Wiltshire 100 Day Challenge page 7
@RUHBath The staff newspaper of the Royal United Hospital Bath NHS Trust Page 2 Physiotherapy on-call
Page 2 Sepsis success
October 2014
Page 3 ICU in select group
Inpatient vascular surgery transferring
Patient safety Award winner Natasha is an excellent role model Senior Sister Natasha Howard was presented with the Trust’s Patient Safety Award 2014 at our Annual General Meeting. An audience of over 200 staff and members of the public congratulated Natasha on her award, which was presented in recognition of her contribution to keeping patients safe. Natasha worked with the Patients Association to look at how hydration could be improved for patients on her own ward
(Parry). She then undertook an evaluation to measure the impact of this work and implemented changes to practice; repeat testing of hydration levels of patients on Parry led to an overall improvement of 13%. The intention is to implement these changes across the whole hospital. Matron Alison Flower said: “Natasha’s overwhelming desire was to ensure that every member of staff understood their role in hydration - from the ward doctors and nurses,
Foundation Trust update
As @RUHBath goes to print, we are still awaiting the outcome of our application to become an NHS Foundation Trust the independent regulator Monitor is still reviewing the information provided, ahead of making a decision on authorisation. As soon as we have any more information, we’ll share it with you. If you have any questions about our application, or want to know why we are striving to become an FT, you can visit the Foundation Trust webpage on the intranet, or contact the membership office on x1299.
to therapist’s and cleaning staff - thus making it everyone’s business that our patients remain well hydrated whilst in our care. “As a consequence of this work the Trust adopted the hydration chart as part of a suite of tools nurses use to plan and deliver personalised patient care, Natasha was also shortlisted for a national Patient Safety Award 2014 from the Health Service Journal. “As Natasha’s matron, I know that she will insist that many others were also part of this work. Her drive was to shine a light on the importance of hydration in hospital, and that her (our) patients receive the best, evidence-based care possible. I am very proud to be Natasha’s matron, she is a fabulous senior ward sister and a role model for nursing staff in the Trust.” There is more about our talented, awardwinning staff on page 3.
Some of you may be aware of the centralisation of inpatient vascular services within the South West. Many staff have been involved in this service transfer incorporating North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT), University Hospital Bristol NHS Trust (UHB), Weston General Hospital and the RUH, and which specifically for us takes effect from Monday 13 October. From this date inpatient vascular services will transfer from the RUH to NBT’s Southmead Hospital as part of the establishment of a new vascular network. The new Major Arterial Centre (MAC) at Southmead will bring together all arterial surgery for the network and provide 24/7 access to a specialist vascular multi-disciplinary team of vascular surgeons, interventional radiologists and specialist nurses, and includes the provision of a new £1.5 million pound ‘hybrid’ operating theatre. The MAC will provide complex aortic endovascular treatments for the whole of the South West. Vascular clinics at the RUH will continue, although now managed centrally by NBT. Vascular Studies will remain as will their diagnostic ultrasound services, and other diagnostic imaging such as CT and MRA will also remain at the RUH in Radiology. Vascular day case surgery including day case angioplasty and peripheral angioplasty will also continue at the RUH. Patients whose care is ongoing will have already received information explaining the changes, and the vascular network will continue to support the local care of patients though agreed pathways of care with the stroke network, diabetic foot multidisciplinary teams, and community rehabilitation services. Although many staff have been involved with the service transfer, this change will only directly affect two of our vascular surgeons who will be transferring to NBT from October. The network’s development has been overseen by a local Vascular Services Review Board (independently chaired by Chris Hine, Public Health Consultant, Bristol City Council) and the network lead is Mr Marcus Brooks, Consultant Vascular Surgeon at UHB.
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@RUHBath
OCTOBER 2014
Sepsis Success Fighting flu in 2014 At the end of October the clocks will go back an hour and it will really start to feel like winter. October will also see the launch of this year’s Flu Fighter campaign. You, as healthcare workers are all entitled to a free flu vaccination which will protect you and your family from this debilitating virus. This year, along with local department vaccinators, we will be re-opening the popular vaccination clinic in central pre-op (B39) from 20 October, and if you want to enjoy the festive season fit and healthy, then we urge you to get vaccinated and protected from flu before Christmas! You will all receive a consent form in the post which you must bring along when you get vaccinated, we’ve made it easier than ever for you and your details will already be filled in, so all you have to do is turn up. Flu is serious, and so is our message. Last year, which was considered a mild flu season, 904 patients in the UK ended up in intensive care as a result of flu - 10% of those patients died. Head of Occupational Health Pete Fox has a simple message: “Get protected, claim your free vaccination and protect yourself, your family and our patients this winter. Never had flu before? Don’t wait until this winter to find out how nasty it can be.” Clinical evidence has shown that healthcare workers are more likely to be exposed to the influenza virus than the general population. It has been estimated that up to one in four of you may become infected with influenza, even in a mild flu season. There is a useful link on the www.nhsemployers website which provides a year’s clinical evidence to support staff in making a decision to have the flu vaccine. It will also be available on the flu webpage on the intranet. Look out for your consent forms and more information about Flu Fighter 2014 in our weekly newsletter, and on the intranet.
