staff it was quite emotional and it was very humbling to see. That’s another nice part of my job… all the babies we get to meet at the end!
Let’s Make Hand Hygiene Infectious The Trust is launching a campaign to make sure that the only thing that’s infectious in our hospitals is hand hygiene. Winter is the peak season for infections such as influenza and norovirus, and the by far the simplest and most effective way of preventing the spread of such bugs is hand washing. Dr Christine Bates, a consultant microbiologist and Lead Infection Control Doctor, said: “When it comes to infections, prevention is better than cure and, although a relatively simple task to undertake, hand hygiene is the single most important and effective means of doing so.” To raise awareness of this, we are encouraging staff to ‘strike a pose’ after washing their hands and submit a ‘cleanie’ (a picture of you showing off your clean hands) as part of the Let’s Make Hand Hygiene Infectious campaign. The images will be used to remind staff and visitors of the importance of hand washing. Microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses live in the environment and in other humans and animals. Given how often we touch the environment and other people it is not surprising that hands are the most common way for microorganisms to spread. In a hospital staff, patients and visitors can act as
vectors and spread bacteria and viruses. Although most microorganisms are harmless, patients are more vulnerable to infections as a result of their condition or treatment and so the importance of preventing microorganisms being passed on increases significantly in a healthcare setting. The best way to stop or reduce the spread of any organism, whether it is MRSA, C. difficile, influenza or norovirus, is to break the chain of infection. Hand washing is the easiest and best way to do this.
•A fter touching patient surroundings They are designed to be easy to learn, logical and applicable in a wide range of settings to reduce the spread of infections. So, Let’s Make Hand Hygiene Infectious. Submit your ‘cleanies’ to john.birch@sth.nhs.uk, post them on the STH Facebook page or on Tweet @SheffieldHosp using #cleanie.
Dr Bates said: “This is why hand hygiene, whether using soap and water or alcohol hand rubs is so important. Most of the time we are not aware of the organisms we are carrying on our hands, as we cannot see them, and this is why we need to use protocols recommending when we should undertake hand hygiene rather than rely on our eyes or when we think we may have picked up an organism.”
Medical Director Dr David Throssell strikes a pose
According to the World Health Organisation, there are five key moments for hand hygiene. They are: • Before touching a patient •B efore clean/aseptic procedures •A fter body fluid exposure/risk • After touching a patient
Did You Know? It was Hungarian physician Dr Ignaz Philipp Semmelweis who first discovered the connection between hand-washing and a reduction in infection rates. In 1847 he was working in the obstetrics department at the Vienna General Hospital, Austria, when he observed that women whose babies were delivered by doctors and medical students had a much higher rate of post-delivery mortality than those delivered by midwives. He noticed that medical staff were going
directly from the autopsy rooms to the labour wards with a “disagreeable odour” on their hands. He introduced a mandatory handwashing policy for all medical staff using chlorine of lime solution. This simple measure led to the maternal mortality rate falling dramatically, and Semmelweis subsequently became known as the “saviour of the mothers.” Despite his findings it took until several years after his death for his work to receive widespread acceptance, after more evidence was produced on germ theory.
Bigger and better specialist unit for patients A centre offering life-saving therapies to patients from all over Yorkshire has been officially opened by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital. The Therapeutic Apheresis Services Unit is bigger and better after relocating within the hospital site and can now treat more patients with rare blood disorders in a better environment. Mark Ritson, from the Crookes area of Sheffield, is just one patient whose life has been saved by the unit. The 47-yearold, who runs an engineering company, has severe aplastic anaemia, a rare blood disorder, and has received a stem cell and bone marrow transplant. The married father-of-one said: “The outcome would have been very much worse had it not been for my treatment over the last six and a half years. It saved my life. My baby girl was born in the six weeks between my two transplants last year so I’m eternally grateful to my donor and the unit for everything they have done. ‘The staff are really nice and the new location is great. It’s a better environment. "Having a facility like this in Sheffield has made a huge difference to me. I am still fighting complications following my two transplants but am very optimistic, and have every intention of completing another marathon as soon as my body will allow me to do so." The centre is one of only six units in England run by NHSBT which provide specialised therapies to help people with life-threatening conditions due to blood disorders and cancers. Professor John Snowden, Consultant Haematologist and Director of Blood and Marrow Transplantation said: “This specialist unit offers stateof-the-art facilities for the collection of bone marrow stem cells for the treatment of leukaemia, cancers and life-threatening immune disorders. “Many stem cell donors, who have previously had to travel to London, now have a more geographically accessible unit, and their bone marrow and stem cell donations will be transported from Sheffield to transplant centres worldwide. In addition, the facility will deliver emergency blood exchange treatments for a range of disorders. “The unit will help to save lives not only throughout Yorkshire but also elsewhere in the UK and the rest of the world.” Page 21 • Link - Winter 2015
Unit thanks dedicated colleague
for her contribution to the Spinal Injuries Community
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taff have paid tribute to an inspirational colleague who died unexpectedly after retiring last year. Allison Stirling worked at the Sheffield Spinal Injury Centre for more than 24 years before taking early retirement in May. She died at home in September. Her achievements included introducing wheelchair rugby into the UK, playing an integral part in the formation of the Great British Wheelchair Rugby Federation and travelling internationally as an international referee and team manager.
