Anthem May/June 2014

Issue 34 May/June 2014

North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust

New bowel screening service

UK first for single keyhole surgery

page 6

page 16

We are the champions

page 3

Director goes back to the floor page 26

Changing the culture – the 6Cs in action

pages 20-21

Anthem | May/June 2014 1

Dales cycle ride raises money for trust The Lower Dales cycle ride, sponsored by Masham brewery Theakston, brought a welcome donation to the trust. Almost 90 cyclists took part in the ride and riders could nominate a charity for a share of the total raised. One of the cyclists Luke Billingham suggested a donation to the trust after a friend’s dad was treated at the University Hospital of North Tees a year ago. At a special presentation at the brewery’s visitor centre attended by all the charities and organisation set to benefit from the fundraising, head of communications Claire Young accepted a cheque for £363.91 from Simon Theakston, executive director of T and R Theakston Ltd. Claire said: “It was lovely of Luke to suggest the trust for a donation to say thank you for the care of his friend Emily’s dad. I was delighted to go along and accept the cheque on behalf of the trust. The money will be used to help future patients.”

Former mayor speaks at cancer conference about his battle The former mayor of Peterlee spoke passionately at a cancer charity’s annual conference about his own battle with the illness. John Hardy was treated at the trust for several months, after being diagnosed with bowel cancer. Since overcoming the illness and going into remission, John has been determined to help raise awareness of the warning signs. This led the 66-year-old to being invited to the Cancer Research UK annual general meeting last month to talk about his experience. He said: “It was a fantastic experience. They asked me to speak for 30 minutes but I ended up being on stage for well over an hour. “Lots of people came up to me at the end to say how inspired they had been and some of them signed a card for me. “I now just want to raise as much awareness as I can – I have told Cancer Research to contact me whenever they want. I want to do roadshow events with them and do everything I can to help.” In September 2012 John was rushed to the University Hospital of North

Tees complaining of a pain in his abdomen, which followed a bout of loose stools for a few weeks. John had suffered a bowel blockage with perforation, and urgent investigations revealed this was due to a tumour. Emergency surgery was carried out and John was then told by consultant colorectal surgeon David Borowski that the tumour was bowel cancer. John said: “I can’t thank David enough for what he has done for me. He has given me my life back. The work he did to remove my tumour was amazing.” He went on to have eight cycles of treatment of chemotherapy at the University Hospital of Hartlepool over six months, to ensure no cancer had spread elsewhere in his body. John was put into remission a year ago, but still visits the trust regularly for scans and check ups. David Borowski said: “It is fantastic to see John looking so well and doing so much to help raise awareness. It is important to raise awareness of the disease, as it is the third most common cancer and early detection does increase the chances for cure.” Symptoms of bowel cancer that should prompt you to see your doctor are: • a change in your bowel habit • bleeding from the bottom or blood in your poo • a lump in your abdomen • unexplained tiredness, dizziness or breathlessness • unexplained weight loss

John, right, with David Borowski 2 Anthem | May/June 2014

Maternity care highlighted for excellence

Stay and play at the day nursery Family members were invited into the day nursery at the University Hospital of North Tees for a special stay and play day.

The trust’s maternity care was shortlisted for an award for excellence earlier this year.

Parents were encouraged to call into the nursery during the day to join their children in cookery, gardening and crafting activities.

Healthcare intelligence expert CHKS shortlisted 15 NHS trusts for excellence in maternity care, as part of its top hospitals programme awards. It came after a study of nine clinical areas including caesarean rates, length of stay, complications, readmissions and injuries, as well as three indicators from the Care Quality Commission’s 2013 maternity survey (for English trusts).

We have a fantastic team who work very hard to ensure we are giving mothers and babies the best care we possibly can.

We are the champions This team of champions have taken on the challenge of encouraging as many people as possible to become dementia friends who will raise awareness and help others understand the condition more. Occupational therapists Anita Birch (pictured, far left) and Jo Sims (pictured, far right) and registered nurse Jane Hayllar – the trust’s dementia champions - are aiming to get around 500 people in the local community and the trust to sign up as friends over the next few months. The friends learn more about what it is like to live with dementia and will turn that understanding into action. Anita said: “We have taken training to be a dementia champion, which is all part of a national initiative to raise awareness of dementia. “Our role is to run information session across Hartlepool and the general community to encourage people to become a dementia friend. The role of a friend is to have an understanding about what it’s like to live with this condition and turn this into action.” Actions of a dementia friend could include: • behaving patiently with someone showing the signs of dementia • spending more time with, helping or supporting a friend or relative affected by dementia • signposting people affected by dementia to

more information and support • volunteering with an organisation to support people with dementia • fundraising for a dementia-related cause • helping your workplace to be more dementia friendly • telling other people about dementia friends or spreading the word through social media. Jane said: “We want to encourage others to make a positive difference to people living with dementia in their community. “We aim to get as many people as possible to become friends to help meet the national target of 1million people by next year.” To become a friend you must attend an information session, do something practical to help people with dementia in your community and post your dementia friends action on the website www.dementiafriends.org.uk Anita, Jane and Jo are also the trust’s dementia liaison service that support people across Hartlepool who have been diagnosed with dementia. Jo added: “Our main roles are to help assess people with dementia, ensure they are using the right services and to educate them and their carers.” To contact the service or to arrange to have a training session to become a friend ring 07554 439524 or 07900 267986 or email cdls@nth.nhs.uk

The trust, along with the other 14 shortlisted trusts who make up the top 10 per cent of the 148 NHS maternity services in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, were invited to submit further evidence about their maternity services. CHKS has recently announced a final shortlist of three trusts which will be visited by a panel of maternity and healthcare quality experts – with the trust just missing out. Head of midwifery and children’s services Janet Mackie (pictured) said: “It’s a great credit to the staff who work in our maternity services that we have been shortlisted for this award. “We have a fantastic team of expert staff who work very hard to ensure we are giving mothers and babies the best care we possibly can. “Although we were disappointed not to be shortlisted in the final three, we are delighted to have been recognised as being in the top 10 per cent performing trusts.” Anthem | May/June 2014 3

Student nurses and paramedics join the trust The trust was delighted to welcome a group of student nurses and paramedics to the trust, while they spend the next three years studying at Teesside University. Senior nurse practice placements Jean Angus (pictured right) said: “We’re delighted not only to have another group of student nurses joining us, but for the first time student paramedics are doing placements at the trust, which will give

them some fantastic hands on experience which will be extremely valuable. “The staff work really hard to make sure that students have the best experience on their placements. “We want students to get the very best from their placements in our hospitals and in the community. We regularly receive excellent comments from students which reflects the fantastic support and learning experience they have at the trust.”

Paul gives a patient her medicine

Don’t forget your green bag A campaign to encourage patients to keep their medicines in a green bag has been relaunched after a successful start. Any patient who is treated at the trust can ask to be given a green bag where their personal medicine can be kept. Once discharged, if the patient ever has to return to hospital they can take their green bag with them – meaning staff will know what medicines they are taking. Associate chief pharmacist Paul Harris said: “The campaign first started a few years ago and it was very successful. “We want as many patients as possible to use these green bags because it has a number of benefits to them. “This campaign is not just about encouraging patients to use these green bags – it is also about ensuring staff in our hospitals offer this service to patients.” A patients who brings their green bag into hospital or asks for a new one can: • carry on taking their own medicines as normal • ensure all necessary medicines are prescribed on admission • ensure medicines are given at the right dose and time • means any new medication can be taken safely • expect the provision of medicines at discharge to be faster and more efficient.

Octagon Marketing Company Ltd specialise in gaining advertising support for magazines so Anthem is now produced, packaged, distributed and delivered at minimal cost to the trust. 4 Anthem | May/June 2014

Members hear about breast services and the 6Cs Chairman Paul Garvin speaks to the audience

At the last member event people heard from staff in the trust’s breast services and from the nursing team who are raising awareness about the 6Cs. The event at the University Hospital of North Tees started with a presentation from lead cancer nurse Jan Harley and consultant surgeon Colm Hennessy about breast services. The two talked about how patients are referred to the unit, what it does, the different treatments offered and talked people through facts and figures. This was followed by a discussion about the 6Cs nursing values – which stands for care, compassion, competence, communication,

courage and commitment. A presentation was given by assistant director of nursing and professional standards Debbie Blackwood and senior nurses for professional standards Claire Wong and Louise Samuel who spoke about their new roles to support the 6Cs and what they planned to achieve over the next few months. The nurses said they believed their approach to this national campaign is unique and they felt privileged to be carrying out these important roles.

Members talk to each other and to staff

Fight against sepsis goes on

Training programme becomes a first in the UK

The trust has stepped up its fight against sepsis by ensuring every ward has its own sepsis box. The boxes contain the medication and lifesaving steps needed to allow a patient with sepsis to be treated immediately, such as intravenous antibiotics and oxygen. Sepsis is a life threatening illness caused by the body overreacting to an infection. It makes the body’s immune system go into overdrive and sets off a series of reactions that can lead to widespread inflammation and blood clotting.

The trust has become the first national training centre for a new training qualification for mortuary staff.

Any delay in giving a patient antibiotics can be crucial.

The new Royal Society of Public Health (RSPH) Level 3 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology course being run at the trust has attracted its first group of students from across the UK and even as far as Denmark. Anatomical pathology technologists (APT) are employed in both NHS and public mortuaries and provide a wide range of services to the deceased and the bereaved.

