Inspire Portsmouth Winter edition

Inspire Magazine

I

Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust

Winter 2022

New Emergency Department

NHS staff shine at awards

at QA

Winter Health Tips

Looking after yourself during the cold weather

Love Island star helps more people to seek cancer help

Inside...

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INSIDE REGULARS 04

What’s new

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All the latest news from Portsmouth Hospitals Charity

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Spotlight: with Sewing Room Team Leader Jan Harris

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NEWS 10

League of Friends celebrate 70 years Features

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Free lung health checks in Portsmouth detect cancer in Navy veteran

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Find out how you can get involved in latest RPV research trial

FEATURES

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Celebrating incredible staff at the 2022 Pride of Portsmouth awards

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Meet patient George Light raising awareness about tonsil cancer

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Do you know where to go for treatment this winter?

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Former Love Island star helps people seek early tests

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05

6

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WELCOME MEET THE INSPIRE TEAM

Jenny Renyard

Hannah Woollven

Helen Rimmer

Millie Salkeld

… to the first ever edition of our new magazine!

We’re excited to bring you Inspire Portsmouth – a quarterly mini-magazine packed with news, updates and features from Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, as well as healthy-living tips for our community and inspiring stories from our patients, staff and volunteers.

We love to hear from patients and their families, so we were thrilled to be asked by cancer patient George to partner with him to raise awareness about tonsil cancer and the HPV vaccine. Read George’s story on Page 11.

Elsewhere, we’ve got a great article about keeping well this winter and knowing the best places to access treatment in Portsmouth and the surrounding areas. Turn to Page 12 to find out more.

Chloe Harris

Kerenza Beckerleg

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On Page 6, read about the Trust’s amazing staff who were recognised for their achievements in our annual Pride of Portsmouth Awards.

Some of their stories are truly heart-warming and show patient care at its best.

And finally, we love to hear your feedback.

If you have any ideas for future stories for Inspire Portsmouth, please do get in touch with us: communications@porthosp.nhs.uk

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We hope you enjoy the magazine,

Photography PHU Medical Photography; Helen Rimmer; Hannah Woollven; Vecteezy.com, Freepik.com

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Design Jo Hadfield

CONTACT Email: communications@porthosp.nhs.uk Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, Queen Alexandra Hospital, Southwick Hill Road, Cosham, PO6 3LY. Tel:

023 9228 6000

Web: www.porthosp.nhs.uk

@PortHosp @PHU_NHS @portsmouth_hospitals Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust

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Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust

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I am passionate about delivering on our commitment to give the best possible care to our patients and community.

CEO OF TRUST ANNOUNCED Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust has appointed Penny Emerit as Chief Executive Officer following a competitive recruitment process.

Commenting on her appointment Penny Emerit said: “I am very proud to be appointed as Chief Executive Officer at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust.

It is a privilege to continue to lead this organisation, serving our patients and community at what is a challenging but exciting time for the NHS. “Portsmouth Hospitals is a special place, with dedicated, compassionate teams and you have my commitment that I will continue to focus on ensuring this is a positive place to work, where everyone is supported to be the best they can be, for the benefit of our patients. We have made great progress, but there is more to do, and I am passionate about delivering on our commitment to give the best possible care to our patients and community.”

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WHAT’S

NEW...

A round up of the latest news from Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust

WORK BEGINS ON NEW EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

URGENT CARE MATERNITY APP LAUNCHES Pregnant people across Hampshire, Southampton, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight now have access to a new urgent care maternity triage app.

Building work has begun on a new Emergency Department (ED) at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth.

The new maternity triage service, which is available by downloading the Healthier Together app, allows pregnant people to log any maternity concerns they may encounter during their pregnancy and have instant access to the help or advice that they need.

The contemporary design will see Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust double its current resus capacity from four adult bays to eight for patients needing treatment for critical conditions; two further paediatric resus bays for children and increased privacy and dignity for patients with treatment in single bay rooms.

The new ED is planned to open in winter 2024. Watch a fly-through video to take a look inside the planned new facility on PHU’s YouTube channel.

NEW COST OF LIVING HUB A new guide to point Portsmouth residents to help available with the rising cost of living has been launched by Portsmouth City Council.

If you are struggling, there is a lot of support available. Visit www.portsmouth.gov.uk/ services/benefits-and-support/cost-of-living-hub/ or call the cost of living helpline on 023 9284 1047.

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!

HAVANT DIALYSIS UNIT GETS A GOOD RATING!