The RUH celebrated its first World Sepsis Day in September with a variety of events on Charlotte ward, PAW Central Delivery Suite, the Admission Suite and William Budd ward. The afternoon was a great success with lots of staff coming along to have their Sepsis 6 training, and joining in with the Sepsis simulations, where they were able to put that teaching into practice. There were also lots of updates about the progress being made throughout the hospital with regards to Sepsis 6 implementation. Those not able to attend weren’t left out, with baked goodies being delivered to the wards as a thank you for everyone’s continued hard work.
Physiotherapy on-call An innovative training programme is being rolled out for physiotherapists so that there will be more of them available to provide an on-call service for staff and patients. The physiotherapy on-call service is for the provision of emergency respiratory physiotherapy to patients outside of normal working hours. It is in place to prevent, or respond to, the respiratory deterioration of patients. Head of Therapies Gina Sargeant explains: “Previously, the on-call service could only be delivered by clinical staff who have completed a six month medical or surgical rotation; gaining experience in each specialty. This limited the number of staff available for on-call and made the rota challenging. “But now, physiotherapy team leaders for ITU, Surgery and Medicine have created a formal, intensive training programme to develop respiratory assessment and treatment skills for physiotherapists. This will double the number of physiotherapists available for the on-call rota to 36. “The training programme started in September and will run until November, with groups of four staff being trained together. A competency manual has been designed to ensure that staff can demonstrate the
necessary levels of competence to then provide an on-call service and deal with any respiratory scenario. “This new, innovative way of training our workforce is a proactive way of ensuring that there is a good number of staff trained to be on-call, as well as providing more staff with respiratory skills that they can use in the dayto-day care of patients.” Staff may need to use the on-call service - accessible by calling the main switchboard by dialling 0 - if patients have difficulty in clearing secretions, have an increased oxygen requirement, or an increased respiratory rate or temperature, or there are chest x-ray or auscultation* changes. A Physiotherapy on-call Standard Operating Procedure is available to wards, and will also soon be available online. * Auscultation is the term for listening to the internal sounds of the body, usually using a stethoscope. Auscultation is performed for the purposes of examining the circulatory system and respiratory system (heart sounds and breath sounds).
Have you got a story? Do you have a story we should be writing about? Our Editorial Board welcomes staff from all disciplines, across all levels. Please join us and help shape the contents for @RUHBath. If you’ve got a suggestion for something you’d like to see in here, please get in touch. Call x5799 or x6278 or email ruhcommunications@nhs.net
Physiotherapists Thea Gorman and Caroline Ficke (surgical ITU/Team leader) caring for a patient on ITU
Bright ideas September saw the first Fresh Eyes event; when new staff gave some really positive and constructive feedback on their experiences at the RUH so far, and some great ideas about what else the hospital can do to support staff. This was organised by the Education Centre following suggestions from staff via the Bright Ideas route. Fresh Eyes events will continue with invitations sent to staff three months after their start date. As well as events for new staff, there are Bright Ideas drop-in sessions open to all staff to offer up suggestions of what we can improve for our patients - check out the Bright Ideas webpage on the intranet for details of the next session. Congratulations to September’s innovation stars whose bids were approved and funded by the Innovations Panel: Steve Jones and Hannah Cross: Portable resuscitaires – Currently babies requiring stabilisation or resuscitation have their umbilical cords clamped and cut immediately after birth in order to take them to the resus equipment (resuscitaire). By delaying cord clamping and keeping the baby close to the mother via portable resuscitaires, iron status is improved and, in large randomised trials, has proven to reduce neonatal interventions and length of stay. Wendy Fletcher and team: Antibiotic prescribing app – Appropriate antimicrobial prescribing is recognised as a national and local priority. Ensuring patients get prompt therapy with the right antibiotic ensures effective treatment of (potentially life threatening) infection. Innovation funding will pay for the software platform and licences for the app. Marc Atkins: Acute diabetes service on key wards – Innovation funding will pay for a diabetes nurse to carry out a pilot on five other inpatient wards building on the success of the Acute Diabetes Service on MAU. Claire Damen: Theatres improvement resource – The panel has approved funding for a resource to work with the theatres team and wider staff groups to improve theatre productivity, by applying the principles of The Productive Operating Theatre (TPOT). Keep your ideas coming! Why not fill in one of our webforms by following the Bright Ideas logo on the intranet homepage, pop your idea down on one of our Bright Ideas cards and post it in the box in the Education Centre or send an email to ruh-tr.BrightIdeas@nhs.net
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OCTOBER 2014
Our latest award winners
Assistant Practitioner Marlene Perera (Day Surgery) was presented with the Chief Executive’s Customer Care Award for her dedication to patient care. An adult patient with learning difficulties had significant anxiety about his operation and being in hospital. Marlene developed a fantastic relationship with this patient and his family and was able to put them at ease. Despite her shift being finished, Marlene accompanied the patient to theatre, and waited for him to come out of recovery, providing continuity of care for this vulnerable adult. Thanks to Marlene’s help the experience for the patient and his family was made so much easier.
