NHS Newsletter Summer 2023

YourTRUST

Reflectingon 75wonderful yearsofNHS

HappybirthdayNHS!

Amessagefromourchief executiveDianeWake

Welcometothelatesteditionof YourTrust.Thiseditionreaches youjustafewweeksafterthe NHS75thbirthdayandwhata greatchancetoreflect theimpacttheNHShashadbothnationallyandhereinDudley.

Whenitwasfoundedin1948, theNHSwasthefirstuniversal healthsystemtobeavailableto all,freeatthepointofdelivery. Today,ninein10peopleagree thathealthcareshouldbefreeof chargeandthattheNHSmakes themmostproudtobeBritish

Asyousitreadingtoday,Iam sureeveryoneofyouwillbeable tothinkofafamilymemberwho hasworkedintheNHS,atime in your life when theNHS has helpedyouoryoucanreflecton yourownpersonalexperienceof workingintheNHS

Likeyou,wearegratefulfor allofthosecolleagueswhohave comebeforeus,theyhavesetthe standardinthelastthreequartersofacentury,andwewillcontinuetoflytheflagofexcellence proudlyinDudley

On 5thJuly1948the NHSwas born andoverthe past 75 years it hasgonefromstrengthto strength

Of the325,000 people in the DudleyBorough,everypersonatone timeoranotherwillhaveaccessed NHSboroughservicesanditishard toimaginewherewewouldbewithoutit.

TheNHSinDudleylookedvery differentbackthentohowitdoes today.Wehavetransitionedfroma small preliminarytrainingschool beinglaunchedin1948,torobotic

technologyandvirtualwardsofferingtheverylatestinfuturisticinnovation

Butthroughoutthewholeofthe last75years,onethinghasremained stableandthatisthetirelessdedicationofourstaff

From porterstoconsultants, from nurses to kitchenstaff,from volunteerstomidwives,ourtensof thousandsofemployeeshavestrived toensuretheveryhighestlevelsof healthandwellbeingforthepeople ofDudleyandwillcontinuetodoso inthefuture.

As youwill seethroughout thiseditionofYourTrust,wewill celebrateour historyand also championourincrediblestafffor theinnovativeworktheydoin thepresentday.

OurCommittedtoExcellence Awards(Pages4and5)showcasedtheverybestofourwork here at theTrust andcongratulationstoallourfinalistsand winners. Nurses andMidwives Day(Page9)wasagreatopportunitytocelebratenotonlyour incrediblenursesandmidwives in2023,butallthosenursesover thepast75years.

SeePage2

ChiefExecutiveDianeWake

Eventsputthe spotlighton stafftraining

Internationalshowcaseforprogramme

Dudley’s Paediatric Virtual Wardhaspresentedataninternationalconference!

InMay,TheDudleyGroupNHS FoundationTrustPaediatricVirtual Wardteamwereinvitedtopresent attheEuropeanAcademyofPaediatrics(EAP)2023conferencein Padova,Italy.

TheconferencegavetheTrust theopportunity to showcaseits successfulvirtualwardtopaediatriciansfromacrosstheworld,with manycountriesshowinginterestin themodel

TheTrust Learning &Organisational Developmentteam haveheldtwoeventsinthepast threemonthsfocusingonstaff developmenthereatTheDudley Group.

InlateMarch,theteamleda developmentshowcaseevent,invitingstafftoattendanddiscoverwhatoptionsareavailablefor theircolleaguesandthemselves todeveloptheirskillsandmaybe trysomethingnew

Thesession sawstaff from acrosstheTrustjointheevent, wheresupportincludingcareer conversations, learning about apprenticeshipsandfindingout moreaboutfurtherclinicaland non-clinical pathways were offered.

Learning

Therewerealsoexternaleducational teamsinattendance includingDudleyCollege and UniversityofWolverhampton.

Then movingintoMay,the team celebrated Learning at WorkWeektopromotelearning anddevelopment in theworkplace.

Thisyear’sthemewas‘CreatetheFuture’,whichexplored howlifelonglearningatworkcan helpusallpersonallyandcollectivelycreateourfutures

Throughoutthe week the team promoted Learning and Developmentopportunities includingLiveTeamsInformation Sessions, drop-incareertalks andteamwalkarounds.

Theyalsohadvarioustrainingandworkshopstakingplace that week,which includeda managingrecruitmentworkshop,awellbeingworkshopand appraisaltraining.

Lookingtothe futureofTrust

FromPage1

We also look to thefuture withourComplexNutritionVirtualWard(Page2),whichisan importantreminderofourfocus ontechnologyandinnovationin Dudleyinthecomingyears.

WehopeyouenjoythiseditionofYourTrust,andthankyou fortrustinguswithyourcare andforalwayssupportingyour localNHSworkers.

Dudley’s Paediatric Virtual Ward wasthe first of itskindto launchintheUK,andwasshortlistedforaprestigiousRoyalCollegeof Nursing(RCN)awardin2022followingitssuccessfulpilot.

DrAmyPageandRuthHarris, paediatricvirtualwardsister,deliveredthepresentationandfeedbackandwereabletotakefeedback fromnumerousattendees

Theteamalsopresentedatthe RoyalCollege of Paediatricsand

ChildHealth2023conferencein Glasgowthefollowingweek.

Thepaediatricvirtual ward is bringing benefits to patients and cliniciansalike–freeinguphospitalbedsandallowingpatientstobe caredforinthecomfortoftheirown homes

Docobo,theremotemonitoring andvirtualwardexperts,havebeen supportingtheTrust’svirtualward programme–ensuringthattheremotemonitoringsystem,monitors anddeviceswereconfiguredforuse in paediatrics–withuserguides createdfor parentsand question

packagesaimedatthedifferentage brackets

AdrianFlowerday,MDofDocobo,toldus: “Weare delightedto supportthis extremelysuccessful virtualwardprogramme–whichis essentiallyacontinuumofcareand acontinuumofmonitoring.”

