Feast@: West Atrium, Level 1, open daily 7am - 1am
Feast@ the Deli: West Atruim, Level 1, open Monday - Friday, 7am-3pm
Feast@ Café Bar: Out-patients East, open Monday - Friday, 7.30am - 4.30pm
Coffee House: Plaza (West), open MondayFriday, 7am - 6.30pm; Saturday, 9am - 4.30pm; Sunday, 9am - 3.30pm
Little Costa: Out-patients West, open Monday - Friday, 7am - 5.30pm
The Pod: Plaza East, open Monday - Friday, 7am - 8pm; Saturday, 9am - 6pm
Charity Café: Car park G outside the Emergency Department, 7.30am - 4pm weekdays
The Mardle Café at Cromer Hospital: 8am4pm Monday to Friday
Shopping
WRVS: East Atrium, open Monday – Friday, 8am - 8pm; weekends, 10am - 6pm
WH Smith, M&S Food: Plaza (West), open Monday – Friday, 7am - 7pm; Saturday, 9am5pm; Sunday, 9am - 4pm
The Stock Shop: West Atrium, Level 2, open Monday - Friday, 9am - 5.30pm; Saturday, 12pm - 4pm. We open 8am Thursdays.
Services
Lost property: Call 01603 286803 or ext 2803
Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS): For confidential help and advice call 01603 289036
Chapel: Open to all. For details of services or to contact the Chaplains call 01603 287470 Cromer Hospital, call 01603 646200 Hospital Radio Norwich: To request a song or a bedside visit, call 01603 454585 or from your Hospedia bedside unit dial *800
Contact us
The Pulse Editorial team: call 01603 289822 or ext. 5822, email Communications@nnuh.nhs.uk Design: Medical Illustration
The Pulse is funded entirely from charitable donations: N&N Hospitals Charity, registered charity number 1048170
Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital Colney Lane, Norwich, Norfolk, NR4 7UY Tel: 01603 286286; Website: nnuh.nhs.uk
Cromer and District Hospital, Mill Road, Cromer, NR27 0BQ Tel: 01263 513571
Letters and social media
@NNUH
Please note that all opening times are currently subject to change.
During my four-week stay on Ingham Ward I was looked after extremely well by all members of staff and members of the Neurosciences Speech and Language Therapy team. I would just like you to pass on my thanks for their skill, dedication and general good humour in the face of what is clearly difficult circumstances for them all. Their helpful, friendly attitude made my stay much easier to manage.
RG
Dear Blakeney Ward team, Thank you for the care, attention and patience you have given me and my family during our hospital stay, and for all you have done to expedite our discharge. We also extend our thanks to the Transitional Care team who supported the care of our baby while we were in hospital. Special thanks to the lovely assistants who daily took my obs with a smile - I apologise for the neverending manual blood pressure obs. See you around the hospital corridors and don’t be a stranger - keep smiling!
SE
I would like to say thanks to everyone who supported our charity and donated cakes and raffle prizes. Special thanks to Serco team and Linda, manager of restaurant and singing student. It was very hard work but enjoyable @NNUH @ NNHospCharity
“ “
Shahnaz Asghar, Public Governor and N&N Hospitals Charity Volunteer
Observations on a hospital
walk
Read a poem inspired by one staff member’s lunchtime walk around the hospital.
Walking to the beat of music playing in my ears, I’ve been doing this now for a couple of years.
Patients in beds being wheeled down corridors, they’re staring at the ceiling; what must they be feeling?
Now outside, patients and staff are scattered, Eyes down on their phone, right now nothing else mattered.
Turn a corner they’re sat against the wall in a row, dressed in greens and blues, it’s our OTs and physios.
Snapshots of colleagues on benches, their conversation sounds deep, eyes down I’m sad as one of them is about to weep.
Some laughter in the distance distracts from the sadness, it’s a hospital after all with organised chaos and madness.
Overhead the air ambulance has a reason to land, let’s hope the trauma team has everything in hand.
Visitor’s car park not a spare space in sight, I can read their mind “Do I turn left or do I turn right?”
Looking lost and confused clutching their appointment letter, I help and I guide to make them feel better.
A newborn cries, going home for the first time, meanwhile an unmarked ambulance means someone’s past their prime. Every stranger I see is a one chance meeting, yet still some surprise me with a smile or a greeting.
A strong sense of community, now there’s the thing, who knows what tomorrow’s walk will bring.
By Shelina Rajan, Clinical Nurse Specialist - Familial Hypercholesterolaemia
It won’t surprise you that the winter season dominates a huge part of our executive team’s time and is something we plan for throughout the year.
This will be my first full winter in Norfolk and it is going to take a bit of time for me to adjust to cold and icy conditions! Winter is traditionally the busiest time for the NHS with an increase in seasonal viruses and respiratory conditions and the subsequent impact that has on our Urgent and Emergency Care services and in-patient areas.
We are already seeing that pressure and we are working hard with our colleagues in primary care, community care, social care and the ambulance sector to shift care from the hospital sector to the community, which will make a big impact to help keep patients out of hospital.
Every day I see incredible examples of high-quality care and professionalism across our Trust, but I think we can all agree that we’d prefer to receive our care at home or as close to home as possible, which is why we are working with partners to expand and maximise the use of Virtual Wards and to create more community hubs.
This winter, you can also help us by using services wisely and only attending our Emergency Department if you have a life-threatening condition. If you are not sure where’s best to go for an injury or illness, NHS 111 can direct you to the right place – that could be your local pharmacy, GP surgery, walk-in centre, or minor injuries unit rather than coming to ED. You can find out more about NHS Norfolk and Waveney’s Warm and Well campaign in this Winter edition, which has been launched to help us all stay as well as possible during the cold months ahead.