Jackie Robinson’s dedication to patient care was also recognised. Jackie, who is Senior Sister in Urology outpatients, was contacted one evening by a patient who was in severe distress as her nephrostomy tubes (tubes into the kidney to drain urine) were leaking and falling off. Jackie went to see the patient at home that evening as the patient could not get into hospital. This is not unusual for Jackie, she always puts the patient first.
Mark Tooley, Kesavan Ramanujam, Senthil Kumar, Chari Manlapaz, Beverly Harris, Danielle Fawkner-Corbett, Zdravka Petkova, Carol Light, Tracy Hannabis We have two Teams of the Month this month; The 6th Form Conference Team organise an annual, 3-day conference, which provides over 100 students with an insight into the different healthcare professions. The event takes a huge amount of organisation and is a fantastic example of team work, bringing together staff from various departments to help educate and inspire the future generation. Feedback overwhelmingly demonstrates that students feel more likely to pursue a career in healthcare after attending.
Justine Archman, Wendy Ellis, Emma Rumble, Jessica Shipp, Lisa Brown, Lucy Donaldson The Pre-op Assessment Team has developed a number of initiatives to improve the planned admission process. They include developing an electronic screen to display wait time directly from Millennium to keep patients updated, streamlining the ‘to be determined’ patient pathway reducing the risk of patients being cancelled on the day of surgery or breaching the 18 week RTT target. Every patient has an up to date record of their medication on admission, improving patient safety by reducing the risk of prescribing delays. Every patient at risk of VTE receives an assessment, and 100% of patients attending pre-op receive an MRSA screen prior to admission.
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You could help with diabetes research You may know that the RUH is involved in many research studies across a variety of specialities which includes patients of all ages. A current focus is an international study where researchers are exploring ways to prevent, delay or reverse the onset and progression of type 1 diabetes. This study identifies those people with specific autoantibodies which are known to increase the risk of developing the disease. Those who volunteer are being screened to identify if they have any of the five specific autoantibodies, those who have a large number of them have a higher risk of developing type 1 diabetes. The study has been running in the UK for 10 years and the co-ordinating centre is at the neighbouring Southmead hospital. So far nearly 6,000 people have been screened as part of the study in the UK and almost 20,000 globally. To be considered for the study you need to be ages 3 to 45 years and have a brother, sister, child or parent with type 1 diabetes; or be ages 3 to 20 years and have a cousin, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, half-brother, half-sister or grandparent with type 1 diabetes. If you would like further information about the study, please contact Paediatric Clinical research Nurse Alison Barratt (afternoons) on x1559 or email ruh-tr.paediatricresearchnurse@nhs.net
World Thrombosis Day The RUH is supporting the firstever World Thrombosis Day on 13 October to help educate and inform both patients and staff of the risks of developing a thrombosis. We will be launching our first VTE Champions event for ward staff who are keen to help improve patient safety.