The TV crew behind the popular cable channel TV show Nurses on the Ward have been filming again at Queen Alexandra Hospital after the first series proved popular with viewers.

Nurses from a satellite dialysis unit of Queen Alexandra Hospital are celebrating after a recent Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection rated its service as good.

The heart-warming ten-part documentary series follows hard-working nurses from Queen Alexandra Hospital as they go about their daily jobs.

The show will feature patients and their families and some new faces for series two including Dr Sarah Russell, Nurse Consultant for Palliative and End of Life Care, and Emergency Department Matron Stephanie Le Petit.

A team of inspectors from the CQC carried out an unannounced inspection in August at the Havant Renal Unit, based at Langstone Gate, Havant.

The show will air next summer on W and UKTVPlay.

The unit, which was opened in June 2020 and is operated by Diaverum UK Limited on behalf of Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, provides a dialysis service for local people with chronic kidney disease.

Margaret Beattie, Associate Director for Maternity & Early Years at the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board, said: “This a brilliant new service which will allow women and pregnant people to have access to consistent advice, as and when they need it, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“The maternity triage line is there to help those women who are having serious issues with their pregnancy and need to speak to one of our brilliant midwives. However, the majority of concerns can be resolved at home using the advice provided within the app.”

The NHS Healthier Together app can be downloaded either from the Apple app store, or the Google Play store.

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DEDICATED NHS STAFF

CELEBRATED IN HEART-WARMING AWARDS CEREMONY

Hard-working staff, teams and volunteers from Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust have been recognised for making a difference in the lives of patients and colleagues at the Trust’s annual staff awards ceremony.

More than 300 entries were received from colleagues and patients at the Trust for the 2022 Pride of Portsmouth Awards, with the winners announced at a ceremony in the city’s Royal Maritime Club in November.

Amongst the winners were Critical Care Staff Nurse Dominique Byrne, pictured, who won the Patient Choice Award. Dominique was nominated by the mum of a young patient, who sadly passed away this year. The mum said: “Dom went above and beyond in so many ways when she was caring for our daughter. Our daughter needed a lot of blood products during her stay in 2021, Dom managed to reassure us as parents that she was okay.

“Also, lockdown occurred during this time, and it was such a relief knowing our daughter was in Dominique’s care. Nothing was too much trouble, including staying later on her shift if needed.

“Our daughter was admitted again in 2021, Dominique came on to another ward to say goodbye as she was passing, which was such a kind gesture and proves her caring nature.”

Penny Emerit, Chief Executive at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, said: “The Pride of Portsmouth Awards is such a special event which gives us the opportunity to thank our staff and applaud them for their amazing achievements and the difference they make to both patient care and to their colleagues.”

incredibly proud of the way colleagues at the Trust have responded, continuing to provide exceptional care and compassion.

This was such a heart-warming event, giving our staff a night to celebrate their excellent work.”

The event included a special performance from the Royal Marines Band who played the Corps of Drums, as well as a sit-down meal for the nominees and winners.

The event was sponsored by the League of Friends, Noviniti, Portsmouth Hospitals Charity, Staff Lottery, Staff Bank, Equans and Solent First Bus. Tiger Ink also supported the event with the production of event materials.

Melloney Poole, Board Chairman, added: “This year has been challenging for everyone and I am

Dom went above and beyond in so many ways when she was caring for our daughter…

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Colleagues from Starfish Ward enjoy the celebrations.

YOU’RE ALL

WINNERS

2022 Pride of Portsmouth had a winning night. Congratulations to you all!

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WINNERS

OF THE 2022 PRIDE OF PORTSMOUTH AWARDS: Combined Haematology Oncology Centre - Working Together for Therapy dog Whiskey celebrates being nominated in the Volunteers awards category.

Patients Dawn Banting, Lead Chaplain Working Together with Compassion Maternity Practice Development Team - Working Together as One Team Hepatology Specialist Nurses Working Together Always Improving Catherine Edwards, Specialist Research Nurse - Education and Research Award Millie Salkeld, Senior Communications & Engagement Officer - Non-Clinical

Dawn Banting, Lead Chaplain, collects her award.

The Royal Marines Band giving a star performance of the Corps of Drums.

Support Award Claire Moorhead, Maxillofacial Nurse - Portsmouth Hospitals Charity Fundraiser of the Year Cpl Olga Douw, Healthcare Assistant - Military Award

Cpl Olga Douw, winner of the Military award, being congratulated by colleagues.