This time of year is also an opportunity to reflect and I was delighted to attend my first Staff Awards event on 21 November. Every day I see the wonderful work of our staff and volunteers across the Trust to provide the best care for every patient and our annual awards gives us an opportunity to celebrate the achievements and colleagues who have given 25 or 40 years’ service, which makes our hospitals so special.
The number of nominations from colleagues and patients – more than 700 – shows how much the work of our staff and volunteers is valued and I want to thank all our nominated winners for their outstanding service and continued commitment to maintain excellent patient care.
Finally, if it is not too early to say, I’d like to wish all our staff, patients, carers, and visitors a happy and healthy Christmas and New Year no matter how you celebrate this period.
Prof Lesley Dwyer, NNUH Chief Executive
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Improving patient experience in maternity and neonatal services
Our Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership (MNVP) is a shining example of service-user engagement that is improving experience for patients and visitors.
The group’s role has evolved over recent years, and they have become an essential part of the maternity team, involved in the co-production of services. They listen to pregnant women and birthing people and work with our maternity team within the constraints that we have, to improve the experience for service users and staff. The group meets regularly to review feedback or action service developments. They’re also involved in audits and quality improvement projects.
Lead Jenny Whatling works alongside Catherine Rickman, Neonatal Lead, Victoria Kerslake, Community Engagement Lead, and several members of staff including Consultant Obstetrician Gemma Partridge and Stephanie Pease Director of Midwifery, and Lisa Mastrullo, Deputy Director of Midwifery.
Jenny said: “There are some national objectives that have come from reports and guidance, and then we also have some local priorities based on the service user feedback we receive.”
Midwife Laura Allen is also the Quality Improvement Lead and works closely with the MNVP. She said: “We seek out the voices of our women, birthing people, families and carers from all ethnicities, backgrounds, and communities within our local population. By doing this we’re able to make improvements that come from the heart of our service users. These can be changes such as always making refreshments available to service users and supporters, or big changes, such as the development of guidelines into the process for induction of labour.”
Listen to our Youth Forum podcast
Three members of our new youth forum are the latest guests on our podcast “Behind the Hospital Curtain”.
Millie, Millie and Quin joined Ian Savage and Kat Kitchener, the Forum’s facilitator and Children’s and Young Person’s Matron, to talk about why they’ve joined the forum and what they’re currently working on. They talk about how the forum gives young patients a platform to discuss issues, contribute ideas, and gain support from young people who’ve been through a similar experience to them.
For more information about all our podcast episodes, visit www.nnuh.nhs.uk/news-and-events/ podcast/
There is also a new team of volunteers who go out into the community and spend time with new parents to capture feedback at events such as Bounce and Rhyme and Stay and Play sessions.
Jenny added: “A really great example of our engagement work is our ‘footprint and feedback’ sessions where we take ink pads and paper and can create footprint memories for people to take away, whilst talking to them about their experiences here. We simply ask them what was good about their care and what do they think could be improved. We also use social media to run surveys and promote key services or events.”
Stephanie Pease, Director of Midwifery, said: “The co-production with our MNVP colleagues is extremely important to moving the NNUH maternity services forward and our links will continue to go from strength to strength.”
If you would like to get in touch with the MNVP contact them at: NorfolkNorwichMNVP@gmail.com
Take part in our membership survey
On behalf of the whole Trust, I’d like to thank all our staff, patients, carers, visitors and former staff who are members of our Foundation Trust.
As members, you play an important role by helping to elect our public Governors and having a say in shaping the future of our hospitals.
Members receive the NNUH Pulse magazine and invitations to events at the Trust throughout the year. We are keen to hear your feedback and we are inviting you to complete a short survey. We’d like to know what events and talks you’d be interested in attending in the future and your feedback for future articles and features in the Pulse magazine.
Chair Tom Spink
Take part in the short survey by scanning this QR code. We will also email this to our current members.
MNVP Lead Jenny Whatling with Midwife Laura Allen.
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Hospital Radio Norwich
While the world was enjoying the new phenomenon that was Abba with the release of “Waterloo” in 1974, singing along to “Shang-A-Lang” with the Rollers or “Don’t You Worry About a Thing” by Stevie Wonder, a group of dedicated volunteers in Norwich, was launching Hospital Radio for patients.
To this day, 50 incredible years later, three of the founder members along with other volunteers, are still visiting the wards, gathering song requests from patients and putting together a bespoke live broadcast show every weekday evening, bringing entertainment to our patients and a little bit of home.
Founding member Bob Proudfoot’s own first experience of music in a hospital, was at the age of five. He was wheeled into the operating theatre to have his tonsils removed, to the sound of “Teddy Bears’ Picnic” which the staff played on a wind-up gramophone. It sowed the seeds of his passion for music and its power to provide a welcome distraction and to help patients’ wellbeing.
Along with fellow founders Irenee Batch and Mike Sarre, the team’s commitment and enthusiasm has helped them to make it through a variety of challenges over the years, including changing premises, doing their own fundraising and training numerous volunteers to work with them as the popularity of their service for patients took off.
Serendipitously, Hospital Radio Norwich also brought Irenee and Bob together, and they married in 1978.
“The heart and soul of what we do is providing a patient visiting service, which also happens to broadcast,” said Irenee.
“We visit the wards every weekday, chat with patients and tell them about our service and talk about their favourite music, and you can see how this brings happiness and comfort. Not every patient has a visitor and people love chatting. I love speaking with patients – we all do – it’s the fundamental foundation of our service. To us, providing this service to patients is a privilege.”
“We have a huge digital and vinyl record collection,” said Bob, “and we can play just about anything that we’re asked for – it’s not often that we can’t find a song that a patient has requested!
“This Hospital Radio is my baby – I helped to set it up with the team and I’ve stayed with it as I see how important it is to our patients and it’s terrific to talk with them.”
