Spring 2017
06 World Kidney Day
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14 Running for money
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Editorial
Welcome
CONTACT US Got a question? You can call the membership team on: 0121 371 4323 or email: members@uhb.nhs.uk. You can also visit the membership pages on the Trust website: www.uhb.nhs.uk
CONTACT PALS If you would like to give constructive feedback, compliments or make a complaint about our hospital services, please speak to a member of the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) who will be happy to help. Drop in to the PALS office anytime between 09:00-16:30, Monday to Friday (no appointment necessary). The PALS Office is situated to the left of the Information Desk. Telephone: 0121 371 3280 between 09:00-17:00, Monday-Friday email: PALS@uhb.nhs.uk UHB NHS Foundation Trust has not vetted the advertisers in this publication and accepts no liability for work done or goods supplied by any advertiser. Nor does UHB NHS Foundation Trust endorse any of the products or services. Every possible care has been taken to ensure that the information given in this publication is accurate. Whilst the publisher would be grateful to learn of any errors, it cannot accept any liability over and above the cost of the advertisement for loss there by caused. No reproduction by any method whatsoever of any part of this publication is permitted without written consent of the copyright owners. Octagon Design & Marketing Ltd. ©2014. Britannic Chambers, 8a Carlton Road, Worksop, Notts. S80 1PH. Tel: 01909 478822
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Welcome to Trust in the Future, the magazine for members of the Queen Elizabeth Hospitals
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s you will have heard in the media, the NHS is under considerable strain and 2017 has already presented some of the toughest challenges yet. What is clear is that significant changes need to be made to meet the demands on our services and one of the ways we are looking to transform care in Birmingham is by working closely with other providers across the city. Last year, University Hospitals Birmingham and Heart of England Foundation Trusts agreed to build a case to create a single organisation. It is our belief that by reviewing, rationalising and sharing resource across non-frontline services, we can then channel resource and investment into sustaining and developing our clinical services and sites. If our Boards decide our two organisations should come together we would be one Trust running the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Heartlands, Good Hope and Solihull hospitals, the Chest Clinic and Solihull Community Services, as well as the Trusts’ satellite services. Dame Julie and I have met with hundreds of staff across both organisations and spoken to, or met with, all the local MPs, key politicians, stakeholders and media. The appetite for change has been overwhelmingly positive however, there is a great deal of work to be done before this may come to fruition. You can read more about the proposed way forward and how this is progressing on page 4. There are many other ways in which
we are, despite the huge pressures, improving and developing care and you will read examples or how cuttingedge research is being translated into treatments as well as examples of how we are acting on your feedback and suggestions to improve patient experience. If you are keen to play a more active role in the future of our Trust, you may be interested in standing for a seat on our Council of Governors when we hold elections this summer – see page 14 for details on this.
Rt Hon Jacqui Smith UHB Chair
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Spring 2017 Take a look at what’s inside your latest edition of Trust in the Future Features Proposal for trusts to become one
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Looking to the future of healthcare in Birmingham
World Kidney Day
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Celebrating renal care
New nerve regeneration trial at QEHB
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Trial could bring new hope to neuro patients
Research Showcase 2017
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Shining a light on cutting-edge research
Patient hopes to save lives through research 10 Toby Knight shares his reason to take part in research
Non-emergency patient transport service
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Changes to transport from 1 May 2017
Flexible visiting times New visiting times will improve experience for patients
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Proposal for trusts to become one for patients’ benefit University Hospitals Birmingham and Heart of England foundation trusts building a case to decide if they unify
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ork towards merging University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB) and Heart of England (HEFT) Foundation Trusts continues to deliver benefits since the announcement to build a case to create a single organisation was made in September last year. Over the past few months, the interim executive management team has delivered the stability, structure, governance and financial leadership at HEFT – which runs Solihull, Heartlands and Good Hope hospitals – to allow clinicians to focus on delivering quality care for their patients. Executives from UHB were asked to take over key roles at HEFT in 2015, in a bid to turn round the Trust which had been underperforming in a number of areas and reporting a significant financial deficit. All key performance targets – bar A&E – are now being met and HEFT is one of the top 10 best performing trusts in the country for cancer targets. In addition, the Trust is on target to hit its agreed planned loss of £13.6m whereas this time last year it was £56m in deficit. The next stage in further improving performance and delivering the full
range of potential benefits, is to bring the two trusts together as a single, legal entity. The process first of all involves submitting several documents to the Competitions and Markets Authority (CMA). The preparation of these documents has so far involved consultation with more than 130 clinical staff at both Trusts as well as key stakeholders and patient groups, to help determine the broad clinical benefits to patients that only a merger can provide. The CMA and NHS Improvement, who are the regulatory bodies in the process, will then decide whether the merger is viable; whether it is safe; and whether it is in the best interests of patients’ clinical care. At the earliest it will be October 2017 before the two organisations could become one trust, if regulatory approval is given and both trusts’ Board of Directors give the go-ahead. The outcome will be one trust running the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Heartlands, Good Hope and Solihull hospitals, the Chest Clinic and Solihull Community Services, as well as satellite services.
Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham
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Over the past few months, the interim executive management team has delivered the stability, structure, governance and financial leadership at HEFT – which runs Solihull, Heartlands and Good Hope hospitals – to allow clinicians to focus on delivering quality care for their patients. How the new trust, if approved, will benefit patients By optimising the talent of the two trusts’ combined staff, the size and ethnic diversity within the combined catchment area’s population, and the close proximity to the major academic and research institutions of the Birmingham health-sciences campus, the new Trust will develop to become a world leader in healthcare delivery, medical research and innovation. Birmingham and Solihull have a total
Solihull Hospital
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Heartlands Hospital
population of c1.3m people. Over 1.1 million people live in Birmingham and 205,000 in Solihull. Both have areas of affluence and areas of significant deprivation. The following factors are leading to poor health outcomes. ■■ 440,000 (~46%) of our residents live in the “bottom 10%” most deprived areas in England ■■ There is a life expectancy gap: Birmingham males and females live less than the national average and the gap for males is widening ■■ Solihull males and females both live to above the national average age, however there is a greater gap between the average age of death in the most affluent and deprived areas of the town (10 years) ■■ 1 in 3 children live in poverty ■■ Birmingham has higher levels of A&E attendances (0–4 years) than the rest of England ■■ More infants die in Birmingham than in the rest of England ■■ 38% of children aged 10–11 were classified overweight or obese in 2014/15, the worst quartile (national average 34%) ■■ Birmingham and Solihull have higher levels of family homelessness than the rest of England. In view of the challenges posed by these demographics, it is believed, a single trust, should it be approved, would bring greater clinical benefits to patients while improving effectiveness, efficiency and driving improvements in services.
Good Hope Hospital
Timeline OCT
2015
DEC
2015
APR
2016 JUL
2016
■■ Monitor (now NHS Improvement or NHSI) announces UHB-led intervention to stabilise the operational and financial decline at HEFT ■■ Dame Julie Moore takes up role as interim CEO at HEFT. ■■ Rt Hon Jacqui Smith takes up role as interim Chair at HEFT
■■ HEFT comes within its monthly financial target for the first time and Meeting all key national mandated targets for the first time in over 12 months, bar Emergency Department 4-hour standard. ■■ Boards of both HEFT and UHB acknowledge that having worked within the constraints of the intervention for over six months it is time to consider the realistic long-term, strategic opportunities for both Trusts.
2016
■■ October 26: Operational structure implemented; all key mandated targets, bar 4-hour standard, have been consistently hit since February 2016. On target to deliver control target of £13.6m. Staff morale improved significantly, evidenced by Friends and Family Test.
OCT
■■ Earliest date two Trusts could merge; with appropriate agreements and appropriate tests met
OCT
2017
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World Kidney Day celebrations 2017 As one of the largest renal centres in the UK, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham marks the annual event.
Madge and Paul Reynolds present 8kg egg to the living donor team
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taff, patients and members were encouraged to jump, walk and shake-it-all-about as part of this year’s World Kidney Day celebrations on 9 March, to highlight the impact that obesity has on developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). Obesity increases the risk of developing CKD as it makes conditions like diabetes and hypertension more likely – both of which can have a negative effect on kidney functions. Taking part in regular exercise and physical activity is one of the simplest ways to help to reduce obesity and the risk of developing kidney disease. The QE Kidney Patients Association (QEHKPA), members of the renal team,
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dietitian team and genomics project held awareness stands in the Atrium and spoke to hundreds of interested visitors, patients and staff – even giving away free fresh fruit. Events at QEHB are organised each year by QEHKPA who tirelessly support patients with kidney conditions at the hospital. Brotherly love When Paul Reynolds saw his sister two days after they both underwent surgery that would prove life-changing, he noticed that her eyes ‘had their sparkle back’. Donating his kidney to his sister, Madge, was something he didn’t think twice about.
