Link Winter 2013

Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Nicola Adams

opens Unit that cares for her Coach

Page 8

ng C e le b ratairs

Jessop Fertility Winter 2013

65 ye of the

Page 10 A magazine for staff and patients

Welcome to the Winter edition of LINK magazine.

I am always incredibly proud to tell people I work for Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and this edition of LINK demonstrates exactly why I feel that way.

As well as the usual packed pages of news, we also feature the winners of this year’s Thank You Awards in which over 120 teams and individuals were nominated. This is the highest number we have ever had. Every single nomination was worthy of being a finalist and the extent to which our colleagues have gone above and beyond their paid roles to ensure we continue to provide safe, high quality, efficient care was staggering.

Innovation played a key role in this year’s awards and indeed STH colleagues have also scooped the prestigious Medipex awards for Innovation in 3 of the 6 categories.

New ways of working and increased partnership working between acute, community and social care colleagues was also very evident at the Thank You awards. This will be critical as we move into the winter period with all the challenges it brings and the need to ensure we can keep patients flowing through our services with limited delays.

This will ensure we have the capacity to treat the increase in emergency patients we know we will see.

Finally I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all your work so far this year and assure you that we will be doing everything possible to ensure we have robust plans in place to manage the winter pressures. But of course I am only too aware that the plans will only be successful with the support of you and your colleagues.

I hope you enjoy reading the rest of the magazine.

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Recognising those behind the scenes

H

otel Services are one of the largest directorates within the Trust and provide a range of essential services that support the day to day running of the hospitals for example catering, domestics, laundry, security, portering, transport, car parking, accommodation, waste management.

Many of the 1800 staff in Hotel Services are dedicated employees that consistently provide outstanding levels of service or continually perform above and beyond expectations.

However, due to the nature of their work this dedication can often go unoticed. As a result, the Hotel Services Management team have decided to introduce an employee of the quarter scheme.

Below are the Hotel services colleagues who were nominated at the end of June this year:

Peter Mullins – Laundry

1st Place

Andrew Purvis – Domestics

2nd Place

Chris Peat – Transport

3rd Place

Adam Hinchcliffe – Portering

Merit

Craig Stevenson – Domestics

Merit

Emma Hague – Domestics

Merit

Frank Greathead – Catering

Merit

Jackie Morton – Catering

Merit

Katie Paterson – Domestics

Merit

Margaret Nelson – Domestics

Merit

Mark Owen – Domestics

Merit

Tracey Hague – Domestics

Merit

Peter Mullins was recognised for his prompt actions when he discovered a major steam leak in the laundry on a weekend.

Peter quickly moved the other staff in the department to a safe environment, contacted Estates to get the steam shut and avoided thousands of pounds worth of potential damage to machinery. He then contacted a member of the management team to make them aware of the issue and cleared up any water caused by the leak.

Peter said “I think the awards are a brilliant idea and I was honoured to have been nominated and very proud to receive first prize, both for myself and the department”.

Second place went to Andrew Purvis.

Andrew’s substantive role is that of supervisor at Firth Park Clinic. However, his flexibility and support is invaluable to the Domestic Management team. Andrew goes above and beyond the call of duty on a continuous basis to make sure services in the community are maintained and in many ways is our first stage contingency plan.

Third place went to Chris Peat, who managed to keep services running despite the Waste Compactor breaking down for 3 days. Chris emptied all the black household

bins by hand, thus preventing waste backing up on the Wards. I’m sure most people can appreciate just how much waste is produced across the NGH in a single day and how busy Chris must have been.

All nominees were extremely pleased with being nominated and the recognition received for their continued efforts.

Winner Peter Mullins with Director of Hotel Services Kevin O’Regan

Patients give Hospitals top marks for cleanliness, dignity and food standards

The Trust has received praise for ward cleanliness, respecting patient’s dignity and the quality of food from independent inspectors as part of a new national set of assessments to ensure high standards are met.

W

e were a pilot centre for the innovative Patient Led-Assessment of the Care Environment (PLACE) which give staff and patients the opportunity to be inspectors in a bid to drive improvements in care settings.

The inspectors looked at four key areas which were scored out

of 100%. The Northern General, Royal Hallamshire (which includes the Jessop Wing) and Weston Park Hospitals as well as Beech Hill Intermediate Care Unit all scored over 99% for cleanliness, over 93% for privacy, dignity and wellbeing, over 90% for condition, appearance & maintenance and ranged from 87% - 96% for food.

Kevin O’Regan, Hotel Services Director, said: “These assessments are a fantastic way to give patients

and the public a voice that can be heard in any discussion about local standards of care. Our staff have worked extremely hard to deliver good standards in the four key domains of PLACE in all our Trust facilities. We work in partnership with ward staff and infection control specialists to enhance cleaning standards and introduced rapid-response and deep clean teams as part of the ongoing drive to prevent infections. This has already helped

to reduce infections including a 40% reduction in Cdifficile cases compared to 2011/12. Ward refurbishments/upgrades have also improved environmental standards on an ongoing basis and we continue to provide good nutrition and hydration, with a greater choice of food for our patients.

This will improve further by 2014 following completion of our £7+ million catering infrastructure investment. Whilst we have posted an excellent set of results we will continue to make every effort to sustain and improve our scores, wherever possible, to deliver our key objective to provide high quality services for our patients.”

Cancer patients praise care in Sheffield A comprehensive review of NHS cancer care by the Department of Health has found that our patients receive excellent care.

The 2013 National Cancer Patient Experience Survey rated STH within the top 20% of Trusts in various areas, including: • Staff always treating patients with respect and dignity • Staff giving complete explanations of what would be done

• S taff doing everything they could to control pain 91% of patients rated their overall care as ‘excellent’ or ’very good’ which is higher than the national average of 88%.

The Trust did not score in the lowest 20% of Trusts for any of the questions in the survey, which was designed to monitor national progress on cancer care and to provide information that could be used to drive local quality improvements.

Chris Morley, Deputy Chief Nurse, said: “I am delighted that the 2013 National Cancer Patient Experience Survey has rated our services so highly. This survey is an excellent way for us to review our care and I am pleased to say we have seen improvements from last year’s positive report.

All of our staff are passionate about the care that they give to patients and we pride ourselves on giving a professional high quality caring service.”

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Tell us what YOU think

For the first time, EVERYONE who works for the Trust has the chance to tell me where we are doing well and where we could do better. As you know we recently introduced the Friends and Family test to see how many of our patients would recommend our services/care. I feel it is equally important to know how the people working in our hospitals and community services feel too.

W

e have therefore decided to use the NHS staff survey to enable ALL staff to give their views and as a result have the opportunity to be part of future improvements. Usually only around 850 staff are randomly selected to participate in the survey which I do not feel gives a full picture of you and your colleagues views.

Taking part in the survey is also important because the results often determine whether or not we achieve the national targets we are set each year. These impact on our funding, the amount of monitoring we are put under and the reputation we have with patients.

I know the survey is long and you may feel you don’t have the time, but I would be very grateful if you could complete it. You can do it in work time or at home if you prefer. It can also be completed by phone on 0800 587 3115.

The last date to post the survey is 30th November 2013.

Your responses are confidential and no-one at the Trust sees them because they are collected and analysed by the survey provider Page 4 • Link - Winter 2013

Capita. If you require further information about the survey please contact Rhian Bishop, Staff Engagement Coordinator on ext 14453 or Rhian.bishop@sth.nhs.uk.

We will tell you the results once we have them and more importantly about some of the suggestions received and actions planned.

Thank you and I look forward to hearing your views.

All completed surveys will automatically be entered in to a prize draw (through Capita) where you have the chance to win one of three tables for two to enjoy a festive lunch. The prizes have been kindly donated

by The Rutland Hotel in Sheffield.

Chief Executive

Your feedback makes a difference Through previous surveys and adhoc suggestions we have been able to act on your ideas. This has made a huge impact in many cases for the benfit of colleagues throughout the Trust:

You Said

We did

Senior managers could be more visible

-Andrew Cash, Chief Executive has held more ‘let’s talk’ road shows across the Trust and in departments.