In 2009, Hospital Radio Norwich’s service was recognised with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. Equivalent to an MBE, the Award (now the King’s Award for Voluntary Service) is the highest Award given to local voluntary groups in the UK, and they are awarded for life.
Mike Sarre, another founding member and also HRN’s Chair, is the team’s technical expert, and has kept the hospital radio’s studios, desks and recording equipment going for decades.
“We do all our own fundraising and this year we’re fortunate that the N&N Hospitals Charity has donated a new digital desk through which all the music and shows are played and scheduled.
“This is amazing, and we are very grateful to the Charity for supporting our service and ensuring we can broadcast for many years to come.”
James Baker has been volunteering at HRN for 10 years. “I find it very rewarding, and I hear direct from patients every week how much they value the service,” said James.
“The HRN team all feel the same – we want to give something back, and providing the Hospital Radio service for patients is a labour of love.”
Sally Dyson, Voluntary Services Manager said: “It’s absolutely unbelievable that this fantastic radio station has delivered 50 years’ service. They still have the founding members on the team and here they are 50 years later providing the same fantastic service.
“They are very skilled in radio broadcasting but they are primarily a patient visiting service. The service they offer to patients is incredible.”
HRN programmes are scheduled 24/7 and there is also live commentary from Carrow Road on home match days.
If you’d like to become an HRN volunteer, you can phone 01603 454585 or email studio@ hospitalradionorwich.co.uk
At NNUH’s Staff Awards in November the HRN team was presented with a Special Award to celebrate their 50th anniversary.
See page 6 and 7 for coverage of the Staff Awards event.
Irenee Batch, James Baker, Mike Sarre and Bob Proudfoot.
Celebrating outstanding achievements and long service
Our annual NNUH Staff Awards were celebrated at Carrow Road on Thursday 21 November 2024.
More than 300 staff and volunteers who work across our hospitals attended to recognise the individuals and teams who have consistently gone the extra mile to support patients, families and colleagues.
We also celebrated those who have given 25 years and 40 years’ service to our hospitals, pictured right.
“Hundreds of nominations for Staff Awards poured in this year from patients and colleagues who were inspired by their hard work and commitment,” said Tom Spink, Chair. “It was a privilege to be part of the event and humbling to hear the many stories about your amazing work.”
“I want to sincerely thank everyone who was nominated for their hard work and all the winners for their outstanding achievements – this is what makes our hospitals so special,” said Prof Lesley Dwyer, Chief Executive.
“It has truly been an amazing representation of all colleagues’ work at our hospitals. It’s wonderful that our Staff Awards give us the opportunity to recognise staff and volunteers who go above and beyond to help patients and colleagues, along with those who have given long service.
The event was supported by N&N Hospitals Charity who sponsored the Trainee of the Year Award and Team of the Year Awards.
Patient Choice Award winner: Gill Gray, Consultant on Mulbarton Ward
A patient with a rare cancer nominated Gill for her exemplary care, treatment and kindness.
The patient always felt that Gill cared for her holistically and remembered the important things going on in their home life as well as their care and treatment.
Patient Choice Team Award winner: Endometriosis team
The patient nomination for this team describes their outstanding teamwork, support, and exemplary care during treatment for endometriosis.
Their unwavering dedication, compassion, and guidance have made a profound difference in their patients’ lives.
Volunteer of the Year Award: Gerald Bradley
Gerald is one of many volunteers who provides transport for the patients on the Virtual Ward. Gerald really does go the extra mile to meet the needs of our patients and the ward. He is always friendly, kind and professional and takes his time to chat to our patients. When the volunteer co-ordinator is on leave Gerald steps up to keep the service running.
Gerald always checks with the nursing staff to see if there is anything else he can do to help in addition. Gerald is an absolute star and helps hugely with the smooth running of the Virtual Ward.
Trainee of the Year Award: Sandrah Nedie, Associate Practitioner, Microbiology
Throughout Sandrah’s training she was committed to excellence, consistently striving to expand her knowledge and skills in the field. Sandrah honed her technical abilities and cultivated the critical thinking and analytical skills essential for success in this field. Sandrah has also proven to be a valuable team player in her willingness to share knowledge and offer support.
Volunteer Team of the Year Award: Emergency Department Volunteer team
Our volunteers play a crucial role in accompanying patients throughout their journey within ED, ensuring they feel supported and reassured every step of the way. No two days are ever the same and they adapt to this with ease. The ED volunteers are dedicated to making each patient’s experience is as smooth and comfortable as possible.
The volunteers are compassionate to our patients and nothing is too much trouble for them. They are valued and appreciated very much by the department for all their help and assistance they give to patients and the staff.
Lifetime Achievement Award
This award is reserved for colleagues who have made an outstanding contribution to the Trust during a long NHS career.
This was presented to Anna Farrar, Specialist Palliative Care Nurse, Norna Gazmin, Nurse on the Weybourne Day Unit, Bahman Kasmai, Principal Clinical Scientist in Radiology and Nick Levell, Consultant Dermatologist.
Gerald Bradley receives his award from Sally Dyson and Lesley Dwyer
Sandrah Nedie receives the Trainee of the Year award from Tracey Bleakley, CEO of Norfolk and Waveney ICB
Nick Levell, Bahman Kasmai, Norna Gazmin and Anna Farrar receive their Lifetime Achievement Awards from Tom Spink and Lesley Dwyer
The ED Volunteer team receive their award from Sally Dyson and Lesley Dwyer
Spotlight on: Our Specialist Nurse Organ Donation Team
Our Specialist Nurse Organ Donation team (SNOD) work with colleagues across our hospital to support patients at the end of their lives and their families throughout the process of organ donation in order to help others in desperate need of life-saving transplants.