Madge Reynolds had been diagnosed with IGA neuropathy (Berger’s Disease) after falling pregnant with her daughter 13 years ago which meant her kidneys were failing. Madge, 51, from Walsall said: “I remember the doctors telling me that if you are going to have a kidney condition – this is the better one to have as it tends to progress slowly.” But Madge wasn’t as lucky, with her kidney’s soon only working at 5%. Doctors were astonished that Madge has been able to function normally without the need for dialysis to clean her blood. A fitness instructor, Madge puts her lack of need for dialysis at the time
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patients. Our sincerest thanks go out to him and his fellow club members for their support.”
UHB’s renal team receive donation from Tom Simons and the QE Kidney Patients Association
down to her fitness – up until three days before her operation she was still teaching 18 classes a week, something that she is able to continue today. Now the brother and sister have returned to QEHB to give a big ‘thank you’ to the NHS and their living kidney donor coordination team who, along with Paul’s selfless donation, helped to save her life. Handing over an eight kilogram chocolate Easter egg to be raffled to support the living donor team, Paul said: “We just wanted to say a big thank you as we’ve come to the NHS and we’ve taken a lot and this is only really a small token of our appreciation for the way it has changed our lives and given my sister her sparkle back.” “We saw the renal team go the extra mile every day, with all hands on deck. They look after you so well giving unbelievable care, they really are angels.” Living kidney donor coordinator Sheryl Parsons said: “Seeing Madge and Paul now both doing so well is both precious and a privilege, and we feel part of their family now, too. “Giving a kidney is such an incredibly kind, generous and wonderful thing to do – and cases like this are what keeps you going.” Madge added: “I cannot fault the care that we both received by the renal team and all on ward 305; it was truly unbelievable, the level of respect, kindness and good humour made it so much easier for us.” If you would like to buy raffle tickets to win the 8kg chocolate egg, or if you would simply like to donate to the living kidney donor team to support them in changing lives – please go to
www.qehb.org, or ask for Sue Moore, lead living transplant coordinator in Outpatients Area 2, Level 0, QEHB. Par for the course? In September 2012 following a long illness, Tom Simons received a kidney from his wife which gave him a new lease of life, allowing him to follow his passion for golf which saw him become Shirley Golf Club’s Captain. To give something back in support of other patients with kidney conditions, Mr Simons chose the QE Kidney Patients Association (QEHKPA) as his chosen charity, with all charity funds raised across the year going in support of patients, equipment and research at QEHB. Holding a charity golf day at the club, 96 competitors raised over £5,000 in entry fees, auctions and raffle prizes – with the local Santander Bank also holding a bake-off to raise funds for the QEHKPA. Other events across the year saw raffles and tournaments raising a grand total of £8,060 for the QEHKPA which was presented to chairman, Nick Flint at his World Kidney Day events at QEHB. Thanking members and management of Shirley Golf Club and all those that raised money whilst he was captain, Mr Simons said: “We would like to thank everyone so much for their generosity and time. We are delighted to be able to give something back for the tremendous work the QEHKPA and the NHS have done for us.” Nick Flint said: “Tom is an inspiration to all those hoping and waiting for a transplant, he has worked very hard over the past year to raise this money for the QEHKPA which will enable us to continue in our work supporting renal
Kidney transplant waits down – but still costing lives The waiting time for a kidney transplant has dropped by 18% over the past five years, NHS Blood and Transplant has announced, to mark World Kidney Day last month. Patients now wait an average of 944 days for a lifesaving transplant compared to an average of 1,153 days. The news comes as the number of people on the NHS Organ Donor Register has reached its highest ever figure, 23.53million. Last year, 2015/2016, the UK also had the highest ever number of deceased organ donors, 1,364. Sally Johnson, NHS Blood and Transplant Director of Organ Donation and Transplantation said: “We’re encouraged that the number of people becoming donors has helped reduce how long desperately ill people wait before they receive a kidney transplant. “However there is a still a severe shortage of donated organs, two and a half years is far too long to wait for a kidney and far too many people die without ever receiving the transplant they need. Organ donation saves lives and we urge people to join the NHS Organ Donor Register and talk to their families about their