-Senior managers are now doing clinical shifts and can be identified in a navy uniform with red piping.

The Trust could do more for our health and well being

This year we have: - Held Health and wellbeing festivals - Introduced initiatives such as health checks/ walking to work with the breakfast club - A fast track muscoskeletal service for staff has been piloted. The service is designed to help staff who suffer back or other musculoskeletal ijuries or conditions.

This acces to treatment has already been proven to reduce the amount of days colleagues have had off sick.

We want to be more involved in suggesting improvements

- More focus groups to get staff views are being held across the Trust - Microsystems coaching has been introduced - Some areas such as Hotel services have introduced suggestion boxes

We want a good quality appraisal and the right training and development for our job

A new appraisal system has been introduced based on the PROUD values. That more than 3,000 staff suggested.

We want more shuttle buses to be provided at peak times

This was investigated with the bus company but unfortunately as this would mean hiring another bus for a whole day it wouldn’t be cost effective.

There is a lack of car parking

In the last two years, 424 additional car parking spaces have been provided at the Northern General Hospital of which 55% are designated for staff.

We want staff at all levels to have their views listened to

This year everyone at the Trust has received a staff survey questionnaire at work. This can be filled in during work time or taken home as you prefer – please complete it and return it to our survey provider Capita as soon as possible.

Outcome

Australian transplant patients visit our facilities

Team Australia paid a visit to staff and patients at the renal and dialysis units at the Northern General Hospital during their time in Sheffield for the international Transplant Games. They were very impressed with the facilities and all the dedicated team work they witnessed.

SOHWS Recognised for Supporting Staff The Sheffield Occupational Health & Wellbeing service (SOHWS) has recently achieved accreditation following two years of preparation and a full days audit.

The Service is now formally recognised as having the required high level of competence to deliver against

the measures in the Safe Effective Quality Occupational Health Services (SEQOHS) standards. The SEQOHS auditors were highly complimentary about the high quality of the service and requested that several initiatives are shared throughout the country as exemplars of best practice.

For more information visit http://www.seqohs.org/

Ten by Ten A new initiative called ‘Ten

by Ten’ has been launched in an attempt to free up acute beds earlier in the morning.

All NGH wards have been asked to identify two patients a day to be brought down to the Discharge Lounge by 10am, so each ward will be sending 10 patients a week.

Staff from the Discharge Lounge will help facilitate this by visiting wards late in the afternoon to meet and greet the patients identified for discharge the next day and explain to them what will happen in the morning.

Chris Hayden, Deputy General Manager Clinical

Operations, said: “We appreciate that some wards may find it difficult to identify two patients a day but we would encourage them to identify as many as possible.

Any increase in the number of beds available earlier in the day would go a long way in improving the care experience of our patients.”

The Discharge Lounge is fully staffed by qualified Nurses and Support Workers and can take both seated and patients requiring beds. If you have any questions about this initiative please do not hesitate to contact the Discharge Lounge Sister, Tricia Purnell on 15066.

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Annual Thank Y ou

recognises amazing staff

A

physiotherapist who has reduced the time many cystic fibrosis patients spend in hospital, a house keeper that has made a remarkable difference to a cardiology ward and a Community Matron who has inspired colleagues with her passion for patient care

are just a few of the stars awarded at the Trust’s annual Thank You Awards.

Among the winners were Anne Clegg who collected the Lifetime Achievement Award for her 35 years hard work at the Trust. Anne, a Macmillan Lung Cancer Nurse specialist represents

North Trent as the Network Lead Mesothelioma nurse. In this role she participated in the development of the national mesothelioma guidelines which ensure patients receive optimal treatments. The Award ceremony was a great send off before her retirement next year. Anne said: “It was a great shock when I realised

my name had been announced as the winner, considering the competition! Thank you to everyone who was involved.”

Sir Andrew Cash presented the Healthcare Hero award in which the winner is chosen by the readers of the Sheffield Star. The public voted for the A&E Team for their 24/7

And the winners are…

Gift of Time Award

Lifetime Achievement Award

Winner Diabetic Foot Team Highly Commended Charlotte Hinchliffe Physio Technical Instructer Highly Commended MAU Highly Commended Margaret Glaves Community matron

Winner Richard Allcroft ASPIRE Volunteer Highly Commended Kaye Meegan and Jo Bishop Highly Commended League of Friends

Winner Anne Clegg Highly Commended Chris Bryer Highly Commended Prof. Wes Vernon

Innovation and Service Improvement Award

Behind the Scenes Award

Value for Money

Winner Dr Peter Metherall Highly Commended L Floor Neuro Team

Winner Linda Jackson Highly Commended Ian Battey Highly Commended Goura Kudesia

Winner Pharmacy Team Highly Commended OSCCA Supplies Team Highly Commended RHH Orthopaedic Theatre Team

Quality Care Award

Highly Commended Plastic Surgery Outpatient Team

Healthcare Hero Customer Care Award Winner Susan Hurst Highly Commended Podiatry Services Highly Commended Radiology Admin and Clerical Team Page 6 • Link - Winter 2013

Winner A&E Team Highly Commended Kathryn Hogg Highly Commended Specialist Nurses Organ Donation Highly Commended Rachel Walker Nurse Specialist Highly Commended Ann Riley Housekeeper

Awards dedication to delivering the best emergency care for 1000’s of people every year.

Celebrity entertainer Shaun Williamson hosted the evening, to celebrate the achievements of staff from across the Trust.

Over 240 members of staff attended the event with teams and individuals nominated by

their colleagues and managers for awards ranging from quality care to behind the scenes.

This year’s awards ceremony was made extra special with performances from Seven Bar Bridge, the Primary Care Addiction Service’s recovery band and also the award winning Voice of the Jessop Wing Choir.

Over 200 new car parking spaces

Two new car parks have opened at the Northern General Hospital. The largest of the two at the north of the site will provide 160 extra spaces designated for staff.

To ensure that the new spaces also benefit patients and visitors, an existing staff car park located in a prime location for accessing clinical services has been converted to public parking.

The Trust is also taking this opportunity to provide a number of spaces that will be protected for those staff working unsocial hours.

This additional capacity will also have the added benefit of reducing congestion caused by vehicles searching for spaces and provide a safer environment for pedestrians.

Planning permission has also just been granted for an additional sixty two spaces in the central part of the hospital campus and work will start on this development imminently.

Health and Wellbeing Winner Kirsten Johnson Jessop Wing Choir Highly Commended Claudia Westby Travel Plan Co-ordinator Highly Commended Orthopaedic Morale Committee

Centre celebrates

being LGB and over 50

T

he Centre for HIV and Sexual Health (CHIV) celebrated Sheffield’s older Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual (LGB) community as part of national Older Peoples Week.

CHIV launched a photo exhibition featuring local LGB models alongside a new booklet ‘LGB@50plus’ which includes health and wellbeing information

for older LGB people alongside the captivating photos from the exhibition. The exhibition and booklet were kindly funded by....

The exhibition at the Circle Building on Rockingham Lane is open until 22 November and aims to raise awareness of the thousands of LGB people aged fifty plus in our area and celebrates their journey as individuals and as a community.

Leadership Award Winner Dr Fionuala Creagh, Diabetes Consultant Highly Commended Peter Blair Highly Commended Matron Jane Coates Chief Executive, Andrew Cash said: “I am very proud of all our staff and their tremendous achievements, which are the basis for this organisation’s success and for the excellent quality of care provided to patients. This is the ninth year that we have held our Thank you awards and as ever the standard of nominations was exceptionally high. The individuals short-listed for the Thank you awards have worked above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that the needs of our patients are at the core of everything we do.”

Steve Slack Director for HIV at the launch Page 7 • Link - Winter 2013

Olympic Gold Medallist Officially Opens Unit that Cares for her Coach London 2012 Olympic Gold Medallist Nicola Adams MBE joined patients and staff to officially open the clinical Immunology and Allergy Unit (CIAU) which provides treatment for her Coach, Alwyn Belcher.