She later took on the role of physiotherapist to the Sheffield Steelers Wheelchair Basketball team. Allison qualified as a physiotherapist in 1980 and prior to working at the Sheffield Spinal Injury Centre worked at both the Edinburgh and Southport Spinal Injury Centres. Her love for spinal injuries was ignited when she moved from Scotland to Yorkshire in 1985, and in 1989 she had the opportunity to go to the Management of Spinal Injury conference in Kuala Lumpar and present at the 6th National Para Meeting ‘Transfers by Tetraplegics'. During this time she was also
involved in publishing a tetraplegic sport handbook explaining the benefits of sport for patients. Natalie Jones, Clinical Service Manager Neurology Division, Therapy Services, said: “Allison made a massive contribution to spinal injuries in Sheffield. Her hard work, dedication to patients and love of the role made her an example to all.
and knowledgeable physiotherapist and for the contribution she made to this specialty.
“I speak for the whole team when I say she was highly respected within the spinal injuries community as a very experienced
“She will be greatly missed by both colleagues and the many patients she has worked with in the UK.”
Wheelchair rugby player
opens flat that helps spinal injury patients A flat designed to help spinal injury patients readjust to life following a stay in hospital has been officially opened by a wheelchair rugby player.
icing on the cake. The flat makes it much easier to see family members. My daughter and grandson stayed over one night; they didn’t want to leave the next day. It is quite magnificent that this sort of facility would be available in a hospital. This is the fifth hospital I have been in and the only one with such a facility; I can’t thank the team here enough.”
James Needham, who plays for East Midlands Marauders, opened the flat at Northern General Hospital following its refurbishment. Patients who use the flat will often have to adapt to major life changing circumstances such as being new wheelchair users or having a disability which greatly affects their independence. The flat, which is based in the Princes Royal Spinal Injury Unit, is used as part of patient’s rehabilitation and is an opportunity for them and their carers or relatives to experience what it would be like to go home and be together. Patients can stay in the flat over several days to help them to get used to a home environment and the challenges this can sometimes bring. This helps address any fears and resolve any problems that may arise and also be an opportunity for the patient and family to try out coping together without healthcare staff present. James, 30, said he was delighted to have opened the newly refurbished flat. He said: “I was a patient at the Northern General Hospital and used the flat around nine years ago so I understand how important it is for people. You know you have the security of being in a hospital, but you have the privacy to spend Page 22 • Link - Winter 2015
time with family and friends learning how to adjust to a home environment which makes a big difference. Rather than going straight from the ward back home, the flat acts as a sort of half way house.” The flat, which was funded by the charity League of Friends is decorated and furnished in a homely way to simulate a home environment and provide some comfort and normality. Many of the patients have been in hospital for some time and using the flat will be their first opportunity to be alone with their family.
Doris Stow, Chair of The League of Friends, said she was pleased to support the excellent work of the Spinal Injuries Unit. She said: “We were very happy to support this project as we know it will help so many patients in their journey to return home and our volunteers are always pleased to hear that the funds they raise benefit people in real need.” Dr Mathew, Consultant in Spinal Injuries, said he would like to thank everyone involved in the refurbishment, which was led by the Therapy Services team.
Alan Verney, a patient from Nottingham, said he found the flat to be an important emotional and psychological step.
He said: “The flat is highly valued by our patients and it’s great that we have been able to improve it further. I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has helped make it possible.”
He said: “It’s nice to be in your own space but also have the reassurance that if any help was needed, it is just around the corner. My wife has been brilliant throughout my care but having access to this flat has put the
Natalie Jones, Clinical Service Manager Neurology Division, Therapy Services, said a second stage of refurbishment which would involve introducing assistive technologies to the flat was now being planned.