Senior nurse for professional standards Claire Wong (pictured) said: “This box means that as soon as a member of staff suspects sepsis they can screen the patient straight away. “They can then quickly find out if the patient has sepsis. Any delay in giving a patient antibiotics can be crucial, which is why every ward has been provided with one of these boxes.” Some people are more vulnerable to sepsis, such as those with a medical condition that weakens the immune system, those who are already seriously ill and those who have just had surgery or who are very young or very old. Symptoms of sepsis can develop quickly and include: • a fever or high temperature over 38°C (100.4°F) • chills • a fast heartbeat • fast breathing In severe cases you may notice: • you feel dizzy when you stand up • confusion or disorientation • nausea and vomiting

We have produced an excellent programme of lectures and events. Mortuary and bereavement service manager Michelle Lancaster explained: “The UK is one of very few countries where it is essential to have qualified staff working in mortuaries so this dedicated training programme attracts international candidates who want to be qualified as a way of demonstrating their professionalism and commitment to care. “The Royal Society of Public Health along with the Modernising Scientific Careers team and the Association of Anatomical Pathology Technology have worked hard over recent years to produce a modern fit for purpose training programme for trainee APTs. “The 22 students will gain for the first time, an academically recognised qualification which will enable them if successful, to apply to complete the level 4 diploma in APT all the way through to a level 6 BSc Hons degree, which is something mortuary staff have never been able to do before.” The new qualification replaces the old RSPH Certificate in APT exam - it has five theory modules and five practical modules which the students have to pass. This means that trainee APTs post mortem room skills and viewing room skills will be assessed by

external assessors to ensure the students provide quality care to the deceased. The course teaches students about: • assisting the pathologist during postmortem examination and ensuring the reconstruction of the deceased is to an extremely high standard to enable relatives and friends to view the body of someone they love – this is especially important when people have died as a result of a sudden traumatic event as the technical skills of an APT can mean the difference between the bereaved being able to pay their last respects or being advised not to • providing emotional and practical support to the bereaved during visiting of the deceased • ensuring the deceased are provided dignity and care during the journey through the mortuary process • enabling and ensuring some of the legal processes connected to a death go smoothly such as the death certification and cremation process • maintaining compliance and working with regulatory bodies such as the Human Tissue Authority Michelle continued: “We have produced an excellent programme of lectures and events by using the expertise of people from both within the trust and externally - people who have given up their time to assist in making this the best training programme for APTs possible.” Chief executive Alan Foster said: “The team has done a lot over the years to improve the mortuary service. It is really important that we get all care at the end of life right for the families at what can be a traumatic and emotional time for them and their relatives, so they are able to go away with closure and good memories of their loved ones. “I am really pleased that the trust is able to provide this programme. The work that mortuary teams do is vital for families of those who have sadly died and we need to ensure care is the best it possibly can be.”

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Bowel cancer campaign targeting people aged 55 The trust’s bowel cancer screening centre is one of the first in the country to roll out a new screening programme targeting men and women aged 55. GP practices will be added to the scheme over a two year period. As each practice is added, people reaching the age of 55 thereafter will receive an invitation for Bowel Scope screening shortly after their 55th birthday. Those for whom roll out comes too late will be able to opt in provided they are between the ages of 55 and 60.

develop in the bowel for a long time before it is sometimes discovered - several months or even years. “A screening test can pick up these issues earlier than they would be. Bowel cancer is most common in people over 55 years of age, which is why it is important that anyone invited for a screening should come into hospital for it. “Men and women already receive a bowel

cancer testing kit on their 60th birthday that they complete and send back to a testing lab – but the new programme is something else we are using to help us pick up bowel cancer as early as we can.” Procedures are being carried out at the bowel screening centre at the University Hospital of North Tees as well as at local centres including at the University Hospital of Hartlepool and in Northallerton and Redcar.

People don’t realise that cancer can develop in the bowel for a long time before it is sometimes discovered. The screening is an examination called flexible sigmoidoscopy which looks inside the lower bowel. The aim is to find any small growths called polyps which may develop into bowel cancer if left untreated. This service is an addition to the existing NHS bowel cancer screening programme. Consultant gastroenterologist Matt Rutter, who is the clinical director for the bowel cancer screening programme for the whole of Teesside and parts of North Yorkshire and County Durham, said: “We are pleased to be able to offer this new service.” “Some people don’t realise that cancer can

Members of the bowel cancer screening team

A boost for speech and language in schools A new programme to help boost children’s language development in schools. Speech and language therapists at the trust are now able to offer the training schools need so they can deliver Talk Boost to their children. Talk Boost is a catch up

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programme, developed by the children’s communication charity I CAN and The Communication Trust, which has been shown to produce great results in schools. Research has shown that Talk Boost can boost children’s communication by up to 18 months. The programme can be used with groups of children in reception, year one or year two once the teacher and teaching assistant have been trained. Clinical lead speech and language therapist Kate Cummings said: “The programme aims to support children if their language skills are below the average for their age and helps to bring them up to the same level as other children.”

“Each session includes activities that cover the key elements of language, including attention and listening, vocabulary, building sentences, telling stories and conversation. We think teachers and teaching assistants will love the resources, and all of the sessions are planned out ready to use with the children. “It’s a fantastic programme and encourages parents and carers to support the language activities through a family workbook which the children take home.” You can find out more about Talk Boost at www.nth.nhs.uk/trainingslt/talkboost

Hospital bug being stamped out The trust has recorded its lowest number of attributed cases of the bacterial infection Clostridium difficile over the last year.

Poignant moment as Paul’s gift of life remembered A small ceremony to remember a precious gift from much respected, loved and missed Hartlepool Mail head of news Paul Watson took place at the University Hospital of Hartlepool. Paul’s partner Pauline (pictured, right) placed a card in the organ donor memorial to acknowledge the special gift Paul left after his tragic and untimely death in November 2012. National Blood and Transplant specialist nurse organ donation Clare Fletcher, who joined Pauline as she placed the card in the memorial, said: “This is a very bitter sweet time. We knew Paul supported organ donation because only 10 days before his death he was standing in this very spot as we unveiled our organ donor memorial. Little did we know that only days later he would himself give that special gift of organs to help others live on after his death.” Pauline said: “While I was devastated about losing Paul I discussed organ donation with Clare, who looked after him during this time. I have found comfort in knowing he lives on in other people. I have attended the regional memorial service and contributed a square to the memorial quilt. It’s taken me some time to come and place a memento in the hospital’s organ donation memorial but it’s something I wanted to do because Paul was so closely associated with

the hospital, especially the chemotherapy day unit and the lovely staff there who he had the utmost respect and admiration for.” Pauline, who lives in Sunderland and is a bank manager in Newcastle, added: “I can’t stress enough the importance of being on the organ donor register but also making sure your loved ones know your wishes. When faced with the agony of Paul’s death it helped that I knew what his wishes were. I knew I’d be doing what he would have wanted. “It is an awful thing to face but when you’re losing a loved one things can’t really get any worse. You can get some comfort from knowing their loss is helping others live.”

In the last 12 months the trust has had 30 patients who have contracted CDiff while in its care – the maximum target set for the trust in 2013/14 by NHS England was 40 cases. CDiff can spread easily in a hospital environment but can be minimised by practising good hygiene such as washing hands and cleaning surfaces thoroughly. Director of nursing patient safety and quality Cath Siddle (pictured) said: “It is very reassuring to see that we have had a significant reduction in the number of cases of CDiff over the last year. “This represents a reduction of half compared to last year, which is down to the various measures put into place and our not being complacent about hand hygiene, deep cleaning and antibiotic prescribing. “Of course we are always striving to improve our performance and even one case of CDiff is clearly one case too many. However, thanks to the hard work of staff we’re continuing on this downward trend.” The trust has an infection prevention policy which includes details of the steps all staff should be taking in ward areas. These include ensuring they clean their hands before and after contact with patients, rolling up sleeves and taking off any jewellery so they are bare below the elbows and ensuring the doors of rooms housing patients with CDiff are kept closed while also keeping all other rooms clutter free. Patient hand hygiene, particularly before eating, is also important. Visitors can contribute to good infection control by washing their hands with soap and water before entering and leaving a ward.

You can join the NHS organ donor register by: • Filling in a form at http://www. organdonation.nhs.uk/how_to_become_a_ donor/index.asp • Calling the NHS Donor Line on 0300 123 23 23 (Lines are open 24 hours a day all year round. Calls are charged at your contracted rate for local calls) • Texting SAVE to 62323. Anthem | May/June 2014 7

Parents will run to thank ward for baby’s care Thankful parents Siobhan and Rory Waller are raising money for the University Hospital of North Tees’ neonatal ward where their son Oliver was on life support for 100 days.

The earlier the better The trust backed a recent campaign called the earlier, the better to encourage people to seek help from their pharmacist early on if they are feeling under the weather. It is important that elderly people tell a friend, family member or carer if they have a bad cough, cold or sore throat to prevent it getting worse. The campaign asked those caring for or visiting an elderly relative to get advice from their local pharmacist or from www.nhs.uk/asap to prevent a minor illness developing into something more serious that eventually needs to be treated in hospital. The aim is to help lead to a reduction in the number of people using urgent care services such as accident and emergency and ease the pressure on these services. The trust’s clinical director for accident and emergency Andy Simpson (pictured) said: “Local pharmacists can provide expert guidance on how to help manage long term conditions, or give advice on the best treatment for a cough or cold. “Older people must seek help as soon as possible to prevent a trip to hospital if their condition gets worse. “Dealing with many health issues early on can help stop these issues getting worse and can help prevent a person needing treatment in an urgent and emergency care service with an illness that could have been treated by self-care or community pharmacy services. “During the winter period older people are particularly vulnerable to illnesses and we want to stress the need for people to do everything they can to look after their health and to do everything they can to stay healthy during this time.” 8 Anthem | May/June 2014

Siobhan gave birth to Oliver less than 24 weeks into her pregnancy – weighing just one pound six ounces. Oliver – who is now four - was cared for in the neonatal ward for five months. Despite being given a poor prognosis he amazed staff with his recovery.