A

lwyn, 78, from Burncross, Sheffeld suffers from a condition which lowers his immune system. He has been receiving treatment in Sheffield for the past 45 years and comes to the new CIAU every three weeks to have an infusion (drip) to give him the antibodies his body needs to fight infection.

Last year saw the relocation of the clinical Immunology and Allergy Unit (CIAU) at the Northern General Hospital.

The new Unit offers a larger capacity day case area, more consulting rooms, and improved facilities and comfort for patients and staff.

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Alwyn said: “My care has been fantastic and given me the strength to do the job that I love. The new unit is an absolute dream for us patients, the facilities and staff are brilliant. Before I started to have treatment for my condition I was ill a lot of the time and regularly suffered with things like pneumonia, septicaemia and bronchitis. These days I feel great and I only have to go in every 21days whereas it was once a week before.”

Alwyn has taught the likes of Amir Khan, Naseem Hamed, and has been training Nicola Adams who won the first ever Olympic Women’s Boxing Gold Medal, since she was 15.

He added: “By keeping healthy I have been able to train some of the world’s top Olympic boxers and Nicola’s success is the icing on the cake, so it’s great that she is coming to support the unit.”

Nicola joined a guided tour of the new Unit and spoke to staff about the work the Unit does to help improve hundreds of patients’ quality of life.

Anna Shrimpton, Consultant Immunologist, said: “We were delighted to welcome Nicola Adams to come and show her support for the unit that keeps her coach, Alwyn, fighting fit.

We have a

multidisciplinary group of dedicated staff providing a high quality, specialised allergy and immunology service which is going from strength to strength.

We see adult patients from Sheffield and surrounding areas, including Barnsley, Rotherham, Doncaster and Chesterfield. We offer outpatient appointments for assessment, diagnosis and advice on treatment of allergies, along with education and training, immunotherapy injections and challenge testing. We also offer an outpatient and day case service for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with immune deficiencies such as Alwyn. The new location of the Unit allows easier access for patients and a new patient kitchen allows for preparation of allergy food challenge tests, the large kitchen/ meeting room and offices on site allow for flexibility of care, better and faster communication within the team and whole team meetings.”

Bev Stoke Day Unit

Top Marks for Day Surgery Staff at the Bev Stokes Day Surgery Unit perform operations and procedures for patients that are able to go home later the same day.

O

ver 3400 operations were carried out at the Unit at the Northern General Hospital between April 2012-2013. Day Surgery provides a wide range of orthopaedic, vascular, renal, pain management general surgery and neurosurgery day case operations.

Anna Hayes, Lead Practitioner at the Unit, said: “Day surgery is an exciting speciality which constantly moves forward. The team are ever responsive to the demands of the service and the needs of the patients.”

The unit has space for 16 patient trolleys. There are two theatres with anaesthetic rooms, a minor operation room, 1st and 2nd stage recovery areas and consulting rooms that are also used for pre-operative assessment.

Anna added: “The team have

the philosophy that the patient is always at the centre of everything that we do. We build strong relationships with our patients from the minute they arrive in the unit concentrating on their psychological well being as well as their physical recovery. Effective post operative information relating to advise and care following discharge from the unit ensures the patient continues to recover at home surrounded by their family and friends.”

Trust Public Governor, Mrs Joyce Justice, experienced the excellent level of care first hand when she attended the Unit in August for facet joint injections (steroids) into her back.

Joyce said: “All the staff were very friendly and helpful and despite me being very nervous, I was made to feel at ease. I thought the large poster on the wall in the waiting area

that showed in pictures, what happens to patients on their visit , stage by stage, was an excellent idea as it was very informative.

Also the TV that was on bbc1 in this area certainly helped to take my mind of the procedure I was going to have.”

“Because I was so nervous I requested some sedation to help relax me from Dr Gupta, my consultant who performed the injections. After the procedure I was wheeled into another area along with other patients. The nurses could not do enough for us, despite them being very busy, they were very attentive making us cups of coffee and toast and checking that we were alright. I asked some of the nurses if they were happy working in the unit and one in particular I spoke to said she would not want to work anywhere else.”

“All in all I give all the Unit

top marks for their caring and friendly approach to patients and working well together. They made the atmosphere in the unit feel informal which in my opinion does help to break down barriers and takes that clinical aspect away. Dr Gupta came out to check on his patients including me before we went home after the procedure.

He is always very approachable, friendly, caring and easy to talk to and always has time to listen.”

Lead Practitioner Anna Hayes with Joyce Justice Page 9 • Link - Winter 2013

Jessop Fertility If you’re struggling to conceive, it may feel like you are the only one going through such distress and anxiety. But did you know one in six couples are in the same position?

F

or those in South Yorkshire and the surrounding areas, help is at hand in the form of Jessop Fertility.

This purpose-built centre of excellence is based at the Jessop Wing at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield and is one of only a few fully NHS-managed and run fertility centres in the UK treating both NHS and private patients.

Jessop Fertility offers a full range of fertility investigations and provides a comprehensive range of assisted conception treatments including IVF and ICSI. Treatment with donor sperm and eggs is also available. The centre is renowned as a centre Page 10 • Link - Winter 2013

of excellence for reproductive surgery and has established links with the University of Sheffield conducting groundbreaking research into infertility.

Using the very latest assisted conception techniques, Jessop Fertility has helped to bring over 2000 babies into the world since it was established 12 years ago.

Mr Skull is the Clinical Head of the clinic and is a consultant gynaecologist specialising in reproductive medicine and surgery. He began his career in fertility in 1992 working with Professor Ian Cooke in Sheffield. Mr Skull gained further experience working alongside Professor Robert Winston at the Hammersmith Hospital before returning to

Sheffield as a Clinical Lecturer at the University of Sheffield.

In 2001 he was instrumental in setting up the clinic, with a focus on state-of-the-art equipment and exemplary patient care. The laboratories were upgraded again in 2005 with the latest and most advanced equipment available.

Over the years the team has grown to include six NHS consultants who are supported by a team of specialist nurses and an efficient admin team.

The embryology and andrology laboratories are run by a team of highly qualified scientists.

Two experienced counsellors are available to help support patients throughout the treatment process.

“There is an even mix of NHS and private patients at Jessop Fertility.

Patients who are eligible for NHS funded treatment can choose to have their treatment at Jessop Fertility.”

Jessop Fertility has its own entrance enabling greater privacy and, whilst benefiting from the facilities of a major hospital, it provides a relaxed and calm non clinical environment which helps put patients at ease. Theatres and clinical rooms benefit from excellent standards of cleanliness, with special clean air facilities to ensure the highest laboratory standards.

Jessop Fertility Continued There is an even mix of NHS and private patients at Jessop Fertility.

Patients who are eligible for NHS funded treatment can choose to have their treatment at Jessop Fertility.

Patients who are not eligible for NHS funded treatment can request private treatment. Prices for private patients are very reasonable and far cheaper than many people expect.

Treatments are offered as a package with no hidden extras. For example, a standard IVF treatment is £3,130.

This includes treatment consultations, viral screening, ultrasound monitoring, blood tests, drugs, egg collection, embryo transfer, pregnancy scans and Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) fees.

“We offer transparent, fixed-price packages so it is very clear what you are going to pay before you start,” says Mr Skull. “This straightforward pricing policy is very competitive when compared with fully-private centres.”

If you have been trying to conceive for a year without success, you may wish to consider seeking advice.

Struggling to conceive does not necessarily mean you need treatment, and often investigations to determine the issues are enough. Patients can be referred for fertility investigation by their GP. “We have noticed a significant increase in activity over the last 12 years,” explains Mr Skull. “This may be due to any increase in some of the conditions that cause fertility

problems, but may also be due to the fact that women are having children later in life when their fertility is lower. I also think there is more awareness now than ever and therefore more people are actively seeking treatment.”

Mr Skull encourages couples to plan when they would like a family and not take becoming pregnant for granted.