UK’sfirstasnutrition virtualwardlaunched

In May, theTrust launched theUK’s first ComplexNutrition Virtual Ward programme basedatRussellsHall Hospital.

Thevirtualwardprogrammeis designedtosupporttheearlierdischargeofpatients.

In this case,itsupports those withknownnutritionaldifficulties,

includingpatientswithintestinal failureoranyexternaldevicessuch asfeedingtubesorbags.

Patientswho would otherwise be treatedinhospitalare able to betreatedintheirhomes,enabling earliersupporteddischargeandreducedadmissions,allwhilstmaintainingspecialistcare.

Earlyobjective data hassofar shownthat261beddayshavebeen savedsincethecreationoftheComplexNutritionVirtualWard.

Patientswho aresuitable for thevirtual ward programmewill gohomewithan‘easytotransport’ redcarry case,containingvarious equipment formonitoringtheir symptoms

Theyarealsogivenadigitaltabletthatallowsthemtorecordallobservationsefficientlyandsafely.

Resultsaremonitoreddailyby thenutrition nurses whorespond toalertsandalldataisuploadedto keepallmedicalrecordsuptodate.

Trustchief executiveDiane Wakesaid:“Wearethrilledtohave launchedanothersuccessfulvirtual wardpilotthatenablesourstaffto deliverexcellentpatientcaretoour patientsinthecomfortoftheirown homes.Thevirtualwardisafantasticwaytheteamaresupportingpatientsandtheirfamilies,anditalso demonstratesthisTrust’sdedication andcommitmenttoserviceinnovationandbuildingaworkforceforthe future.”

DrAmyPageandRuthHarris,paediatricvirtualwardsister,deliveredthepresentationattheconferenceinItaly

Astaffdevelopmentevent

ComplexNutritionstaff,LaurieRamsundar,LaurenByrne,IzzieGibsonandVivPrinceatthelaunchoftheNutritionVirtualWardprogrambasedatRussellsHallHospital

Ratingsrisefor maternityunit

In June,The Dudley GroupNHS Foundation Trustwas thrilled to receive an upgraded ratingof‘Good’fromthe Care QualityCommission (CQC)for theirmaternityservices.

FollowingtheinspectioninApril, anewreportwaspublishedshowing theoverallratingformaternity,as wellastheareasofsafeandwell-led, havemovedupto‘good’.

Diane Wake, chiefexecutive of TheDudleyGroupNHSFoundation Trust,said:“Wearedelightedthat theCareQuality Commission has ratedourmaternityserviceas‘Good’ followinganinspectioninApril.

“This achievement is down to thecommitmentanddetermination ofstafftoimprovecareforwomen, people usingthe serviceand their babies,andwearepleasedthatthe inspectors highlightedwidespread improvementinthequalityofcare provided.

“Ourstaffwillbepleasedtosee theyhavebeencommendedforhow they considerthe needsofwomen andpeopleusing theservice with protectedcharacteristics.”

Maternity serviceareas were describedascleanandhadsuitable furnishingswhich were well-maintained,whilestudentsandinternationalmidwivessaidtheyfeltsupportedbythestaffteam.Inspectors saidstafffollowedinfectioncontrol

principlesandcarriedoutdailysafetychecksofspecialistequipment TheCQCprogrammeaimstoprovideanup-to-dateviewofthequality ofhospitalmaternitycareacrossthe countryandabetterunderstanding ofwhatisworkingwelltosupport learningatalocalandnationallevel.

Ifyouareinterestedinfollowing acareerinmidwiferyornursing,visittheTrustwebsiteatwww.dgft.nhs. uk

Amessage from Sir DavidNicholson,chair, TheDudleyGroup NHS Foundation Trust.

In my 45-yearcareerinthe NHSIhavebeenanervousNHS graduate traineeenteringthe worldofworkforthefirsttime andIhavebeenthechiefexecutive of theNHS trying to implement changeonastrategiclevel.

Inbothofthesepositions,and inalloftherolesinbetween,Ican honestlysay that everyday has filledmewithgreatprideatbeing part of somethingmuchbigger thanmyself AstheNHSreachedits75th birthday,I am delightedtobe chairofThe Dudley Group NHS FoundationTrustandbeworking withfantasticcolleaguestowards safeguardingthenext75yearsof healthcare provision forDudley andthewiderBlackCountry.

Iamproud to saythatThe BlackCountryProviderCollaborativecontinuestoworkwithsenior leadershipcolleaguesattheIntegratedCareBoardtoexploreall optionsforfurthercollaboration andintegration to increase our abilitytoprovide better,faster andsafercare Inthepastfewmonths,Ihave attendedour Committed to ExcellenceAwards(page4and5)at whichweheardsomeincredibly

inspiringstories andsaw examplesofamazinginnovationfrom ourworkforce

IhavealsovisitedthePharmacyteam,Strokedepartmentand DudleyClinicalHub,allofwhich havebeensoimpressivewiththe worktheyareundertaking Iwasalsodelightedtospend timewiththeGreenTeamtalking abouttheimportanceofrecycling, cleanairandreducingthecarbon footprintofourclinicalproducts Anothermajor highlightfor me alsocamewhenourcharityteam managedtogetmeintoahoodie aheadofourcharityfunrun!

So,aswelookaheadtoanother challengingwinter,alloftheNHS birthdaycelebrationshavecaused metorememberfondlysomany memoriessincethatfirstdayin 1978.Thisissuchanexcitingtime tobepartofthisorganisationand Ilookforwardtomeetingmoreof ourstaff andwonderful Dudley communityoverthecomingyear.

Maternityunitstaffandmotherscelebratethe‘Good’ratingfromtheCQC Picture:Express&Star

Celebratingexcellenceatawardsnight

Clinical andnon-clinicalstaff were amongthe winnersataglittering awards night, whichcelebratedthe hard work anddedicationshown each yearwithin the Trust.