The team provide specialist support services with both dedicated clinical nurses and 24-hour support teams to help medical and nursing teams in the assessment and care of a potential donor as well as providing emotional support to patients and their families.
Debbie Walford, Specialist Nurse Organ Donation, said: “Our main duties involve supporting patients and families throughout the donation process. There are three of us in the Specialist Nurse Organ Donation team here at NNUH, we work closely with the clinical teams here, the National Organ Retrieval Service and the national transplanting centres to co-ordinate the complexities of organ donation to try and ensure a supportive, cohesive and inspiring journey that aims to keep our patients at the heart of all we do.”
“We work with teams across the hospital to collaborate in caring for a potential donor and speaking with their families about their donation decision. We also work within the community to raise awareness of organ donation and encourage everyone to consider whether they would like to help others at the end of their life – and to register that decision on the organ donation register.
“We work closely with families to ensure we have informed consent for organ donation to proceed. It is very important to us that the families can ask any questions that they may have about the procedure to ensure that they are as comfortable as possible during this incredibly sensitive time.
“A number of our families express that they have taken comfort in knowing that something good came out of the tragedy of losing their loved one.”
The Specialist Nurse Organ Donation team at NNUH are Debbie Walford, Paula Spicer and Jane Vincent.
Natasha Leggett, 35, received a life-saving double lung and heart transplant as a teenager after being seriously ill as a child and met her donor’s family in 2019.
Natasha said: “When I was 13-years-old, I suffered from a heart block while at home, which was the starting point of my deterioration. At the age of 14 I was listed for a heart transplant. We were told that if I didn’t have a transplant within a year, I wouldn’t make it.”
Due to further complications, Natasha was eventually moved on to the heart and lung transplant list.
“Waiting for a phone call for a life-saving transplant was very surreal. But it also felt quite wrong to hope for this call, as it would also mean that someone was losing their life.”
On 17 July 2005, the call came through for Natasha, and in the early hours of the next day, she underwent her successful double transplantation.
“I’ve been living my life as normally as I can and trying to make the most of my second chance at life. I managed to learn to drive and buy my first car. I graduated from university with a bachelor’s degree.
“In January 2019, I met the family of my donor, an 11-year-old boy with a heart of gold. It was such a special day, and I will always cherish it. They were so pleased to know I was healthy and happy. We talked for hours as if we’d known each other for years, and they are some of the kindest and most generous people I have ever met. Seeing me, they knew they’d made the right decision to donate their son’s organs. He not only saved me, he saved at least two other people by also donating his liver and kidneys.”
Listen to Natasha’s story on episode 14 of our podcast. Search for ‘Behind the Hospital Curtain’ on the app where you listen to podcasts or visit www. nnuh.nhs.uk/news-and-events/podcast/
If you would like to register to become an Organ Donor, register to donate in less than 10 minutes using the online form: www. organdonation.nhs.uk/register-your-decision/ donate/
Debbie Walford, Paula Spicer and Rachael Cocker supporting Organ Donation week
Turning NNUH pink to mark Organ Donation Week
In the last four years, 83 patients have gone on to donate organs following their death, which has helped more than 200 people on the national transplant waiting list.
At the start of Organ Donation Week in September, Chief Nurse Rachael Cocker and Specialist Nurses Paula Spicer and Debbie Walford led the charge in encouraging everyone to wear pink. They also hosted a stand in West Atrium to help raise awareness and encourage people to discuss their wishes with loved ones and to join the Organ Donor Register.
Many of our staff wore pink, including Pets as Therapy dogs Bella and Bear, and Dilham Ward Nursing Associate Harry Foster dyed his beard pink!
“It was great to see so much support for our Organ Donation team,” said Paula. “It’s a bit of fun, but the serious side is that 7,600 people are waiting for life-changing or life-saving transplants at any given time. While we have an opt-out system now, it is still important to have those conversations with your family so they are aware of your wishes, should the unthinkable happen.”
Transforming Lives with cornea donation
In Norfolk and Waveney over the last six months, seven of our patients have donated organs which have helped people go on to live full lives.
As part of Organ Donation Week, we launched a film featuring Amanda Cullum whose life was transformed with corneal transplant surgery.
Amanda was diagnosed with Fuchs’ Dystrophy, which is a genetic condition that affects the cornea and was resulting in her gradual loss of sight.
In the video, we hear from Consultant Ophthalmologist Chrishan Gunasekera who explains that patients wait on average 18 months for a cornea transplant and there is a shortage of donors in the UK.
“For many patients, this surgery restores their eyesight and gives them their lives back. For some people, it is a procedure that cures their blindness for the rest of their lives.”
View the video on our Youtube channel or scan the QR code
Order of St John honour
People from Norfolk and Suffolk have been honoured by the Order of St John for their selfless act of organ donation at the end of their lives.
Their families were invited to the annual award ceremony at the Great Hospital in Norwich receive the posthumous award of the Order’s lapel pin and certificate from HM Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk, Lady Philippa Dannatt. The event was attended by Specialist Nurses for Organ Donation and Rachael Cocker, Chair of the Organ Donation Committee and NNUH Chief Nurse.
Speeches were made by some of the Specialist Nurses, a transplant recipient, and Order of St John representatives. The ceremony was followed by afternoon tea during which the families could spend time together, share memories of their loved ones and speak with the Specialist Nurses and representatives present.
“Reclaiming narratives” with inaugural Black Health and Research Centre
A series of open and frank discussions to help reduce inequalities in health and research took place at our hospital as part of Black History Month.
The inaugural Black Health and Research Conference was held on 23 October and was run by our NNUH Together Network with colleagues from Norwich Research Park and the University of East Anglia (UEA).
The event was opened by Roberta Hook, Deputy Chief Operating Officer and Co-Chair of the NNUH Together Network, and Roz Bird, CEO of Anglia Innovation Partnership.