Kelly Green, Play Specialist Apprentice of the Year Patrick Hobbs, Family Liaison Officer Volunteer of the Year Karen Roberts, PALS Manager Inspirational Leader of the Year Daniel Gudgeon, Anatomical Pathology Technician - Employee of the Year Starfish Ward - Team of the Year Dominique Byrne, Staff Nurse Critical Care - Patients Choice Award Staff from the Combined Haematology Oncology Centre enjoy the evening.

SallyAnn Sines, Volunteer - Chairman’s Lifetime Achievement Award Ben Green, Respiratory Consultant Chief Executive’s Award 9

I am so proud of what the League of Friends has been able to provide and achieve

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY LEAGUE OF FRIENDS!

A charity which has raised millions to support patients and staff at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust has celebrated its 70th anniversary.

The League of Friends charity at Queen Alexandra (QA) Hospital, run entirely by volunteers, was formed in October 1952 as a small visiting team of eight and has now grown with 30 volunteers regularly helping out.

The team run a charity shop and coffee shop at the hospital and use the money raised to fund projects and items around the hospital. Over the years, the League has funded projects including an upgrade of the pathology rest room, items for the emergency department staff room, as well as a new birthing coach for the maternity centre.

The volunteers celebrated with colleagues at a special event and Chief Executive at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust (PHU), Penny Emerit, joined the celebrations.

Penny said: “The League of Friends is an invaluable resource for PHU and have been an incredible support for us since 10

they started in 1952. We are so grateful for all the money they have raised and the difference they have made to the patients and staff here over the years. Thank you to each and every volunteer, past and present, who has given their time to make this possible.”

John Moffat, the League’s longest serving volunteer was also at the event. He’s been volunteering since his wife passed away in 2003 and shared his experience.

He said: “I used to go all round the hospital with a trolley. I haven’t done that for ages since the virus but it’s worth doing something to help the hospital because I think it’s an amazing hospital.”

Jan Spear, Chairman of the League of Friends, said: “I am so proud of what the League of Friends has been able to provide and achieve. We have had our challenges, especially over the last couple of years, but we have continued to go above and beyond for patients and staff.”

GEORGE’S

JOURNEY Fareham dad documents his cancer journey to help others

A father of two from Fareham, who is being treated for tonsil cancer at Queen Alexandra Hospital is sharing his journey online to raise awareness about the disease.

George Light, 48, was diagnosed in May with a squamous cell cancer in his left tonsil which had spread to the lymph nodes in his neck. His cancer was caused by a virus known as human papilloma virus (HPV). This is now the commonest cause of tonsil cancers in the UK. He has now completed a six-week radiotherapy and chemotherapy course at the hospital and has been documenting his treatment with a GoPro and sharing videos on his Instagram account @georgelight74.

Business owner George explains why he thinks it’s important to share his story with others: “I decided to film my treatment for a number of reasons. Firstly, I wanted to be able to provide a visual and physical resource to anyone that might be facing a similar situation.

“I want to show them that if you choose to take a positive approach to such a big issue it will help you focus on getting through a bad period by making the very best of the situation you can. It still might

be absolutely awful, but I believe even the worst situation can be made to feel slightly better by smiling or being positive about it.

“Secondly, it helps me to talk about what I am going through and provide an insight into what my family and friends are going through with me. It eases the pressure for me to walk around and pretend everything is great all the time (the reality is that sometimes it is not).

“I am not afraid to express my fears and admit I have cried and been anxious at times.

By emoting these feelings, it hopefully shows it is normal and acceptable to not be ok sometimes, once I have dealt with those emotions its far easier to pick myself up and become more positive and start again.”

George first noticed something was not right at the beginning of this year – he was suffering from bad breath and could feel a lump in his throat near his tonsil, as well as experiencing some discomfort when eating and cleaning his teeth.

He was initially thought to have thrush and then tonsilitis, before being fast tracked to QA Hospital where he underwent several tests and scans which confirmed he had tonsil cancer.

Following the diagnosis, George had to have three teeth removed in preparation for the treatment and was then fitted with a radiotherapy mask before his treatment began in August.

He continued: “My experience to date has been amazing, every single person that I have been in contact with at Queen Alexandra Hospital has expressed compassion, empathy, care, concern, professionalism and dedication way beyond what I would expect.”

George is planning to marry his beloved partner Karina next year and is grateful for his children and grandchildren, who he says have been a great support to him throughout the treatment. Now he hopes that by documenting his journey he can help others spot the signs and talk more openly about cancer. In December, George had a PET scan which revealed the amazing news – he is now cancer-free.