decision.” Kidney patients still make up the majority of the patients on the transplant waiting list and the majority of the people who die waiting for a transplant die waiting for a kidney. Since last year’s World Kidney Day, 62% of the patients who have died waiting for an organ transplant were patients waiting for a kidney, or a kidney and another organ. Around a third of all people waiting for a kidney transplant are from black and Asian communities. People from these communities have a higher incidence of conditions such as diabetes, making them more likely to need a kidney transplant. People from the same ethnic background are more likely to be a match. Join the NHS Organ Donor Register today. And tell your loved ones that you want them to support you donating if you can help others when you die – don’t leave anyone in any doubt about your decision: www.organdonation.nhs.uk
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New nerve regeneration technique to be trialled at QEHB Patients across Europe could benefit from a new approach if the trial is a success
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n innovative new technique to repair the nerves of people who have suffered serious hand injuries is to be trialled on patients at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. The trial will evaluate the benefits of using “tensionless repair” to improve the quality of nerve regeneration in injured patients. The tensionless repair process involves using a biodegradable nerve guide to assist the regeneration process rather than stitching severed nerve ends together directly via microsurgery, which is the current approach. The guide, or conduit, is a small tube which is fitted around the severed nerve ends with the aim of promoting and assisting regeneration, before eventually
dissolving and being safely absorbed by the body. Around 170 patients will be recruited over the next 18 months with a third receiving the new treatment, a third the current standard treatment and the rest a combination of the two. They will be followed up a year later to see if the new technique has any significant benefits. Mr Dominic Power, consultant hand and peripheral nerve surgeon at the Birmingham Hand Centre, also based at QEHB, will lead the study. He said: “Complex nerve injuries to the hand are quite common, with approximately 300,000 cases a year in Europe alone. “However, stitching the nerve ends together directly, as we do now,
causes scarring which can inhibit the regenerative process and leads to ongoing problems for 1 in 20 patients, some of whom will need further surgery.” Mr Power continued: “We hope to show that by using a nerve conduit to bring the nerve ends together patients will experience fewer complications, less pain and achieve better sensation and functionality in their fingers following initial surgery. “If the technique proves beneficial it can potentially be applied to other nerves elsewhere in the body. “Birmingham has been leading the way in nerve research in the UK and I hope that the results of this study will lead to further benefits for patients worldwide.” ADVERTORIAL
Striking a Perfect Balance With Birmingham’s educational landscape dominated at secondary level by some of the finest grammar schools in the country and, in King Edward’s School, one of its leading independent schools, the pressure for gaining such coveted places is well and truly on. The scenario is one of which staff, pupils and parents at West House School are all too aware. Situated in the leafy oasis of the Calthorpe estate and founded in 1895, the school has enjoyed over a century of outstanding academic success. However, Headmaster Alistair Lyttle, an old boy of the school himself, is quick to voice an opinion on the place of academic rigour within a broader educational context. “While our results speak for themselves, they do not come at the cost of pupils engaging in a rich learning journey and an enjoyment of childhood,” comments Mr Lyttle, “It is vital that the West House experience allows the boys not only to get involved in sport, drama, art and music, but to appreciate the extent to which these subjects contribute to their overall enjoyment of school life and personal development.” At the heart of the school’s ethos lies the view that boys should be allowed to be boys and that they are at their most productive when an appreciation of the correct balance between work and play is achieved. “One of my greatest concerns is my belief that the enjoyment of being young is being compromised by the pressures of the system,” continues Mr Lyttle. “The vast majority of our leavers take up places at their first choice selective secondary schools, but in doing so, leave West House having enjoyed opportunities, unparalleled at prep school level, to explore potential gifts and talents. West House School is a member of the Independent Association of Preparatory Schools. For further details please contact Miss Kim Stevenson, Headmaster’s PA on 0121 440 4097.