We were joined by a host of nationally and internationally renowned experts from NNUH, Norwich Research Park and from further afield who spoke about their health, science and research centred on the black experience. The conference included discussions on experiences in maternity, birthing and early parenthood, mental health
NNUH Artificial Intelligence (AI) research recruits 1,305
The Imaging Research and MRI teams have been working on research aiming to improve patient outcomes with cuttingedge technology.
The teams have recruited 1,305 patients for the MR Imaging abnormality Deep Learning Identification (MIDI) study since it started in October 2021.
The study, sponsored by King’s College Hospital who are gathering MRI images from NHS Trusts across the country, was ranked the 11th highest recruiting non-commercial study at NNUH and the fifth-highest in the East of England.
The aim of the study, undertaken by Kings College’s Department of Biomedical Engineering, is to develop an AI decision-making tool, using a convolutional neural network that identifies abnormalities on brain MRI scans, which will in turn reduce patient waiting times and lower costs.
The MIDI study takes thousands of MRI scans taken from consenting NNUH patients who have been referred for MRI head or brain scan from GP clinics. Dr Janak Saada, Consultant Radiologist, said: “We are so pleased to have seen such enthusiasm from patients in being a part of such a cutting-edge study that utilises innovative new technology to drastically improve the patient experience for not just those at NNUH, but throughout the entire NHS.
“This is a great achievement for the Trust, with credit to the MRI department for aiding recruitment.”
challenges and outcomes and diversity in research, science and health.
Roberta said: “Each speaker spoke with so much expertise and passion and the questions, comments and discussion in the room was so inclusive. We know we have a lot more to do achieve equality across the NHS and NRP and we want to make successful events like these a real catalyst for change.”
The date for next year’s Black Health and Research Conference is already in the diary for Thursday 23 October 2025.
Jenny Lind Paediatric Surgical Department hosts international congress
The Jenny Lind Paediatric Surgical Department hosted the 24th BAPES (British Association of Paediatric Endoscopic Surgeons) Annual Congress on 7 and 8 November at Barnham Broom Golf Club and Spa.
Consultant Paediatric Surgeon and Urologist Ravindar Anbarasan, who chaired the Local Organising Committee, welcomed delegates and oversaw proceedings over the two-day event. He said: “The event was a grand success as there was participation from the United Kingdom, Europe, and the Indian Subcontinent.”
The morning of 7 November featured the MIS (Minimally Invasive Surgery) course, attended by residents in paediatric surgery and urology. The Azad Najmaldin Keynote Lecture, “Setting up a Robotic Surgery Service – Aspirations and Challenges – The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital Experience,” was delivered by Prof Irshad Shaikh, Consultant Robotic Colorectal Surgeon.
First patients start “groundbreaking” Parkinson’s treatment
A Norfolk woman says she is “eternally grateful” to be one of the first patients in the region to benefit from a new NHS treatment to control the symptoms of advanced Parkinson’s disease.
Sixty-five-year-old Janice Fuller has lived with Parkinson’s for the last 12 years and has recently started treatment with Produodopa, which uses a pump to steadily release medicine into the bloodstream 24/7.
The retired nurse, from Hopton, says her quality of life has been greatly improved since starting the treatment at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.
She said: “Produodopa is not a cure, but it does control some of the symptoms. Over the last year I have spent most of my days in pain and having dystonic spasms. I was getting more ‘off’ time when my medication could not control my symptoms, than ‘on’ time. I was virtually housebound before and I had people come to check on me, to make sure I was able to get to the kitchen to get something to eat and drink.”
“I had no quality of life, but now, having been given the opportunity to take this new treatment, my pain is reduced and my ‘on’ time increased. I am hopeful that if this continues then at least I have a chance at living a life and having a future.”
Parkinson’s is a condition in which parts of the brain become progressively damaged over many years and it affects around 128,000 people in England. NHS England approved Produodopa earlier this year so that some people with advanced Parkinson’s can benefit, which involves wearing a portable kit 24 hours day.
The treatment is a combination of two drugsfoslevodopa and foscarbidopa – and helps manage Parkinson’s symptoms, such as excessive movement or tremors. The continuous infusion enters the patient’s bloodstream through a cannula under the skin and is controlled by an automatic pump, releasing a steady
flow of the treatment 24 hours a day to stay on top of symptoms. It also has the option of a manual boost if needed.
Janice was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2015, three years after her symptoms began, and started Produodopa treatment at NNUH on 23 September 2024.
“It won’t suit everyone, the pump is 8x3 inches in size and weighs 307 grammes and is attached to my stomach. The pump is tweaked by myself and managed by Parkinson’s Specialist Nurse Abi Mutimer who I cannot thank enough for her never-ending patience and support. I can’t say it is easy to manage, but for me it is a life-changer and I can’t thank everyone enough to be given the chance to benefit from this groundbreaking treatment.”
Dr Vaclav Dostal, Consultant Neurologist at NNUH, said: “We are proud to be the first hospital in the region to offer Produodopa to patients with Parkinson’s disease, which is a real game changer to help control symptoms.
“This is the first new treatment for Parkinson’s in decades - we are able to treat a very small number of patients at the moment, but hope more will benefit as we get this service established.”
Catch up on our AGM meeting
The NNUH Annual General Meeting was held on 2 October you can still catch up on the talks by watching the recording on our YouTube channel or scan the QR code: Highlights included:
• Presentations from our Governors and N&N Hospitals Charity Champions Awards
• Presentation of the annual accounts
• Review of the Year from Chief Executive Professor Lesley Dwyer
• Thank you to the hospital Volunteers from Stuart Dark, Chairman of Norfolk County Council
• Emergency Department success - Consultant Dr Lindy-Lee Folscher, Senior Matron Johnny Wells and Matron Helen Attwell
• Excellent patient outcomes from bowel screening and colorectal surgery – Consultant Professor Irshad Shaikh and Anna Wordley, Lead Specialist Screening Practitioner
• Q&A session with the Executive team.