I’d like to thank Siobhan and Rory for deciding to raise funds for the unit. Siobhan and Rory are planning to take part in the Great North Run later this year to help raise money for the ward. Siobhan said: “We want to raise as much money as we can so that we can give something back to the neonatal unit. “Oliver wasn’t given a very good prognosis – we were told he had a five per cent chance of making a recovery. He had physical issues which included heart problems and a bleed to his brain.

We were amazed at the work staff in this unit did to help Oliver survive and we want to Oliver just days after thank them. being born “We spent nearly five months in this unit and in that time we saw many examples of the great work staff do.” Siobhan and Rory, from Darlington, also have another son Luke, 10, and daughter Sophie, seven. Rory said: “The most difficult day we had here was on Christmas day when we were called in and told to expect the worst. “We had been at home trying our best to help our other two children focus on Christmas when we were called. We can’t thank staff enough for the care they gave Oliver and helping save his life. “He still has health problems which include mild cerebral palsy, hearing loss and he is only partially sighted. We are thankful to have such a fantastic son. “Despite being on life support for 100 days, the fantastic care the staff gave to Oliver meant that we never gave up hope of getting him off his ventilator. Staff were always exceptional with the support and advice they gave to me and his mum. We truly have never seen such high standards of care and support that we saw from staff on this unit.” Siobhan, Rory and Oliver visited the unit to meet staff. Consultant paediatrician and neonatologist Dr Harikumar, who cared for Oliver, said: “It was great to see Oliver – it is difficult to believe that this is the same child who was treated in this unit for several months. I’d like to thank Siobhan and Rory for deciding to raise funds for the unit. It will go towards improving the care we give to the very poorly babies we treat.” To donate please visit http://www.justgiving.com/ siobhan-waller1 Rory and Siobhan with Oliver

Support to help Sarah hear Human resources support officer Sarah Urwin was very young when she found out she was partially deaf but thanks to the support from the trust she is able to get on with her job. William and Anne with staff from the haematology unit

Rock and roller William helps raise money for unit Patient William Maughan teamed up with a rock and roll society to help raise £1,000 for the University Hospital of North Tees’ haematology unit. William, from Trimdon Colliery, raised the funds after holding a music night with the Houghton Rock and Roll Society at Houghton Sports Centre recently. The 74-year-old has been treated in the unit over the last three years after first complaining of problems with his breathing. Following a bone marrow test William was diagnosed with myelodysplasia and told that he would need regular treatments of blood transfusions. He said: “Without the staff in this unit I wouldn’t be here today. They have been amazing. “I can’t thank them enough for what they have done for me, but raising this money has at least been some way of giving something back. I’d like to thank everyone

who came to the rock and roll night and gave so generously.” Ex miner and smoker William has suffered problems with his breathing and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease over several years. His wife Anne, 67, said: “The unit has always been a calm place to be in, with friendly staff who always go out of their way to be helpful. “Recently William has been having fewer and fewer blood transfusions and has gradually been getting better. It’s all thanks to the staff here.” Consultant haematologist Philip Saunders said: “I would like to thank William and Anne for making such a generous donation. This money will go towards improving patient care in the unit.”

School pupils present live show on hospital airwaves Pupils from Egglescliffe School entertained patients and staff on the trust’s Radio Stitch after spending the week in the studio. The students were given tutorials on how to

present a radio show, before being put under the spotlight during a two hour live show at the end of the week.

Sarah, who has worked in human resources for the last year explained: “I never see being partially deaf as a disability – I’ve always just accepted it and got on with anything I’m doing, but sometimes I realise that adjustments need to be made, particularly at work. “When I first joined the department there was times when I felt a bit excluded in meetings if I couldn’t hear everyone clearly or if everyone was talking at the same time. But, the team soon helped to make things easier for me. “Occupational health did a review and they made some good suggestions too.” Human resources manager Alison Wilson added: “When Sarah started working in the department we learned that there was a lot that we could do to help. “We looked at the layout of the office and made sure that Sarah didn’t have her back to anyone, so she would be able to see everyone when they were speaking. We also, with Sarah’s permission, ask staff at the start of a meeting to speak clearly so Sarah is able to hear them. “We decided in the team it was much more beneficial to create action logs in meetings rather than minutes and we also take some back up notes incase there is anything which Sarah has had difficulty hearing during a meeting.” Sarah continued: “The team have been really good making adjustments in the office. I also have a phone which lights up when it’s ringing and I can adjust the volume and ring tone, because if a number of phones are ringing in an office I can’t always hear where the sound is coming from. “Sometimes I have days when I can hear better than others, but the team have been so supportive, understanding and have done everything possible to help.”

Station manager Marcus Summerfield said: “The pupils all worked really hard throughout the whole week and were always asking questions and listening to what we told them. “The live show they presented was fantastic. They were funny and interesting and came across very well on the radio. It was great to work with such bright and open minded young people.” You can find out more about Radio Stitch at www.radiostitch.co.uk Anthem | May/June 2014 9

Fad diets – a recipe for disaster With so much conflicting information out there, it’s easy to become confused about what we should and shouldn’t eat. Becci Dunn, a senior dietitian at the trust explained: “One thing I would tell people is to stay away from fad diets. “Fad diets offer a quick fix. Often you will be restricted from eating certain food groups, for example carbohydrates. This makes it difficult to maintain and can put your health at risk by cutting out nutrients, vitamins and minerals that your body needs. They can often leave you feeling hungry, with an urge to snack on unhealthy food during the day. Fad diets don’t help you maintain healthy eating habits. You need to ask yourself – will you still have these eating habits in the next six to nine months? If not, it is likely that this is not going to be successful or healthy.” People often blame certain foods for weight gain. At the moment, a lot of blame is being placed on sugar. However, it is not one food group that causes you to gain weight, it is anything in excess. Becci continued: “Basically, if you take in too many calories than you need, you will put on weight. It is much more important to look at the bigger picture. I would recommend making permanent lifestyle changes, as the key to successful weight loss is consistency. You should reduce your total calorie intake while keeping your physical activity levels high. You should eat a balanced diet with protein to keep you feeling full, carbohydrates for energy and fresh fruit and vegetables. Simply eat healthy wholesome food in the right sized portions and limit refined foods, for example cakes and biscuits. “Healthy eating doesn’t have to be expensive. Take a little time to plan meals and snacks so you’re less likely to go hungry and make an unhealthy choice. Freeze any leftovers to save you time and money another day or take leftovers to work for your lunch the next day.” Don’t fall for the fad diets. Be prepared, be consistent and you will make the right decisions. Follow a healthy eating plan and take regular exercise and you’ll slowly get and maintain the results you want.

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(Left to right) Carley, Carol and Sue

Diplomas for dementia specialists Associate practitioners Sue Dalgleish and Carol Brown, dementia specialist nurse Carley Ogden and community dementia specialist nurse for reablement Jane Hayllar have completed a diploma to add to the work they have done to improve care for patients with dementia. Sue and Carol – who work in the spinal/ trauma unit at the University Hospital of North Tees – have passed a diploma in enhancing contemporary practice in dementia care at Teesside University. They have helped make improvements including using audio books for patients with dementia and they have created a wall display of the 6Cs which has been adapted to include dementia care. They have also recently started a reading project that involves supporting volunteers to come in to read to patients with dementia to

provide company and comfort. Sue said: “We are all passionate about the care we give to patients with dementia. “The diplomas, which we studied for in our own time outside of work, have really helped increase our understanding of dementia patients. “If we can understand more about the behaviours of patients with dementia we can improve the way we care for them and also improve other patients’ and visitors’ understanding of them.” Ward matron Hazel Truman said: “Sue and Carol have made significant changes to the ward, supported by Jane and Carley’s role which have improved the way patients with dementia are cared for and have led to a calmer environment. I would like to thank them for all of their hard work and dedication.”

Healthy staff bag the trust a gold The trust has won a gold award for its continuing efforts to improve the levels of physical fitness and the general health and wellbeing of staff. Health and wellbeing advisor Maureen Wales and occupational health advisor Tracy Mantle received the award at the NHS Sport and Physical Activity Challenge awards event in London recently. Maureen said: “We are very pleased to have again been recognised for the work being done in the trust to improve the health and wellbeing of staff.

Maureen (left) and Tracy (right) with Ambassador National NHS Sport and Health Programme Mike Farrar (left) and NHS chief executive Sir David Nicholson

“This is also a recognition of the way staff have responded to all the health and wellbeing campaigns which are promoted in the

trust– many have made significant changes in the exercise they do and the way they live their lives to improve their health.”

Act on the warning signs to help beat cancer Two new be clear on cancer national campaigns have been launched this year – targeting breast cancer and oesophageal and stomach cancer. We spoke to two people – Marion Young and Kit Fletcher – who are being treated for these illnesses.