Important role of egg and sperm donors Infertility affects about one in six couples in the UK - approximately 3.5 million people. There are many causes of infertility, some that can be explained and some that may remain unexplained. Assisted conception techniques can help some couples to have the family they have been dreaming of but when fertility treatments fail or when for example, cancer treatments or genetic conditions lead to infertility, patients sometimes turn to egg or sperm donors for help. Some couples prefer to use a ‘known’ donor and have friends or family willing to donate eggs or sperm. However most are not in such a fortunate position and are likely to be 'in the queue' waiting for an anonymous donor to become available. Catriona Meaney, Embryologist at Jessop Fertility, explained: “We actively recruit donors for the treatment of our patients who have fertility problems or are in same sex relationships or single and in need of donor eggs and sperm. Despite our efforts to recruit, our patients may have to wait for up to 6 months for a donor, and sometimes even longer in the case of egg recipients. This shortfall in donors has been observed right across the UK in recent years and may be partly attributable to a change in the law in 2005 which allows donor-conceived people to have access to identifying details of their donors when they reach the age of 18. Many clinics stopped recruiting after the law change assuming that men and women would not want to donate if they could be identified in the future. However, times change and nowadays we find that those men and women who do come forward to donate appreciate that for some young people, finding the ‘missing piece of the jigsaw’ is really important and helps them to establish a stronger sense of identity.”
Jessop Fertility inspires school pupils during Healthcare Science Week Healthcare science staff from Jessop Fertility celebrated National Science and Engineering Week by inviting local school pupils from Forge Valley and Meadowhead to take a look behind the scenes. As part of the wider National Science Week, run by the British Science Council, healthcare science professionals across the UK, engaged their local communities for Healthcare Science Week and demonstrating the outstanding work of individuals working in healthcare science and their impact on patient care. The aim was to showcase the difference healthcare science staff make to the health of individual patients and the overall health of the nation, including examples of extraordinary innovation. Jessop Fertility based at the Jessop Wing offers the most innovative assisted conception techniques. Students got the chance to visit the centre’s laboratories, equipped with the most advanced technology available.
Rachel Cutting, Principal Embryologist at Jessop Fertility, said: “Healthcare Science Week was a great opportunity for us to celebrate the amazing work of the healthcare science workforce at Sheffield Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. People working in healthcare science don’t often get the opportunity to talk about the work we do and the difference we make to people’s lives. I love my job and being able to use science to improve the care we provide to patients every day in the NHS.” “Since the Unit opened thirteen years ago we have made over 2500 babies and techniques are advancing all the time to help even more families. We have, for example, recently started using a new piece of equipment called the Embryoscope which allows us to view embryos through a hightech time lapse camera which replaces the old method in which we would ‘disturb’ the embryos by manually checking on them outside the incubator.”
“So we are asking any interested men and women who live locally and are under the age of 40 and 35 respectively, to contact us through our website or give us a call just to discuss what being a donor involves. If you would like to explore the idea of donation further, we will then book you an appointment to talk through the process in more detail with a member of our staff, without any commitment to donate. Donation really is an altruistic gift that can lead to immeasurable joy for infertile couples, same sex couples or single people who long for a child.” Visit www.jessopfertility.org for more information or telephone: 0114 2268050 Page 23 • Link - Winter 2015
Be Antibiotics Aware Professor Alan Lobo and colleagues receive the SAGE Award
Gastrointestinal project wins award Our gastrointestinal (GI) unit has won an award for developing three closely linked services that reduce waiting times for patients and unnecessary admissions to hospital. The Sheffield Teaching Hospitals team were presented with second prize at the SAGE (Shire Awards for Gastrointestinal Excellence) Awards for their work on Gastroenterology Without Walls. The project has developed closely linked community, ambulatory and emergency GI services, which are designed to enable patients to see a GI specialist quickly and in a convenient setting. It is the second time the team have won a SAGE Award since their inception in 2010 – the only unit in the country to have done so. The award recognises the service provided at the GI Haemorrhage Unit and the Ambulatory Care service based at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital, and the outreach service based at the Sloan Medical Centre. The unit provides specialist care to people who are admitted directly with gastrointestinal bleeding. The ambulatory service allows patients to be seen immediately by a consultant, reducing the pressure on A&E and often Page 24 • Link - Winter 2015
avoiding admission, while the community clinic at the Sloan Medical Centre enables consultants to see patients outside of the hospital. The services are designed to ensure the minimum number of steps between the patient and the GI specialist. It also aims to provide outpatient care closer to home, create an alternative model of urgent care, reduce unnecessary hospital admissions and pressure on A&E, reduce mortality rates for GI haemorrhage and provide out-of-hours endoscopy and specialist supervision for haemorrhage patients. Consultant physician and gastroenterologist, Professor Alan Lobo who pioneered the services, received the award at the British Society of Gastroenterology conference. He said: “We were delighted to receive this award as it is recognition for the whole team. We have been able to design and deliver services which have made a difference and which have delivered improved outcomes for patients in Sheffield.” This award follows the team’s success earlier in the year in reaching the final for Gastroenterology Team of the Year at the prestigious British Medical Journal awards in London.