Abi Mutimer, Lead Parkinson’s Specialist Nurse, Dr Alagaratnam Niruban and Dr Vaclav Dostal, Consultant Neurologist
Revolutionising radiotherapy treatment with new technology
Patients undergoing radiotherapy are benefiting from a new treatment which reduces treatment time whilst increasing accuracy and patient comfort.
Surface Guided Radiotherapy (SGRT) is being offered to patients receiving radiotherapy for breast cancer and thoracic cancers. The system, Allign RT, uses specialist cameras to create a unique 3D outline of the surface of a patient’s body. The new equipment has been installed in all five TrueBeam linear accelerators (linacs) and the department’s dedicated CT scanner.
We treat approximately 3,000 patients with radiotherapy every year. SGRT uses light beams and advanced cameras to create a three-dimensional outline of the patient’s body, helping the therapeutic radiographers get the patient into the correct position more accurately and quickly. It can also be used to automatically interrupt treatment if the patient is no longer in the correct position, which is usually a manual task.
Jo Thomas, Clinical Operational Manager (Therapeutic Radiographer), said: “SGRT is a complete game changer for patients, and we are so excited to be able to use this new technology. Patients don’t need to be handled and moved by us as much, they’re in the treatment room for a shorter time, and it’s much nicer not to have a tattoo, because they’re not left with a visual reminder of a really difficult time, after their treatment has finished.
The technology is cutting edge. If a patient coughs or sneezes and moves more than a set tolerance, the beam will cut out and treatment will stop, so that the treatment is only delivered to the intended target.”
The equipment, made by VisionRT Ltd, has cost over £1m and has been funded from the department’s Managed Service Contract, provided through Ergea UK and Ireland Ltd. Alongside the core training provided by VisionRT, the N&N Hospitals Charity sponsored specialist training days for more than 40 therapeutic radiographers.
Sixty-one-year-old Diane Pyle from Tacolneston was the first patient to have SGRT for breast cancer. She said: “Having experienced both methods of treatment, I am really pleased and honestly a little excited to have been the first person to have benefitted from the new SGRT. It’s less hands on, there’s no need for pen marks or permanent tattoos and it’s much quicker for me and the really wonderful staff delivering my radiotherapy.”
DNA ‘barcoding’ project to transform breast cancer care
A groundbreaking breast cancer treatment programme, funded by Cancer Research UK, that could potentially save thousands of lives has opened at our hospital.
Patients who join the Personalised Breast Cancer Programme (PBCP) will have their DNA read like a barcode, with the whole genome of their tumour sequenced and the results returned to inform treatment planning.
Our hospital is the fourth site in the East and the fifth site to be opened nationally following on from the implementation of the programme in Cambridge, Ipswich, Colchester and Oxford. So far over 1,500 patients have been enrolled in the study. Results are returned within six to 12 weeks, enabling patients to have a more precise and personalised cancer treatment.
For many, results have confirmed they were receiving the best treatment available for their disease, whilst over a third have had a change in clinical management. Dr Clare Hannon and Dr David Maskell are overseeing the study at NNUH.
Dr Hannon said: “For the patients on the programme, DNA and RNA readouts from their tumour cells are compared with those of their healthy cells to study which genetic mistakes are causing the disease, and which weaknesses could be targeted with cancer drugs.
“The results also identify whether the patient has any inherited genetic faults that increase the risk of breast cancer or could cause toxic side effects to chemotherapy. A small subset of patients will have their DNA analysed from the same routine biopsy and blood tests, meaning that there are no more tests or appointments than usual and no delays in starting treatment.
“The results are discussed by a team of geneticist and clinicians, with a report prepared for the patient.
“Longer term, this study will help us to predict which patients will or won’t benefit from a particular treatment. It leads us to much more effective and personalised care which increases survival rates and reduces the side effects of treatments.”
Diane Pyle was the first to receive Surface Guided Radiotherapy treatment at NNUH
One of the linear accelerators with the new technology
Dr Clare Hannon who is leading the project at NNUH
Meet the team keeping infections at bay this winter
Winter is a particularly busy time for our Infection Prevention and Control (IP&C) team as it is when viruses are most prevalent in our community.
The team works across NNUH, Cromer and District Hospital, Norfolk and Norwich Kidney Centre and other Trust sites, with the priority being prevention. There are 16 members of the team, comprising registered practitioners, support workers, a departmental co-ordinator, administration assistant, and Information officer and are supported by the Infection Control Doctor (ICD) and Director of Infection Prevention and Control (DIPC).
As part of the Clinical Support Services division, they work in partnership with the divisional teams, IPC link practitioners and supporting agencies to:
• Provide a safe, clean environment for our patients, staff, and visitors
• Reduce the number of Healthcare Associated Infections (HCAI)
• Prevent and control outbreaks
• Monitor alert organisms, undertake audit and surgical site surveillance programmes. The team are required to provide regular mandatory reports to national governing bodies such as the UK Health Security Agency and the local executive teams within the Trust and work closely with the Integrated Care Board (ICB) to enhance collaborative and
standardised working across Norfolk and Waveney. These activities include education, auditing, surveillance, water safety management, ventilation, participation in building projects and collaboration with the facilities and estates team.
Visitors to the hospital this winter can help us by reducing the risk of passing on viruses by washing their hands with hot water and soap and not visiting the hospital if they have had a stomach bug or been in close contact with someone who has over the previous three days. Good hygiene helps limit outbreaks. Wash your hands with soap and water after contact with someone who is ill, and after using the toilet, especially if you have symptoms. Alcohol hand gel does not kill Norovirus.