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UHB Trust NHS Foundation has not vetted the advertisers thiswww.uhb.nhs.uk publication Every possible care has been taken to ensure that the information given in this publication is accurate. Whilst the publisher would be grateful to learn of any errors, it cannot in theTrust Future | Spring 2017in n and accepts no liability for work done or goods supplied by any advertiser. Nor accept any liability over and above the cost of the advertisement for loss there by caused. No reproduction by any method whatsoever of any part of this publication is does UHB NHS Foundation Trust endorse any of the products or services. permitted without written consent of the copyright owners. Octagon Design & Marketing Ltd. ©2017. Hawks Nest Cottage, Great North Road, Bawtry, Doncaster DN10 6AB
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Research Showcase 2017 Shining a light on cuttingedge research at Queen Elizabeth Hospital
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ife-changing research will be in the spotlight in May at QEHB’s annual Research Showcase where an array of research teams from across the Trust and University of Birmingham will exhibit their work that is changing lives and transforming the NHS. From looking at our genetic make-up and its influence in rare diseases and cancer, to advances in trauma care and reconstructive surgery, as well as novel ways to manage infections – the medical campus hosts a vast array of research that is delivering remarkable breakthroughs in patient care. The Research Showcase forms part of the National Institute for Health Research’s (NIHR) ‘OK to Ask’ campaign which marks International Clinical Trials Day, and aims to encourage patients and the public to ask about the opportunities for them to make a difference and take part in clinical research. Promoting, conducting and using clinical research to improve healthcare is one of the key principles of the NHS, and patients should be informed of research studies in which they may be eligible to participate at every opportunity. Last year, the Trust marked the 10th Anniversary of the ‘OK to ask’ campaign by looking at the research we do that helps to give us all healthier lives. It was also an opportunity to thank the millions of those who have already helped to change lives by taking part in clinical research over the past decade. Joanna Gray, Clinical Manager of the NIHR Clinical Research Facility at QEHB, said: “The Showcase is always a brilliant opportunity to share the often behind-the-scenes works we do with the public in a fun and accessible way. “It is always important to let patients, visitors and our colleagues across the site see what we do, and let them know how they can get involved to help progress clinical research. “Visitors are often fascinated by just
The annual event showcases world-class research
the small proportion we can exhibit at the Showcase of the over 1,000 trials and studies we undertake at QEHB and the university.” This year’s Showcase will again see over 20 intriguing and interactive exhibits and will be open to the public, patients and staff. ■■ Friday 19 May (10.00–15.00) ■■ Atrium (Main Entrance), Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham ■■ For more information, please email: showcase@uhb.nhs.uk
“Visitors are often fascinated by just the small proportion we can exhibit at the Showcase of the over 1,000 trials and studies we undertake.” Joanna Gray, Clinical Manager, NIHR Clinical Research Facility at QEHB
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New non-emergency patient transport service What you need to know about the new service provided by West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust eligibility criteria and advise you if you are eligible for transport. 6. What happens if I live outside the area? You will need to contact your local NHS Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) who will advise you on what you need to do. You can get your CCG’s contact details from your GP surgery.
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atient transport services across Birmingham are run by the local clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) – the clinically-led statutory NHS bodies responsible for the planning and commissioning of health care services. The local CCGs in Birmingham have recently renegotiated their contact with West Midlands Ambulance Service to provide non-emergency patient transport and the new contract will come into effect on 1 May 2017. If you currently use non-emergency patient transport to get to your appointments, you may find this overview of the service provided by West Midlands Ambulance Service helpful:
1. How is transport arranged? You will be responsible for booking your own transport, or you can ask a family member, carer or friend to do it on your behalf. You will need to have the following information available when booking: ■■ Name ■■ Date of birth ■■ NHS number ■■ Pick-up address (including postcode) ■■ GP name and practice address ■■ Date, time and location of your appointment
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2. Once transport is booked what happens next? What can I expect to happen? Once the booking has been made, you don’t need to take any further action. We hope you will register for our text messaging service; this way you will receive a text confirming your booking, including updates on the day of your journey. 3. Will my transport pick me up again? Yes. All patients attending an appointment, and have transport booked with us, will have a return journey booked for them at the same time. 4. If I need transport in future, how will my eligibility be assessed? Your eligibility for transport will be checked by booking staff every time you book; this might be different to the service that you’ve been used to. If you are not eligible for free transport, you will be given details of local services that may be available to you. 5. What if my circumstances change? You can discuss any change in your circumstances when booking transport, which staff can check against the
