Insight Northampton Winter 2018/2019

Insight

THE MAGAZINE FOR NORTHAMPTON GENERAL HOSPITAL PATIENTS AND VISITORS

Winter 2018/2019 | Issue 68

Pathway proud!

Celebrations as we become first UK hospital to achieve international status as a great place for nurses and midwives to work Supported by Northamptonshire Health Charitable Fund

Inside: Best Possib le Award Care s 20 souven 18 supple ir ment

 CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S COLUMN

In this edition of Insight, we celebrate the outstanding work of our employees in caring for others.

This year we joined with the NHS family nationally to celebrate 70 years of our amazing health service.

Locally, we celebrated a decade of pioneering services by our heart centre team.

In the case of our Best Possible Care Awards supplement, we say thank you to all those who have given exceptional care to our patients or who have made extraordinary efforts to support their colleagues and our hospital.

We also celebrate our achievement in becoming the first hospital in the UK to achieve Pathway to Excellence status.

You can read more about this on the page opposite.

Throughout all these articles is a common theme of NGH employees striving to deliver the best possible care for their patients. As 2018 comes to a close, we look forward to another year of caring for our local community.

Dr Sonia Swart

Chief Executive Northampton General Hospital

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

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A word from our charity team W

e in the charity team, continue to be overwhelmed by the support the people of Northampton give NGH, through kind donations and thoughtful fundraising, for their chosen ward or department. We look after the separate fund pots held for each area and we ensure that every donation is used directly in line with the donors’ desires and the department’s wishes.

These funds make a real and

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lasting difference to patients, enhancing patient care in wards and departments. We thank everyone for their support and in our charity pages at the back of this magazine you will see just how generous and adventurous some of our supporters have been.

The motives for a lot of donations and fundraising challenges are invariably to say thank you for the care received here which testament to the incredible Team NGH.

Winter 2018/2019 Issue 68

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

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

Edited by Eva Duffy eva.duffy@ngh.nhs.uk; Contributors: Zoe Catlin and Kieran Jones; Cover photo: Kieran Jones.

Designed and printed by Octagon Design & Marketing Ltd, Hawks Nest Cottage, Great North Road, Bawtry, Doncaster, South Yorkshire DN10 6AB.

Keep in touch Follow us on Twitter @NGHNHSTrust Follow us on Instagram northamptongeneralhospital Like our Northampton General Hospital Facebook page

IT’S OFFICIAL: NGH IS A GREAT PLACE FOR NURSES AND MIDWIVES TO WORK! N

orthampton General Hospital is the first hospital in the United Kingdom to be awarded an international mark of excellence for our positive work environment for nurses and midwives.

The Pathway to Excellence accreditation programme is a stamp of approval for hospitals with positive practice environments where nurses and midwives excel. To achieve it, we had to show that we support their professional development, we care about their wellbeing, and they have meaningful opportunities to improve services.

It demonstrates that we value and listen to our staff and we support our frontline teams to identify and deliver improvements.

Our director of nursing, midwifery and patient services Sheran Oke said: “I am delighted that NGH has achieved this prestigious recognition, which is awarded to organisations that provide a positive practice environment for their nurses and

Chief Nurse Ruth May joined us to celebrate the announcement of our success

job satisfaction and retention. Research shows that healthy work environments not only improve staff satisfaction and morale, they also improve patient satisfaction and the quality of patient care. The standards include:  Shared Decision Making  Leadership  Safety  Quality W ellbeing  Professional Development Pathway to Excellence Accreditation is awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Centre (ANCC).

Sandra from our charity team was our chief cake cutter at our celebration

midwives. I am extremely proud of the team at NGH and all the great things they have achieved, and continue to achieve, every day.”

Sheran continued: “The Pathway to Excellence designation follows a lengthy application process that has engaged everyone at NGH from ward to board. To qualify organisations must meet six practice standards essential to an ideal nursing practice environment. But the process does not end here. Recipients must maintain their status through regular re-application.”

Organisations achieving designation are deemed to be among the best places for nurses and midwives to work, with high

“This recognition could not have been achieved without the commitment of our nursing and midwifery team, supported by everyone else here at TeamNGH. To be the first hospital in the UK to achieve Pathway to Excellence accreditation is testament to the dedication, professionalism and ambition of all of TeamNGH. By achieving Pathway to Excellence accreditation we are building on the foundations we have already put in place to enable our staff to provide the best possible care.”

Dr Sonia Swart, NGH chief executive

The accreditation process was generously supported by our charity Northamptonshire Healthcare Charitable Fund. Our thanks to them for this funding and other employee development initiatives.

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CALL THE MIDWIFE N

orthampton General Hospital provides a dedicated phone service for expectant parents that receives up to 60 calls a day. The Insight team caught up with one of our telephone advisers, midwife Valerie Gommon.

Valerie supports pregnant women with our triage phone service for those who are 20 weeks pregnant or more. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and there is always a midwife available to take a call.

Valerie said: “Women can call with any problems they might be facing in their pregnancy. It could be that she is feeling unwell, or she could be concerned about her baby’s movement. We are the first port of call; we answer the query or concern, we may refer them to an appropriate medical professional such as their GP or community midwife or we could bring them into hospital.”

Valerie said: “Women find the service reassuring, and being able to provide the service is satisfying, especially when you are able to offer reassurance to an expecting mother who is frightened or anxious.

“I’ve actually had women who have given birth over the phone. In these situations, I stay on the line and support them while they are giving birth, or I

Valerie operates our maternity triage phone line.

might be providing advice to a family member or partner.”

Valerie explained: “I feel quite calm in these situations, if the birth is going quickly, it’s a sign that things are going well on the other side of the phone, and it’s extremely rewarding being able to hear the

baby’s first cry.

“My advice is if you are pregnant and you are anxious or worried, call the midwife. There is no question that is a silly question. The number is on the front of your maternity notes and we are available anytime to hear your concerns.”

Hat-trick for Gosset ward!

In October we caught up with three very special patients: triplets Lester, Kasey and Ella who were cared for on our Gosset ward.

It’s quite unusual to have triplets but these babies are even more special because they are non-identical and each had their own sacs and placentas.

Weighing in at 4 lbs 12 ounces, Kasey was the first triplet born, followed by sister Ella who weighed 4 lbs 1 ounce. Brother Lester came last, weighing 4 lb 5.

A huge well done to all our #TeamNGH heroes who played their part in looking after mum Hannah and her babies.