Supporting Norfolk and Waveney residents to stay Warm and Well this winter
People across Norfolk and Waveney are being urged to ensure their health and wellbeing is ‘winter ready’ by preparing in advance for seasonal illnesses and following advice about how to stay warm and well this winter.
This year there is a particular focus on vaccinations and for the first time, the NHS is rolling out RSV vaccine to people aged 75 to 79 and people who are at least 28 weeks pregnant.
Dr Frankie Swords, Executive Medical Director for NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: “Winter comes to us every year, but that doesn’t mean we have to suffer every year too. This year we are offering flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines to prevent vulnerable people from getting ill with horrible winter bugs. Please do take up these free jabs if you are offered them – it’s the best way to keep yourself well and ‘winter strong’. And remember, even if you got your vaccines last year, you still need to get this year’s doses as viruses change and protection fades over time.”
The Warm and Well campaign highlights some essential ways that residents can stay healthy, warm, and well this winter, including:
• Keeping well by staying warm, keeping active, and keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet.
• Advice for people who look after someone at home and how to set up an emergency carer plan.
• Signposting people to financial support that is available such as the Household Support Fund, and providing tips on how to make homes more energy efficient.
• Raising awareness of pension credit - people over state pension age and on a low income could be eligible for pension credit to help with living costs. Find out more at gov.uk/pension-credit or call 0800 99 1234.
• Encouraging use of the range of NHS services available across Norfolk and Waveney, including the NHS 111 service, community pharmacies, Walk-in Centre in Norwich and Minor Injuries Unit in Cromer. To access support and further information, visit: www.winterwellnorfolkwaveney.co.uk and Norfolk County Council’s winter support page www.norfolk. gov.uk/costofliving
The Infection Prevention and Control team at NNUH
Lord-Lieutenant officially opens new orthopaedic centre
The Norfolk and Norwich Orthopaedic Centre (NaNOC) has been officially opened by the LordLieutenant of Norfolk Lady Philippa Dannatt MBE. Lady Dannatt had a tour of the patient-centred unit, which includes a same-day admissions unit, treatment rooms, two laminar flow theatres, post anaesthetics care unit, a 21-bedded ward, called Ashill, physiotherapy rooms, a pharmacy and dispensing room for the embedded Pharmacy team.
She also heard about the support from the community through the N&N Hospitals Charity, which gave £2m –its biggest single grant in its history – towards some of the most up-to-date equipment in the centre.
After unveiling a commemorative plaque, Lady Dannatt said: “It is my great honour and privilege to be here to officially open the new orthopaedic centre at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals. This remarkable facility represents a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to provide the highest quality of care to our community.”
Once it is running at full capacity, the team will carry out around 2,500 orthopaedic cases a year for patients who need ankle, foot, hip, knee or shoulder operations. To help with this work four new consultants - experts in hip, knee, shoulder and hand surgery, have been employed to bring the most innovative techniques to the team.
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Jim Wimhurst said: “There have been some challenges along the way, but this is an amazing facility, which will serve our patients well in the years to come and with NaNOC 2 already being planned this will really help to ensure our patients are not waiting as long for their procedures.”
CEO Lesley Dwyer said: “This new centre will mean that we can reduce cancellations and continue elective work despite winter and external pressures. We really believe that this model works and already are planning on expansion plans through the development of NaNOC 2 to build a second unit, which will double our capacity and go a long way in helping us reduce our patient waiting lists.”
New Green Plan approved by Trust
Our new Green Plan – Greening with PRIDE – which sets out how we’ll become more sustainable, has been approved by the Board.
It shows what actions we’ll take to reduce our carbon footprint over the next two years and to support the national goal of making the NHS net zero by 2045. Over the last year, we’ve created new green groups across the organisation and have more than 500 Green Champions. We have removed desflurane - the most volatile anaesthetic gas - from our operating theatres, we are reducing waste by using remanufactured electrophysiology catheters in Cardiology and, where appropriate, switching from intravenous to oral antibiotics to improve sustainability.
Greening with PRIDE outlines our commitment and actions to:
• Reduce non-sterile glove use by 50% by May 2026 and reduce clinical waste by 10% by 2026
• Work with partners to remove piped nitrous oxide from our operations by 2026 and ensure the adequate capture and destruction of Entonox
• Develop an options appraisal for decarbonising heat by 2025 and replace gas boilers with a more sustainable solution by 2030
• Deliver a 50% reduction in carbon emissions produced from waste by 2026 by introducing an offensive waste stream
• Reduce electrical demand by 30% through lifecycle efficiency and other ‘switch off’ /demand projects
• Reduce consumables and eliminate single use plastics where practical, working to increase sterile services capacity over time
• Work to reduce meat consumption by 30% by 2032, deliver a new food digestor by March 2026 and use more locally and seasonally sourced food.
The Green Plan is on our website and can be viewed by scanning this QR code:
Chair Tom Spink, Lady Dannatt, Jim Wimhurst and Lesley Dwyer
Wanamei Allison carrying out the Big Plastic Count
New Expert by Experience volunteers help Cardiology patients
Two hospital volunteers are providing companionship and reassurance to Cardiology patients using their own lived experience.
Under the guidance of the Kilverstone ward staff, Bernie Searle and Andy Hedtke have been visiting patients who are waiting to travel to Papworth Hospital for heart surgery.
Bernie was inspired to start volunteering after being visited by a volunteer during his time as an in-patient at Papworth. He felt that speaking to someone about their experience helped him a lot. He brought the idea to Kate Goddard, Kilverstone Sister, and Kate Cakebread, Cardiology Clinical Facilitator, in 2020 after having a bypass and valve surgery. Unfortunately, everything was put on hold due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but earlier this year Bernie started in his role of Expert by Experience Volunteer in Cardiology. He also volunteers at Papworth Hospital one day a week, often seeing our patients there, as they move between both sites.