Marion Young

Marion Young from Eaglescliffe was diagnosed with breast cancer after finding a lump, at the start of last year. The 77-year-old visited her GP and was referred to the University Hospital of North Tees for a mammogram, where it was confirmed it was cancer. Mother of two Marion, who has had the support of her husband Gordon, 78, said: “I would urge any women over 70 not to assume they are past the point where they can be diagnosed with breast cancer. “I wish I had come to hospital sooner to be screened, because it was nearly too late and I was lucky. “The truth is that the older you are, the more likely you are to get it. It’s very important that women are aware of this and don’t ignore any signs. “When I was diagnosed it was a shock but I’ve always been a positive person and have managed to get through all of the treatment so far and feel much better. “I have nothing but praise for the staff and the treatment I have had at North Tees, James Cook and at Hartlepool. They always made me feel at ease and the care they have given me was fantastic.” Soon after being diagnosed Marion had a mastectomy operation at the University Hospital of Hartlepool. Since then she has had sessions of chemotherapy at North Tees, followed by sessions of radiotherapy treatments at The James Cook University Hospital.

Kit Fletcher

She has also so far, had several sessions of a course of herceptin - which reduces the risk of the cancer re-occurring. Marion was one of the first patients at the trust recently to be given a herceptin treatment by injection rather than by an intravenous drip and continued to have this treatment. She has also recently had a mammogram that has shown her to have no abnormalities. Figures show that one in three women who get breast cancer are over 70. Women between the ages of 47 and 73 are invited for screening but outside of this age range they are not. Consultant surgeon Vijay Kurup, who treated Marion at the University Hospital of North Tees, said: “The concern we have is many women who get to this age assume they are no longer at risk – but this couldn’t be further from the truth. “If you notice any changes in your breasts it is important to contact your GP to be on the safe side. Finding breast cancer early makes it more treatable.” Get into the habit of checking your breasts regularly. Feel the whole of both breasts and your armpits.

Possible signs of breast cancer include:

• a lump in your breast or armpit • nipple changes • changes to the skin of your breast • changes in the shape or size of your breast • pain in your breast or armpit

Kit Fletcher, from Sedgefield, first visited his GP at the end of last year after noticing he had been having problems swallowing food. The 67-year-old was referred to endoscopy at the University Hospital of North Tees where it was discovered he had a 3.5cm tumour in his oesophagus (gullet). Kit said: “The only way I can describe my symptoms was that when I tried to swallow food it was like a rock falling down a cliff and hitting the cliff face several times on the way down. “I was also regularly waking up in the middle of the night with the taste of bile in my mouth. “I went to my GP – he said it could be just indigestion or general damage to my oesophagus. But I just had this feeling that it could be something more – my sister in law died of oesophageal cancer five years ago so I knew what some of the symptoms were. She caught it very late and by then it had spread and it was untreatable. My wife also died of bone cancer within two weeks of her sister so I have always been very conscious about cancer.” Since being diagnosed last month, Kit has been for several scans at both the University Hospital of North Tees and The James Cook University Hospital, where more lymph nodes were found. Kit is now undergoing a course of chemotherapy at The James Cook University Hospital before being assessed for surgery. Father of two and grandfather of one Kit, a former deputy headteacher at Hetton School, will continue to keep himself as active as he can in his role as chairman of the Hetton Town Trust. The trust manages the Hetton Centre and the ground where Sunderland

under 21s and the Sunderland ladies football teams play their matches. Kit added: “I will be keeping as busy as I can while I am having my treatment, as long as I feel well enough to do so. “I would just like to urge anyone who has any of the symptoms of this cancer to please visit your GP. If I hadn’t pursued my own symptoms it might have already been too late to treat the cancer.” Natalie Robson, the trust’s gastrointestinal clinical nurse specialist, said: “Kit absolutely did the right thing – he acted on the symptoms that he had and he has caught the cancer as early as possible making it more treatable. If you spot any signs of cancer get it checked out even if you’re taking medication and it seems to be helping. You’re not wasting anyone’s time and if it isn’t serious your mind will be put at rest. But if it is cancer early diagnosis can make all the difference. The sooner cancer is detected the better chance of successful treatment.” Difficulty swallowing food, food sticking, persistent indigestion or heartburn can be symptoms of oesophageal (gullet) or stomach cancer. Tell your doctor as you may need to be referred for an urgent endoscopy (camera test of your stomach)

Other symptoms may include

• losing weight for no obvious reason • trapped wind and frequent burping • feeling full very quickly when eating • feeling bloated after eating • nausea or vomiting • stomach pain Anthem | May/June 2014 11

Chief executive Alan Foster serves patients their lunches

Head of catering Colin Chapman offers visitors samples of hospital food

Raising awareness of nutrition and hydration A bake off competition, volunteers serving patients their meals and a food taster session were just some of the events organised as part of nutrition and hydration week recently. To mark the week, events were held across both hospital sites

to raise awareness among staff, patients and visitors. Marcia Downer, a senior dietitian at the trust, was one of the staff who helped organise the events over the week. She said: “The week was a great way for us to highlight to patients, visitors and staff that

Patients being served afternoon tea

we all need to think about what we eat and drink. “As dietitians my colleagues and I have a responsibility to inform the general public about good nutrition, we offer advice on the dietary treatment of disease and on how to eat well. “Raising awareness is a big part of this.” The week started with an event where non ward based staff were invited to volunteer to help serve patients their food during meal times. It then continued with a taster session on Tuesday where hospital visitors were offered free samples of patient food. In the middle of the week patients on the wards were served afternoon tea to highlight the global afternoon tea event that was held across the world at the same time. The week ended with a staff bake off where wards and departments were challenged to

Some of the cakes staff made

make a cake that were judged on appearance, taste and nutritional value. Marcia added: “The week really helped highlight what the trust does to promote good nutrition and hydration for our patients. Healthy eating is one example but often our work is supporting people who are undernourished. Everyone has different needs but our role is about giving appropriate advice to help them live longer and healthier lives.”

Ann joins the board Ann Burrell is the new director of human resources and education. Ann’s previous role before joining was working within child maintenance (more commonly referred to as the CSA) which is part of the Department of Work and Pensions. Ann worked in various departments during her five year tenure. Before this Ann’s career in HR began with retail giant Wal-Mart, where Ann worked as a HR Manager for Asda. Ann’s career progressed during her time with Asda, securing a number 12 Anthem | May/June 2014

of senior roles, culminating in her final position as head of organisational design. It has been a career that has taken Ann across the country, working in stores, the distribution network and operations, although she has maintained her roots in the North East. Ann’s career has now gone full circle, as her first ever job was at the formerly known Newcastle General Hospital as an administration clerk for the director of nursing. Ann shared her excitement of working back in the NHS explaining: “The NHS is all about putting the patients first to

deliver an excellent service for people, that’s why I am so excited about working here. Through family experiences of the NHS I have nothing but complete admiration for the work staff do to care for patients, and I am looking forward to meeting and working with many of them.”

Young people encouraged to have a say in trust’s future The trust held its first public event aimed at encouraging younger people to sign up to become a member. The trust wants more young people aged 16 to 25 to join as a member to help support their local health services. Staff from 12 different areas held stalls in the atrium at the Hartlepool College of Further Education, talking to students and encouraging those

interested to sign up. Health trainer manager Sharon Bartram said: “We spent a very successful day speaking to students as they passed through the college’s atrium area. “It was great to see how passionate many of them were about their local health services. “Many of the students who passed by chatted to our staff and filled in questionnaires and member application forms,

which was fantastic.” Anyone who becomes a member of the trust has the opportunity to improve services, receive regular updates and information, vote for governors, attend annual meeting and events and have access to NHS discounts. Chief executive Alan Foster said: “NHS foundation trusts aim to be representative of the community they serve which is

why we are particularly looking for 16 to 25 year olds to join as members. We know the majority of younger people aren’t great users of health services, but they could be in future so it is important they become members so they can get involved in developing services, find out what is going on in their local NHS, have the chance to vote for governors or even stand to be a governor themselves.”

Research team strengthened The trust’s research team has been strengthened with two new appointments. Cardiology research nurse Julie Gray (pictured right) joins the team after working as a nurse since 1987. Julie worked on the emergency assessment unit at the trust, then in cardiology since 1998, caring for patients with heart conditions first as a staff nurse before becoming a nurse specialist. Julie is working with patients who have heart problems on some really exciting research trials. Julie said: “Every part of research that a patient takes part in with us is really important and we are really grateful to each and everyone of them. Research can be really helpful to patients. It can help them understand more about their condition and their treatments. If someone has a heart condition and they’re willing to take part in research, I’d love to hear from them.” Anne-Marie Jones has become the trust’s first research midwife and is responsible for running research studies in maternity, gynaecology and assisted reproduction. Anne-Marie trained in 1997 and started working as a midwife in Milton Keynes in 2000, before emigrating

to New Zealand where she worked as a midwife for four years. Anne-Marie joined our neonatal unit in 2008 and has since gained a wealth of skills, while advancing her education by studying for a masters degree in clinical research. She said: “Taking part in research can make a big difference to the treatments we provide for our patients in the future. Our studies may include women who are pregnant, have recently had a baby or are considering starting a family and also women with various gynaecological conditions. I would be delighted to hear from any women who have an interest in taking part in research or would just like to learn more about our current and future research projects.” Research and development manager Jane Greenaway added: “We are very lucky in this trust as patients are always very willing to contribute to our important research studies. No matter how big or small the trials are they

can make a big difference. We’re extremely grateful to everyone who takes part in research and I’d like to encourage more people to take part in the future.” People can contact Julie on 01642 383114 or julie.gray@nth.nhs.uk and Anne-Marie on 01642 383111 or anne.jones@nth.nhs.uk To find out more about research at the trust go to www.nth.nhn.uk/research

Anthem | May/June 2014 13

A first class service for young patients Staff in the children’s day unit at the University Hospital of Hartlepool have been celebrating after the unit was awarded the national you’re welcome accreditation.