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MENOPAUSE SUPPORT LAUNCHED FOR STAFF T

and highlight ways to relieve symptoms. he menopause is a natural Open to all staff regardless of age and part of aging which affects all women. It typically takes place gender, the three and a half in women aged 45 to 55 when the hour sessions provided body stops ovulating. guidance from a According to the British expert “Menopause is a very menopause Menopause Society (BMS) on how to cope personal thing and 45% of women say that with the physical often the butt of jokes, symptoms of menopause and mental have had a negative changes that the but actually when you impact on their work. menopause brings. are going through Here at NGH, we’re Anne-Marie these major changes supporting our employees Dunkley, health it feels isolating and with the introduction of a and wellbeing depressing.” menopause workshop to help coordinator our staff find out more about explained why the impact of the menopause the sessions were important: “I wanted to organise a menopause workshop “I found the workshop really helpful; for all staff, male or female, as I I was of course aware of my own felt there is little out there to help symptoms, but having sense made understand the menopause. It’s a good of them and being with a large group chance for them to find out about of others experiencing the same was symptoms, treatment options, how to very moving. We spoke about our cope and what support is available. personal experience and ‘normalised’ “I wanted to see how much demand what we experienced- I no longer felt there was at NGH for staff wanting as isolated.” to attend a workshop and I had an

“The best part of the experience was meeting others in the same boat and having time (thanks to NGH) to feel ok about it. I’m truly appreciative to have had this time to think about it.” overwhelming response! It was the fastest booked health and wellbeing initiative that I’ve done to date and demand for places was high.

“This initiative is the first of its kind that we’ve done at NGH and I’m keen to hold more workshops for our staff. I already have a long waiting list.”

Factfile:  Three quarters of women in the UK

say the menopause has caused them to change their life and more than half say it has had a negative impact on their lives.  45% of women say they feel their

menopause symptoms have had a negative impact on their work.

New arrivals mark NHS 70 In July we were delighted to welcome our NHS70 babies born on the 5 July, the 70th anniversary of the introduction of the

National Health Service.

The first baby to be born on the day was Elias who was welcomed into the world by

our midwifery team at 00.04am. We were fortunate to also meet two other NHS 70 babies Holly and Henry.

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New pharmacist role supports patients with diabetes A new pharmacist role has been created at Northampton General Hospital to support our patients with diabetes.

Tom Williams, who took on the role in May 2018, works alongside our diabetes team to provide specialist pharmacy advice for staff and patients at the hospital.

With 3.7million people diagnosed with diabetes in the UK, this role works to support patients to manage their condition. Having dedicated diabetes pharmacy support at NGH means the diabetes team can work collaboratively with the pharmacy team to provide tailored support for patients who come to the hospital.

In this role Tom acts as a bridge between the pharmacy and the diabetes team helping to support them to provide the best possible care for patients. This collaborative working allows the two teams to work towards common goals and provide efficient and effective care.

Tom explained how the new working relationship will benefit the two teams “This role helps us to understand how pharmacy can support the diabetes team and help them work towards their clinical aims.

“This might include us supporting them with stock available on the wards, giving advice to our medical team on dosages of medication when the diabetic nurses are unavailable and providing our pharmacy team with the skills and expertise to take back to their allocated wards.

“By working together we can get support the diabetic team and our patients with diabetes to receive bespoke care and help to improve their quality of life.”

The role, which is the first of its kind at Northampton General, appealed to Tom due to his interest in endocrinology the study of glands, hormones and metabolism.

Going forward, Tom hopes to work closely with our community pharmacists to create a relationship where the hospital and community pharmacists can learn from each other about how diabetes is treated.

He also hopes to extend specific diabetes training to the pharmacy team extending the collaborative working between the pharmacy and the diabetes teams.

Tom explained “This partnership means our patients get a safer discharge as we can give up-to-date information about any changes to medication.

We can provide faster access to insulin on our wards and adjust our stock depending on patient needs and we can understand what they use in the community to make sure we have this medication available.”

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Phillip had a large abdominal aortic aneurysm, identified through AAA screening in April.

AAA SCREENING SAVED MY LIFE A

n abdominal aortic aneurysm (known as AAA) is a bulge or swelling in the aorta, the main blood vessel that runs from the heart down through the chest and abdomen. An AAA can be extremely dangerous if it is not detected in its early stages, as it can get bigger over time and rupture, leading to lifethreatening bleeding.

Men over the age of 65 are at most at risk of an abdominal aortic aneurysm and the NHS is encouraging them to come forward for screening to check for this type of often-symptomless aneurysm.

Screening for AAA involves a quick and painless ultrasound scan of your abdomen. This is similar to the scan pregnant women have to check on their baby.

Phillip Hogston came to “If I had a message to anyone Northampton who is eligible for a screening, General I would say 100% go for it, Hospital in because you might not know June for an you have an AAA and if it operation to repair ruptures, that could be the a 7.5cm end for you. I am very pleased abdominal I went for the screening and aortic went through with everything. aneurysm I could not have wished for it after having to go any better”. a screening with at his GP. Phillip said, “I had a screening letter arrive by post and my wife suggested that I might as well go for the screening. The nurse who screened me found an aneurysm and I was referred to Northampton General straight away. It was quite a shock, as I had no symptoms.”

Treatment varies depending on the size of the aneurysm. Small aneurysms receive annual ultrasound scans and medium-sized ones receive three-monthly scans. Patients are given advice on lifestyle changes to help

slow the growth, whereas large aneurysms require surgery to prevent them from growing or bursting.

In Phillip’s case, his aneurysm was categorised as large and a recommendation was made to have surgery. Phillip said: “My consultant, Mr. Libertiny told me that I could have had the aneurysm from anywhere between 1 and 8 years. It was nerve wracking but the doctors and anaesthetists just told me exactly how it was, they were a lovely team.”

Phillip was operated on and stayed at Northampton General for six days. In August he returned for his outpatient appointment where he received the all clear.

Phillip said, “Everything went fine. I came home and didn’t need any painkillers. I was told not to do anything strenuous for at least three months and I’ve gradually got myself back up on my feet.”

If you are a man and you are registered with a GP, you will receive a screening invitation in the post when you are 64 or soon after your 65th birthday. If you have not received a letter, you can request a screening with your GP. If you are a woman or a man under 65 and you think you might have a higher risk of AAA, for example, because a close family member has had one, talk to your GP about the possibility of having a scan to check for an AAA.