7. I am deaf/have learning difficulties/don’t speak English well/ need additional support, is there someone who can help me? Of course, please let staff know what support you require and we’ll be very happy to help. 8. I already have regular transport scheduled; do I need to do anything? You will need to ensure you rebook every six months, in order to maintain your regular transport arrangements. If you have recently been discharged from hospital, you will also need to ensure that you call the booking office to re-activate your regular booking. 9. What can I expect from the new service? Your time spent on the vehicle will be kept to a minimum, with 95% of patients spending no more than 60 minutes on board for journeys that are less than 15 miles. We aim to collect you, following your appointment, within 30 minutes of your scheduled collection time. 10. If I have problems/queries about my transport who can I get in touch with? Please contact the booking office on 0800 035 6511 (from 1 May 2017). You can also call West Midlands Ambulance’s patient experience team on 01384 246370 or email them at: pals@wmas.nhs.uk
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Patient hopes to save lives through research Cancer patient Toby Knight shares why he joined the 100,000 Genomics Project
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oby Knight had surgery for colorectal cancer at QEHB in January 2014 followed by chemotherapy. Having been given the ‘all clear’ he is now using his experience to urge others to sign up to the pioneering 100,000 Genomes Project. Before undergoing his life-saving operation, Toby gave permission for a tumour sample to be kept for research - which led to him signing up to the ground-breaking NHS England initiative, the first of its kind in the world. “I signed the release form saying that the tumour could be used for research. I didn’t have a problem with that. If it could help someone else in the future that was fine,” he explained. “I then forgot about it really. I was one of the lucky ones, the surgery went well, I didn’t have a bad experience with chemotherapy and I recovered and put cancer to the back of my mind. “But when I got the phone call about the 100,000 Genomes Project I came in and had a chat about the whole genetic aspect of the disease and was happy to take part.” The project is open to patients with certain cancers as well as patients (and their families) with eligible rare diseases and aims to sequence 100,000 whole genomes - complete sets of people’s genes. In the case of cancer it is hoped that comparing the genetic make-up of patients’ tumours with their healthy blood will enable doctors to learn more about the disease, leading to a better understanding of what causes it and the development of more personalised treatments and drugs. Toby, aged 44, who lives in Northfield, is a strong advocate of the project, having lost his mother to lung cancer just 12 months before his own diagnosis and his father to leukaemia 15 years before that. “Mum had a cough and felt a bit run down and we thought it was a bit of a cold but it didn’t go away,” he
Patient Toby Knight
“I think there need to be more projects like this and more money for research. There’s a chance I might get sick again. Obviously I hope I don’t, but there’s always a risk, so anything that can be done to increase knowledge and improve treatment could help. Toby Knight explained. “Eventually she was sent to hospital and after various scans and tests she was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. Three and a half weeks later she passed away. “It hit me really hard, I was struggling to deal with it and then I was diagnosed
myself. In a way, that helped me cope because I had to focus on my own situation.” Toby is now determined to help to raise awareness of the project and cancer research. “I am passionate about it,” he said. “I think there need to be more projects like this and more money for research. There’s a chance I might get sick again. Obviously I hope I don’t, but there’s always a risk, so anything that can be done to increase knowledge and improve treatment could help. “But it’s not about me, it’s about supporting anything that will help us understand more about cancer and potentially identify new, safer and more effective therapies. “There are no quick fixes, we know that, but the more work that’s put in the quicker we will make progress. The 100,000 Genomes Project obviously depends upon getting as many people on board as possible and I would urge anyone who is in that position to take part.”
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You Said, We Did Taking your suggestions and making them a reality You Said
The Trust received feedback from staff and carers that the fold-up visitor beds were not fit for purpose and weren’t always available for use. The hospital had several visitor beds which were getting old and needed replacing. Staff on the wards wanted to offer relatives and carers a more comfortable stay with their loved ones. Mandy Green, Head of Patient Experience, added: “We understand there may be times when it is best for our patients if their relative or carer is able to stay with them overnight. “There are many reasons for this, such as the patient being near the end of life, calming stability for dementia patients or those with a learning disability, a very sick patient, a young patient, and for advocacy reasons. “Some of our patients may need their usual carer to stay with them to support their care needs.”
Mike Hammond with Mandy Green (centre) and Sandra Haynes
We Did
The Friends of the QE (now part of QEHB Charity) kindly funded 16 beds, and QEHB Charity funded a further 39 beds to ensure relatives could stay close to their loved one. In total, 55 beds will be purchased. Mike Hammond, Chief Executive of QEHB Charity, added:
“QEHB Charity and the Friends of the QE are very happy to fund these beds and hope that they will make a positive difference to patients’ and visitors’ experience at the hospitals. “The offer of a comfortable place to stay overnight reassures carers, friends and relatives that they are valued as an important part of their loved one’s care.”