The website www.jessopfertility.org.uk is a great resource for those with fertility problems, with lots of further information about the clinic, staff, treatments and research. You can also follow @JessopFertility on Twitter, for all the latest fertility news.

Stephanie Burns

“This may be due to any increase in some of the conditions that cause fertility problems, but may also be due to the fact that women are having children later in life when their fertility is lower.”

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The NHS at 65

The NHS was launched in 1948. Over the 65 years since then it has continually grown, evolved and improved to become a source of national and local pride.

Andrew Cash, Chief Executive said: As the NHS passes its 65th anniversary it is undergoing the biggest organisational change in its history, with much of its budget now

in the hands of GP-led Clinical Commissioning Groups. But the highquality service for patients continues uninterrupted and the NHS continues to develop and innovate.

To mark the anniversary, we’ve talked to clinicians, nurses and managers from across the Trust to highlight some of the work that STH and its partners are doing to keep Sheffield healthy.

Check out our timeline to see how the NHS in Sheffield has evolved: 1948 The National Health Service is born.

1949 Sheffield becomes the first place in the country to pioneer the van de Graff generator to treat cancer by beaming radiation on to the tumour. The £2 million generator is housed at the David Morrison Research Department, which opens in 1949. Twenty years later the centre becomes part of Weston Park Hospital.

1968 The first foundations of the Royal Hallamshire Hospital are laid.

1970 Weston Park Hospital is officially opened by HRH Princess Anne and quickly becomes established as a centre of excellence for cancer care. Over the past 65 years, cancer survival rates have doubled, with six times as many patients being seen and treated at Weston Park in 2013 compared to 30 years ago.

1978 The Royal Hallamshire Hospital opens. The iconic building took decades to build and plan. Today it is one of several sites across the city caring for patients from across Page 12 • Link - Winter 2013

the region, including Sheffield, Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham – with some specialist services being accessed from patients as far afield as the US.

1985 The first ever transplant for a patient suffering with nonHodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancer of the immune system is undertaken

by Sheffield’s haematology department, a unit specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the blood and bone marrow. The transplant is ‘autolgous’ – meaning the patient donated blood or tissue to themselves.

Previously inoperable brain tumours can now be treated with bursts of radiation rather than with invasive surgery thanks to the opening of the National Centre for Stereotactic Radiosurgery which is initially based at Weston Park Hospital. The centre, now at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital, was one of the first in the world to open, and boasts three hi-tech gamma knife machines. It was the first in Europe outside Sweden to offer the ‘experimental’ treatment which is now used as a primary treatment for all kinds of conditions.

1986 The first Sheffield IVF babies are born.

1988 Sheffield becomes one of the first centres in the UK to start using the Ilizarov technique, a novel treatment developed in Soviet Russia that can treat fractures, correct deformity and lengthen limbs by fixing a circular ring to the limb. As result of Cold War hostilities, the treatment remains unheard of for decades until western surgeons visit Soviet Russia. Twenty years on, Sheffield remains a leading centre for using this technique.

1989 A teacher with a young family becomes Sheffield’s first heart transplant patient – she survives for another ten years.

1990 Sheffield Teaching Hospitals becomes the first hospital in the UK to employ an epilepsy specialist nurse and support the establishment of the role across the UK.

1995 A groundbreaking specialist unit diagnosing and treating blood vessel disorders opens at the Northern General Hospital. The unit – which combines the skills of surgeons with interventional radiologists, who use minimally invasive techniques to treat patients at high risk of stroke, heart attacks and kidney failure as an alternative to traditional surgery – goes on to become the first in the country to perform a number of landmark treatments. This includes the use of a small metal-mesh tube known as a carotid stent to unblock potentially life-threatening narrow or hardened arteries in 1998, the use of therapy to protect the brain’s nerves when using carotid stents in 1999, and, most recently, the use of radio-frequency energy waves to destroy nerve connections in kidney patients whose high blood pressure can not be controlled by conventional treatments.

1992 One of the country’s first medical assessment units opens at the Northern General Hospital. The opening of the unit – which generates significant interest at the time – offers a new way of managing emergency admissions, seeing patients who are referred by their GP or A&E to undergo further assessment and investigation on the ward.

1997 A clinical nurse specialist in clinical immunology and allergy, Fran Ashworth, champions the development of Sheffield’s home therapy service. This pioneering care revolutionises the lives of

people who are unable to fight infections properly due to antibody deficiencies. Patients quickly report the benefits – living relatively normal lives without the need for frequent hospital visits.

1999 Weston Park Hospital’s Cancer Clinical Trials Centre is opened by HRH Duchess of Gloucester. Since then nearly 900 trials, involving over 16,000 patients, have taken place here and pushed forward advances in cancer treatment.

2001 The new purpose-built Jessop Wing maternity unit opens.

Approximately 7,000 babies are born here every year.

2002 Sheffield Teaching Hospitals pioneers the use of ‘pill cameras’ – tiny capsules swallowed to take pictures of the small intestine. It becomes the first centre in the UK to use these in clinical practice.

One of the centres’ experts, Royal Hallamshire gastroenterologist Dr Mark McAlindon subsequently makes numerous guest appearances on TV to show how the technique works, including an infamous piece where celebrity filmmaker Michael Mosley’s own intestines are filmed for Channel 4’s ‘The Mysterious World of the Gut’.

Weston Park Hospital opens its Teenage and Young Adult ward.

The ward is one of the first in the UK, with more children and young adults surviving cancer as a result.

2004 The clinical immunology and allergy unit opens at the Northern General Hospital. This dedicated unit allows patients to receive outpatient and ambulatory care in a specialised centre rather than on general medical wards. The unit recently relocated to new, bigger premises at the [x] due to ongoing expansion.

2005 Sheffield’s limb reconstruction begins using a new method called vacuum assisted closure (VAC) instill to treat hard-to-manage bone infections. The treatment, which promotes rapid wound healing by placing another tube into the wound to control infection through a process of instilling, soaking and suction, has a 80% success rate.

The Jessop Wing Hospital becomes the first IVF unit in the

UK to meet the European Union Tissue and Cells banking directives by introducing a state-of-the-art IVF lab which improves IVF success rates by limiting the amount of external sources that can damage embryos and cells. This also enables the University of Sheffield’s stem cell laboratory to be located within the IVF laboratory suite.

2006 Sheffield’s state-of-the-art Clinical Research Facility opens. The unit is the first of two dedicated research centres. The second unit opens in 2009. Both are now formally recognised by the Department of Health as units of excellence, and have provided more than 32,000 appointments for patients taking part in potentially life-saving research including research into diabetes, heart, respiratory, bone and kidney diseases.

Patients who would otherwise have had to stay in hospital for prolonged intravenous antibiotic therapy to fight serious infections begin to benefit from Sheffield’s Outpatient Parenteral Antibiotic Therapy service. Here they can receive treatment in the comfort of their own homes or in an outpatient clinic – with Sheffield being one of the first NHS Trusts in the UK to start offering the service.

Ninety per cent of patients with chronic infections see improvements in their illness as a result.

2007 Treatment for a rare incurable disease, ataxia, which causes loss of voluntary muscle control, resulting in lack of balance and coordination, is boosted when the Royal Hallamshire Hospital’s Ataxia Service becomes the first in the country to be named as a national centre of excellence. The service is also the first in the UK to employ a dedicated ataxia nurse, funded by Ataxia UK.

2008 The patient environment becomes safer thanks to new hydrogen peroxide vapour machines, which destroy almost all bacteria and superbugs. The machines can still be seen in use at the Royal Hallamshire and Northern General Hospital today.

Leukaemia transplant survivor Anthony Kirkham, who had his transplant at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals the year previously, triumphs at the British Transplant Games in Sheffield, winning his

first gold medal in cycling. He goes on to become an eight-times gold medal winner at the Games.

Ten patients with a rare form of bone marrow cancer called myeloma take part in the first ever study looking at the impact of having intensive chemotherapy or stem cell transplants in a nonclinical setting. This reduces their length of hospital stay.