Are you eligible for screening?

If you are over 65 and male and have not had a scan within the screening programme around your 65th birthday, you can call us on 01604 523276 and you can self-refer into the programme.

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Future in sa Three of our students have been recognised for their exceptional care as we expanded our successful Daisy award scheme this year to include nurses and midwives in training.

Student midwife Hollie Townley and student nurses Abigail Stapleton and Stacey Francis were awarded the Daisy in Training accolade following nominations from training colleagues who had been impressed with their professionalism.

NGH nurses conquer Snowdon In October, 17 Team NGH employees raised over £4,000 when they scaled new heights for charity partner Cavell Trust’s #10kForNurses campaign.

The group joined more than 50 other fundraisers who braved Storm Callum to conquer Wales’ highest mountain Snowdon as part of a fundraising drive to support colleagues in crisis.

The Cavell Trust supports nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants, both working and retired, when they’re suffering personal or financial hardship. In the last three years, they’ve seen a 100% rise in nursing professionals asking for support, from 1,100 in 2014 to more than 2,200 in 2017.

Insight caught up with our associate director of nursing, Tara Pauley who told us more about the charity climb and our involvement with the Cavell Trust.

“I first become aware of the Cavell Trust myself aged 35 when diagnosed with breast cancer. The reality of serious illness with ongoing treatment of up to a year, and the financial impact of that made me look at what support was out there, if I or my family needed it.

Fortunately, I never needed to apply for assistance. I have however, successfully applied for grants for our own staff at times of hardship for them.

“It was hard just driving to north Wales due to Storm Callum, passing through landslides and dodging fallen trees. We were in the hands of expert guides led by keen enthusiast Jason Rawles.

“On the morning itself. the waiting around before we set off was tough enough but then we were faced with the steep incline of Llanberis path in wind and rain that felt 8 ❘ Insight

Hollie Townley, University of Northampton student midwife “Hollie is totally committed to becoming a midwife. She is passionate about caring for women and their families, always working closely with our patients to ensure they understand their choices and are happy with their care.” Sarah Coiffait, practice development midwife

Abigail Stapleton, Open University student nurse “Abi has consistently shown that she can give all those within her care the best possible patient experience whatever their circumstances. A most amazing selfless professional nurse.”

Rosemary Bottoms, Open University practice teacher

like small stabbing needles. At this point I seriously wondered if I could do this challenge and honestly would not have blamed any team member if they had pulled out right there and then.

“The fact that all 17 members of Team NGH completed the challenge was amazing. I think it’s a true testament to the determination of our staff that even in the face of adversity they were willing to absolutely do their best possible.

“This was without a doubt a definite example of staff pulling together and doing something that enhanced their own wellbeing as well as raising more than £4,000 to benefit the wellbeing of other nurses, midwives and care assistants that the Cavell Trust support. I’m extremely proud of all the team!”

Daisy in Training honourees Hollie, Abigail and

afe hands

Melany and Ashley, our first ever Director of Nursing Fellows

Stacey Francis, University of Northampton student nurse “We have so many amazing student nurses at all levels of training but Stacey has stood out since day one. She is always polite respectful and wants the best for her patients.” Ashley Gayton, practice development nurse

Daisy factfile  DAISY awards allow patients,

their families as well as colleagues to nominate a nurse or midwife who has made a real difference through outstanding clinical care.  The DAISY (Diseases Attacking

the Immune System) award was created in the US in 1999 by the family of J. Patrick Barnes following his death from complications of an auto-immune disease. The award marks the appreciation Patrick’s family had for the care and compassion shown to him and his family.  To nominate a nurse or midwife

d Stacey

who had provided exceptional care, visit our website or pick up a leaflet at ward entrances.

Jolly good fellows!

In 2018, we created a new nurse fellowship programme and recruited two of our emergency department nurses as our first ever Director of Nursing Fellows.

Nurses Ashley Carter and Melany Sharpe still carry out their day job but they benefit from protected time dedicated to their professional and personal development.

Being a fellow means:  Regular access to senior nurse leaders

as mentors  having the chance to improve patient

outcomes through integration of research, evidence-based practice, and quality improvement initiatives  Exploring opportunities for professional development Melany said: “A&E is a great department to work in although it is very niche and specialised. Having this opportunity means

I’ve been able to get insight into the wider organisation. I understand the organisational structure more; there are roles that I didn’t know existed. We’re learning more about the organisation and also about ourselves.”

Ashley said: “I applied for the fellowship because I was drawn to the professional development and leadership. It’s a new challenge for me. We benefit so much from having access to senior nurses and learning from them. Their insights are extremely valuable.”

As part of their fellowship, both nurses are working on a service improvement project. Ashley’s focus is on patient safety, investigating how we can reduce instances of delayed medication for patients with Parkinson’s disease.

Melany’s project is centred around employee wellbeing with a particular focus on mental health and resilience.

As well as securing a coveted position as a Director of Nursing fellow, Melany is also one of our Cavell stars. The Cavell Star Awards are awarded to nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants who have been nominated by their colleagues as a special team mate who has shown exceptional care for either their colleagues or their patients and patients’ families.

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FLAGSHIP HEART CENTRE CELEBRATES TEN YEARS

T

difficult procedures were often sent to his year our heart centre celebrated a decade since it first opened its other NHS hospitals, such as Oxford or doors to patients. In its first year, London. This obviously carried higher it saved the lives of 20 people. Now, costs and meant patients would we’re performing 600 medical have to travel considerable procedures annually. Insight distances for treatment. caught up with the team “We now have the ability behind the success of the to educate our staff, teach “We are now centre and some of the new methods, and bring able to do things patients who’ve benefitted in the latest technologies, that were simply from treatment. allowing us to perform non-existent ten Today, the heart centre procedures here. performs a range of years ago.”

Dr David Sharman procedures, from simple added: “We are now able to interventions to more do things that were simply complex ones like long-term non-existent ten years ago. blocked arteries which involves the Back then, if you had a blocked drilling of arteries using a method known artery, you were typically left with it. Now as rotablation. we have the ability to open them up in 90 Consultant cardiologist Dr David per cent of cases.”

Sharman said: “Historically, the more One technology that has improved

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considerably over the past ten years is stent technology, which involves a tube being inserted into the artery in your wrist and sent to your heart.

A stent is used to open up blocked or narrow arteries, essentially acting as a scaffold or spring, the procedure can be performed under local anaesthetic in as little as 15 minutes.