Health talk dates 2017 Our free health talks are open to everyone, and there’s no need to book. If you think you’d be interested in one of the talks listed below, please come along to Lecture Theatre 3 in the Education Centre, Level 1 at the new Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, on the date shown below. Health talks format: 10.00 – Registration and coffee 10.30-12.00 – Health talk and questions Venue: Lecture Theatre 3, Level 1, Education Centre, QEHB
TOPIC DATE • Thursday 27 April – Chaplaincy in Hospitals • Thursday 25 May – Ulcerative Colitis and GI health • Thursday 22 June – Asthma If there’s a topic you would like to hear about at our monthly health talks please email us at members@uhb.nhs.uk
GOVERNORS’ DROP IN SESSIONS You can speak to a Governor between 10.00–12.00, Main Outpatients, Level 0, QEHB on the following dates. ■■ Friday 19 May ■■ Thursday 8 June ■■ Tuesday 11 July
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■■ Wednesday 9 August ■■ Monday 4 September ■■ Friday 6 October
■■ Tuesday 2 November ■■ Friday 8 December
CONTACT US
0121 371 4323 members@uhb.nhs.uk
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Flexible visiting to boost patient experience New visiting times will give families more options when it comes to visiting relatives
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lexible visiting is being introduced across all the Trust’s inpatient wards to help aid recovery and provide a more positive experience for patients, relatives and staff. From 1 April 2017 all inpatient wards will introduce extended visiting times from 11.00–20.00 (currently 14.30– 19.30), meaning friends and relatives will have more flexibility in when they can visit. This change will be reviewed after three months to ensure the change has delivered the benefits expected. It is widely recognised that support from family and friends, is an important part of any patient’s recovery and extending our visiting times will allow more flexibility for friends and relatives to visit at a time that suits them and provides those relatives and carers, who wish to play an active role in their loved one’s care, with more opportunity to do this. To support the roll-out of flexible visiting, a Visitor Charter has been developed to provide visitors with information on what to expect when visiting the hospital and clear guidance on appropriate behaviour on wards. To enable care and treatment to continue during these extended visiting hours, there may be occasions when, for clinical or dignity reasons, visitors may be asked to sit in the waiting area or move to another area of the ward for a short period of time. Philip Norman, Chief Nurse at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We’re pleased to be able to offer visitors more flexibility. “We understand that being in hospital can be a very anxious time for both patients and their loved ones and that visits from friends and family can enhance a patient’s recovery. “Our Visitor Charter sets out expectations so that visitors and staff can support each other in making visiting time a positive experience for our patients.” Debbie Smith, whose father spent
Visitor Charter will support flexible visiting
two weeks in hospital with pneumonia, explained how being allowed to visit throughout the day had a positive impact on her family: “Being able to stay with dad for longer made such a huge difference. At the beginning he was very unwell and confused and I couldn’t have imagined leaving him alone in hospital, I couldn’t have left him – and it never even occurred to me to go. “We were very grateful that the staff on the ward let us stay and having us around did help him to accept being in hospital and the need to rest. There are certain things that he felt more comfortable asking me to do such as helping him in the bathroom - and us being able to do this for him reduced his anxiety. “Being present during the doctor’s ward rounds gave us the opportunity to discuss dad’s care with them and help the clinicians to understand dad’s overall health and fitness, especially when he was too ‘out of it’ to answer questions himself. My father is normally a very active man for his age who likes to go for long walks in the country, so providing this context to the doctors and nurses helped them to understand his potential for recovery. “It wasn’t just my father who benefitted though. My mother, who
has her own health issues, was very anxious and upset by the situation so to be able to bring her into the hospital in the mornings meant she was not sat at home all day worrying about dad’s condition. It also meant they got to spend plenty of time together to talk which made the days more ‘normal’ for them. “I don’t know how we would have coped if we had not had the flexibility to visit throughout the day - there are so many benefits to having extended visiting for families.”
Visitor Charter Staff pledge
Flexible visiting 11a m–
We will be polite and courteous at all times. As a patient you can expect to be given the opportunity to say who you would like to visit and be involved in your care, and how long they visit for (within visiting times). As a visitor you can expect to be welcom and treated with respect. ed to the ward As a carer (and with the patient’s permissi expect to be welcom on) you can ed as part of the care wish team
to, helping to provide if you continuity of care, and important informat reassurance ion. But we also respect needs and encoura your ge you information at www.u to take a break too. See carer hb.nhs.uk/carers.
Infection control Please ensure you wash your hands thoroughly before entering and leaving the ward. Please do not visit if you in the last two days. have had diarrhoea or vomiting
Please note Maximum of three visitors per bed. Children are welcom e to visit when accomp supervised at all anied and times by a responsi ble adult.
Please do not sit
8pm
Our priority is to provid e the best in care we recognise the to our patients, and invaluable role that carers and family play. That’s why we members welcome visitors and times to suit patien support flexible visiting ts’ and families’ individ ual needs.
on beds.