The Chief Medical Officer of England, Professor Dame Sally Davies has stated that antibiotic resistance poses a catastrophic threat in the future.
Increasing resistance and a lack of new antibiotic drugs means a greater risk of infections that cannot be treated. This will make routine medical care riskier and result in more deaths so antimicrobial resistance affects us all. The Department of Health has launched a five year Antimicrobial Resistance strategy aiming to slow the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance by focusing activities around 3 aims: 1. I mprove the knowledge and understanding of antimicrobial resistance. 2. C onserve and look after the effectiveness of existing treatments. 3. S timulate the development of new antibiotics, diagnostics and novel therapies.
Key Facts: •A ntibiotic resistance is a threat to your health. •A ntibiotics do not work for ALL colds, or for most coughs, sore throats or earache. Your body can usually fight these infections on its own. • T he more we use antibiotics, the greater the chance that bacteria will become resistant to them so that they no longer work on our infections. •A ntibiotics can have side effects as they upset the natural balance of bacteria. The use of inappropriate antibiotics may also allow other more harmful.
bacteria to increase. Antibiotics also cause other side effects such as rashes, stomach pains and reactions to sunlight.
Advice for Staff who Prescribe Antibiotics: •U se antibiotics responsibly, when antibiotic treatment is needed, the antibiotic should be tailored for the patient, the likely site of infection and causative organism. • P atients receiving antibiotics should receive the right drug, at the right dose, at the right time and the right duration for the individual. • I t is important that antimicrobial therapy (in accordance to local guidelines) is administered within 1 hour of recognition of severe sepsis or septic shock. •U nnecessary lengthy duration of antibiotic treatment and inappropriate use of broadspectrum antibiotics should be avoided. • S pecific guidance for professionals is available in the DOH ‘Start Smart then Focus’ guidance. This aims to promote best practice on prescribing antibiotics in hospitals and is available at: https://www.gov. uk/government/publications/ antimicrobial-stewardship-startsmart-then-focus.
Antibiotic Guardian Public Health England has established the Antibiotic Guardian Pledge campaign. It is calling on the public and health care professionals to choose one simple pledge of how they will make better use of these vital medicines. Please go to http://antibioticguardian.com/ and make a pledge.
Cancer patient raises hundreds of pounds
for urology department
A
CANCER patient has raised hundreds of pounds for the department where he was treated as a thank you for the outstanding care he received.
Mr Simmonite said: “The treatment was very good. They see so many people but the staff all seem to remember you and there is genuine care that is shown to you.
Mr David Simmonite, 65, of Whiston, Rotherham, revisited the urology unit at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital with his partner Linda Steele, where they presented staff with a cheque for £746.
“That all helps you because you naturally have a lot of anxiety about how it all works.”
Mr Simmonite was treated at the unit after being diagnosed with prostate cancer. He underwent a prostatectomy in February 2013 and then had a second operation three months later before undergoing radiotherapy at Weston Park Hospital. The cancer is now in remission but he still attends the urology clinic every six months for check ups.
By way of a thank you Mr Simmonite held a coffee morning at his home to raise money for the Sheffield Hospitals Charity. Linda baked 36 homemade cakes for the occasion and local businesses donated gifts and prizes. Linda’s daughter, Rebecca Ball, did a Zumbathon to raise a further £212. It is not the first time the family have raised money for the hospitals charity. They organised fundraising for Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity a few years ago after Linda’s sister died of cancer.