“We have pushed things a long way, but we also need to constantly be looking to the future; are we doing things as efficiently as we could be? Are we working as efficiently as we could be as a team? This is a time where we can look at how we can improve and streamline processes further and improve patient safety.”

Dr David Sharman, cardiologist

Robert’s story I was a patient in the Heart Centre in September, and I was the 4000th patient. It reassured me that the surgeons had lots of experience with performing my procedure.

It was truly a humbling experience.

I was awake during my procedure; I had local anaesthetic and stayed still while the surgeons carried out their work. It was nice as everyone was conversing with me for the hour and a half I was in there.

I did not really experience any pain as much, except for the slight discomfort when the catheter was inserted into my wrist, which was used to send the stents up to my heart by balloon. My arteries were unblocked.

This was my first time in hospital for at least thirty-five years, I would say I’ve been very fortunate and lucky, but I rarely get ill and I work to keep fit. I think from now I’ll be taking it easy though, gentle walking and no more!

Paul’s story

My first time in the heart centre was after having a severe heart attack in 2014. Everything happened so quickly and at the time, I did not understand what was happening.

I’ve had a healthy balanced diet, and have done for almost 40 years. I don’t smoke or drink excessively. I was surprised it was a heart attack as there is was no history of heart problems in my family.

I came back to hospital in 2018 as I still had one artery that was completely blocked. The heart centre team drilled into my artery to remove the calcification. I was

in and out in four days.

It was reassuring to know that the same people who had operated on me in 2014, were performing my most recent procedure. I had absolute confidence in the surgeons, technicians, and clinicians who worked with me.

I have found the level of competence here to be superb and I have received fantastic care. I think the research and development invested into the heart centre is fantastic.

quite a while, even just to get up. I walked with a Zimmer-frame at age 60 and my only thought was “how is this happening to me?”

It took nine months to regain my strength but I now feel great. I do pretty much everything I want to do; I can’t run as I’ve got heart muscle damage, but I listen to my heart; if I get chest pains, that’s a sign to slow down.

John’s story

I remember having chest pains on a Wednesday morning in 2012 and rang my doctor for advice; they told me to dial 999 straight away. An ambulance crew were at my address within three minutes.

The last thing I remember was being put into a chair and being wheel end to the top of my stairs, it was at that point where my heart stopped, and did not restart properly for eighty minutes.

The next memory was waking up ten days later not knowing what had happened to me, or where I was. I was told I was put on a LUCAS machine, which is a machine that gives your chest compressions and the theatre team worked to put two stents in my heart, which saved my life.

I spent ten days in an induced coma while my body went through all kinds of stages; I had low blood flow, and my kidneys had failed. I was fed by drip and kept alive with fluids.

I had lost an awful lot of muscle mass, so when I did finally come around, I could not walk. The rehabilitation afterwards took

“It has been truly lovely to meet some of the patients whose lives have been saved by our service and in our cardiac catheter lab. The excellent care for our heart patients has been developed and delivered at fantastic pace, driven by the will and determination of our cardiologists.”

Medical Director Matt Metcalfe

Patients John Thompson, Paul Knight and Rob Hamer visit the heart centre team

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Specialist emergency care unit for haematology and oncology patients Patients of our haematology and oncology departments will now have access to roundthe-clock specialist emergency care thanks to the generosity of our local community.

A £350,000 investment by our charity, Northamptonshire Healthcare Charitable Trust allowed to develop the new facilities.

Dr Sonia Swart said: “The opening of the new emergency assessment bay is a massive development for us in providing specialist care for our oncology and haematology patients.

“We’re enormously grateful to our charity for funding the project and to every one of our employees, volunteers, patients and family members who have helped to raise funds.

The generosity of our local community is second to none.”

Team NGH employees involved in the three-year project to deliver a new emergency assessment unit

NEW BUILDING FOR EMERGENCY ASSESSMENT O

Employees and fundraisers gathered for the opening of the new bay

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ur brand new emergency assessment unit opened its doors in October.

The Nye Bevan Building, named by our staff in honour of the architect of the NHS, is a £12 million investment providing 60 beds, a mix of small wards and individual rooms including dedicated rooms for vulnerable patients who might need end-of-life care or who are suffering from infection.

If a patient needs to stay in for further assessment for less than 24 hours, they will stay on Walter Tull Ward in the Nye Bevan Building and if they require up to 48-hour assessment or treatment, they will stay on the Esther White ward.

If they need treatment that will take longer than 48 hours, they will be admitted to a ward in the main hospital.

Speaking at the opening of the new unit, chief executive Dr Sonia Swart said: “We know that a good environment has a big impact on staff and a big impact on patients, and the two are related.

“The principle will be that people who

really need emergency care will still be in the resus and majors section of the emergency department. People who need assessment and possibly need to come into hospital will have a slightly calmer environment up here.

“The whole principle is to get assessment and care plans done quickly, avoiding unnecessary admissions to the hospital and helping patients to get back home as soon as possible.”

Patients will attend following a referral by their GP, the A&E department or by ambulance admission.

Best Possible Care Awards special edition brochure This year’s Best Possible Care awards saw another evening of celebration to recognise the achievements of our dedicated staff and volunteers.

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

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Clinical Team of the Year Award:

Breast Screening Service

The breast screening team has responded with a willingness to go above and beyond any reasonable expectation to deliver the plans and additional work required to manage the national incident of missed breast screening reviews. The team respects and supports each other and they all aspire to excellence in wanting to deliver the best service for local women.

“We were honoured to have been nominated and thrilled to have won the Clinical Team of the Year Award. Well done to all who were nominated and thank you for such a lovely evening.” Sarah Ogden “The Breast Screening team had a wonderful evening. We were not expecting to win with so many other deserving teams in our category. We are all thrilled and very proud. Thank you so much!” Deanne Merry

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Unsung Hero Clinical Award (Joint Winners): Dr Nick Barnes

Dr Mel Blake

Dr Barnes’ service is invaluable to the hospital, he keeps our children with cardiac problems safe and well looked after. He is always calm and makes us feel that no concern is too small or unreasonable. I always find myself incredibly grateful that Dr Barnes is our paediatrician. His support to us over the years has been fantastic.

Dr Blake is an outstanding role model to all staff working in the stroke pathway. She makes the lives of patients more comfortable. Holding their hands, brushing their hair and feeding patients is not an above-and-beyond role for her, it’s just normal working. She is proactive and motivated to improve the service.