Claire (far left) with two staff members from the ward – staff nurse Bernie MacGloin and healthcare assistant John Mullins

Praise for staff on special winter ward Staff on a temporary ward opened to help the trust cope with extra pressures over the winter months have been thanked for their hard work and dedication. Ward 29 was formed at the University Hospital of North Tees over the winter months to help the trust care for a rising number of patients. Senior clinical nurse Fiona McEvoy said: “As staff will be aware, every year we form a temporary ward at the trust to help us care for a rising number of patients over the winter months. “This involves bringing in staff from several different wards across the trust to work together in this ward over this period. Every year staff involved do an amazing job in this difficult situation, but this winter the team have gelled together particularly well and they have done an extremely good job. “All of the staff have worked very hard to make the ward function as well as it can do and we know through feedback we have had that patients really did appreciate the care and compassion they received from staff on this ward.” Claire Ranson, the ward matron on ward 29, said: “It was a pleasure to work with all of the staff on the ward over the winter period. “Every staff member worked hard and helped to make the ward a huge success.” 14 Anthem | May/June 2014

The award comes just months after the trust received the award for the high standard of services for young people at the University Hospital of North Tees. The day unit in Hartlepool was visited by a group of young inspectors, who work as part of a scheme run by Hartlepool Borough Council and the department was assessed to make sure they met the standards.

We’ve worked with the team to continually look at ways to improve our service for young people. The Department of Health’s you’re welcome quality standard, assesses the services provided for young people against a number of quality criteria, including the general environment to how aware people are of the services. The quality criteria makes sure that health services are getting it right for young people. It sets the standards to ensure that the whole team looking after young people understands their needs and responds

appropriately to them. Ward manager Vicki Whitfield said: “The team has worked really hard to achieve this award. This is really good news for us to have achieved this standard right across the trust. “I am really proud of everyone who has helped us achieve this award. We want our services to be the best for our patients. This achievement demonstrates that we are providing a service to the very best standards. “Young people and their families can be assured that a hospital visit is as comfortable as possible for young patients.” Hospital play specialists Sandra Jackson and Clare Wise, who have been leading on the work to achieve the standards said: “We’ve worked with the team to continually look at ways to improve our service for young people. We will never stop doing this. The success of our achievements is all down to the fantastic team work in the service. “We always look to our young patients to get feedback. They tell us what we can do to improve their hospital visit and they tell us what we’re doing well. “We’re really lucky to have received so many charitable donations from grateful families to be able to make the service we provide more appealing to young people and we would like to thank everyone who has helped us do this.”

Hospital play specialist Sandra Jackson, nurse practitioner Richard Bates, hospital play specialist Clare Wise and staff nurse Shirley Fuller

Event highlights adult safeguarding Members of the adult safeguarding team held another successful training event. The events highlight the importance of continuing to improve the safeguarding of adults through two projects; Passionate about adult safeguarding and shining a light on people with learning disabilities.

Hospital play specialists Chris Goodwin and Clare Wise with English Martyrs Students Luke Stamper, Izac Luther, Kayleigh Wintersgill and Louise Kester

Students donate gifts to children’s ward Thoughtful students from the English Martyrs School and Sixth Form College in Hartlepool have donated a variety of toys and items for children of all ages to the children’s ward at the University Hospital of North Tees. Year 11 students held a school mass with the theme of community and students from the St Anne Line house decided to focus on collecting toys, books and games which could be used in the play room at the hospital. Four of the school students then arrived to hand over their generous contribution to grateful hospital play specialists from the ward with the help of their teacher and deputy head of St

Anne Line house, Miss Fox. Miss Fox, who is a PE teacher at the school, said: “We are really pleased with our students and how they used the theme of community to come up with a positive idea that would make a difference within their own community. The students enjoyed the opportunity to collect toys and donate something to the hospital that poorly children would enjoy and benefit from. Hospital play specialist Clare Wise said “We’re really grateful for the generosity of the students and all the lovely toys that were donated. “The children on the ward have already been making good use and have been enjoying playing with the toys.”

Staff wish David well

The day was very successful and we look forward to promoting adult safeguarding through more events in the future. The event included an afternoon of informative lectures at the Hartlepool College of Further Education and invited a variety of adult safeguarding and learning disability professionals from across the area. Adult safeguarding named nurse Molly Taylor said: “Safeguarding the public is vital and making sure our staff and other professionals who work within adult safeguarding are keyed up and aware is why we run the event. We have to ensure that staff know how to record best interest decisions while caring for vulnerable adults, such as those with dementia and learning difficulties.” “The day was very successful and we look forward to continuing to promote adult safeguarding through more events in the future.”

Staff in the medical rehabilitation day unit at the University Hospital of Hartlepool dressed up in tartan as they said a final goodbye to consultant physician and proud Scot David Bruce who left the trust to take up a role at another NHS trust in the region. Anthem | May/June 2014 15

UK first for stud keyhole bowel

A 72 year old local woman has become the first perso of single-port laparoscopic (keyhole) bowel surgery.

Sue with her husband David (right) and porter Jonny Doyle (left)

Friends raise money in memory of Boro fan Jonny Friends and family of cancer patient Jonny Elliott who died last year have raised money for the hospital unit where he was treated. Jonny Elliott, who was treated in the University Hospital of North Tees’ haematology unit, died in mid December just weeks after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia in October. His family and friends helped raise more than £800 at a music night held at Hardwick Social Club recently with local bands Twisted and Spectrum.

I’d like to thank Jonny’s family and friends for making this very generous donation. His niece Sue Walton, 54, said: “Jonny’s illness was very sudden and was a shock to his family and friends. “Jonny was a quiet and private man but he always felt comfortable and at ease in the haematology unit. “We really wanted to do something to say thank you to 16 Anthem | May/June 2014

all of the staff in the unit for everything they did for Jonny. “I’d also like to thank all of our friends and family who donated so generously on the evening, as well as at Jonny’s funeral.” Hospital porter Jonny Doyle, a member of Twister who performed on the charity night, said: “It was great to be able to help raise such a large amount of money. I’d like to thank everyone who donated as well as the Stockton Baptist Tabernacle.” Jonny, who died at the age of 65, was a fanatical Middlesbrough fan where he worked as a steward for 15 years. On the day of his funeral the hearse carrying Jonny’s body was driven into the entrance of the Riverside Stadium where club staff paid their respects, before going on to the crematorium. Consultant haematologist Philip Mounter, who treated Jonny, said: “I’d like to thank Jonny’s family and friends for making this very generous donation which will be used to further improve the care we give to patients.”

The patient, Mary Scott from Billingham, who had an operation to remove early stage bowel cancer, is the first of 50 patients to be part of a randomised trial that examines the potential benefits of laparoscopic surgery through a single access point compared with the standard access through four or five access points. Put simply, this means there is either just one hole (single port) made in the abdomen or several holes (multi-port) to allow the surgeon to carry out the procedure.

We’re very excited about carrying out this trial. The trust has been for several years at the leading edge of minimal access surgery, but surgeons Talvinder Gill and Dharmendra Garg have taken this a step further and between them carried out more than 150 single-port laparoscopic procedures to date, putting them among the top three centres in the UK. The use of a single access point to carry out the removal of part of the large intestine is technically more challenging than the use of several, more dispersed access points. Nonetheless, their own (previously published) results have not found a difference in the results compared to the standard multi-port access procedures, but this observation was based on all patients undergoing surgery

The research team – (left to clinical fellow in surgery Jan consultant surgeon Talvinder

and included patients th for single-port access. In of its type in the UK – s randomly allocated to ei port surgery to assess w intricate differences in th by the two access techn stay in hospital, patients technique had been use are removed on the day

Mary Scott of Billingham, the first patient to be placed on the randomised clinical trial

dy into singlel surgery

on in the UK to be signed up to a study into the effects

Our fabulous Filipino nurses Four years ago 34 Filipino nurses left their homes and families to come and work for the trust. A special event was held recently to celebrate those four years. The trust would like to thank our own nurses and all our staff for making them so welcome and we would like to thank Batch 2010 (as they like to call themselves) for the amazing contribution they’ve made to the local community, our trust and the care they have given to our patients.

VIP night for staff

right) Consultant surgeon Dharmendra Garg, clinical research scientist Liz Baker, ne Hornsby, consultant surgeon David Borowski, research nurse Debbie Wilson and r Gill

hat were not suitable n this trial – the first suitable patients are ither single- or multiwhether there are any he results achieved niques. During their s will not know which ed until their dressings y they leave hospital.

Colorectal surgeon David Borowski, lead investigator for the study, explains: “We’re very excited about carrying out this trial. Through previous research we know that keyhole surgery is safe, less painful and has a quicker recovery than open surgery carried out through a long incision. Patients are out of the hospital within a few days, and the cuts are almost invisible after a short time. Until now it is unknown whether the use of a single cut in keyhole surgery has further advantages over keyhole surgery through several small cuts; our study will help to provide an answer to this question. When we have signed up and treated 50 patients on this trial, which we expect to do by the end of this year, we will be able to apply for funding for a larger trial so that this innovative and important medical advance can continue to develop.” Mary Scott said: “I was pleased to be asked to be part of the trial. I needed the operation anyway so it was just a case of it being done by one of two different techniques. I had my operation on the Monday and was home on the Thursday. I found out when the dressings came off that I’d had single port access surgery. I was given very good pain relief and I had a comfortable stay in hospital. It’s good to know that there is a centre of excellence in this type of technique right on our doorstep.”