Podiatrists awarded ‘gold standard’ in customer excellence PODIATRISTS at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust have been awarded the prestigious Customer Service Excellence Standard in recognition of the high quality services they provide for the fifteenth consecutive year. The Customer Service award is a national standard of excellence award independently issued in recognition of excellent customer service, and is independently assessed and awarded by the Cabinet Office. Sheffield Podiatry Services
team provide a comprehensive range of services from screening and treating patients with diabetes who may develop foot complications as a result of the disease to nail surgery, podiatric surgery and a range of other treatments for foot conditions. They are one of only a handful of organisations throughout the country to achieve this Standard. Dr Lisa Farndon, Podiatric Development Facilitator said: “We’re delighted to have retained the prestigious Customer Service Excellence Standard for yet another year. “
Christmas gifts presented to Special Care Baby Unit by local students Young people from Freeman College presented nurses from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Jessop Wing hospital with gifts they created for babies being treated on the Unit over Christmas. The handmade gifts were delicate pewter garlands that used as Christmas decorations.
Julie Bathie, Sister at the Neonatal Unit, said: “Christmas can be a difficult time for families with poorly babies staying on the Unit, but it is these little extra things that can make a difference. All of the gifts, including the pewter garlands have been funded by Sheffield Hospitals Charity.”
left to right: Sister Sarah Dawson; Alice Kangley, support worker; Beth Harding, staff nurse; David Simmonite; Rebecca Ball; Linda Steele; Consultant Derek Rosario, outpatient lead for oncology Page 25 • Link - Winter 2015
Pensioners Pampered E
lderly patients were treated to a day of pampering as part of a celebration of the contribution of older people to society.
She said: “I don’t do so much now with getting older so I think this is a marvellous idea. I was amazed by the Wii, I have never seen one before.”
A range of activities including baking, Wii bowling, hand and head massages, manicures, Reiki (a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation) and ball room dancing were on offer at the Assessment and Rehabilitation Centre (ARC) at Nether Edge for UK Older People’s Day. The day aimed to challenge negative stereotypes of elderly people and recognise all they have given to society.
ARC helped Stanley Lake, 88, of Norton, get back on his feet after he suffered a couple of falls. He was invited back for the day and tried his hand at baking bread.
Karen said: “The multi-disciplinary team provide rehabilitation to help this group of patients to reach their optimum potential or to advise on coping strategies. Most of the people here today have been discharged from our service and they are now doing well coping in their own homes."
“It is nice to see the familiar faces and I have really enjoyed the baking,” he said. “I remember watching my mum bake so I think I must have picked it up from her.” Dulcie Cisalowicz, 84, of Crosspool, had a hand massage and manicure.
Karen Beddoe, the team leader at ARC, said: “We though it would be nice to give 25 patients a treat to celebrate all they have done in their lives.
“The pampering is lovely,” she said. “It is nice to be asked to come.”
“These patients have a wealth of knowledge and experience and still have a lot to contribute to society. I think that it is important that we acknowledge this as it is invaluable for their self-esteem and confidence.” Mary Whelan, 91, of Chapeltown, tried her hand at Wii Bowling.
disease or have fallen.
There was also tea, cakes and music and all the guests took home a scroll of favourite poems and articles which have been collected over the years. ARC is a rehabilitation centre for predominantly frail and elderly people who have suffered a stroke, have Parkinson’s
Don't Cross the Line in Theatres As part of the Trust’s commitment to infection prevention, a ‘red line rule’ has been introduced in theatres across the Trust to highlight ‘clean areas’ which must not be entered by anyone wearing outdoor clothing. Staff must not cross the red lines, which appear on the theatre corridor floors, before they have changed into scrubs and theatre shoes, or in some circumstances an indoor uniform. The new initiative is part of the Trust’s ongoing infection control and prevention campaign which has resulted in a year on year reduction in hospital acquired infections such as MRSA bacteraemia and C.difficile. Patrick Dobbs, Clinical Lead for Anaesthesia at the Hallamshire, was part of the team who developed the idea for the red lines. Patrick said: “Surgical site infections can be caused by organisms that contaminate wounds from the theatre environment. So to keep our patients as safe as possible, it’s really important that staff don’t enter the clean areas in outdoor clothing. Surgical scrubs really are much more hygienic as the hospital laundry processes are validated to make sure that linen is effectively cleaned. Page 26 • Link - Winter 2015
In addition, surgical scrubs are also ‘finished’ with a high pressure steam press which destroys any more resistant residual matter like bacterial spores.” Stephanie Glover, Consultant Anaesthetist and Theatre Infection Control Lead, added: “It’s also important to change your footwear to theatre / indoor shoes. Everyday shoes are contaminated with outdoor organic matter. This can cause a variety of unpleasant bacteria and fungi which can then be transferred into the theatre environment.” In addition to the red lines, there are shoe cleaning stations being set up in the changing rooms at both hospital sites to ensure theatre shoes are kept clean. Sir Andrew Cash, Chief Executive, recently officially launched the red lines by appearing in a poster to highlight the importance of adhering to the red line rule. Andrew added: “This is a really important initiative which will no doubt benefit our patients by building on our existing robust infection control measures. Maintaining good theatre etiquette is the responsibility of all staff working in or visiting the area and the lines are an excellent reminder that the stringent hygiene measures we have in place must be followed at all times.”