2009 The life of an unborn baby, Arthur Fountain, is saved thanks to a 25-strong team from Sheffield’s Jessop Wing Hospital who perform a groundbreaking operation to remove a tumour the size of an orange from his neck. The team are the first in the UK [?] to perform the Ex-utero Intra-partum Treatment (EXIT) procedure.

The regional HIV network is set up, enabling HIV specialists across South Yorkshire to work together to ensure that the highest standards of care are available to all patients accessing HIV services by sharing best practice and expertise.

2010 The Queen, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, officially opens the £18m Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, a worldclass facility bringing together 150 international clinicians and scientists working together to bring new hope to patients suffering from motor neurone disease. It is led by Professor Pamela Shaw, a consultant neurologist at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and is the only one of its kind in Europe.

The Royal Hallamshire Hospital begins to introduce its innovative Hospital At Night service.

This improved service at night ensures that patients receive the best possible care and the most appropriate and timely interventions, delivered by the most relevant clinical professional from a

multidisciplinary team. The service is subsequently rolled out to the Northern General Hospital (2011) and Weston Park Hospital (2012).

2011 The first specialist nurse in the UK – and possibly the world – to give independent advice on images taken from a pill-sized camera swallowed to diagnose bowel and cancer problems begins work at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital.

Sheffield becomes an accredited Cancer Research UK/Yorkshire cancer research national centre in recognition of the major role the partnership between Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Weston Park Hospital and the city’s universities play in putting cancer research at the forefront of the regional map.

2013 More help becomes available for cancer sufferers and patients with inherited blood disorders when a state-of-the-art £11 million laboratory centre opens at the Northern General Hospital. The centre, which is able to process more than 10 million tests a year, benefits patients from hospitals across the region, including in the UK and Europe.

The Sheffield Vision Centre purchase a new hi-tech femtosecond ‘blade-free’ laser, which allows surgeons to make very precise incisions in the cornea to remove everything that needs to be cut in extremely short femtoseconds (or quadrillionths of a second).

The first operation using pioneering robotic surgery takes place at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital. The £1.8 million hi-tech robot helper, called the DaVinci robot, is a sophisticated way for specially trained surgeons to perform delicate, complex and less invasive surgery and will lead to shorter recovery time and reduced hospital stays.

Page 13 • Link - Winter 2013

In the spotlight:

Informatics The Informatics Department is currently undergoing a large scale transformation programme focused on enabling the delivery of safer, patient focused, clinical services.

A

new Technology Strategy and Roadmap has been created, based on requirements gathered from all services and spanning the next five years. This gives the Trust a clear direction for technology delivery, aligned to the Trust’s overall strategic direction and vision. Over the next five years the Trust will invest more than £30m in new technology so that we can take full advantage of the clinical benefits associated with modern IT. Informatics is now clinically led with the introduction of a Technology Board chaired by Dr David Throssell, Medical Director which will govern all strategic decisions and technology solutions. In parallel with the development and implementation of this strategy, the Informatics service itself will be transformed into one that is customer focused, responsive, pro-active and working alongside clinical teams to solve problems and drive innovation. Everyone who came along to the Trust Wide Drop In Sessions will have seen the technology strategy and roadmap.

However, further information is available on our website http:// sharepoint.sth.nhs.uk/Dept/

Page 14 • Link - Winter 2013

Informatics/SitePages/Home.aspx Three large scale projects are about to be launched which will have a huge impact on improving patient care by ensuring clinicians have access to all the information they need electronically. An Electronic Patient Record, Clinical Portal and Electronic Document Management System will reduce time spent on administration tasks, produce cost savings from reduced storage and space costs and use of less paper and will allow safe access to patient data anytime anywhere.

There have also been some real achievements with existing projects. The installation of the wireless network has been completed at both the Northern General and Hallamshire Hospitals.

All clinical areas have been covered with over 2500 access points installed. Over 27,000 man hours have been spent on this project and 188km of cabling fitted, that’s the distance STH to Milton Keynes!

E-Discharge is now complete at the Northern General Hospital. Clinicians are trained on a system which reduces clinical risk by providing a legible discharge summary to GPs in a timely manner.

The Blood Tracking project,

which aims to activate the blood tracking modules in ICE, is now in its pilot phase and progressing well. This will enable clinicians to track the blood from fridge to patient to ensure this valuable resource is not wasted, The New Corporate Desktop Project continues to refresh and upgrade all Trust PCs to Windows 7 and Office 2010. Learning and Development are working in partnership with IT during this rollout and are offering a suite of accredited Microsoft Office Training Courses. This partnership has invested in a license agreement that enables staff to gain certification at a fraction of the cost of some commercial providers. For more information please contact the Open Learning Advisors (Vicki Allen/Frances Hallam/Judith Esler) on 01142269930 Business-as-usual services are also seeing some real improvements. The IT Service Desk, which processes approximately 1000 new requests and 3000 calls every month, has increased their first-call-fix rate on incidents to over 50%. The Service Desk Team is consistently hitting 100% on key performance indicators too; all by way of following new processes.

What’s happening out in the Trust as a result?

The Spinal Injuries Centre is currently piloting a new rehabilitation technique which wouldn’t be possible without the wireless network. Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) therapy applies electrical current to weakened or paralysed muscles.

FES cycling involves coordinated electrical stimulation to create patterned movement of the legs in order to pedal a static cycle.

The FES cycle is linked by the Wi-Fi in the therapy department

to the internet. The anonymous data can then be collected centrally on a website. Thanks to the Wi-Fi, the bike can now be moved to anywhere within the therapy department.

The Heart Failure Team in Cardiology have also seen significant benefits from mobile working, saving staff over an hour a day in administration tasks.

Following a trial of the wireless laptop, the team said ‘we have gained more time to spend with patients and medical teams, enabling us to provide a better quality of service to the patients in the acute care environment’.

Further developments, will allow a patient’s condition to be recorded ‘live’, with the patient present, and the nurse will be able to receive guidance electronically.

Finally we just want to say that nothing makes us happier in Informatics

Thank you to dedicated clinical directors

This year a number of colleagues have retired from their role as Clinical Director (CD), some retiring from the Trust. Many colleagues have contacted LINK to say a big thank you to the people below for the excellent leadership, professionalism and dedication to their field they have shown in the past years.

Tim Stephenson, Despite his role as CD for the large Laboratory Medicine Directorate for 13 years, Tim maintained full time practice in diagnostic histopathology and was appointed Honorary Professor to both of Sheffield’s Universities. He is a strong enthusiast for Clinical Directorates as the bedrock of successful Trusts, describing them as the mould that keep the tray of cup cakes of even quality, each with fairly apportioned ingredients, and without coalescing into an undisciplined clump. His own cup cake has been completely redesigned and re-equipped during his tenure; he is stunned by and for ever grateful for the loyalty and hard work of everyone who has tolerated and supported all of the necessary change, and looks forward to being reassimilated into the cup cake as an ordinary ingredient.

than helping to improve the patient experience so please contact us if you need our help: Tracey Harding Tracey.Harding@sth.nhs.uk Stephen Stewart Stephen.Stewart@sth.nhs.uk Tim Ogden Tim.Ogden@nhs.net Service Desk ITServiceDesk@sth.nhs.uk

Our Vision: We want technology to be like oxygen to our staffessential and invisible. It will work perfectly, and you will only notice when it is not there. It will extend staff’s opportunities and capabilities to practice, to communicate, to research and to connect.

Prof Deborah Bax came to Sheffield to study medicine and remained here since graduating, save for an attachment to the Queen of Paediatric Rheumatology, Professor Barbara Ansell at Northwick Park Hospital in London. Inspired and enthused she realised she wanted to be a rheumatologist and in 1989 was appointed as a consultant here in Sheffield and had been here ever since. She said: “I have had a brilliant time with a fantastic experience with wonderful colleagues.”

Professor Ian Rennie has been a clinical director for over 14yrs which, he believes is the longest tenure of any CD in the history of this trust. Prior to this he was a Nonexecutive Director on the Central Sheffield Universities Hospital Trust board for six years.