ICU handover in a select group The intensive care unit (ICU) has been awarded a rare and prestigious ‘triple green outlier’ award for ICU handovers from the General Medical Council. The quality of the ICU handovers was rated to be in the top 5% nationally for three consecutive years (2012, 2013 and 2014). The results were announced following the publication of the 2013-2014 GMC survey; this is an anonymous annual survey which is completed by all UK junior doctors. The findings are used by the GMC to monitor the quality of medical education and training in the UK, and to detect areas of concern or excellence regarding patient safety and quality of care. Dr Fiona Kelly, education lead for ICU, said “Handovers are vital for continuity of care and to maintain high standards, especially for the sick and complex patients that we care for on ICU. This award is the result of hard work by the entire ICU team, and we’re delighted to be recognised in this way.” Intensive care is the only specialty at the RUH to be given such an award and we were
one of only two district general hospital ICUs to be given this award nationally, which puts the RUH in a very select group. Dr Adam Malin, Director of Medical
Education said: “This is an outstanding result from Intensive Care Unit and provides further evidence of their commitment to high quality training and education.”
Get involved in World Thrombosis Day and become a VTE Champion! If you are interested in becoming a VTE Champion, please join us on 13 October, from 1-2pm, in the Pathology seminar room to find out more.
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@RUHBath
OCTOBER 2014
Staffing Soluti If you look around your department now, it is more than likely that at least one person is a member of the hospital staff bank. The bank, or Staffing Solutions, is our own in-house agency for all temporary staff working throughout the Trust.
Working on solutions for staffing: Clychelle Mann, Stephanie Beard, Caroline Gilleece, Karen Smith, Phoebe Langley and Liz Cowdry
You might wonder why we have a bank. Well it is quite common for a hospital to have its own bank of in-house temporary workers available. These staff are often used to support departments where staffing levels may be low due to sickness, or provide cover during times like school holidays. An in-house agency is much more cost effective than using staff from an external agency. Bank Nurse Facilitator Clychelle Mann says: “The bank provides a high quality service and keeps our working environment safe for staff and patients. We’re more costeffective than agency nurses, and our staff are already familiar with the ward routines, our IT system, and working methods and general practice.” As well as the bank being an advantage to the hospital as a whole, it has many benefits for the staff who are part of the service. “People choose to work on the bank so that
once a month, or even once every three they can be flexible, earn extra money, and work in a familiar environment. Staff who months, and others use the bank to ‘top-up’ work for external agencies can be sent to any their contracted working hours. Have you number of different ever wanted to earn a little more money hospitals which Did you know before Christmas? can be challenging. We also have a Nurse Pool (this is not It’s a key time when The RUH does linked to the Oasis pool in any way!), occasionally use some staff plan extra but is a group of nurses who have staff from external hours into their agreed contracted hours to work each working weeks in agencies when week, but who are not assigned to necessary, but this the run-up to the particular wards. These nurses can be festive season. is usually when a placed on any of our wards to help out particular specialist is Clychelle adds: when staffing levels are low. needed, for example “If there is demand, and you have the in mental health. relevant experience, Anyone can you can do almost any job in the hospital join the bank whether you are already a permanent member of staff at the hospital, via the bank. We provide nurses, HCAs, or from outside the Trust. Some staff use the security personnel, doctors, clerical staff, bank as their only job, working as frequently porters, cleaners and catering staff. As a as they want whenever there are shifts clerical worker for example, you could be working in areas such as the appointment available; we have some staff who work
centre, communications office, or medical records, or as support in outpatients, or as a receptionist. I think that all roles can be represented on the bank – except for the Directors!” We spoke to Kelly Dyer who was working in the Lansdown restaurant. Kelly has worked all over the hospital for the last six years and enjoys the variety of work that she gets to do: “As well as catering, I’ve worked in medical records, oncology outpatients, audiology, switchboard and HR. I also work at the pool every summer as a lifeguard. I’m a jack of all trades! I love the variety of jobs that I get to do, it’s a nice mix. I think I might be working in the emergency department next week so that will be another first. “My favourite role so far has been in Oncology Outpatients. I really like being with patients, and oncology is a big and busy department, you can get to know some patients quite well when they visit regularly. It
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OCTOBER 2014
ions
Binu John
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Kelly Dyer (right) on duty in the Lansdown restaurant