Hosted by BlackCountry icon, Olympic gold medalwinnerDame Denise Lewis, TheDudleyGroup NHSFoundationTrusthelditsannualawards,CommittedtoExcellence, at theGrand Station Hotel, Wolverhampton, on Friday 16th June ThankstoourTrustCharityandour sponsorsforhelpmakingtheevent happen

Amongstthewinnersweretwo membersofstaffwhohave105years ofcombinedserviceworkinginthe

NHSandwerebothlifetimeachievementawardwinners.

Elaine Tibbetts hasworkedin theNHSfor52yearsandisknown byhercolleaguesforbeingsomeone whocaresforandsupportsherpatientstirelessly.

Winningthenon-clinicallifetime achievement awardwas medical

secretaryNicolaBussey.Nicolahas alwaysbeenknownforher depthof knowledgeandhashelpedcountless medicalsecretariesovertheyears

Theevent also sawthe introductionofanewawardfor2023–theNHS75thBirthdayAward.The awardwasgiventotheTrust’sover 400internationalnurses

LifetimeAchievementAward(Non-clinical):NicolaBussey

LifetimeAchievementAward(Clinical):ElaineTibbetts

SteveFordVolunteeroftheYearAward: PaigeRowley

ChiefNurseAward:KatiePhilpott

ChiefOperatingOfficerAward:Joe Martins

ChiefPeopleOfficerAward:Becky Cooke

Chairman’sAward:LisaBingham

HIGHLYRATEDANDINDEPDENT COMPLETEDOGANDCATFOOD

‘FEEDRAWANDSEETHEDIFFERENCE’ HIGHQUALITYRAWFOOD ANDTREATS

LARGELOOSETREATDELI FILLEDTOTHEBRIMWITH NATURALTREATS

COOLINGMATS,COATS&BANDANAS

LARGEDOGICED

Trustaimstoaddressinequalities

AtTheDudleyGroup,wewantto ensure allcolleagues, patientsand visitorsarerespectedandincludedin decisionsthataffectthem.

Ourstaffmustfeelsafeandconfidenttobethemselvesatworkand developtheirskillsaspartofagreat team.Embracingourdiversecultures andinspiringcollaborationiscritical tothesuccessoftheTrust.Thecareof ourpatientsisstrengthenedthrough thediversity of thought, approach andculturedeliveredbystafffrom richanddifferentbackgrounds.EmbeddinganenvironmentofEquality andInclusionisapivotalpillarofthe DudleyPeoplePlan.

Oneofthestrategicaimsistobea brilliantplacetoworkandthrive.To achievethis,weknoweveryoneneeds to feel welcomeand accepted.We havebeenworkingonrobustaction plans.Asaresult,wehaveseenimprovementsandmanyachievements, someofwhicharelistedbelow:

n Reviewedand increasedthe Equality,Diversity andInclusion

(EDI)SteeringGroupmembership.

n Recruitedaheadofequality,diversity,inclusionandwellbeing

n Continued to implement and monitorthe NHS WorkforceRace EqualityStandard(WRES)andNHS WorkforceDisabilityEqualityStandard(WDES)andGenderPayGap

n Implementedtherevised2022 EqualityDeliverySystem(EDS).

n UpdatedtheEqualOpportunity andDiversity Policy anddeveloped SupportiveGuidelineswhichsupport allcolleaguesininclusivepractice.

n UndertakenCareerConversationswithwomenfromareaswhere wehaveaGenderPayGapandethnicallydiversenursestoimprovecareerprogression

n Achieved agoldlevel award from theEmployers Networkfor EqualityandInclusion(ENEI)inour TalentInclusionandDiversityevaluation(TIDE)

n DevelopingourAnti-DiscriminationCampaign–totackleallforms ofdiscrimination

Networksgo fromstrength tostrength

TheEqualitiesand WellbeingTeamhas grownover thepast12months.

PaulSingh,theheadofequality,diversity,inclusionandwellbeing,hasrecentlyjoinedus.TheTrusthasfourstaff networks;thenetworkshavefocused ongrowingtheirmembership

Disability&Long-term ConditionsStaffNetwork

Thenetworkhasco-producedsupportivedisabilityguidanceformanagersandstaff,includingareasonableadjustmentpassport.In2022,thenetwork wasinstrumentalintheTrusthaving thehighest-evernumberofstaffwith adisabilitycompletethestaffsurvey, 24%.TheTrustwasawardedthe2022 Disability Innovationfundfromthe NationalWorkforceDisabilityEquality Standard(WDES).Asaresult,aproject toimprovedisabilitydeclarationrates called‘ThisisWhoIAm’waslaunched. Thenetworkwasinstrumentalinthe projectand,sofar,wehaveseentherate risefrom3.6%to5.2%,withthework beingnationallyrecognisedatthe2022 DisabilitySummit.

EmbRACEStaffNetwork

TheNetwork membershavebeen pivotalindriving improvements in learninganddevelopmentcontentand opportunities, policy,guidancedevelopment,andraisingawarenessoflived experiencetosupporttheTrustandopportunitiesforcolleagues

Theyhavealsobeeninstrumental insimplifyinglanguageandterminologyacrosstheTrustinresponsetomembers andnational guidance. We saw staffsurveyparticipationratesforethnicallydiversestaffdoubledlastyear LGBTQ+StaffNetwork

Thenetwork’smainpriorityisto

MembersoftheLGBTQ+StaffNetwork createasafespaceforLGBTQ+members to talk aboutissuesthataffect them,signpostingandofferingsupport Thenetworkmembershavesupported shapingpolicyandguidancefortheorganisationandraisingawareness

Thenetwork supportedthe planningofBirminghamPridein2023and isworkingtowardsobtainingaRainbowAccreditationII.Theaccreditation isanassessmentmodelallowingusto demonstrate ourcommitment to reducingbarrierstohealthcareforLGBT+ people

Women’sStaffNetwork

TheWomen’s StaffNetworkhas supportedtheTrusttoimproveitsgenderpaygap,andisalreadyseeingan improvement.Thenetworkplayedan instrumentalrole,gatheringlivedexperiencefrommemberstorecommend meaningfulactiontodecreasethepay gap.