In his spare time he has also been the Head of the Academic Unit of Ophthalmology and Orthoptics at the University of Sheffield, an honorary consultant leading a National Ocular Oncology Service, former senior vice president of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists and editor of an international journal. He has, for the most part, enjoyed his tenure as CD and will remain indebted to all the staff in his directorate for their support he has received over the years.

Andrew Farkas came to the Jessop Hospital for Women in 1996 from a Senior Lecturer post at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London.

While maintaining a broad practice in both obstetrics and gynaecology, he has developed the urogynaecology service addressing problems of prolapse and incontinence in women.

As Clinical Director for the last six years he has kept his feet firmly on the ground. He leaves the role with most of his colleagues still talking to him!

Andrew will continue to be an active clinician but have more time on the river fishing for trout and salmon.

Guy Veall first came to Sheffield Jan 1st 1990 as a trainee in Anaesthesia. He then joined the STH Anaesthetic Department as a Consultant in May 1998.

He supported the department as service organiser and also was heavily involved with the junior doctor training programmes. His specialist interest was in paediatric and obstetric anaesthesia.

During the 5 years in post he has risen to the challenge of delivering EWTD, severe efficiency programmes, cultural change and promoting forward thinking practice and ensuring the highest quality care for the future.

Guy would like to add his sincere gratitude to all those involved for their help and support during his time as CD.

Andrew Farkas, Guy Veall, Deborah Bax, Tim Stephenson and Ian Rennie

Page 15 • Link - Winter 2013

Our academic directorates Working in partnership with the University of Sheffield, our academic directorates play a key role in leading research that could transform patients’ lives.

In the second of a two-part series, we focus on the work of the Diabetes and Endocrinology department, Neurosciences and Specialised Cancer.

In the first part of our academic directorates feature, we reported that there were six academic directorates when in fact there are eight.

Neurosciences The neurosciences department was the first to achieve the Trust’s academic directorate status in 2011, and boasts a national and international reputation for providing specialist services for patients with multiple sclerosis, ataxia, motor neurone disease, epilepsy, and other disorders of the brain, spinal cord and nerves.

As well as winning a number of international awards and prizes, researchers have secured funding from key high-profile bodies such as the Wellcome Trust, the Medical Research Council and the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR).

Headed up by Professor Pamela Shaw – one of 19 clinicians and academics across the country recently awarded distinguished senior investigator status by the NIHR for outstanding work in her field – the department aspires to become the best regarded regional neuroscience department in the UK.

Current research work includes: • Understanding neurological aspects of gluten oversensitivity • Stroke prevention and rehabilitation during the early stages of illness • Testing a new diaphragm pacing system in patients with motor neurone disease. This device delivers electric pulses to strengthen the diaphragm and aids breathing.

The department is responsible for more than 30 per cent of all clinical trials taking place in the Trust.

Several therapies developed by the department are set to be tested on humans for the first time soon. It also runs the National Centre for Stereotactic Radiosurgery, which uses high-powered x-rays to treat disorders of the nervous system.

Diabetes and Endocrinology Current work includes: • Investigation into why young people are three time mores like to suffer from ‘Dead in Bed syndrome’, or sudden death from diabetes • Examining the exact cause of diabetic nerve pain – which causes up to a third of patients to suffer from constant severe pain in their feet and legs, negatively impacting on their quality of life.

The unit has an international

Motor neurone disease sufferer Liz Pick tests out the new diaphragm pacing device Page 16 • Link - Winter 2013

Janet Cotterill, who lost her mother to diabetes, is taking part in a pioneering study to find the exact cause of diabetic nerve damage reputation for expertise in this field and will benefit from the University of Sheffield’s brand new state-of-the-art MRI 3T scanner, located on the Royal Hallamshire’s C Floor • Developing new treatments for glands that affect millions of people worldwide, including the pituitary, adrenal glands, which control and regulate growth and how the body works. This work is being coordinated in partnership with the directorate’s two spin-out companies, who are developing two long acting growth hormone drugs, Chronocort® and Infacort®. These will help combat adrenal insufficiency, where the body does not produce adequate amounts of steroid hormones • One of three centres taking part in a potentially life-changing study comparing real-time

continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGM), which measure blood glucose levels semicontinuously with overnight systems which provide information retrospectively. This has the potential to have a significant effect on patients’ lives – especially those who use insulin pumps at home.

Professor Simon Heller, who heads up the directorate, was awarded senior investigator status from the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) for outstanding work in the field last year. The department has also secured a number of multimillion pound grants, including from the NIHR Health Technology Assessment, the European Commission’s EU 7 Framework programme and the Juvenile Diabetes Association.

Professor Coleman

Specialised cancer The Directorate, which incorporates the North Trent Cancer Research Network, headed up by Dr Jonathan Wadsley, and the Sheffield Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre, headed up by Professor Penella Woll, also boasts a purpose-built clinical research facility, the Cancer Clinical Trials Centre. Funded jointly by the Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity and the University of Sheffield, this provides cuttingedge facilities for the assessment and treatment of patients with highly complex needs in

a comfortable and welcoming environment, office space for staff with fully networked computer systems, a laboratory and certain specialist activities such as bone densitometry.

Integration between University and NHS staff is excellent.

Patients taking part in clinical trials run by the directorate have access to the full range of cancer treatments available, including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, biological therapies that target fundamental growth processes within the cancer cell, drugs to stimulate the immune system, and treatments designed to overcome the side effects of treatment.

Current research includes: • A groundbreaking trial looking at state-of-the-art treatments for the deadly asbestos-related condition mesothelioma, an incurable cancer which claims the lives of thousands of people in the UK every year • A trial assessing bowel cancer patients’ tumours for a range of genetic changes to match specific treatments to the individual’s specific tumour type. Each year over 16,000 people die of colorectal cancer in the UK. • A radiotherapy trial in breast

cancer looking at the use of a sophisticated radiotherapy planning technique known as image modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) to deliver a treatment boost to the tumour bed whilst sparing normal tissue.

In partnership with the Academic Unit of Clinical Oncology, the Directorate has more than £10 million in active research grants. The department also leads the way in helping newly diagnosed cancer patients from across the South Yorkshire, North Derbyshire and Bassetlaw region to benefit from clinical research.

The Directorate is a leading part of the newly established Sheffield Cancer Research Centre jointly funded by Cancer Research UK and Yorkshire Cancer Research and supported

by Weston Park Cancer Hospital Charity. Professor Coleman is the Centre Director. The Centre is one of 18 centres of excellence across the UK developing strategies for the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure of cancer by integrating scientific and clinical research.

Our Academic Directorates – Who We Are 1. Cardiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery 2. Diabetes and Endocrinology 3. Neurosciences 4. Oral and Dental Services 5. Respiratory Medicine 6. Specialised Cancer 7. Specialised Medicine 8. Communicable Diseases

Are you up to the Master Cutler challenge?

How far can your team make £100 go?

T

rust Chairman, Tony Pedder, was recently appointed as the historic role of Master Cutler. The role was initially established by Parliament in 1624 to ensure high standards of workmanship in

the cutlery industry.

A major part of the role is supporting and promoting local charities, and Tony has decided that the Jessop Wing Maternity Hospital and Whirlow Hall Farm Trust will benefit from the 2014

Master Cutler’s challenge. The challenge, which is sponsored by

to have been appointed as the

Sheffield Forgemasters, involves

proud history of working in the

teams being given £100 each and

steel and manufacturing industry in

then having 6 months to turn this

Sheffield, and this role now means

into as much money as possible.

I can help make a difference to the

Tony said: “It is a great pleasure

Master Cutler. I have a long and

city and my chosen charities.”

Page 17 • Link - Winter 2013

New retinal scanner allows patients to be seen quicker The Ophthalmology department recently received a £140,000 grant from Novartis to buy a new state-ofthe-art retinal scanner.

The scanner will vastly improve waiting times for patients in the clinic and produce highly accurate results.

Laura Gummer, Lead Ophthalmic Science Practitioner, said: “The new scanner has new equipment that will give us very fast and accurate

results which in time will provide better and quicker care for the patients.”