can be a challenging environment but I feel has been really friendly to me, taking time Staff like Binu who are new to the Trust, like I’m making a difference to patients and are given an intensive week-long induction to show me things and explain how the their families – I really like helping people, I different wards work. I’m really grateful that programme and are supported through get a lot out of it.” everyone is so willing to help me whilst I’m some initial orientation shifts. Each member Kelly went to University to train to be of staff is provided with comprehensive new, but I wish I could fast forward a few a teacher, but training, including manual handling, rapid months to when I will working at the RUH spread and on the newly implemented New know more! through the bank “I enjoy the Early Warning Signs (NEWS) System. A lot Did you know? has readjusted her variety of my role of work goes into ensuring that bank staff In the first quarter results of the Staff priorities: “I’ve are fully compliant and up to date with on the bank; today Friends and Family Test; 74% of staff considered training their training, and you may have read in a I’m working on would recommend the RUH as a place to as a nurse, I really past issue of @RUHBath magazine that the Combe ward, but on work, and 86% of staff recommended like working in Staffing Solutions team (11 staff in total) has Saturday I’ll be back care at the RUH. healthcare, so who on ACE. It’s much performed exceptionally well in the Rapid You can visit the NHS England website knows what the Spread cascade training. more varied work to find out more about what staff are future may hold. So, if variety is your thing and you are a than at the nursing saying about working at the RUH. Working on the member of staff with an existing permanent home, and I see many bank has given me contract, you might want to think about more patients. I really a lot of experience, I know which jobs I enjoy my job, helping people is the best joining the bank; all you have to do is visit would like to do again, and which ones I’m part. I think that we all have a responsibility the Staffing Solutions office and complete a not so keen on, it’s been great to be given form. If you or someone you know does not to help others regardless of our role, from the chance to rethink my options – not currently work at the RUH but wants to join HCA to doctor, we should treat everyone as many people get that opportunity.” the bank, the process involves an application though they are part of our family. Working On the clinical side, a lot of our local via NHS Jobs and a short interview. You on the bank is great for me; as my wife is a student nurses and doctors join the bank nurse I have to work around her shifts and can find out more by visiting the Staffing to gain further experience and earn extra we have to share childcare duties too. Life Solutions office in C11, or visit their webpage money during their summer holidays. These on the intranet: go to Staff Resources and would be much more complicated if I had a staff often work as health care assistants, and they are listed in the main menu on the left. permanent job.” are placed specifically on wards where they haven’t previously done their formal training. Staff on the bank: This allows them to experience a broad range of patients and conditions, which Clychelle Just bank shifts Substantive and Total says is really good experience, especially for bank shifts the student doctors: “They really value the Nurses 200 400 600 hands on practical experience which we HCAs 100 160 260 hope that they will think back to in the future when they are fully qualified.” Doctors 30 70 100 We also spoke to Binu, an experienced Cleaners/catering/porters 40 30 70 HCA who is new to the Trust. “I’ve only done Allied Health Professionals 40 23 63 about seven shifts so far but those have been (radiographers, physiotherapists on different wards; I’ve worked on Helena, etc.) ACE, Midford and Combe. I’ve lots of experience of working with elderly patients Clerical 70 70 140 as I used to work in nursing homes so my 480 753 1233 skills are well suited to these wards. Everyone
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@RUHBath
OCTOBER 2014
Pedal power My View
- Paula Paterson It’s said variety is the spice of life, and no place does this apply more than the Emergency Department, where I work as a Research Nurse. In addition to the differing types of disciplines that work there, we look after a range of conditions, from minor to complex and significant illnesses or trauma, babies that are just a few days old to adults over one hundred, patients from oversees who don’t speak English and more; whatever the problem we try and find an appropriate solution. Underpinning all this is the desire to deliver the best care possible to those that come here, which is why I have added even more variety to my job. As part of a growing number of nurses with more than a single role; some while ago I changed from full-time Emergency Department (ED) nurse to spending three days as an ED staff nurse and two as a Research Nurse, based within the department. Research and clinical trials provide the opportunity to deliver new and potentially better methods of care to patients; today’s research could be tomorrow’s best practice. However, in a busy ED, with so many demands on staffing and a four hour target to assess, treat and admit or discharge patients, considering and consenting patients for trials is not always easy, particularly if they are acutely unwell. That’s where my dual role is helping me so far. The Research Nurse role is not entirely new to the department, but having someone that regularly spends time caring for patients as well as focus on trials currently active is valuable; I understand what it’s like on the shop floor, especially on a day when patients are quite literally queuing to be admitted, and trying to find solutions to making access to trials simpler and more straightforward is one of my initial priorities. As well as this, it’s important to feel that you are contributing to the constant change and improvement in the department. By working alongside the doctors, I am able to get an understanding of their concerns or priorities and consider how we can address this, utilising research to find solutions. Nurses are also taking greater responsibility for patient care, decision making and discharge and it’s important we have the knowledge and evidence to underpin our practice and look for improved ways of working. We currently have a number of trials in the department, addressing how we manage patients who have suffered a stroke or GI Bleed, presented with SVT (an unusually fast heart rhythm), and more recently, we have started working in collaboration with Bath University, gaining a greater understanding of parents’ feedback when their children suffer a traumatic injury or event. Looking at these areas with a more analytical approach enables me to improve my clinical care and question what I am doing at times; is the best possible approach being taken? In time I hope to share my experiences within the research role with my colleagues and enable them to consider inclusion in trials when caring for someone who has presented to ED and regard it as a critical element of our service to patients and their relatives, reinforcing our commitment to deliver first class care.