Thenetworkalsoplays an active role in recommendingactionstoimproveflexibleworkingacrosstheTrust, hostingand participatingina menopauseworking group,again recommendingactionstotheTrust,andsupportingtheworkforce

Marking75yearsoftheNHS

n 1948:CorbettHospitalpreliminary trainingschoolislaunched,with accommodationfor12pupils

n 1956:LocalGPsenlistedtohelp staffcasualtyatGuestandCorbett Hospitals

n 1969:Newnursetrainingschool completedattheGuestHospital

n 1978:FirstA&Econsultant appointedintheWestMidlands

DrTerryPinfold

n 1984:NewRussellsHallHospital openedbyPrincessAnne

n 1988:WordsleyMaternityUnit openedbytheDuchessofGloucester

n 1994:TheDudleyGroupofHospitals isformedtomanageacuteservicesin

DudleyandStourbridge

n 2005:GuestandCorbettHospital

outpatientcentresareopened

n 2006:HRHthePrincessRoyalopens thenewstate-of-the-artRussellsHall Hospitaltwodecadesafteropeningthe originalhospital

n 2006:TonyBlairopensthenew

DexaScreeningandOsteoporosis serviceattheCorbettHospital

n 2008:TheDudleyGroupof HospitalsbecomesanNHSFoundation

Trust

n 2011:500newstafffromAdult CommunityServicesjoinTheDudley

Groupmarkingthebeginningof communitynursingattheTrust

n 2013:RussellsHallHospital becomesthespecialistcentrefor vascularsurgery

n 2018:£26millionEmergency TreatmentCentrecompletedat RussellsHallHospital

n 2020:New£35millionImaging

SuitebuiltatGuestOutpatientCentre

n 2021:New£3millionRainbowUnit opensitsdoors

Caringforcommunitysince1948

Since 1948, the NHS has always evolved and adapted to meet the needs of each successivegeneration

From Britain’s first kidney transplantin1960toEurope’sfirst livertransplantin1968

FromthefirstCTscanonapatient in 1971, revolutionising the waydoctorsexaminethebody,to theworld’sfirstIVFtest-tubebaby bornin1978(referredtointhemediaatthetimeas‘test-tube’baby)

Large-scale vaccination programmesprotectedchildrenfrom whoopingcough,measlesandtuberculosis,andin1999themeningitisCvaccinewasofferednationallyinaworldfirst

The NHS has delivered huge medical advances, including the

world’sfirstliver,heartandlung transplant in 1987, pioneering new treatments, such as bionic eyesand,inmorerecenttimes,the world’s firstrapid whole genome sequencingserviceforseriouslyill

babiesandchildren

InmorerecenttimestheNHS has been on the frontline of the COVID-19pandemicandweknow this significantly impacted so manypeopleinDudley

soourcareplansareregularlyassessedtoensurethey arestillmeetingyourneeds.Ourcareplanscanbe alteredtoreachyourfullpotentialof independence.

ThefirstmobilecardiacunitinthecountrywasbasedatBurtonRoadHospital

TheDudleyGroupofHospitals becomesanNHSFoundationTrust

The£3millionRainbowUnitopeneditsdoorsin2021

TonyBlairopensthenewDexaScreeningandOsteoporosisservice

Celebratingallofournursesandmidwives

Indi said: “I have been a midwifefor17yearsandwould recommend a career as a midwifebecauseitopensuplotsof opportunities and Dudley is a fantasticplacetowork”

Nurses and midwives have played such an important role in the NHS going back to 1948 andinMaywewereabletocelebrate both of these essential staffgroups

ForInternationalDayoftheMidwife,wecelebratedallofourDudley midwivesandthestaffwhosupport themintheirroles

Incredibly,theNHSsupportsthe

birthof1,600babieseverydayin theUKandmidwivesandotherNHS staffworktirelesslytocareforwomenandbabies

Thatworksoutatroughlyone birthevery54seconds

Oneofourincrediblemidwives

Sarahtoldus:“ThethingIlovemost aboutbeingamidwifeissupporting familiesandbeingpartofawonderfulteam”

In1948,ondayoneoftheNHS,

there were approximately 125,000 nurses, today this figure is over 700,000and12thMaysawtheannualNursesandMidwivesDaycelebrationwheremembersofthepublic andstaffcametogethertochampion ournursingcolleagues

Ifyouhavebeenanurseormidwifeatsomepointoverthelast75 yearsandhavepicturesofyouand yourcolleaguespleasesendthemto dgftcommunications@nhsnet

Nicola: “Being a lead nurse means I can lead by example No matter how difficult our job gets,weallhavethesamegoal–togivethebestcarewecanand keepourpatientssafe”

Getinvolvedinour NHS75celebrations

NHSTimelines

We have created some wonderful timelines commemorating the key moments in the history of the NHS and the significant moments here in Dudley

These feature some incrediblememories,photosofstaffand SpandauBalletleadsingerMartin Kempevenmakesanappearance from when he opened our CT ScanningSuitein2006!

Our chief executive Diane Wake grabbed a quick picture with the timelines before they wereplacedonthewallnearmain receptioninRussellsHallHospital Thesewillalsobeerectedat ourCorbettandGuestOutpatient Centreslaterintheyearsoifyou arepassingoneofoursitesplease grabaphotoandtagusonsocial media

TimeCapsule

We have an opportunity for you to contribute to something amazingandleavealegacyforour futuregenerations

Attheendof2023wearegoingtoburyaDudleyGroupNHS timecapsuleonourRussellsHall

Hospitalsitetobeopenedin75 years’time

Weknowthatnotmanyofus willbearoundin2098,butyour childrenandgrandchildrenmay stillbewithusandmightevenbe therewhenthecapsuleisopened

If you have anything connectedtotheNHSthatisquite small in size including, photographsfromyourtimeintheNHS as staff or a patient, badges or newspapercuttings,pleaseemail dgftcommunications@nhsnet andwewillbeintouch

Keepingitinthefamily

Throughout2023wearecreatingandsharingseveralstories of family members who have worked together in the Trust Thesehavebeenreallylovelyso farandallowedpeopletoshare somegreatexperiences