“I found the awards evening a truly uplifting celebration of all the good things so many people quietly just get on with in our hospital, often unseen, day in, day out, year in, year out. I would never have won an award without the support of my fantastic colleagues, and I was thrilled to be a small part of I am sure was a really positive, fun evening for all who attended.”

“I felt very privileged to have received an award, for doing a job I love, which is caring for our stroke patients and their families.”

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Non-Clinical Team of the Year Award (Joint Winne

IM&T Management Team Over the past 12 months the information management and technology team has gone over and above to ensure that the new patient admin system is put into place effectively. Without their dedication and continued support with the go live of the system and working additional hours to resolve issues the clinical staff would not be able to do their job and patient safety would be at risk.

Security

The security team keep staff, deal with difficult, challenging kicked, punched and verbally manner. The team show supp staff are safe.

“The night was fantastic and and welcome with every one massive well done to those w staff and the hospital” Alan H

“Winning an award was fanta from everyone else in the roo our colleagues across the hos hospital as a whole, the patie all of the difference in the wo

“Throughout the night colleag not, for what they do in creat of the night was “I’m buzzing recognition for the job they d

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ners):

Unsung Hero Non-Clincal Award:

Laurence Neale

Team

, patients and visitors safe when on site. On a daily basis they will g and vulnerable patients and visitors. In their role they can be spat at, y abused but despite this they always act in a calm and professional port to wards no matter how busy they are and ensure patients and

to top it off we won an amazing award. We were made to feel so warm cheering and clapping. In my eyes everyone there were winners but a who picked up an award. Thank you so much for the support from the Hayward (Messy)

astic, a great bit of recognition for the department, but it was the cheer om that made the real difference. Such a show of camaraderie from spital was truly heart-warming. As a department we aim to serve the ents, its staff and its visitors. To see these feelings reflected back made orld.” Billy Inkson

Laurence is always happy to help and support with requests, often taking work home at evenings or weekends. He is a great supporter of quality improvement and helps produce formal documentation, patient leaflets, promotional materials and conference posters. He is always helpful with our requests, including urgent ones and is a huge asset to NGH. “It was fantastic to be awarded the Non-clinical Unsung Hero award and to be recognised for the work you do. Well done to all the other nominations and winners. The evening was a success.” Laurence Neale

gues were coming up to us thanking the team, those present and those ting a safer working environment. One of the officers present, his phrase g” he was so proud as were the others to receive such an award of do.” Andrew Watkins

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Patient Safety Award:

Infection Control Team

The infection control team have significantly reduced the risk of hospital acquired infection through the use of new initiatives and a continuous effort throughout the hospital. They provide endless support and information to patients, relatives and staff at NGH. “We were delighted to win the patient safety award as recognition for the work we have done to reduce infection rates and keep patients safe. We are proactive and are always looking for new ways to reduce the risk of infection further, whilst keeping the patient at the heart of everything we do.”

Patient Experience Award:

Hollie Watts

Hollie is a credit to Macmillan and NGH, her professionalism is outstanding but her warmth and sympathy is second to none. I could pick up the phone and she would always get back to me. Anyone and their family going through cancer will be blessed to have Hollie around.

“I feel very moved to have been nominated for the patient experience award, let alone go and win it! Having very recently taken on a new Macmillan role, this is a lovely accolade to end the last 11 years of my career within head and neck cancer care.

I am however; just one person within a team of healthcare professionals, ultimately without them we would not be able to provide the high quality person-centred care that we do, here at NGH. I very much enjoyed the awards evening and celebrated by raising a glass or two in recognition of everyone’s fantastic work within healthcare.”

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Quality Improvement Award:

Ashley Wilsdon

Ashley has worked to help our patients return home sooner and improve the efficiency of the weekly lung cancer multidisciplinary team meeting. During the past six months the improvements made by Ashley have meant that information about patients is readily available which improves the efficiency of the meeting and patient care.

“It was lovely to see the great and the good all come together with every level of staff sitting as equals to celebrate the work that everyone does at the hospital. It was a huge shock to win the quality improvement award as it is traditionally not an admin related award but I’m very happy to have won.”

Clinical Educator Award:

Ashley Gayton

When we have problems Ashley guides us and allows us to reflect and learn from our problems rather than solving them for us. Ashley supports us to keep going and helps us embed the nursing associate role into the NGH family. He ensures we practice safely and are happy in our role by visiting us weekly on placement.

“Being nominated for the award was an amazing feeling but I must say I was in shock when my name was announced as winner, it just didn’t register in my brain. I am so grateful for the recognition, especially as so many of my colleagues work above and beyond everyday alongside me.”

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Volunteer of the Year Award:

Andy Smith

Andy lifts everyone’s spirits is an asset and inspiration to NGH. Each week he is happy to get involved whatever the task, He’s distributed blankets and drinks in A&E in the winter and volunteered additional hours during winter to support A&E. Andy is happy to help and is on a mission to make a difference.

“I was very amazed at winning the award as all of the volunteers do such a wonderful job. It was a wonderful evening, the food was lovely, company was amazing and it was nice to be invited and recognised for my volunteer work.”

Outstanding Contribution Award:

Paul Farenden

The recipient of this year’s Award for Outstanding Contribution goes to someone who has dedicated almost 50 years to the NHS in finance, management and leadership.

Starting out as a qualified accountant, Paul went on to serve as a chief executive in three different NHS trusts for more than 20 years before joining us at NGH. Known for an approachable, easy manner, Paul’s significant experience has provided them with a detailed, in-depth understanding of the NHS and the wider healthcare environment, always with the quality of patient care as their first priority.

At a time when other people might be looking to step down and think of retirement, he came to NGH and has been a much valued colleague, supporter and friend.

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Insight ❘ 21

The Northampton delegation of those involved in the production of the film who visited the Houses of Parliament for the screening

Parliamentary screening for Northamptonmade film A short film made with input from NGH employees and telling the stories of four mothers of children with special needs has been screened in the Houses of Parliament.

The Boudiccae is based around four interlocking monologues and features the story of Charlie, a young adult who aspires to become a wheelchair actress It articulates some of the challenges families of children with complex disabilities face in the accessing health, care and education they need The event was sponsored by Victoria Prentis MP and included presentations from organisations that promote improved care for children and young people with lifelimiting conditions.