Do not smoke or use e-cigarettes within the hospital grounds. Smoking or is only permitted in the smoking shelters. Anyone displaying violence or aggress ion will be required to leave. Please respect our hospital and site and help us to keep it clean and tidy. Please respect the confidentiality and privacy of others not filming or photogr by aphing other patients, visitors or staff.
Visitors, what we ask of
you:
Please be polite and courteous to staff, patients and visitors other . Please do not disturb nursing staff when administering medicati they are ons (drug rounds), other staff will be available if you need anything. If a nurse is not available to answer your queries immediately, they will come back to you. Please be respectful to other patients and keep to a minimum; put noise levels your mobile phone on silent too. Remember that rest is important – for you and the person you are visiting . Please allow them patients the opportu and other nity to rest. You are welcome to assist the person you are visiting at mealtimes, with their agreement. Please speak to the nurse in charge before assisting. Please nominate one person to liaise with staff and pass on informa tion to family/friends, and remember that information cannot be given unless the patient has given their permiss ion. Please wait off the ward if the person visiting is absent you are from the ward for treatment. Please understand that you may be asked to wait outside in the ward waiting / area if required to protect the privacy and dignity of the person you are visiting or others in their bay.
Visitor facilities Staff will be happy to direct you to the nearest restaurant facility. Visitor toilets are located on each floor in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB), please use the toilets on the ward. In the Heritage do not ward has a designat building each ed visitor toilet. Limited pay on exit car parking is available , we encourage car sharing and the use of public transport. Live public transpo rt information is available in the QEHB atrium.
All visiting outsid e of normal visitin g hours is at the discretion of the nurse in charge of the ward.
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Notice of Election For the Council of Governors of University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust The Trust gives notice that it will hold elections to the Council of Governors of University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust. Elections are to be held for the following number of Governors in accordance with the Trust’s Constitution: Two (2) governors for the patient constituency One (1) governor for each of the following the public governor constituencies: • Edgbaston • Erdington, Hodge Hill, Ladywood, Yardley, Perry Barr and Sutton Coldfield • Hall Green • Northfield • Selly Oak The period of appointment for the above seats will commence on 1 July 2017. To be eligible to stand for election, individuals must be members of University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust – membership forms and further information on standing for election may be obtained from: Corporate Affairs Department Room 32E, Third Floor, Nuffield House Queen Elizabeth Hospital Medical Centre Main Drive Edgbaston Birmingham, B15 2TH Tel: 0121 371 4323 Email: Members@uhb.nhs.uk A formal notice of election including details of the Returning Officer and election timetable will be posted on the Trust’s website (www.uhb.nhs.uk) in due course.
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Game, set and match! Experience the magic of tennis and raise vital funds
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re your thoughts already turning to first class tennis and strawberries and cream? Then join QEHB Charity at Edgbaston Priory Club where summer will be ‘served’ courtesy of the Aegon Classic Birmingham. The event is back with a bang with British No.1 and World No.10 Johanna Konta confirming her attendance. Last year the tournament enjoyed the best player field in its 35 year history, when 15 of the world’s top 30 female players arrived in the city, in the hopes of lifting the Maud Watson Trophy. Taking place from Saturday 17 to Sunday 25 June, the event is reputed to be the best lead up to Wimbledon. Plus, by purchasing a ticket, you are helping to raise money to support patients at QEHB.
Justine Davy, Head of Fundraising at QEHB Charity, said: “The event provides fun for all ages and is a catalyst for brewing anticipation and excitement for Wimbledon. “We hope members can join us at Edgbaston Priory Club to witness worldclass tennis matches and help raise funds for patients”. General entry is available for just £7 (a saving of £5) plus there’s also further reduced rates for NHS staff and school visits. All monies raised will go towards helping patients and staff at the QEHB.
Good luck to our London Marathon Runners
To find out more, or purchase tickets, please visit: www.qehb.org/shop/product/ aegon-classic-tennis-tournament2017-19-june-2017
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nce again, QEHB Charity will be strongly represented at this year’s The Virgin Money London Marathon. Laura Power, Senior Fundraiser at QEHB Charity, said: “We are delighted that so many have decided to run the London Marathon for our patients, and we look forward to welcoming them on the day! The money kindly donated will go towards funding extra equipment, facilities, research and ‘added extras’, over and above what the NHS is able to fund.” The Virgin Money London Marathon 2017 takes place on Sunday 23 April. Check out the stories behind this year’s runners on the charity’s website: www.qehb.org/news
British No 1 Johanna Konta will be competing in this year’s Aegon Classic Birmingham
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