If you are retired from the NHS or previously worked with a family member here in the Trust, we want to hear from you If you email us on dgftcommunications@nhsnet wewouldlovetotalktoyouabout yourexperiences

SocialMedia

We would also love to hear from you about your positive experiencesoftheNHSoverthe last75years Thestaffwhohave looked after you, the times you havereallyneededhelporyour ownexperiencesfromworkingin theNHS

Please tell your story, share yourphotosorsenduscomments via our Twitter and Facebook channels on @DudleyGroupNHS andwewillsharethemwidely

Grabaselfie

Overthecomingmonthswe will also be producing a large scaleNHS75thatwillbeplacedin thereceptionareasofourTrust sites

Thiswillbeaperfectopportunity for you to gather with friends, family or passers-by to getaselfiepictureandshareyour supportviasocialmediaorsend toyourlovedones

IfyouseethegiantNHS75just headoverandtaketimetoreflect onallofthewonderfulwaysthat theNHShasbenefittedeachofus sinceitsinception

Specialevent recognisesthe workofadmin staffatTrust

Celebrating75years withcakeandcuppa

InApril,wecelebratedAdministrative Professional Day wherewerecognisedthe fantasticworkallofouradminstaff dohereintheTrust

Thereareadminrolesfound inallareas,disciplinesanddepartments,whichallplayavital partintheexcellentpatientcare weprovidetoourcommunity

We spoketoone of our veryownadminprofessionals, DonnaMcLucas,whoworksas aresourcingassistantinthe recruitment team here at the Trust.

n What is your position andwhatare some of theactivities youdowithinyour role?

Icurrently workasa resourcing assistantwithin the recruitmentdepartment

Whatdoyouenjoyabout role?

isisaveryexcitingrole mlearningnewtasksevery getsverybusy,butIenjoy ingunderpressureandto lines eteamIworkalongside mazing.Theyare always orhelpandsupport.It’sa retocometoworkevery lsoenjoymeetingcandisfacetofaceandhelping anyqueriesandconcerns mayhavebeforestarting ewrolewithintheTrust

To celebrate75years of theNHS we took part in somethingwhich has beena staple of NHSlife since1948– acakeand a cuppa!

TheNHS Big Teaisanannual fundraisingand awarenesscampaignwiththeaimofcelebratingthe NHSbirthdayandrecognisingthevitalworkofNHScharitiesinsupportingourhealthservice.

TheDudleyGroup NHS CharityencouragedTruststaff,localcommunitiesandbusinessestoorganise ateapartyandfundraiseforthe charitybysharingapotofteaorcof-

feewithcolleaguesatwork,raisinga cuppaofthenation’sfavouritebrew ataplaceofworshiporsportsclub, takingaflaskoutsidewithfriends andfamily,poppingthekettleonat home or rallying thewhole street withabrew,biscuitsandbunting!

Ourcriticalcareteamheldtheir ownteapartyandraisedover£300 fortheirdepartment

OurcharityheldaseriesofcharitystandsatallofourTrustsitesfrom the4thto6thJulyandweprovided staffmemberswhowerearoundon thosedayswithacupofteaorcoffee,acakeandanNHS75badgeasa ‘thankyou’forbeingpartoftheNHS onits75thbirthday.

Thecharityraisedanincredible

£2,500andcountingoverthe oftheweek!

Ifyouwouldliketosh supportandraisemoneyforyourlocalNHScharity,whynotgetinvolved withourNHS75celebrations?

Youcould:

n Hostabakesaleatwork

n Holdacoffeemorningortea partyforfriendsandfamily

n Holdateapartyorcakestall duringyourschoolbreaktime

n Take5,donate£5,andnominate5peopletotakeabreaktoo

Formoreinformation,pleasevisit:Upcomingeventsandcampaigns onTheDudleyGroupNHSFoundationTrustwebsite(dgft.nhs.uk)

Whyareadminrolesso rtantintheTrust? eimportanceofadmin upportstaffintheTrust beoverlooked ch professionalsprovide le clerical andadministrativeservices,allowingwork processestooperateseamlessly andfordecisionmakerstofocus on value-adding tasksand responsibilities

Officeadministrators and executiveassistants arethe peoplewhokeeptheoffice,and company,operational Everyoneinanofficeand theorganisationusuallyrelies on an admininsomeway or another,whichmakestheman essentialrole.Adminsaregreat problemsolvers!

AdminprofessionalDonnaMcLucas

BrierleyHillHealthandSocialCareCentre

LauraandBeckyenjoyingacuppa

AneventatRussellsHallHospital

TheCriticalCareTeamheldateaparty andraisedover£300forthedepartment

GuestOutpatientCentre

StourbridgeHealth&SocialCareCentre

Electionresults: June2023

We welcome back Jill Faulkner as staffgovernor for ournon-clinicalconstituency

ThisisJill’ssecondtermwith thecouncil.Sheiscommittedto offering herenthusiasm to the governorrolewhilstembracing theTrust’svisionandvalues.

Wewouldalsoliketowarmly welcomenewlyelectedgovernor JoanneWilliams–publicgovernorforourHalesowenconstituency Sheiskeentorepresentand serveher local community by workingwithfellowprofessionalstoensurethatfuturehealthcareprovisionmeetstheneeds ofthepresentandfuturepopulationbyprovidingthehighest standardofcare

Anexcitingandvaried yearasleadgovernor

MessagefromAlexGiles,public electedgovernor: Stourbridge andleadgovernor, TheDudley GroupCouncilofGovernors.

Iwaselectedpublicgovernorfor theStourbridgeconstituencyinDecember2021andbecamethelead governor in September 2022.The pastyearhasbeenanexcitingjourneyasaleadgovernor

Therole of lead governor has providedmewitha phenomenal learning experience,includingallowing me to sitonthe interview panelfor therecentrecruitment ofournon-executivedirectorsand deputychair.

OurCouncilofGovernorsrepresentstheinterestsofmemberswithinthelocalcommunity.Themajority ofgovernorsareelectedbythemembers of local people,patientsand staffmembers.