Speaking at the event, consultant community paediatrician Dr Andrew Williams, said: “One of the marks of any progressive society is the care and value it chooses to give to its members who have physical, or intellectual difficulties, or both. Such individuals have always been part of the tapestry of humanity and make the world a much better place by their being in it.”

The Boudiccae was made by Ri gF Productions w ith financial supp ilms ort from Northampt on General Ho spital’s charity partner Northamptonsh ire Healthcare Char itable Funds an d Waitrose Com munity Fund. Yo u can find it on YouTub e using the sear ch term Boudiccae .

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SECONDARY BREAST CANCER SPECIALIST REPRESENTS NGH AT PARLIAMENTARY RECEPTION I

n October, our Macmillan secondary breast cancer clinical nurse specialist Ruth Fox was invited to speak at a parliamentary reception about her role and her work to improve the experience of our patients. Here, her colleague and our cancer lead nurse Liz Summers describes the event: “One in three people diagnosed with breast cancer will go on to develop secondary disease and Ruth was one of the first Macmillan secondary breast cancer nurse specialists in the county to support this group of patients. To date there are still only between 20 and 30 nurse specialists in the UK. “The event was organised by Breast Cancer Care and hosted by Nic Dakin MP for Scunthorpe to raise awareness of the needs of people living with secondary breast cancer and the role of the nurse specialist in supporting patients and those important to them through the illness experience. The audience was made up of “Ruth spoke patients, specialist nurses, breast cancer charities eloquently and and representatives of humbly about her NHS England and Public role and thanked the to a patient talk about Health England. breast cancer charities their experience of living “Ruth spoke for their support.” with secondary breast passionately about the work she had been doing cancer. She described how with the national breast initially she had the support cancer charities and patients of the breast care nurses but to identify and agree actions that this ceased once she was diagnosed would improve the experience with secondary disease. She talked about of those living with secondary breast cancer. her feeling of isolation and it was heart “The highlight of the event was listening breaking to acknowledge that there are patients who do not have the support of a secondary breast cancer nurse specialist like Ruth.

“We felt proud to hear the hospital referred to in such a positive light and pioneering the way forward for cancer patients. Ruth spoke eloquently and humbly about her role and thanked the breast cancer charities for their support.

Her passion for improving the experience of cancer patients was evident and I was delighted to share the experience with her.”

Liz Summers, Cancer Lead Nurse

CARING FOR OUR MATERNITY TEAMS SO THEY CAN CARE FOR YOU N

of our midwifery teams so they are able to provide high quality care for women and their families.

Our associate director of midwifery, Heather Gallagher and Northampton RCM branch health and safety representative Karen Alder signed the charter signalling our commitment to our employees’ wellbeing.

Heather explained “We want our “Evidence shows that midwifery staff to feel when organisations valued, cared for and take positive actions on supported in their health, safety and the daily work.” wellbeing of staff, levels of stress lower and staff feel more able to provide the best possible care for patients.

We want our midwifery staff to feel valued, cared for and supported in their daily work.

“We have launched the Caring for You campaign with collaboration with the Royal College of Midwives to show our commitment to improving midwives, student midwives and maternity support workers health, safety and wellbeing at work, so they are able to give the best possible maternity care every time for women and their families.”

orthampton General Hospital has joined forces with the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) to launch a health and wellbeing campaign for our midwives and maternity support workers.

The Caring for You campaign aims to improve the workplace health, safety and wellbeing

Northampton General Hospital commits to: 1. W ork in partnership with the RCM health and safety representative to develop and implement an action plan about health, safety and wellbeing issues that are important to the maternity workforce and maternity service users.

2. T o work towards ensuring that midwives and maternity support workers have access to a variety of shift patterns and flexible working and promote a positive workplace culture around working time including taking breaks.

3. F oster a positive working environment for all by signing up to the RCM/RCOG statement of commitment calling for zero tolerance policy on undermining and bullying behaviours. nable midwives and maternity support 4. E workers to access occupational health and other organisational policies for both their mental and physical health, safety and wellbeing.

5. N urture a compassionate and supportive workplace that cares for midwives and maternity support workers so that they can care for women and their families.

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OUR PEOPLE 1

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and A very warm welcome to Sherun Oke, our new director of nursing, midwifery and patient services. Sherun joins us following the departure of Carolyn Fox to take up the post of chief nurse at University Hospitals of Leicester.

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Good luck to adult safeguarding practitioner Jill Desprat on her retirement in October after eight years at NGH helping our patients.

Good luck to director of corporate development, governance and assurance Catherine Thorne in her new role as director of quality at Luton and Dunstable University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

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and Huge congratulations to our newly-qualified nurses who were awarded their NGH Daisy pin badges in October, as modelled by Stuart and Judith.

If you see a nurse wearing a daisy badge, remember they’re new to their role and say hello!

Dave Smith, a local artist, donated some hand painted pictures and frames for our new Nye Bevan unit.

Dave wanted to do something to support the hospital, so he chose to paint some anatomical, bright pictures to be hung in the new building. The ten paintings took Dave two weeks to paint and are designed to add some colour to the white walls of the wards. Thank you Dave!

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and

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Brave the Shave

Well done to radiology’s assistant practitioner Nicky Courtney who braved the shave and raised over £1,200 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

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and Well done to our employees who took part in this year’s BBC Radio Northampton Helen’s Big Health Check.

Screening teams from mouth cancer, breast cancer and and Our very best wished to Mary Moynihan on her retirement after 32 in the NHS, the last 7 of which were spent on our Manfield Day Surgery Unit.

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Brave the Shave

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13 Insight â?˜ 25

From the Archive

How the First World War changed the medical world

A

t the start of World War One, although women had been allowed to study and practise medicine for 40 years, their work was confined to general practice and in hospitals founded by women for the treatment of women and children.

When they volunteered their services to treat the war wounded, the War Office refused to employ women in war zones, believing it had sufficient reserves of male medical personnel. The French Red Cross was more accepting of female doctors.

By the close of war, one fifth of female doctors had undertaken medical war work, both here and abroad.

Medical advances

 Physicians learned better wound

management and improved survival rates.  The huge scale of those needing medical care helped teach physicians and nurses the advantages of triage.

 Blood banks were developed.  Skin graft surgery was pioneered  The Thomas splint, which secured a

broken leg, had a massive impact on survival rates. At the beginning of war 80% of soldiers with broken femurs died but by 1916, using this splint meant 80% of soldiers with this injury survived.

And finally...