Many of our staff - some of whom are not regular cyclists - took to two-wheels to get to work as part of the national Cycle to Work initiative last month. It was a good opportunity to experience getting to work in a more environmentally friendly way, with some healthy exercise as an added bonus. We encouraged staff to link in with one of three ‘pied piper’ journeys; these were pre-planned group cycles lead by colleagues who regularly use their bikes to travel to work. Our Chief Executive James Scott joined one of
Steve Boxall, Jo Flint and James Scott
David Walker
these groups. Consultant David Walker used the Cycle to Work as a reason to get back on his bike. David said “I used to regularly cycle to work, but I moved to the top of one of Bath’s many steep hills last year, and have been put off by the thought of cycling home at the end of a busy day. Having pumped up both tyres, I came in via the canal this morning, which was very enjoyable; but I’m not particularly
looking forward to the ride home tonight! I think I’ll do some research into one of these electric bikes.” At the same time, staff and visitors were able to find out more about electric bikes, the Cyclescheme and cycle routes in their local areas, from manned information stands at the hospital. We were also joined by Cycleworks of Weston and Dr Bike, who provided complimentary, on the spot bike health checks.
What’s being said We received a letter from the son of a patient who sadly passed away whilst under our care: “Mum was brought into the RUH as an emergency and her care in A&E, MAU and particularly on the Acute Stroke Unit was excellent. She was treated at all times with kindness, compassion, dignity and respect. We, her family were also kept well informed, considered, supported and appropriately consulted about her wishes. Thank you.” A patient from Wiltshire wrote to comment on his experience: “I have received a fast, efficient and thoroughly professional range of services including colonoscopy, MRI, CT scans and a surgical procedure. All the staff that I have met have been extremely competent, informative, sensitive, respectful and thoroughly efficient. I have one criticism, the choice of music that I was
given to listen to during my MRI scan. I had chosen Beethoven, but the opening of the 5th symphony (fate knocking at my door) is not, I think, the most appropriate choice! The opening of the 6th symphony, the Pastoral would have been more appropriate and calming in the circumstances!” We received the following five star review via NHS Choices: “I was treated at A&E by an excellent nurse practitioner. She was very pleasant and extremely competent and did not hurt me at all when she gave me local anaesthetic and treated my injury. Wonderful service.” A visitor emailed the Communications Office to highlight the good work of an individual member of staff who works on main reception. “I was waiting for a lift home this evening and whilst sat having a
drink I observed your receptionist at work, she was continually busy but managed every patient and visitor in such a warm and caring manner; providing reassurance to a visitor who was clearly unwell, helping to organise some transport for some elderly patients, multi-tasking with a smile on her face continually. She was a gem.” Siobhan tweeted us to say thanks: “@RUHBath thanks to Dr Evans & the quick response of the A&E department for saving my life v early Sunday morning. On the road to recovery :) ” Hospital food has been high on the agenda in the media recently, Ruth tweeted the following comment about our food: “Visited @RUHBath at tea time today. They serve a 3-course meal now - a few years ago it was just a sandwich. Major improvement.”