The instrument also has innovative multi modality imaging.

“Basically it is a highly versatile instrument that is considered the gold standard by many ophthalmologists. We are really grateful to Novartis and Mr Chris Brand, Clinical Lead who applied to gain the new scanner which has already helped the department so much.”

Firth Park Dental Service Praised at Visits Sheffield Salaried Primary Dental Care Service (SSPDC) were praised following a recent inspection by the Quality in Dental Services Scheme (QIDS).

The British Dental Association’s scheme is used as a quality assurance tool reflecting current accepted standards of good practice. SSPDC achieved accreditation after passing each of the scheme’s 10 requirements.

The Lead Assessor said: “The team came across as passionate, driven and committed to a clear vision of excellence in special care. All levels of staff demonstrated high degrees of involvement and solid teamwork. The team impressed us with many

aspects of their service – in particular, the sense of a strong and cohesive team of managers who really care about their staff and patients. We also found a commitment to service design that is sensitive to the particular access needs of different groups of special care patients, a strong focus on active quality systems and an excellent teaching and training programme for graduates and undergraduates.”

Postgraduate deanery visit In 2001, the Outreach Programme was developed with University of Sheffield, School of Clinical Dentistry and the Salaried service.

They currently have two

sites where undergraduates and hygiene therapy students are taught: Wheata Place has 3 surgeries and Firth Park have 4 bays and one separate clinic for Special Care patients.

Firth Park was once again praised at a recent visit from the Postgraduate Deanery. Chris Franklin, Postgraduate Dental Dean said: “The unit offers excellent, wide-ranging training opportunities and support for Dental Core Trainees and Specialty Registrars. All Trainees reported that they are well-supervised, enjoy working for the Salaried Dental Services and would recommend their posts to others.”

Patients welcome new uniforms to make Hospital’s The most senior nurses at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals have donned a smart new navy and scarlet uniform to make it easier for patients and the public to identify them out and about on the wards or in departments.

Previously, while Matrons, Ward Sisters and other nursing staff had easily recognised uniforms, Nurse Directors, Deputy Nurse Directors and Lead Nurses did not have a specific uniform. As Page 18 • Link - Winter 2013

they are predominantly a nursing management post, they wore smart suits. However they felt it would be much easier for patients to know who they were and their role if they had more traditional nurse uniforms.

The move has already been welcomed by patients who appreciate being able to easily identify who the senior nurses in charge are.

Nurse Directors and Lead nurses will also continue to undertake

additional clinical shifts in different areas each month so that they can regularly experience firsthand the care being delivered, understand any issues nurses may be having and also to hear patient’s experience of their care at the bedside. They will be working shifts in other areas as well as their own to ensure they have a wide understanding of what care is provided at all stages of the patient’s assessment, treatment and rehabilitation.

Professor Hilary Chapman, Chief Nurse also undertakes a clinical shift at least once a month, a practice she has undertaken in all her senior nursing roles since 1995. She is also easily recognised by her scarlet red tunic when she is on clinical duties.

Hilary explains: “Our Nurse Directors and Lead Nurses already spend a significant amount of their time in clinical areas supporting other nursing staff and resolving issues. However, they

Praise for Sheffield Hospitals at regional innovation awards

S

HEFFIELD Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has been named as a double winner for innovations which have dramatically improved patient care at a major regional award ceremony.

A tiny pill camera, which can take pictures of the small intestine through a tiny capsule that is swallowed, and new finger prick testing allowing for quick and easy detection of blood-borne viruses such as HIV and Hepatitis B were singled out from hundreds of entries at the Yorkshire and Humber Medipex NHS Innovation Awards 2013.

Dr Mark McAlindon and the gastroenterology team from Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s Royal Hallamshire Hospital were the first centre in the UK to start using cameras contained in a vitamin-sized pill to take pictures of the gut to diagnose tumours and internal bleeding.

The technique, known as capsule

endoscopy, is far more comfortable for patients as it avoids the need for an instrument to be passed through the body. Live images of the gut are transmitted from the camera to a data recorder as the capsule travels through the patient’s body and downloaded for viewing, saving time. The technique was named as winner in the Secondary Care category Dr Helena Ellam, Professor Goura Kudesia and the laboratory medicine and communicable directorate team from Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust picked up the Medical Devices and Diagnostics Award accolade for their new non-invasive way to test for highly infectious but easily treatable blood-borne diseases in high risk communities.

These included the development of a rapid results finger prick blood test for HIV and Hepatitis B and C screening, and a new home sampling oral fluid kit to help diagnose patients with HIV. The latter could be requested online, and could help

prevent the spread of the disease by helping more people get treatment quicker. The tests were developed to be processed on the same equipment as routine blood samples to allow ease of use in routine laboratory work.

Sir Andrew Cash, Chief Executive for Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I am delighted that we have been named as double winners at the Medipex NHS Innovation Awards 2013.

Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has a proud history of pioneering new treatments to benefit patients, so it’s a privilege for these achievements to be recognised at this major regional award ceremony.

“I would also like to pass on my congratulations to all of the finalists, whose efforts highlight the key difference clinicians, doctors and specialists make towards improving patient care.”

Other shortlisted finalists from Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust include: • A new contour-shaped neck

collar for motor neurone disease patients, which will make life more comfortable for patients whose muscles are weakened by the disease • An adjustable syringe which can be used with other tests to pinpoint where an epileptic fit begins • A state-of-the-art 3D imaging lab, allowing clinicians to better predict the outcome of heart disease, dementia and tumours through high-quality scans and sophisticated software which can help pinpoint precise changes in tumour growth in seconds rather than hours • A computer-based tool that shows how likely a patient is to suffer from a hip fracture in the future • An innovative interactive questionnaire assessing how fit a patient is for pre-planned surgery.

Winners of the regional Yorkshire and Humber Medipex NHS Innovation Awards were announced at a special event at Tankersley Manor Hotel, near Barnsley on Thursday 10 October 2013.

’s senior nurses easy to recognise felt that undertaking regular clinical shifts was also an important factor to gain a true understanding of how nursing care is delivered and received in different areas and also to keep in touch with patient’s changing needs and expectations. The uniforms enable them to be highly visible to our patients, visitors and their nursing colleagues and this has proved very popular. The feedback we have received since the

uniforms were introduced has been positive from patients and other hospital staff in both in-patient and outpatient clinical areas. “ Helen Brown, Nurse Director, said: “Not a day has gone by where I haven’t had positive comments about the new uniform, colleagues think they are really smart, personally I am proud to be a nurse and to wear my nurses uniform.”

Page 19 • Link - Winter 2013

Looking after

Vulnerable people’s health through screening Research has shown that people with learning disabilities are more likely to suffer with health problems but are less likely to use screening services.

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he Eye Clinic at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital has addressed this issue by looking at ways to make screening as easy as possible for these patients.

The Clinic has a dedicated staff team who understand that some procedures can be traumatic for these patients.

Extra time for appointments are offered for those people who have limited communication and the team go the extra mile to reduce the number of times patients need to attend hospital.

Some people with a learning disability never attend routine screening as they are unable to understand the importance of keeping healthy and well or may not have the right support to

access main stream services.

One of these patients is Lesley Ann Smith from Wharncliffe Side, she has learning disabilities and cerebral palsy and struggles to make decisions about her own health. Lesley Ann recently developed a cyst on her eye lid and was referred to the Eye Clinic.

Lesley needed a general anaesthetic to remove her cyst so the Clinic carried out a health check to make sure she was well enough before the operation.

The specialist team identified that Lesley had many outstanding health screening tests and met with her family, support team and other health professionals to see what other investigations could be performed whilst she was under the anaesthetic. They agreed that doing them all at

once while she was asleep would be beneficial to Lesley as the alternative of attending numerous screening appointments would be very distressing.

This included a vision and hearing test as Lesley would find this difficult to explain if she was having any problems. The sight test can also identify things like diabetes, glaucoma and cataracts .People with Down’s Syndrome are 10 times more likely to have problems with vision and hearing which often goes undetected.