NGH gained a new pathology laboratory, paid for by G.T. Hawkins, boot and shoe manufacturer. It was much needed to help treat the influx of war wounded to the county as the nearest laboratory was in London or Birmingham. The laboratory helped in the making of vaccines, treatment of war wounds, TB - and VD with around 5 per cent of all the men enlisted in Britain’s armies during the war becoming infected with venereal disease.

NGH’s Matron Nelson who worked at a Voluntary Aid Detachment hospital during the First World War.

Northamptonshire Health Charity

Charity donations Thank you for thinking of making a donation or fundraising to support the hospital. There are various ways to keep in touch or contact us: Tel: 01604 6262927 Email: greenheart@nhcf.co.uk Website: www.nhcfgreenheart.co.uk NorthamptonshireHealthCharitableFund @NHCFGreenHeart

To make a donation you can: P ost us a cheque - made payable to Northamptonshire Health Charitable Fund or abbreviate it to NHCF - to: NHCF, Springfield, Cliftonville, Northampton, NN1 5BE. Please include a note letting us know where you would like your donation to

benefit and with your address so that we can send you a receipt.  Bank transfer: please contact us for more information. O nline: please visit our website and click on the “make a donation” button.  Mastercard, Visa, Visa Delta and Switch: payment by credit and debit card can be accepted over the phone. R egular giving: you can donate to us on a regular basis by setting up a standing order, please give the team a call for details of how to do this. P ayroll giving: you can arrange with your employer to deduct a set amount each payday to give to a ward or department of your choice. This deduction is made before calculating your taxable pay, which reduces the amount on which you pay tax.

G ift in your will: please give us a call to find out how you can make a gift in your Will to the ward or department of your choice. G ift Aid: if you are a UK taxpayer we can claim an extra 25p for every pound you donate from the Inland Revenue under the Gift Aid scheme. This won’t cost you a penny! Please just let us know if you would like to claim Gift Aid when you make your donation.

We really appreciate your donations. Please let us know which area in the hospital your donation is for and please include your contact details so we can let you know when your donation has been received.

Or if you would like help with fundraising ideas, donation cans or charity t-shirts please give us a call.

Your donation will make a real difference, thank you for helping us to improve tomorrow.

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Northamptonshire Health Charity Incredible support for the Talbot Butler emergency assessment bay continues

Becci’s double marathon trek across the Sahara in support of the EAB We have been truly overwhelmed by the incredible support we have received from the local community for the Talbot Butler emergency assessment bay appeal this year. Our heartfelt thanks go out to every single one of you who has made a donation or got involved with schemes like the penny pots. Huge thanks also go out to all of you who have taken part in sponsored fundraising events for us.

People like Becci Osborne, who took on She says, “..the way Talbot Butler stafftreated a somewhat different kind of challenge.

Michelle and her family when life really was at Thankfully, Becci didn’t encounter the toughest for them all, well I just couldn’t any snakes while trekking across do nothing. The staff on the ward are the Sahara Desert in October. literally angels from heaven and She did however, have to deserve some recognition face one of her biggest for doing probably one Becci Osborne fears – scorpions! of the toughest jobs I “What Michelle and Becci decided to walk the can imagine..” other cancer patients two marathons through Michelle provided the famous desert to Becci’s inspiration go through every day raise money for the throughout the entire with very little moaning appeal in memory of her emotional trip, which is incredible, if they friend, Michelle Downes. saw her walking the can do that then two 52 miles through the stunning desert walks is literally a walk landscape in temperatures in the park”. reaching between 35-40 Holly Birditt with Sandeep Jassal after completing the 2 Castles Run degrees. Adding further emotion was the fact the challenge began exactly a year Holly Birditt completed no less to the day of Michelle’s passing. than four running challenges Three blisters and one very in four months raising Jordan Amis twisted ankle later, she money for us via The explained how this was the “Working with cancer Angel Foundation. Holly most gruelling thing she’s patients is incredibly isn’t stopping there, ever done but she loved rewarding…they’ve either. Next May she it. It is one incredibly will run the Edinburgh tough challenge and an taught me so much Marathon with Michelle incredible achievement about valuing life…I just Fincham and founder of to have completed it. wanted to do something The Angel Foundation, Thank you so much to try and help people’s Matthew Masters.

Becci, for putting yourself Healthcare Assistant through this and raising journeys…”

Jordan Amis trained almost £1,900 so far for the hard through the assessment bay! summer heatwave to run Other incredible fundraisers we the Northampton half-marathon in would like to thank include: September, raising £1,265 in the process.

Beatrice Bradley, who ran a very wet Leicester Beatrice Bradley ran the Leicester As did NGH Macmillan Palliative Care marathon to raise just over £1,000. This was marathon in October raising more Nurses Cathy Leyland and Hannah Heaver to say thank you to the staff for the fantastic than £1,000 care they gave to her Aunty Wizz. who raised a fantastic £1,027!

Insight ❘ 27

Northamptonshire Health Charity Sue Adkins with her wonderful team involved with fundraising in aid of the stroke unit in July

Afternoon tea weekend raises £900 for the stroke unit Spending a whole day baking in an unbearably hot kitchen while we were in the grip of a stifling heatwave was just one element of the incredibly hard work Sue Adkins put into her fundraising event in July. Sue held an afternoon tea weekend to raise money for two

charities. She kindly chose the stroke unit at NGH to benefit from half of the money raised and has donated a fantastic £900 to them.

The wide range of cakes and treats available looked delicious! As well as over 90 afternoon teas sold, a raffle was held with some fabulous

Sue Adkins with her sister Lesley presenting their donation to Eleanor ward Sister Vicki Moore

prizes. As much as we could have done with a proper drop of rain the wonderful summer weather helped to make for a really Delicious and tasty pleasant two days treats available at Sue’s and a fantastic afternoon tea weekend achievement to have raised so much money for great causes.

Sue’s daughter has fundraised for various charities in the past and they like to support different ones each time. They chose the Stroke Unit as a thank you to the amazing staff who treated and cared for the partner of Sue’s sister Lesley, who had a stroke back in January last year. Sue came in with Lesley to present a cheque for the £900 to Vicki Moore, Ward Sister on Eleanor ward. One of a number of things the Stroke Unit are looking to purchase includes special cutlery for stroke patients that allows them to eat independently.