Agovernor’skeyroleisstrategy, oversightandaccountabilitytorepresentthepublicandholdnon-executivedirectorstoaccountforthe runningoftheTrust.TheTrusthelps thegovernorscarryouttheirduties byprovidingdevelopmentandtrainingsessionsthroughouttheyear.I particularlyenjoyedthefinanceand auditandfreedomtospeakuptrainingsessions.

Savethedate

BoardofDirectors:

14thSeptember

9thNovember

CouncilofGovernors:

5thOctober

7thDecember

AnnualMembersMeeting:

21stSeptember

Thereisanoptionforgovernorsandmembersofthepublic to submit anyquestionsthey mayhavetotheBoardofDirectorsorCouncilofGovernorsfor consideration

Questionsshouldbe kept briefandtothepointandsentto thefollowingemailaddressdgft. foundationmembers@nhs.net

Wealsocarriedoutmembership andengagementtrainingandsetup ataskandfinishgrouptoreviewand updatetheGovernorandMembershipEngagementPlanfor2023–25

Thetaskandfinishgroupmetsever-

LeadgovernorAlexGilesattendstheCommittedtoExcellenceawardsceremony

altimesinthelastfewmonthsand hasfinalisedtheGovernorEngagementActionPlanforthecomingyear.

Thegovernorshaveactively participatedintheTrust-ledQuality andSafetyReviewsandjoinedthe PatientExperienceteamonthe‘Talk toUsTrolley’.Theseexperiencesallowthegovernorstogainfirst-hand feedbackfromourpatientstohelp provideabetterpatientexperience

DuringtherecentCouncilofGovernorsmeetings,wewelcomedclin-

icalstafftothemeetingtodiscuss theirroleandtheirwork.Thisgave thegovernorsinsightintotheirdaily workandchallenges.Thegovernors particularly enjoyedseeingthe enthusiasmandlovefortheirpatients andchosenprofession.The governorsalsoenjoyedbeingapartofthe Committed to Excellence Awards, whichshowcased andcommended thestaffmembersfortheirexcellent work.

TheTrust’sGreenPlanwasre-

cently presented to thegovernors by NinetteHarris, sustainability lead.Theywereeagertolearnabout theinitiativestakenbytheTrustto achievethe NHS NetZeroCarbon Footprintby2040andshowedkeen interest in understanding howthe TrustGreenPlanwillimpactthelocalareainDudleyandvolunteered topromotethedifferentinitiatives individualscan take in theirdaily livestohelpwiththeNetZeroCarbonFootprint

MynameisMaryTurner,andI am an appointedgovernor representingDudleyCouncil forVoluntaryService(DudleyCVS)

Iwasappointedagovernorin March2017;thisismythirdtermas governorforTheDudleyGroupNHS FoundationTrust

Ihavelived,worked, volunteeredandraisedfourchildrenin theDudleyBorough,soIhavesome knowledgeand understandingof theneedsandviewsofthepeople andtheircommunities Myworkinglifestartedinnurs-

ing, butmostofmyprofessional careerhasbeeninsocialworkand communitydevelopment.

Iworkedformanyyearsfora leadingchildren’scharity,managing servicesforchildrenandtheirfamilies.

AlthoughIamnowofficiallyretired,Istillworkintheboroughin avoluntary capacity,mainlywith Home-StartDudley(anorganisation supportingfamilieswithyoungchildren),aswellasbeingaschoolgovernorandworkingwithintheCVS Iampassionateandcommitted

totryingtomakearealdifference. Iamparticularlyinterestedininnovationinthedeliveryofintegrated health andsocialcare, improving access to services, andenhancing patientexperience Iwillbethereasavoiceandbe availabletobecontactedregarding anydifficulties encountered, and happytooffermyadviceandhelp wherepossible.

n Pleasevisitourwebsitetofind moreinformationaboutourCouncil ofGovernors.

Revealingadayinthelifeofagovernor

MaryTurner

JillFaulkner

JoanneWilliams

Publicgovernor–AlanRowbottomat RussellsHallHospitalmainreception

Staffgovernor–ClareInglisshadowing ouramazingvolunteers

Appointedgovernor–MaryTurnerspendingtimegettingtoknowthevolunteers duringVolunteersWeek

Publicgovernor–SandraHarrisatRussellsHallmainreceptionparticipatinginthe NHS75celebrationwithTheBusketeers

MidwifeHollymeets royalsatNHSBigTea

Dudley’s very ownspecialist midwife,HollyHaden,hasbeenhonouredbyTheir RoyalHighnesses ThePrinceand Princess of Wales ataveryspecialNHSBigTeaparty, markingthe75thanniversaryofthe NHS!

Hollyisabereavementspecialist midwifeandcaresforfamilieswho losetheirbabyduringpregnancyor shortlyafterbirth.ShewasnominatedbyTheDudleyGroupNHSCharity forherincredibleworkinthehealth service, includingpromoting the charity’sbabybereavementcam-

paign,whichraisedover£100,000 tocreateadedicatedbabybereavementsuiteatRussellsHallHospital inDudley.

HostedbyNHSCharitiesTogether–thenationalcharitycaringfor theNHS,ofwhichTheirRoyalHighnessesarePatrons–andtelevision presenter MelGiedroyc,the event wasattendedbymembersofthe workforceandpatientsrepresenting amyriadachievementsoftheNHS andNHScharitiesoverthelast75 years.

Skinserviceislaunched

Patients will receive treatmentfor skin problems quickerthanksto thelaunchofanew service across theBlack Country.

Thenew service, whichisone ofthelargestTeledermatologyprojectsintheNHS,hasbeenlaunched andaimstotriagepatientswithin24 hours,excludingweekends.