A group of staff were given VIP treatment at the Mayor of Stockton’s annual charity ball. Chairman Paul Garvin invited the members of staff to join non-executive directors Steve Hall and Rita Taylor to this annual black tie event. Each of the staff had been nominated by their director or general manager for their contribution to the work of the trust. They were: Helen Carey, senior pharmacy technician Julie Oakley, admin and quality co-ordinator for medical education

Angela McCormick, nurse practitioner Pam Wallace, patient safety co-ordinator Natalie Wintersgill, domestic supervisor Ian Riordan, deputy head porter Marion Gowland, radiology services manager Two colleagues unfortunately couldn’t attend but were recognised for their contributions to the trust were: Jane Pearson, admin in gastroenterology Angie McMurray, Single Point of Access manager

Anthem | May/June 2014 17

Staff wish Pauline a happy retirement Staff who have worked with Pauline Morgan, a sister at the trust for more than 40 years, gathered to wish her good luck and a very happy retirement.

Left to right – Northern TUC representative Tom Ross with Wendy and Maureen

Occupational health picks up excellence award The trust picked up a continuing excellence award at the annual North East Better Health at Work Awards. Health and wellbeing advisor Maureen Wales and occupational health nurse Wendy Watts collected the award at an event at the Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough. Maureen said: ““The trust is totally committed to the health and wellbeing of their staff. This involves supporting them to lead healthier lifestyles by making it easier to gain free access to health advice and support and to become involved by the promotion of health and wellbeing events offered throughout the year and to encourage to share this advice to family, friends and patients.” As part of the criteria for the award the trust had to show sharing of information and good practice and to provide a mentoring role to local organisations who were taking part in the award as being an additional support tool. 18 Anthem | May/June 2014

A new group to help improve care for people with cancer A new cancer patient and carer group has been set up to help cancer health professionals to improve care and develop services. The group, made up of carers and people who have had or have cancer, is a forum to access patient and carer views about cancer services and aims to look at the wider issues about how services are provided and to make further improvements to them. Cancer nurses and managers from the trust as well as a representative of Macmillan Cancer Support listened as patients and carers shared their experiences of being on the receiving end when they or a loved one was diagnosed. Lead cancer nurse Jan Harley said: “This was the first meeting of the group and its aim is to be complementary to our patient support groups where we listen to individual stories and learn from them to

I was delighted to welcome the people who attended the first workshop and it was pleasing to see there is interest in this.

try and improve the way we work in the interest of patients. “The idea of this group is to try and see a bigger picture and involves patients and carers in helping us make decisions about how we should develop services. “I was delighted to welcome the people who attended the first workshop and it was pleasing to see there is interest in this. Quite naturally at the beginning people want to share their own stories. However we do see common themes emerging and we hope as the group develops it will really add value to shape our cancer services. “It was enlightening to hear how people felt once a diagnosis had been made. They used words like ‘swept along on a wave’ to describe steps in the cancer pathway, feelings of being ‘ in limbo’ once their treatment has stopped and they are no longer in contact with the team. We all want to make our care for people with cancer as good as it possibly can be and I’m looking forward to further meetings of the group to help shape this. This group is really a reference group where we can test our ideas for improving services. It has the potential to really change what we’re doing and make further improvements for future patients.”

Lead nurse for cancer Jan Harley listening to ideas and thought from the group

Volunteers making a real difference A team of volunteers who offer their time to help the chaplaincy team at the University Hospital of North Tees have described why they got involved.

Stop smoking specialist advisor Alison Johns, stop smoking facilitators Leanne Watson and Debbie Elliott

Smokers encouraged to declare V for victory The trust’s stop smoking team and occupational health and wellbeing encouraged smokers to declare V for victory on No Smoking Day, to mark winning the battle against quitting smoking. On No Smoking Day more than one million smokers were expected to decide to quit smoking and the team were there to help across Stockton and Hartlepool. Stop smoking service manager Pat Marshall said: “Everyone has their own reasons for wanting to stop smoking. For some people it is about making a lifestyle change – to be healthier or get fit, or to save money and, for others, it’s about the way their smoking affects the people close to them, such as their family and friends. “No matter what their reasons, if people are thinking about quitting

Health and wellbeing advisor Maureen Wales

smoking, their best chance of success is to visit one of their local stop smoking sessions. Last year we saw thousands of people at our clinics and we want to continue to see more. “We offer friendly and non-judgemental help to smokers at a number of stop smoking clinics held throughout Hartlepool and Stockton. We tailor the support to every individual person to give them the best possible chance of quitting.

No Smoking Day is a great time for smokers to make a positive change in their lives and quit smoking. “Quitting smoking isn’t always easy. People who receive help and support from their local stop smoking service are much more likely to successfully quit and are four times more likely to stay smoke free. “No Smoking Day is a great time for smokers to make a positive change in their lives and quit smoking. “If people stop smoking, they will soon feel fitter, will save money, will have better skin and teeth and will reduce the risk of any serious smoking related diseases.” If anyone wants to quit smoking they can find out about their local stop smoking sessions in Stockton and Hartlepool at www.nth.nhs.uk/stopsmoking or phone (01642) 383819.

The volunteers support the chaplaincy team every Friday morning – with each volunteer being given a ward to help in where they offer support to patients and pastoral and spiritual help to those who want it. One of the volunteers, Margaret Wright, enjoys the challenge and variety that the role brings. She said: “Every Friday is different, which is one of the things I love about volunteering here. We speak to a whole range of different people and it’s really interesting. “We are really there to just support people, if they want that support. Many don’t and that is fine but we are there if they do want someone to talk to.” Anita Fowell, who also volunteers, said: “The role is a real challenge and there is also a great rapport between all of the volunteers. “Another very positive part of the role is that we get to work on the same ward every Friday, so we get to know staff and patients well and become familiar around the ward.” Another volunteer, Veronica Morgan, said: “I have always loved to help people. “We are in a position where we have the time that staff members don’t have to really sit with the patient and speak to them for long periods. Some patients find it easier to talk to us – we don’t wear uniforms and we aren’t members of staff so patients think of us differently.” Hospital chaplain Lorraine Millar said: “Our volunteers are not only available to patients or visitors who need to talk, but are also there to offer spiritual support to anyone who needs it whether that be on a ward or in the chapel. They have a very valuable role here and they are a fantastic help to us.”

Left to right – Philip Bishop, Veronica Morgan, Anita Fowell and Margaret Wright Anthem | May/June 2014 19

New team to spread the word about the 6Cs A new nursing team has started work to spread awareness of a new national initiative known as the 6Cs. Assistant director for nursing and professional standards Debbie Blackwood and senior nurses for professional standards Louise Samuel and Claire Wong are the trust’s Compassion in Practice (6Cs) nurses. The 6Cs is a national programme launched by NHS England chief nurse Jane Cummings to transform the care, advice and support that people receive and to achieve excellent health and wellbeing outcomes for all.

The 6s stand for: • Care • Compassion • Competence • Communication • Courage • Commitment Debbie said: “Since the launch we have been raising awareness about the message of the 6Cs. “We had a launch week where we spoke to hundreds of staff, patients and visitors across the trust, as well as visiting a local university.

We had a launch week where we spoke to hundreds of staff, patients and visitors across the trust. “We have then worked with staff on ward 25 as the first ward we would work with, speaking with staff about the 6Cs and speaking with patients and their families. “Over the course of the next year we will be carrying out similar work with staff across the trust and look forward to working with the fantastic staff we have at this trust. “We aim to ensure that the 6Cs reflect the values that all our staff aspire to all day every day.” The team will be introducing new initiatives as part of the role out which includes the #hellomynameis Twitter campaign, Open and Honest Care, and staff will be given an opportunity to be a care maker and be an advocate for the 6Cs.

(Left to right): Assistant director of nursing and infection, prevention and control Lesley Wharton, deputy director of nursing Julie Lane, director of nursing patient safety and quality Cath Siddle, associate director of nursing, quality and patient experience Barbara Carr with Claire Wong, Louise Samuel and Debbie Blackwood 20 Anthem | May/June 2014

You can contact the 6C s nurses at:

deborah.blackwood@nth .nhs.uk (01642 6) 24077 louise.samuel@nth.nhs.u k (01642 3) 83912 claire.wong@nth.nhs.u k (01642 6) 24512

You can find out more about the 6Cs at:

http://www.6cs.england .nhs.uk http://www.england.nhs. uk/ nursingvision

Some of the many comments staff left on the 6Cs graffiti board in the Tees restaurant

Our first caremakers

Jacqueline (middle) with Janet (left) and Helen

Ward hostess Jodi-ann Pearson

Ward clerk Lesley Oxley

Healthcare assistant Denise Mannion

DVD helps staff understand the 6Cs Registered nurse for critical care Jacqueline Fletcher was the 500th member of staff to complete a training session based on the values of the 6Cs.

Domestic Karen Piggford

Student nurse Jane Harrison

Governor Janet Atkins

Meet the trust’s first team of caremakers who have volunteered to act as ambassadors for the 6Cs. The caremakers were presented with certificates at a ceremony with director of nursing and quality for the Durham, Darlington and Teesside area team of NHS England Bev Reilly (below). Staff also promoted the hello my name which is national campaign for all ward staff to always introduce themselves by name to patients when caring for them.