Have you looked at your Total Reward Statement yet? Total Reward Statements and Annual Benefit Statements are being introduced as part of a national initiative to help NHS staff understand the true value of their employment package. If you worked here before 31 March this year, your Total Reward Statement or TRS for short - is ready to view online at www.totalrewardstatements.nhs.uk – take a look. You will need to register online prior to accessing your statement
via this route. There’s a guide to help you here http://www.esrsupport.co.uk/ TotalRewards/index.html Alternatively, you can access your statement via the ESR icon on your desktop; make sure you have your smartcard in, then click on the icon, select Employee Self Service and then total Reward Statement. For those of you who are members of the NHS Pensions Scheme, your statement
is the best place to find out what NHS Pension benefits you might receive when you retire. You can also find out more about all the benefits we offer you, including cycle to work, childcare vouchers, discount shopping vouchers, counselling services and much more. To find out more about the statements please visit the Employee section of the TRS information site at www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/TRS
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OCTOBER 2014
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Have you heard about the Wiltshire 100 Day Challenge? By the time you read this, you should have already received printed information about the ‘100 Day Challenge’. Chief Operating Officer Francesca Thompson says: “Wiltshire CCG and Wiltshire Council have launched the 100 Day Challenge. It’s an exciting and innovative campaign for health and social care staff to work collaboratively. It aims to capitalise on existing and new care services in order to reduce unnecessary hospital admissions, increase independence in a home setting, and reduce the amount of time patients spend in hospital.” The intention is to improve care experiences for patients in Wilshire, particularly for frail and elderly patients. If we unite behind the 100 Day Challenge campaign then we will give these services the best possible chances of success and deliver real benefits for patients. The 100 Day Challenge will help to increase efficiency and create capacity across the whole health system. During the ‘100 Days’ there will be particular
Prize winning staff A fantastic exhibition of our staff and volunteer’s artistic talents has been on display in the central corridors this summer. Photography, paintings, drawings, prints, textiles, jewellery and mixed media are all on show to the many hundreds of patients, visitors and staff who pass through the RUH every day. People have voted for their favourite artwork and Security Officer Marcin Plociniak won ‘best photograph’ in show. His prize is a photography voucher for a workshop with the Royal Photographic Society. Radiology Porter Melanie Pozniakow won ‘best artwork’. Her prize is a Meltone Gallery framing voucher. Marcin said: “A big thank you to everyone who took the time to vote, I am both
focus on the following four areas: • Access and referral routes • Managing crisis in community settings thus avoiding the need for an unnecessary hospital stay • Managing a greater number of patients in a community setting based on 20,000 GP practice based populations • Reducing length of stay and improving discharge processes. The RUH along with the other acute hospitals in Wiltshire, the Ambulance Service, the Council, out-of-hours providers, and the care and voluntary sector, have all been active in planning for the 100 Day Challenge. There is a range of new services being piloted including: • Discharge to Assess (pilot in Chippenham/ Corsham); a new 7-day service that will enable earlier supported discharge from hospital once the patient is medically stable - providing assessment and extra support after discharge • Step up beds in Warminster; additional
beds in the community to support patients in the short term, which may be a more appropriate option than coming into hospital • Provision of intermediate care beds; placement of patients into appropriate care homes whilst their longer tem plan is agreed. These services are expected to reduce the daily average time beds are occupied, reduce emergency bed day use for patients over 65, eradicate incidents of ‘delayed transfer of care’, increase the ability to support people at home or their usual place of residence, and improve the service and experience for more senior residents. By testing this new way of working, the 100 Day Challenge will allow Wiltshire CCG and Wiltshire Council to clearly define an integrated care model and establish how this can be delivered going forward. This will be to the benefit of patients, staff, and the RUH. Please look out for other initiatives in the RUH throughout October focusing on how we can improve discharge processes, and engagement with our community partners.
Parry ward before...
surprised and very proud.” Melanie said: “Thank you so much, it has been a privilege to hang my prints at the RUH. It has been a great source of inspiration for my work over the years.” We’ve been delighted to show off the creative talents of our staff to our visitors and everyone has thoroughly enjoyed the exhibition. Facts File 250 artworks submitted 120 artworks chosen for the exhibition 56 staff and volunteers entered 34 different departments were represented
... and after
Estates round-up Parry ward is now back in action following extensive refurbishment and improvements to the oxygen and call-bell systems. Thank you to all staff who had a role to play in keeping things running as smoothly as possible throughout the closure of the ward. If you’ve walked along the central corridor on the first floor of the hospital, you will probably have seen, first-hand, the progress of the Combe ward garden and the new Friends Coffee Shop. The projects are both
due to compete in time for the Grand Opening on Saturday 11 October – when we will be joined by a very special guest of honour who most definitely will not have a soggy bottom, whatever the weather. The extension of the staff car park is now complete, so it’s back to business as usual. That said, we hope that the sight of Steve Boxall and James Scott in their Lycra (see page 6) will have inspired a few of you to ditch the car and get on your bikes to work.