Runbycliniciansacrossthe BlackCountry ProviderCollaborative (BCPC) –which consists of TheDudleyGroupNHSFoundation Trust,The RoyalWolverhampton NHS Trust (RWT), Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust andSandwelland West Birmingham HospitalsNHS Trust –the newTeledermatology serviceallowspatientstobooka consultation throughtheir GP and

receivefeedbackfromspecialists

TheirGPwilltakeimagesofskin conditionsusing dermatoscopes attachedtoasmartphoneortablet, whichwillbesenttotheDermatologydepartmentattheirchosenhospital.Adermatologistthenreviews andrespondstotheGP,within24 hours,providingguidanceonhowto careforthepatientandwhetherfurtherinvestigationorhospitalcareis needed

Morethan250GPpracticeshave signed upforthe scheme –covering1.5 million people across Walsall,Wolverhampton,Dudleyand Sandwell.

By launchingTeledermatology services, clinicians hopetoreduce unnecessaryhospitalappointments andspeed up access to diagnosis andtreatments,includingtwo-week waitskincancerreferrals.

Traineesgive Trusttopmarks

We arenow ranked as the best Trust in thecountry for overallsatisfaction amongst ourInternalMedicineTraining (IMT)trainees

TheGeneral Medical Council(GMC) Survey results2023 showthattheDudleyGroupis thehighest-rankedprogramme in thewhole countryfor IMT training,andwealsorankhighlyforFY1andothertrainingprogrammes.

Inourmedicaldivision,we havebeenworkinghardatimprovingthe experience of our postgraduate doctorsintraining,fromimprovingteamwork andsupport,anewmedicalrota designed to improve work-life balance, improvedmess facilitiesand individual wellbeing support.

Wehaveacommittedteam of consultantswho trainand supportdoctors in training, helping them to complete projectsthathavebeenpresentedat conferences,andachievesuccess in examsand progress to the nextstageintheircareers.

n Congratulationstothedeterioratingpatientteamforbeingshortlistedintwocategories intheHealthServiceJournalPatientSafetyAwards!Theteamis shortlistedintheDeteriorating PatientandRapidResponseInitiativeoftheYearcategoryand alsointheSafetyImprovement throughTechnologycategory

JamesHalpernandAaronWernhamlaunchthenewTeledermatologyservice

TheNHSBigTeapartywashostedbyNHSCharitiesTogetherandtelevisionpresenterMelGiedroycandwasattendedbymembersoftheNHSworkforceandpatients

ThePrinceandPrincessofWaleswerespecialguestsattheevent

Superherofundraiserslimberup

It hasbeenabusyfew months forthe team behind theDudley GroupNHSCharity

VolunteeringFutures Fund(VFF)

TheDudleyGroupNHSCharity receivedagrantof£97,047fromNHS CharitiesTogetherandDepartment forDigital,Culture,Media,andSport (DCMS)aspartoftheirVolunteering FuturesFund(VFF)

We used thefunding from the VFFtoexpandourexistingstudent volunteeringprogrammebytraining tenofourexistingTrustvolunteers asmentorsandbestpracticeassessors.

Theseindividualshavegoneonto helpover200newyoungvolunteers whohadpreviouslyfoundithardto getintovolunteeringbytakingona rangeofrolesthatsupportdifferent serviceswithintheTrust,including theemergencydepartment,patient experienceandadministration

Talkingabouttheirexperiences andwhattheyhopetogainfromthe programme,youthvolunteersHirah, EllisandCharliesaid:“Iwantedto getsome volunteering experience asIwanttoapplytostudymedicine atuniversityandthissortofexperiencewillreallyhelpme

“I’mhopingtogainlotsofhospitalexperiencetogotowardmyfuturecareerasIwanttogointomentalhealthnursing

“AsafuturecareerIwanttogo into nursing, so volunteeringina

hospitalandseeingpeopleworking onthewardshashelpedmeunderstandhowpeopledotheirjobs.”

NoBarriersHere

(Forpeopleexcludedbyidentity, culture,ethnicity,andrace)

DudleyGroupNHSCharity&The DudleyGroupNHSFoundationTrust workedinpartnership with Mary StevensHospiceonaprojectcalled NoBarriersHere.Theprojectwas fundedbyNHS CharitiesTogether throughtheCommunityPartnership Grants on behalf of BlackCountry &WestBirminghamSustainability

andTransformation Partnership whichwasledbySandwellandWest BirminghamNHSTrustcharity

Theprojectwasatwo-yearcommunity-basedresearchstudytoimproveaccesstopalliativeandend-oflifecareandequitableadvancedcare planning opportunitiesfor people whomaybeexcludedduetoidentity,culture,ethnicityorracebyusing arts-basedworkshops.

InMarch,areportwasproduced whichsharesthestoriesandlived experienceofpeoplewhoareoften outsideofthemarginsofpalliative care systems. It acknowledges the

racism,discrimination,directandindirectbiasandunderrepresentation thatpeoplefromminoritisedethnic communitiesexperiencewhentryingtonavigateoraccess complex caresystems.TheTrustandhospice arenowworkingtogetherontherecommendationsforpracticeandhow thesecanbeusedatanindividual, place-based,andsystem-widelevel acrossDudley

VirtualLondonMarathon

Onthe23rdApril,teamBreast FootForward,agroupof10ladies, tookpartintheLondonVirtualMar-

athonbywalking26milesaround thecanalsoftheWestMidlandsto raisemoneyfortheBreastCancerSt Agatha’sCharitableFund,partofthe DudleyGroupNHSCharity.

Theladieschoosetotakeonthis challengefortheirfriendKirstywho iscurrentlyreceivingtreatmentfor breast cancer forthe second time within ourTrust.The ladies said: “Sheisaninspirationtousallwith herfight anddetermination and positiveoutlook.”Kirstywantsthe donationstosupportlocalmenand womenwhoaregoingthroughsimilarprognosisandtreatment

FundraisingeventsheldoverthepastfewmonthsincludeasuccessfulSuperherocharity5kfunrunandfamilyfundayheldatHimleyHallinearlyJune

tohelpboostTrustCharity’stotal

Theyhaveraisedaphenomenal £5,200betweenthem!

Charityfunrun

Localsuperheroescametogether toraisemoneyfortheirDudleyNHS charityat5Kfunrun!