Education and development facilitators Helen Sutherland and Janet Varga created a DVD which was used to help train staff. Helen said: “We were asked to work on a project which included supporting our nursing staff following a large transformation of services within our organisation. While addressing post transformation issues it was seen as an ideal opportunity to embed the 6Cs into our organisation. “The challenge we faced was staff not being able to be released from the clinical areas to attend training for any length of time. So we decided to take the training to them in the form of a DVD.” Janet said: “A lot of planning was involved, including writing the scenarios to ensure the message we wished to get across was clear and to the point. The objective was that all staff who attended the session would have a clear understanding of the 6Cs and feel able to embrace them as part of their own values and behaviours. “The DVD, which was filmed in our onsite simulation suite, is used as part of an hour long training session addressing 6Cs and customer service. The scenario shows a nurse not using the principles of the 6Cs in comparison to a nurse that does. It also covers customer service, highlighting how we need to see the service we provide for the perspective of our patients and their families and how to give a quality service and meet expectations of customers.” The video has helped improve patient experience and reduced complaints. Anthem | May/June 2014 21

Hospital teacher Rose says sad farewell Colleagues in the children’s ward at the University Hospital of North Tees have wished home and hospital teacher Rose Walmsley a happy retirement.

Don’t ignore a cervical screening invitation Staff promoted cervical cancer prevention week recently – helping focus on information about symptoms, causes and ways to prevent it and to support Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust. The charity ran a campaign – put yourself in the picture – asking women to upload a selfie style photo on a special mobile phone app as a way of pledging to take up their cervical screening invitation.

Rose worked for 30 years as a teacher on children’s wards – with most of those at the University Hospital of Hartlepool and the University Hospital of North Tees. Rose’s role has involved making sure that children who missed substantial amounts of mainstream education due to being hospitalised have been able to continue their education in the hospital classroom on ward 15. To ensure the best possible provision, Rose worked closely with schools to plan teaching input and to arrange the eventual return to school for patients. Pupils being treated in the children’s ward during exam times were able to sit GCSEs in the ward’s classroom. Rose also continued to work with pupils in the home environment after discharge from the ward if they were not medically fit to

return to school. She said: “It has been a really challenging and fulfilling role, teaching children, often with complex medical conditions, across all key stages from reception to year 11. “The support of medical staff, physiotherapists and play specialists on the ward has been brilliant. I will miss them all. I really appreciate how they made me feel that I was part of the team. Well done team North Tees. Vicky Whitfield, ward matron on the children’s ward at the University Hospital of North Tees, said: “Rose has been instrumental in helping the children we have treated to carry on with their education while in our care, particularly for patients who have ended up missing long periods of school. “Every member of staff in the ward has enjoyed working with her and she has been very popular with all of the children she has met. She will be missed by everyone and we would all like to wish her a very happy retirement.”

Rose (centre) is joined by staff from the ward at her retirement do

A screening test can pick up any early signs of cancer before they have had time to spread and become far more serious. Advanced biomedical scientist practitioner in pathology Callum Bowler (pictured) said: “National figures show that just under 3,000 women a year are diagnosed with cervical cancer – yet there are so many steps women can take to prevent it affecting them and it’s important that they know about these. “A screening test can pick up any early signs of cancer before they have had time to spread and become far more serious. “Cervical cancer is caused by a very common virus – human papillomavirus (HPV) – which there is a vaccine available for younger women to protect them from this. “For the whole week we made information available across the trust, including leaflets that are available at main reception areas of both of our hospitals. For more information visit www.jostrust.org.uk 22 Anthem | May/June 2014

Funds raised for Philippines appeal Chief executive Alan Foster presented charge nurse Gerwin Premarion and associate practitioner Ryan Buco with a cheque for £800 towards the appeal which was set up following Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines in 2013. Alan said: “As soon as we heard about the disaster we wanted to help and we set up collection boxes in our staff restaurants. We also donated £1 for every ticket sold at our annual Christmas party. I was delighted to show our support for our Filipino nurses who I know have families and friends who are trying to rebuild their lives.” Ryan said: “It’s really good to know we have the trust’s support. We’re very grateful for this donation which we know will help our friends and families.”

A fond farewell to Val Atkinson

Val (centre) and the team celebrating her retirement

The trust said a fond farewell to well loved staff member Val Atkinson of the discharge liaison team. Val has been a valued member of the discharge liaison team for over 12 years and a member of the trust for 48 years, after beginning her career in 1966 as a nurse cadet at St Hilda’s hospital in Hartlepool. Nursing care has remained the focus of Val’s career throughout her time as a nurse and she has seen vast changes with technologies and advances in patient care over the years. Val said: “I’ve enjoyed my time with the discharge

liaison team. It’s been a challenging and diverse role and I’ll miss the team and treasure all the friendships I’ve made over the years. “However, I’m looking forward to spending more time with my family and my grandson, and it will be lovely to have more time to spend reading and gardening.” Occupational therapist Siobhan Smith said: “Val has been a valued member of the team and we will miss her greatly. Especially her dry sense of humour, her knowledge and most of all the massive amount of compassion she had for both her patients and their loved ones.”

Make a pledge to improve care Staff are supporting a national campaign to make a pledge to do something different to help improve care for patients. As part of NHS Change Day staff in the health service have been invited to make a public pledge. Community services manager for adults Shirley Ann Osbaldeston and her colleagues attended a workshop event recently at the University Hospital of North Tees where the idea was discussed. Shirley said: “It’s about innovation and a way for colleagues from different NHS trusts to share ways of working and good practice and learn from each other to improve the care we provide. “Everyone – visitors, patients, staff and anyone who cares about the NHS - has the power to make a difference and improve

the lives of so many people. It’s a fantastic initiative that I am 100 per cent behind. “My pledge is to use every opportunity to develop our nurses’ capabilities and improve our quality of care. “As a team in community, we are particularly focusing on the issue of patients who develop pressure ulcers and sores. We are really going out of our way and above and beyond to try to prevent these. “We just recently had a development workshop with community matrons and discussed all of our ideas. I’ve been a registered nurse for over 30 years and am passionate about caring for patients and just making a difference and this day has helped highlight that.” For more information visit www.changeday.nhs.uk

Events were held at the University Hospital of Hartlepool (above) and the University Hospital of North Tees (below)

Children celebrate World Book Day Children from the two nurseries at both of the trust’s hospitals marked World Book Day by spending the day enjoying their favourite books.

Shirley Osbaldeston

Some of the district nurses who went to the NHS Change Day workshop

Staff and children at the University Hospital of North Tees marked the event by dressing up as characters from the Wizard of Oz children’s storybook. Children at the University Hospital of Hartlepool spent time reading their favourite books. This is the 17th year the national campaign has been held, which is aimed at encouraging children to explore the pleasures of books and reading. Anthem | May/June 2014 23

Hospital car parks among the safest For a 10th year in a row the car parks in both of the trust’s hospitals have been recognised as being among the very safest. The trust, which manages car parks at both the University Hospital of North Tees and University Hospital of Hartlepool, has been presented with the Park Mark award for the safety and quality of car parking facilities.

People need to know that when they use our car parks their vehicle is going to be safe and secure. Head of car parking and security Brian Christelow said: “We are all very pleased to have yet again been recognised for the work we do. “People need to know that when they use our car parks their vehicle is going to be safe and secure. Our whole security team works very hard to ensure that this is always the case. “Recently you may have seen construction work taking place in and around the car parks at North Tees, this is part of a trust wide scheme which will improve security measures further with the introduction of a brand new car parking monitoring system and we are all very much looking forward to this.” The Park Mark scheme is managed by the British Parking Association and is awarded following an assessment by the police to car parks that demonstrate that they have meaningful and effective security measures in place that help to create a safe environment.

Assistant manager of portering, transport, security and car parking Trevor Bailey and security officers Melchor Bagangan (left) and Michael Pinkney 24 Anthem | May/June 2014

The ICT team at the University Hospital of North Tees take a moment away from their computers for a group picture

Farewell to a valued member of the team Staff from the ICT department said goodbye and good luck to colleague and ICT support officer Ian Varty (pictured, centre) as he prepared to leave the trust at the end of April for a new job in the private sector. Ian said “I began working for the trust in 2005 and I will miss everyone I’ve worked

alongside for over eight years. However I felt this new job was the chance for a fresh start with a new set of challenges.” Associate director of ICT Tony Naylor said: “On behalf of the ICT team I’d like to wish Ian all the best with his new job, he has been a valued member of the team and will be missed.”