Open Day Raises Dementia Awareness A unit that looks after people with dementia and other memory problems held an open day to mark National Dementia Carers day.
The day aimed to improve awareness of and support for dementia carers. Families and carers were invited to attend Brearley 7 where they had the chance to chat to staff, ask questions and find out about the care on the ward. Senior Sister Jackie Jackson and Junior Sister Jo Creaser, Charge Nurse Stephen Bright and Consultant Physician and Geriatician Dr Rob Ghosh all attended the event. Jackie said: “We do our best to deliver person centred care focussing around the patient and their families and carers. This is why we felt it essential to take part in National Dementia Carers’ Day.
Flu Facts • F lu can kill. There were 904 admissions to UK intensive care units in 201314 due to influenza. 10% of these patients died. These figures are high for a disease that is largely preventable through vaccination. • I nfluenza can cause a spectrum of illnesses from mild to severe, even among people who are previously well. • I nfluenza remains unpredictable and it is hard to forecast the severity of future influenza seasons • I t has been estimated that up to 1 in 4 healthcare workers may become infected with influenza during a mild influenza season, a much higher incidence than expected in the general population.
small number of people experience side effects such as aching muscles, but this is just the immune system responding to the vaccine. These side effects are a lot less serious than having flu.
”We are a really friendly team and all staff are on board with ensuring excellent care for our patients. We also have fantastic domestic staff that we couldn’t manage without. “The day went really well.” Brearley 7 is a 27 bed unit that looks after people with dementia or memory problems of more than six months. Staff are trained in all aspects of dementia care and strive to maintain a calm, therapeutic environment. They pride themselves on being friendly and approachable for relatives.
•H and washing, healthy diets and good health alone will not prevent influenza. The best way to protect yourself, patients and family against flu is by having the vaccine. • T he vaccine is 50-90% effective depending upon the age and health of the person receiving it.
• I nfluenza is highly transmissible infection and healthcare workers may transmit the illness to patients even if they are only mildly or sub-clinically infected.
•N o study to date has demonstrated an increased risk of either maternal complications or adverse foetal outcomes associated with inactivated influenza vaccine. In fact there are benefits to both mother and child, and inactivated influenza vaccine is now recommended for pregnant mothers at all stages of pregnancy.
• I t is impossible for the vaccine to give you influenza because the vaccine doesn’t contain live viruses. A very
• T here is no such thing as natural immunity to influenza, with new strains circulating all the time.
The Brearley 7 team Page 27 • Link - Winter 2015
Hospital Praised by Royal Visitor
His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester recently visited staff and patients at the Northern General Hospital. The Duke was taken on a tour of the A&E department and the bespoke Frailty Unit which was designed to treat and assess frail older
patients more quickly to improve flow through the hospital. The Duke was impressed by the facilities and enjoyed meeting with patients and staff, including some of the newest recruits and some of the longest serving.
Become an Apprentice You don’t have to be a doctor or a nurse to work at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals – we have a world of great career opportunities. This spring we will be recruiting for apprentices in business and administration roles. This is a fantastic opportunity for you or someone you know to earn while you learn and improve your job prospects. • Study towards a qualification • Gain practical work experience • Guaranteed job interview at the end of training Page 28 • Link - Winter 2015
Apprentices spend one day a week in college and the rest of the time developing practical skills and knowledge on the job. Recruitment is in spring with start dates in September and November. For more information or an apprentice request form, please contact Pamela Williams on 0114 2602642 or look out for an advert on NHS Jobs or www.apprenticeships.org.uk
Page 29 • Link - Winter 2015
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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 prior written consent of the copyright owners. Octagon Design & Marketing Ltd. ©2015. Britannic Chambers, 8a Carlton Road, Worksop, Notts. S80 1PH Tel: 01909 478822
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