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@RUHBath
Just a minute…
OCTOBER 2014
Ted’s Big Day Out! Friday 17 October 2014
Maraki Thomas, Snr. Communications Manager
Wear funky footwear Wear some funky footwear, or take your teddy out for the day, to celebrate The Forever Friends Appeal’s annual fundraising day for the RUH, proudly sponsored by Mogers Drewett. Silly socks, colourful crocs, wacky laces and odd shoes – whatever wacky footwear you choose, all the funds raised will support the RUH Cancer Care Campaign, or you can choose another ward or department close to your heart to benefit. There will be lots going on in the RUH atrium, including Ted’s Big Bake Off, and a special performance from Emmy J Mac, star of the BBC’s The Voice. To find out more and register online visit www.tedsbigdayout.co.uk
How long have you worked at the RUH? One month What’s the best thing about your job? I get to meet people, it’s always busy and I love that I am getting involved in different projects. Not a dull moment! If you could spend a day in another department, which would it be? Why? Dementia unit as I’m interested to find out more about the work of the department, and the Qulturum Is there one great thing you wished everyone knew about the RUH? I have a list going on this … if I had to choose one it would be the passion everyone puts into their daily efforts How would you describe yourself in three words? Imaginative, caring, and impatient Who would play you, in a film about your life? Audrey Hepburn Surprise us – what don’t we know about you? I used to love bungee jumping off a crane. I definitely wouldn’t go for it now What talent do you wish you had? I love music and I wish I could play an instrument, or have a lovely voice
Dates for your diary 12-18 October
13 October
National Arthritis Week
World Thrombosis Day (see page 3)
20 October
23 October
Friends of the RUH Coffee Shop reopens
Open staff meeting, Oasis boardroom, 12.30pm
17 October Ted’s Big Day Out!
24 October Royal Photographic Society exhibition opens, central corridor
What makes you laugh? My daughter, Everyone Loves Raymond, and Michael McIntyre
Helen Dowler, Receptionist, Physiotherapy How long have you worked at the RUH? Five and a half years What’s the best thing about your job? Getting satisfactory results for the patients’ booking dilemmas, and getting them seen ASAP If you could spend a day in another department, which would it be? Why? I would love to spend a day in NICU; as a grandma of five I’m fascinated with, and enjoy the company of, mums and babies Is there one great thing you wished everyone knew about the RUH? Everyone I know strives to do the best they can every day How would you describe yourself in three words? Outgoing, chatty, kind
What is your dream holiday? Far-flung, white sand, soft music to compliment the sound of waves, perfect temperature and a soft beach bed, oh and a spa session would be good too!
Who would play you, in a film about your life? Pamela Ferris could play me
Which three people (past or present) would you invite for dinner, and why? Superman for a midnight flight, Coco Chanel for fashion and life tips and Owen Wilson for lots and lots of fun
Surprise us – what don’t we know about you? I am a supporting artist for films and TV work in my days off. I’ve been on seven TV quiz shows and I survived a plane crash! And I have a steering certificate for super tankers
What would be your ideal menu and where would you eat it? BBQ stuffed squid and chocolate mousse in Santorini, at Franco’s Bar overlooking the archipelago What law would you introduce if you were in charge? That’s an easy one and I’ve been campaigning for it (in my head) for years. We get our pension first and travel and enjoy life to the max, and then at around 35-40 we start working!
Just a minute…
What talent do you wish you had? I wish I could sing, I’m tone deaf
New Exhibitions Art workshops are regularly taking place on the Children’s ward. Alongside creating work to take home, the children have made 2D and 3D work for large box frames based around the four seasons. This work can be seen in the Artsparks corridor (Zone B). The children looked at different artists’ works, including David Hockney’s ‘The Bigger Picture’, which involves paintings and digital images of Yorkshire through the seasons. The project has allowed the children to explore different techniques; drawing, painting, collage, construction, sewing and embroidery. The backgrounds have been created from torn tissue paper and the children have worked individually to create the separate elements for the boxes. “The workshop made a big difference to my five year old niece who was crying and scared of surgery before she started doing the art work. She said afterwards: “I feel so much better now.” The Visual Art Group of the Royal
Photographic Society will return to the RUH on 24 October to show their annual members exhibition of 100 framed prints. The exhibition illustrates the diversity and quality of photographic interests. Also on display will be ‘Simple Beauty’: The William Scott Project, an exhibition by Action on Hearing Loss artists, all of whom are Deaf with additional needs. For further information contact: Hetty Dupays, Arts Programme Manager hetty.dupays@nhs.net Jessica Shoemack, Marketing Assistant jessicashoemack@nhs.net 01225 824987 www.ruh.nhs.uk/art Follow us on Twitter @artatruh
What makes you laugh? Potty humour and The Inbetweeners What is your dream holiday? Orlando, Florida with all the children and grandchildren Which three people (past or present) would you invite for dinner, and why? Adolf Hitler to persuade him to take up art instead of politics, Bill Gates (the young one) to pinch his ideas, my five children 30 years from now to see how they turned out What would be your ideal menu and where would you eat it? Indian, on a Persian rug with George Clooney What law would you introduce if you were in charge? Make it illegal for holiday companies to hike the prices up in school holidays