TheDudleyGroup NHS Charity would like to thankeveryonewho supportedasuccessful Superhero FunRunandFamilyFunDayevent onSunday11thJuneatHimleyHall Park.Despite theextremely warm weather,therewereover200people attendingtheday,90ofwhichtook partinthefunrunitself!

Throughouttheeventtherewas also afamily funday, filledwith children’sactivities,afunfair,stalls andrefreshmentsavailable forall involved.Wemanagedtoraiseover £5,000andstillcountingforourchildren’sappealfromallthosewhotook partinthefunrunandthosewho also raised sponsorship, donations fromthestallholdersandaverysuccessfulraffleontheday!

Diane Wake,chief executiveof TheDudleyGroupandtrusteeofthe Trust’scharity,tookpartintherun andsaid:“Itwasgreatfuntobeapart ofourSuperheroFunRunandwon-

derfultoseesomanypeopleturnup tohelpraisevitalfundsforourTrust charity.

“Theworkthecharitysupportsis incrediblyimportantforourpatients andtheirexperienceofourservices andourstaffwellbeing.Theproceeds fromthiseventwillbeforourchildren’sdepartmenttocontinuesupportingandprovidingthebestcare toouryoungpatientswhilsttheyare inhospital.”

Withtheracekickingoffat11am, DudleyPort-basedPureGymstarted thedaywithawarm-upsessionfor everyonetakingpart.Withthesun

shiningandsomewordsofencouragement from theTrust’s charity team andchief executive, therace began,withplentyofspectatorson handtocheereveryoneon

IanChadwell, whotookpart intherunforthesecondtimeand works in theTrust headquarters, said:“Oneofthebestthingsabout workingintheNHSisbeingpartof somethingbigger.Ithasbeengreat toseecolleaguesfromallpartsofthe hospitaltakingpart,havingfunand raisingfundstomakelifethatlittle bitbetterforourpatients.

“Whilstit’scertainlybeenavery

hotday,it’safantasticeventtorunin andhavingtheshadeofabigtree,a bottleofwaterandourmedalwaitingforusattheendwasabrilliant moment!”

HSBC UK WolverhamptonMarketand Inlife Designssponsored theeventandmembersfromDudley KingswinfordRunningClubsupported with therunning routeand as marshals

Well-known local busker Billy SpakemonprovidedmusicalmotivationfortherunnersalongsideBlack CountryRadioanditshostsPauland Christine.

MembersofTruststaffattendedthe‘Springintoanewcareer’eventatRussellsHallHospital,tochattosomeoftheover300peoplewhoattendedtodiscoverthecareeropportunitiesavailableattheaward-winningTrust

SpringintoanewcareeratTrust

TheDudleyGroup NHS Foundation Trusthave hailed itsspringrecruitment eventasagreat success!

The‘Spring into anew career ’ event washostedatRussellsHall Hospital,andsawover300people attendtodiscovercareeropportunitiesavailableattheaward-winning Trust, with numerousclinical and non-clinicalteamsavailableforprospectivestafftospeaktodirectly.

Teamsofstafffromacrossthe Trustcametogethertoshowcaseto prospective stafftheir owndisciplines anddepartments, including Imaging,Therapies,Pharmacy,Dietetics,Community,Payroll,HR,Pae-

diatrics,Maternity,AHPs, Apprenticeships,ProfessionalDevelopment andmanymore.

Guestswereabletodiscoverthe varietyofcareerpathstheNHShas to offerbothina hospital setting andoutinthecommunityduringthe event

Whilstnointerviewstookplace on theday,the Trust hadover50 different rolesavailable forguests toapplyforontheday.Sofarthis hastranslatedintoover40offers, 21ofwhichhavealreadystartedin theirposts–afantasticresultforthe Trust!

Recruitment manager Philippa Allcocksaid:“Itwasfantastictowelcomesomanypeopletoourspring event,andevenbettertohavemore

JOINUS!

departmentsavailableforgueststo speakto.

“HereatDudley, ourtalent is findingyours. We’reseeingrecord numbersofinterestforvacanciesat ourTrustandahugereasonforthat

isdowntoDudleybeingatrulybrilliantplacetowork.”

Diane Wake,chief executiveat TheDudleyGroupNHSFoundation Trust,said:“It’sfantastictobeable to welcomeprospective newstaff throughourdoorstodiscoverwhat professionalopportunitieswehave toofferthemhereatDudley.

“Ourworkforceisaphenomenal teamandit’ssomethingspecialtobe apartoftheDudleyfamily.”

Thehighlevel of interest that continuestobeshownfortheTrust’s recruitment eventshas already promptedtheTrusttolookaheadto summer,withtheirnextrecruitment daylookingtotakeplaceduringSeptember2023

Staffhavebeenveryopenabout

theirpositiveexperiences working bothatthehospitalandinthecommunityatTheDudleyGroup

Key aspectssuchasincreased flexibility,trainingandprogression opportunities,focusonstaffwellbeingandthemotivationalteamworkingethosfoundacrossallareas,have beenhighlypraised.

JointheTrust

More information on thenext eventwillbesharedoverthecomingmonths,andforthosewantingto findoutmoreaboutrecruitmentand vacanciesatTheDudleyGroupright now,pleasevisittheTrustwebsite www.dgft.nhs.uk or contactdgft. recruitment@nhs.net

TheDudleyGroup NHSFoundationTrust

WORK WITH US Youcanseeallourlatestvacancies ontheNHSJobswebsite www.jobs.dudleygroup.nhs.uk/

BECOME AVOLUNTEER

We’realwaysonthelookoutforvolunteers Gotowww.dgft.nhs.uk/volunteering

BECOME

Signuponourwebsitetoday! www.dgft.nhs.uk/become-a-member

Ifyouwouldlikethisinformationinanalternative languageorformat,forexampleinlargeprintor easyread,pleasecalluson08000730510,email dfgt.pals@nhs.netorwriteto:PatientAdviceand LiaisonService,RussellsHallHospital,DY12HQ.