Trust praised for putting staff through their PACES The Royal College of Physicians in Edinburgh has praised the trust for the way it has organised and run its PACES exams. Trainee physicians must pass the exam to be awarded Membership of the Royal College of Physicians which is needed to progress to their higher training. The trust’s courses, facilities and administration team coordinate the examinations, with help from a number of consultant physicians. The success of the exams is also down to the support and care offered by the nursing staff in the emergency assessment unit who help on the days. In a letter to the trust’s clinical director for medicine Jean MacLeod, the director of examinations Tom Mackay praised the trust’s contribution to the PACES exams over the last few years. He wrote that the trust’s contribution to the way the exams had evolved was “considerable” and the trust was “guaranteed to provide an excellent and consistent examination environment”. The trust’s centre ranks 16th out of 257

centres in the UK and overseas, having examined over 550 candidates. It runs exams three times a year. Jean MacLeod said: “We are very proud of the high regard in which we are held by the Royal College of Physicians. None of this would have been possible without the hard work of every member of staff involved and of course the patients who make time to come and help us – it really has been a team effort. This contribution to the training and assessment of future consultants is a very important role for the trust we will continue to support from medicine.” Jean MacLeod

Easter boost for poorly children Lifestyle Fitness gym in Hartlepool and the Boundary 500 Motorcycle Group both kindly donated chocolate eggs to children in hospital over the Easter period. The two organisations wanted to donate the eggs to poorly children being treated at the University Hospital of North Tees and the University Hospital of Hartlepool. Members of the Boundary 500 Motorcycle Group delivered 700 Easter eggs to elderly people in Teesside over the Easter weekend and had around 40

left over, which they gave to the trust. Lifestyle Fitness had been asking members to donate any unwanted eggs to them and were able to collect around 40 of them for the trust. Philip Bishop, from the trust chaplaincy team, pictured beside the cross at the University Hospital of North Tees

Visitors leave messages for loved ones Visitors to the trust’s two hospitals wrote messages for loved ones and left them on the cross in both chapels over the period of lent. Several visitors also generously donated money – coming to a total of £90 - which is being given to Harbour, a charity that helps victims of domestic violence and their families across the Teesside area.

Members from the Boundary 500 group delivered eggs, as did staff from Lifestyle Gym (right)

Easter eggstravaganza cake stall raises money for charity Staff from the medical records department at the University Hospital of North Tees celebrated Easter in April with a cake stall which helped to raise money for the Butterwick Hospice. A selection of cakes from brownies to muffins to cornflake cakes all helped to raise £504 on behalf of the Butterwick Hospice. Section manager in medical records Diane Atkinson said: “Thank you to all the staff in the trust who attend and donate generously to the Butterwick Hospice. I’m also very grateful for the kindness of the health records staff who made this all possible and take the time to bake all the lovely cakes.”

Staff from the medical records team with their Easter cake stall

Anthem | May/June 2014 25

National award for falls team Falls co-ordinator and occupational therapist Yvonne Cheung in the trust’s community integrated assessment team was named the winner of the chief health professions officer’s award for clinical leadership in the Advancing Healthcare Awards, in recognition of her innovative work preventing falls in the community.

A day in the life of...

a porter for one of our non executive directors One of the non executive directors at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust became a porter for the day at the University Hospital of North Tees as part of a board to ward initiative. Steve Hall donned the porter uniform in March to complete a 2pm-10pm shift and facilities supervisor Ian Riordan took the opportunity to show Steve the vital work done by porters. This included the more obvious aspects of the job such as the transportation of patients between departments to less visible tasks such as removing and replacing linen for fresh stock or replacing mattresses. Ian said: “It was good to spend time with Steve and to get the chance to show him the many things the portering department do to support colleagues and the care of patients. I believe it served as a great eye opener and all the staff seemed pleased about the opportunity to meet and share their working experiences with Steve, who wouldn’t usually get the opportunity to see staff working on the wards and within portering.” Steve explained: “I was really impressed with how welcoming and accommodating all the 26 Anthem | May/June 2014

portering staff were during my shift and it was good to see first-hand the essential work they do to help with the everyday running of the hospital. “All the porters demonstrated a great service ethos and the whole experience gave me a great appreciation for the hard work they do.” The shift as a porter also served as a good opportunity for Steve to see the day to day running of the hospital from floor level, with staff able to share any thoughts on what could be done to improve efficiency on the wards. Steve added: “It was an excellent opportunity to speak to clinical and domestic staff and listen to their experiences of working around the hospital. “Overall it was a very positive and reassuring experience that I will report to board and will share many of the positives with others to help our continued drive for excellence” Several board to ward visits have since taken place within community dental services, accident and emergency, general medicine, community nursing and at the One Life Hartlepool, with visits to other areas being organised.”

The awards which are open to allied health professionals and healthcare scientists across the UK, are the only awards which cover these professional and specialist groups who make an important contribution to patients’ recovery.

I was extremely surprised to win this award, and pleased that my achievements have been recognised. Yvonne’s work for achieving a reduction of 57% in the number of falls by residents in care homes during a three month pilot project with Stockton Borough Council has gained her this recognition. Falls are major causes of injury and death in older people, especially those in care homes, because they are generally frailer and have

multiple long-term conditions. The rate of falls in care homes is almost three times higher than that of older people living in the community. The majority of falls are caused by residents getting out of a chair or bed unaided. Yvonne secured funding for occupant exit alarms and this together with training of staff to increase awareness of the cause and effects of falls helped to reduce the number of falls. Falls prevention posters were displayed as a reminder for staff and visitors, and a step-bystep plan was created to help care staff to look at risk factors and the action required to help residents avoid falling. The judges recognised this project could make a big impact across all care homes. Yvonne was delighted to be presented with her award at a celebration lunch ceremony, presented by Roy Lilley, NHS commentator and author in London. She said: “I was extremely surprised to win this award, and pleased that my achievements have been recognised in this way, but I could not have done it without the support of the fantastic team I work with.” Therapy services operational lead Steve Pett added: “This is a fantastic achievement. I am very proud of Yvonne to be recognised for her work nationally, who along with the dedicated team constantly works hard to provide and improve care for patients.”

Yvonne (centre) with acting chief health professions officer for NHS England Shelagh Morris and Roy Lilley - photo courtesy of Chamberlain Dunn

Staff toast consultant’s retirement Consultant urologist Les Gilliland was joined by colleagues at the University Hospital of North Tees to celebrate his retirement. He thanked staff for all of their help and support over the years and was wished a happy retirement.

Staff say sad goodbye to Shirley Staff nurse Shirley Fuller from the paediatric day unit at the University Hospital of Hartlepool said a sad goodbye to colleagues at her retirement party.

More improvements to state-of-the-art department

Some of the staff taking part in one of the group activities

Deaf and disability awareness training day great success Staff took part in a deaf and disability awareness training event at the University Hospital of North Tees, with trainer Darren Waldron from Deafeating Barriers. The full day’s event took place during deaf and disability awareness week and discussed ways of improving services and making them more accessible for those with hearing loss such as those who are hard of hearing, deafened, deaf or deafblind. A variety of staff from around the trust attended the event, which had them taking part in group exercises to get them thinking about how to change any preconceptions and how new ideas could improve healthcare for deaf and disabled people. The course covered a variety of topics from accessible services for all regardless of hearing loss or disability, stereotyping and breaking down barriers

to accessing health, communications support and understanding how to promote information. Trainer Darren Waldron said: “I used to be hearing and now I’m deaf and you will encounter situations where people think you are somehow a different person because of your disability. “My work in deaf and disability training means I can engage with staff and develop their understanding and awareness, while showing how they can improve healthcare by adapting services to make them more accessible for the deaf and disabled patient. “I feel the day has been a great success for all the staff involved and they seem to have benefited from seeing things from the patient’s perspective.”

Radiology at the University Hospital of North Tees has benefited from more investment that will help speed up the time it takes to carry out an x-ray. The new DX-D Retrofit from Agfa HealthCare now allows the department to transform an analogue x-ray room into a state-of-the-art digital room. Radiology systems manager Darren Smith said: “The DX-D Retrofits are being used in two new Siemens general purpose x-ray rooms and an existing Philips chest clinic. “By adding this we now have the workflow and image quality benefits. We’ve seen immediate benefits, especially in the chest clinic with significantly faster turnover of patients while retaining high image quality. The wireless capabilities offer convenience and make it portable, which is a huge benefit around a busy hospital. Our staff also found the system very intuitive as they were already familiar with Agfa HealthCare’s NX workstations, so additional training was kept to a minimum.” Demographic data is automatically fed to the NX workstation from the archiving system, and images are transmitted directly on to the detector, making workflow easier to manage and speeding up the time it takes to carry out exams. Within seconds, radiographers can pre-check the image, approve the technical quality, and transmit it wirelessly to the archiving system. Over the last few months the department has been transformed with a whole range of improvements which have included a new waiting area and a state of the art £1million Siemens Definition Flash CT scanner.

Radiographer Dawn Hayes with the DX-D Retrofit Anthem | May/June 2014 27

Members’

noticeboard

Council of eeting governors m of our members who e

Members and anyone who is interested are invited to attend the next event on Saturday, 19 July at 9.30am, in the education and learning centre at the University Hospital of Hartlepool. The events are free, but you need to book a place. For more details please contact the membership office.

voice and th Members ors are the The govern e future of the trust. eetings m e th e th bserve o to s e m o help shap elc xt meeting blic are w ear. The ne eptember. y a s e general pu m ti 18 S held four Thursday, which are 7 July and 1 y, a d rs u are on Th

Board of directors meetings The board of directors meet around six times a year. Members of the public and staff are welcome to observe the meetings. This is your chance to see how the board operates and gain first hand knowledge on the trust’s latest developments. Spaces to attend the meetings are limited so please contact the private office on 01642 383563 in advance to secure your place. The next board of directors meeting is on Thursday 24 July at 1pm in the boardroom at the University Hospital of Hartlepool.

Membership cards

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mbership card, which We have launched a me ff rates at any of the entitles members to sta tlets at the University Wilbers Coffee Shop ou Hartlepool, as or Hospital of North Tees counts. To obtain dis S NH well as access to please contact the your membership card, 01642 383765 or membership office on k. s.u membership@nth.nh

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Member events

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