Lesley’s sister was able to discuss family history on Lesley’s behalf and if there were any medical problems that might complicate Lesley’s surgery. Taking blood was also identified as a procedure that Lesley would find difficult and as she had been known to have anaemia this

test could establish if this was still the case.

Pauline Hargreaves, Sensory Development Officer, Eye Care and Vision Services said: “Through partnership working Lesley received specialist support from all professionals during her successful operation. This happened as a result of careful planning, good communication between departments and flexibility.”

“Lesley’s family and support team are really happy that she was able to undergo all of the tests and delighted with the outcome.

Leslie needed to have some earwax removed and her sight tests showed a small prescription but not enough to warrant glasses .Her bloods were fine.”

Lesley’s sister said: “Lesley received excellent care, staff went that extra mile and without all of this Lesley would have found the procedures difficult which may have impacted on her health and well being.”

Matron retires after 50 years in the NHS After 50 years of committed service to the NHS, Night Matron Dianne Hughes retired from the Trust in September.

Dianne started in the NHS as a Nursing Cadet in 1963 in Wakefield, moving to the Northern General Hospital in 1981 as a Night Sister.

During her years within the NHS, Dianne has seen endless Page 22 • Link - Winter 2013

changes to the way in which care is delivered but one of her most memorable was the introduction of Foundation Trusts and the formation of STH, which she described as “a wonderful thing for the City and for us all.”

Commenting on her experiences at STH, Dianne mentioned: “Of all the highlights I have had during my time here, I am most proud to have represented the Trust at

the annual Florence Nightingale Commemorative Service as well as the service to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the NHS in 1997, both held at Westminster Abbey.”

Dianne who has one son and lives in Emley Moor has plenty to keep her busy during her retirement. She is a Marie Curie Nurse, a Civil Funeral Celebrant and does a range of voluntary work.

Sheffield Professor wins national nutrition award Professor David Sanders, Consultant Gastroenterologist was awarded ‘Inaugural Coeliac Professional of the Year’ at the national Complete Nutrition Awards for his endless work to raise awareness of coeliac disease.

T

he Awards recognise the achievements and work of individuals and groups who have made a significant difference in the nutrition industry and this year was the first for there to be a dedicated award for Coeliac Disease.

Professor Sanders holds a coeliac clinic at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital. The

specialist clinic is the largest of its type in the country with over 1000 patients attending.

David has undertaken extensive research into coeliac disease - a disorder of the small intestine where a person has an adverse reaction to gluten – which has included the publication of over 100 papers on the subject.

He said: “I felt very honoured and lucky particularly as this

is the first time the award has been made and knowing that it is based on patients taking the time to vote.”

This is not the first time Professor Sanders has been recognised for his work, he won the Nutrition Society’s Cuthbertson Award in 2011 and was named European Rising Star in Gastroenterology in 2010.

Last year’s Flu Jab target has been smashed and we are well on the way to 75%

Medical Director Dr David Throssell doing his bit to fight flu We have now vaccinated over 60% of front line clinical staff against flu. This is fantastic news as it beats last years figure of 55%.

Thank you for your support.

But we still need to keep up this momentum to reach our target of 75%. This will ensure we are protecting our staff and patients this winter.

It’s as easy as 1,2,3.

You can find your nearest vaccinator by following this link: http://nww.sth.nhs.uk. It is also clearly marked on the front page of the STH intranet.

2. Find out when the next planned session is and book in with your local vaccinator.

3. Turn up and have your vaccination so that you and your patients are protected.

Professor David Sanders (left) with patient Mike Davidson (right)

Please also download and complete a consent form prior to receiving your vaccination which can also be found by following the link above.

Sausage and bean stew 8 good quality pork sausages 1 tin chopped tomatoes 1 tin cannellini beans 1 onion (diced) 2-3 cloves garlic (crushed) 2 sticks celery 1 ½ red or green peppers cut into chunks 350ml chicken/veg stock 1tbsp tomato puree 100ml red wine 1 tbsp dried thyme

Method 1. In a large pan brown the sausages an all sides and set to one side 2. In the same pan fry the onion, garlic, pepper and thyme for 5-6 mins 3. Pour in the red wine and reduce by around half 4. Add the stock, tomatoes, beans and tomato puree and bring to the boil 5. Return the sausages to the pan and simmer over a low heat for 45 mins Serve with mashed potato or crusty bread.

Page 23 • Link - Winter 2013

Psychological support for cancer patients Being informed that you have a life threatening illness often comes as a huge shock. Patients diagnosed with leukaemia or other haematological cancers face living with uncertainty and a life turned upside down by hospital appointments and inpatient stays. Treatments can be tough, requiring physical and mental resilience to cope.

Some patients can spend long periods in isolation, with limited contact with other people. This is to help reduce the risk of infection which could be hard on a vulnerable immune system. At such a difficult time the company and support of family and friends is really needed.

To help deal with this experience, patients can now access the specialist help provided by Dr Rennoldson who is a Clinical Psychologist.

Dr Rennoldson works closely with patients and their families to help them cope with the impact of their illness and treatment. He helps relieve their fears, reduce their anxiety and combat feelings of depression, which can be a result of having to undergo treatment for six months or more. His support also puts people in a better position to make the right decisions about their care.

For some patients psychological support can make a real difference, helping them to undertake life preserving treatment rather than turning it down because they feel unable to cope. Helping patients to be emotionally resilient also has a positive impact on their quality of life after treatment.

Dr Rennoldson also supports staff to develop their psychological skills in supporting patients, and in maintaining their own well-being in their demanding work.

Sheffield Hospitals Charity approached the Karen Morris Memorial Trust and secured funding from them for the Clinical Psychologist role.

Page 24 • Link - Winter 2013

Hospital staff raise funds to help their patients Staff from Sheffield Teaching Hospital joined forces to take part in an exhilarating Dragon Boat Race at Rother Valley Country Park to support Sheffield Hospitals Charity.

Eleven dedicated members of staff from Surgical Services got together and formed the ‘Surgical Services Olympic Rowing Team’ boat to raise funds to help their patients. A further eleven staff members from Community

Services and Geriatric Medicine made up the ‘Com n Geri Team’ boat and raced to support elderly patients with dementia.

Both teams took part in a number of races during the day, to determine who would qualify for the finals. Huge amounts of effort were put into paddling the colourful 40 foot boats across the artificial lake and over the finish line.

Ruth Brown, General Manager for Community Services said: “We had a great day. It brought

together community and hospital staff into one team and we got to know each other well by the end of our races. We are thrilled we could use the opportunity for some team building and to raise funds that will directly support our patients with dementia.”

Any teams that are interested in raising funds for their patients by taking part in a fundraising activity should get in touch with the Charity by emailing charity@shct. nhs.uk or call 271 1351.

Extra support for elderly patients Elderly patients are now able get out of bed and around the ward more easily, thanks to the provision of a new piece of equipment called the Sara Stedy.

The device enables patients to develop their confidence to try to stand independently without support from staff as they have the support of a frame. If a patient feels unsteady, staff can quickly fold down a seat for them to sit on which is incorporated into the equipment.

Nursing staff and therapists trialled the equipment and found it significantly helped with the rehabilitation of elderly patients.

Dianne Fawbert, Orthopaedic Trauma Matron said, “The Sara

Stedy has made a huge difference on the orthopaedic wards.

Most patients that we treat have fallen and incurred some type of injury. This experience reduces their confidence. The Sara Stedy enables patients to build up their confidence to become mobile and staff can also use the equipment to transfer patients around the ward whilst maintaining patient dignity.”

Due to the successful trial of the equipment, Dianne applied for funding to purchase a Sara Stedy, for her ward, though the Essence of Care grant round. The application was successful and a further four more Sara Stedy’s have been purchased for other wards. Sheffield Hospitals Charity provides the funding for grants made through Essence of Care.

For further details on applying for funding to help make improvements visit the Essence of Care intranet page (listed under Site Index) or email sam. debbage@sth.nhs.uk.