London marathon runner Ben Thorpe raises £1,375 for Paddington It took him 12 years to get a place but Ben Thorpe’s perseverance and determination to run the London marathon finally paid off this year. Ben very kindly chose us as the charity to support so he could raise money in aid of Paddington ward. Ben’s daughter Alex was a patient on Paddington at Christmas back in 2012 when she was just 3 months old. It was a frightening time as Alex developed pneumonia and had to be admitted into the HDU unit on the ward.

He says he can never pay back the staff for the amazing work they do but chose Paddington to

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benefit from his fundraising as he wanted to thank them for their amazing support and kindness.

Ben came in to the hospital with Alex and his wife Laura to present a cheque to staff. Lead Nurse Alison Waples explained how the money will be used to purchase some HDU monitors for the unit.

These will provide huge benefits to the patients who are in for treatment.

Our massive thanks to Ben for completing the gruelling challenge of this iconic marathon and together with Laura for raising £1,375 for Paddington!

After 12 years of applying, Ben Thorpe finally got a place in this year’s London marathon, raising £1,375 in aid of Paddington ward

Northamptonshire Health Charity

Our heartfelt thanks to every one of you, our supporters. You’re all amazing

is year’s l teams at th g over Thanks to al in is ra r fo Day (pictured Charity Golf al pe ap e EAB £3,500 for th am) te Ben Carter’s

Big thanks to Libby and Sam Berridge for donations from Sam’s birthday bash that have purchased a laptop and hot packs for paediatric oncology.

ia Clyde for anks to Flor A special th atology, in m ae 33 for H donating £3 t, who used ne ughter Ja memory of da ical records at NGH ed to work in m

Thanks to Stephen Cohen & friends for the generous £1,500 donation for the EAB

Local company BHIB Insurance have raised a further £1,250 for Gosset ward.

Thank you for your support this past year, and beyond.

Inspirational 6-year old Elizabeth Kairis raised £266.86 for Gosset ward by completing the 5K Colour Run. Thank you Elizabeth, for supporting the ward’s Expressing room.

Thanks to Sa lly Perkins fo raising £688 r so far fo Bedford half- r the EAB running the marathon

A special thanks to Rosemary Harrison and family who kindly donated £345 to the A&E Resus unit, collected in memory of Colin Leslie Harrison

Hedley Willia ms raised ov er £2,000 for the diab etes centre, cycl from the sout h coast to th ing solo coast of Fran e north ce

Insight ❘ 29

Northamptonshire Health Charity

Make someone’s Christmas special this year

Christmas presents for NGH patients

“…the patients were

Christmas delighted with their for most gifts. One relative of us is commented ‘this is a happy overwhelming’!” time of Lorna Boswell from year that Allebone Ward we spend at home with our family and friends, but for some Christmas time can be a lonely time especially if you’re elderly and in hospital with no presents and no one able to visit you.

With this in mind the charity team are once again calling on the wonderful people of Northampton to help make someone’s Christmas by making sure that every patient at NGH receives a Christmas present on Christmas day.

Each year we are truly humbled by the generosity and kindness of the local community in helping us to achieve this.

Staff on Cedar ward accepting presents to give to patients on Christmas Day

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“…a massive the kindness received whe on Christmas so uplifting to kind gift when being in hospit of year” (a pa

Chris Wood, Ward Sister on Paddington Ward at NGH said: “We were incredibly fortunate over the festive season to receive many lovely gifts for parents and children. Parents were grateful for fantastic overnight boxes and delighted that Santa visited at midnight to deliver sacks of presents

Northamptonshire Health Charity

Beckett ward staff with presents for their patients on Christmas Day

to children of all ages.”

It’s not only children that are in hospital over Christmas, adults are too and they are often the ones that get forgotten when it comes to presents. Last year, we were able to offer every patient in hospital over Christmas a gift bag containing a range of items thank you for helping to make a my husband huge difference to en in hospital their experience of s Day….It was being an in-patient o receive the on the day. With n feeling low at your help, we are tal at that time hoping to do the atient’s wife) same this year!

We would be very grateful if you could donate any

present to our appeal so that the charity team can work towards ensuring that every patient receives a present on Christmas Day. We would welcome items such as puzzle books, slippers and socks, scarves, gloves or toiletries, biscuits and lip balms.

For infection control purposes items must be new, in the original packaging and not gift wrapped, so that we can make sure that the gifts are allocated appropriately.

If you would like to take part in our appeal you can donate items by dropping them in at the charity office at Springfield, Cliftonville, Northampton, NN1 5BE, Monday to Friday 9-4PM. We are situated a short walk out from A&E at the hospital, next door to the Urgent Treatment

“Some of my patients had no visitors or family and these presents showed the massive generosity of the public to give all these great gifts.”

Stacey Cheney, Ward Sister on Cedar Ward

Centre. Alternatively, you can leave them with the volunteers at the South and Billing Road entrances as well as with volunteers at the Switchboard reception near to Café Royale.

Your help really does make a huge difference for those in hospital on the day, even more so for those who won’t get a visitor. You can call the charity on 01604 626927 if you have any queries or email greenheart@nhcf.co.uk

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

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2017 Nobel Prize winner Kazuo Ishiguro’s literary masterpiece has entranced generations as a novel and an acclaimed Merchant Ivory film. Now transformed for the first time into an exquisite stage play by one of Britain’s most exciting young writers, it receives its world premiere at Royal & Derngate before embarking on a major national tour.

A deeply atmospheric drama about time and memory, loneliness and longing, The Remains of the Day depicts the morally-compromised truth behind a world of manicured gardens, formal dinners and grand houses. As the fires rage through England during and after the Second World War, we get an intimate glimpse into one man’s half-lived life, realised too late.

The Remains of the Day is adapted by Barney Norris (Critics’ Circle Award for Most Promising Playwright), directed by Christopher Haydon (The Caretaker) and designed by Lily Arnold (Rules for Living).

A Royal & Derngate and Out of Joint co-production in association with Oxford Playhouse.

Remains Of The Day takes to the stage from Saturday 23 February to Saturday 16 March.

Post show talk back Monday 11 March.

For a chance to win a pair of tickets to see the production, get in touch and let us know which article you enjoyed most in this edition of Insight. Send your entry to communications@ngh.nhs.uk or by post to Insight Editor, Communications Department, Northampton General Hospital, Northampton NN1 5BD. Please include a daytime telephone number with your entry so we can contact you if you’re the lucky winner.

Send your entry to arrive by Friday 1 February 2019. The winner will be chosen by random lottery.

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