Bernie said: “I wanted to volunteer because I received fantastic treatment on Kilverstone ward as an in-patient in 2019. The feeling of knowing that you’re giving something back is beyond words, and something I will treasure for the rest of my life.”
Andy spent four weeks on Kilverstone ward in January 2020 before being transferred to Papworth to undergo triple bypass surgery, and similarly wanted to give back something back as a thank you for the excellent care he received.
Andy said: “I fully retired from employment in January this year and after a chance meeting with a staff member at the NNUH I decided to apply to be a volunteer. After attending the induction and looking at the various roles available, I thought offering my experience to patients who were preparing themselves to go on a similar journey to me, would be a great fit. I have been visiting Kilverstone ward for two months and, with the support of the staff, I am finding it very fulfilling, speaking to patients pre their Papworth operation and hopefully allaying any fears or apprehensions they might have.”
Kate Cakebread supports the two volunteers on the ward. She said: “Andy and Bernie are an amazing part of our team. Their friendly and warm-hearted manner means they get to know our long stay patients really well. Their support to these patients can bring to our attention worries that they may not have shared with staff so we can better support them. The nursing staff really appreciate what they do, one calling them absolute legends, which I totally agree with. I look forward to working with them and seeing if we can develop the role further.”
Charity provides funding boost to Hospital Radio Norwich
Hospital Radio Norwich (HRN) has moved from analogue to digital, thanks to generous support from the N&N Hospitals Charity.
A new digital broadcasting desk has been launched by the volunteers from the hospital radio team after receiving support from the charity to buy the new equipment, which cost just under £10,000.
The station’s old analogue broadcasting desk was 40-years-old and was becoming increasingly unreliable and more difficult to find replacement parts for.
The N&N Hospitals Charity funding comes as HRN celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. The station is run entirely by volunteers who run HRN six days per week visiting 22 wards on a rota and speaking to about 60 to 70 patients per night to take their music requests. Irenee Batch, Honorary Secretary, said the new digital broadcast desk will enable the team to carry out more live broadcasts and for some volunteers to broadcast from home.
“We are extremely grateful to the N&N Hospitals Charity for their support. Our old broadcasting desk was failing and this donation from the charity enables us to adopt newer technologies. HRN is run by volunteers and relies heavily on donations.”
HRN is aired 24/7 and has an automated service when the team are not broadcasting. For more information and to listen, visit www.hospitalradionorwich.co.uk/
Bernie Searle, Kate Cakebread and Andy Hedtke on Kilverstone ward
Hospital Radio Norwich and Remy from the N&N Hospitals Charity with their new digital broadcasting desk
Charity golf fundraiser raises £20,000 for N&N Hospitals Charity
On Friday 18 October, a cheque for £20,000 was presented to Mulbarton Ward, which was raised by family-run P+S Personnel, in memory of their father and founder.
The family and P+S Personnel staff raised this phenomenal amount of money as part of a Charity Golf event, “The Kenny Cup” which took place on Friday 6 September at Sprowston Manor and was held in honour of Kenny Gibbs at his request to raise money for the compassionate staff of the Mulbarton Ward, who provided care for him in his final days with cancer.
The money raised will support the renovation of the relatives room which will create a comforting space for families to use whilst their loved ones are in hospital.
Sharon O’Mahony, Director at P+S Personnel said: “Our dad Ken was on the ward and was touched by the staff and their dedication and how they made him feel. It was in his final days and Dad actually passed away on the ward.
“People got involved as we have run several golf days and have a good reputation for running a great event, but people wanted to be involved as they also knew Dad and wanted to do it for him.”
The funds were raised during a charity golf event, where participants joined activities such as ‘Beat the Pro’, ‘Nearest the Pin,’ and ‘Longest Drive.’ There were also raffles and a silent auction, ensuring a fun day of fundraising.
“It’s great to fulfil Dad’s wishes. In his final days he asked us to do a golf day for the ward and we are thrilled we did, and we can’t wait to see the money transform the Family room as this is needed especially during your loved one’s final days.” Sharon added.
Helen Payne, Ward Sister, said: “It’s been a great honour to be asked to part of this event and I am delighted to receive these funds on behalf of the Mulbarton Ward team. We take great pride in all that we do but are especially proud of the care we give to end of life patients and their relatives. This money will enable us to create a comfortable and homely environment for families and friends who are spending periods of time with their loved ones. We are extremely grateful to Kenny’s family and friends.”
Charity Champions announced
This year has seen countless examples of individuals, teams and businesses raising money for the N&N Hospitals Charity, to support even better care for NHS patients.
Inspiration Award: The Bush Family Team have raised over £14,000 since 2018 with various fundraising activities such as Tour de Broads for our Boudicca Breast Cancer Appeal and a Norfolk Coastal Walk to support cancer services.
Lifetime Supporter Award:
Julia Fisher and Emma Manning have raised over £14,000 since 2019. Both Emma and Julia were diagnosed with cancer in 2015 and wanted to give back to the hospital that supported them.
Community Award: Brundall Cancer Community Chest for their tireless efforts – they recently donated £25,000, which helped fund vouchers for post-op bras for all women diagnosed with breast cancer and a new counselling room for the Boudicca Breast Unit.
Corporate Award:
Sponge Cakes Ltd who have donated thousands of delicious slices of cake over the last five years, supporting staff and patients.
Young Fundraisers Award: Norwich High School for Girls who nominated us as their Charity of the Year and raised £2,000 for the Jenny Lind Children’s Hospital.
Find out more about the winners on our Youtube channel or scan this QR code :