You can follow George and his story on Instagram @georgelight74.

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KNOW WHERE TO GO THIS WINTER TO BE TREATED

People in Portsmouth and surrounding areas are being urged to think carefully about the best place to go when they need medical treatment this winter.

Many walk-in admissions to Queen Alexandra Hospital’s Emergency Department (ED) could be treated at other places such as Urgent Treatment Centres and pharmacies.

Around 300 people are admitted to the ED each day looking for treatment for conditions such as shoulder, arm and leg injuries; abdominal pain; chest pain; head injuries; fever and shoulder or arm pain.

Dr John Knighton, Medical Director at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, said “We need to ensure that we are able to provide timely care for our patients in most need and the local community can help us by only using the Emergency Department for life threatening conditions and injuries.

“We continue to focus on reducing delays for patients arriving by ambulance through safely discharging as many patients as possible and moving patients to the most appropriate wards and services once they have been seen in the ED. Families and loved ones can support us with this and collect patients as soon as they are ready to be discharged.”

YOU CAN HELP THE HOSPITAL BY: •

•

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Collecting loved ones from hospital as soon as they are ready to be discharged, to free up beds for those who need them.

Choose which service might be best if you are unwell and need medical care – consider a pharmacy, your GP, or visiting an Urgent Treatment Centre unless it is a life-threatening emergency.

•

Call or use NHS 111 online for further help and medical advice.

•

Stay away from our hospital if you have symptoms, or are a contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, unless you have an emergency medical need in addition to or because of that infection, for example shortness of breath or chest pain.

WHERE TO GO...

ASK FOR ADVICE

LOCAL URGENT TREATMENT CENTRES

If you’re unwell over winter, it’s important to ask for advice. This could be from your pharmacist, who can give treatment for a range of minor illnesses or your GP practice, which might offer an appointment online, over the phone, or face-to-face.

If you have children, the Healthier Together app is a useful resource.

Your closest Urgent Treatment Centres can help with minor injuries and conditions which are not life-threatening.

• • •

TOP TIPS

USE YOUR PHARMACY

FOR LOOKING AFTER YOURSELF AT HOME THIS WINTER

Pharmacists and many teams within GP practices can also offer support, advice and medicine for conditions including coughs, colds, sore throats, tummy trouble and aches and pains.

They can also help you understand the medication you have been prescribed. Find your local pharmacy: www.healthandcare.portsmouth.gov.uk/team

Dr Ian Minay (pictured) is a GP at Lighthouse Group Practice. Here are his top tips for staying well this winter:

at ealth h r u o ed fter y -stock l Look a l e w with a net. home e cabi n i c i d me

Petersfield Community Hospital: (open 8am to 8pm) St Mary’s Health Campus: (open 8am to 8pm) Gosport War Memorial: (open 8am to 10pm)

Get your fl u and covid jabs as soo n as you ca n.

If you have an urgent medical problem and you’re not sure what to do, call 111 or go to 111.nhs.uk

Be acti ve and make t most o he f the d ayligh t by going for a w alk.

Eat w

ell an d stoc cupbo k you ard w r i t h basics in cas e you , can’t get to the shops .

#KnowWhereToGo

ter h win t i w arm nd a Stay w nks a i r d t s, ho . clothe house m r a w

Are you feeling ill or injured, but it’s not life threatening?

Where are my nearest centres?

Visit your local Urgent Treatment Centre: • St Mary’s Urgent Treatment Centre (PO3 6DW) 8am to 8pm • Gosport Urgent Treatment Centre (PO12 3PW) 8am to 10pm • Petersfield Urgent Treatment Centre (GU32 3LB) 8am to 8pm

REMEMBER, if you aren’t sure where to go for urgent medical help, contact NHS 111 online or by phone

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BE AW LOVE ISLAND STAR HELPS MORE PEOPLE TO SEEK HELP EARLY AFTER CANCER TREATMENT More people are coming forward for head and neck cancer diagnostic tests in Portsmouth – thanks in part to a local celebrity who has openly shared about her own experience with cancer.

Demi Jones, who was a contestant on ITV’s popular Love Island show in 2020, has spoken publicly about her battle with thyroid cancer. She was diagnosed in May 2021 and received treatment at the Queen Alexandra Hospital, Cosham, before declaring at the end of the year she was cancer free.

Demi said: “I’m thrilled to see an increase in the number of people getting tested for head and neck cancers since I’ve openly shared my personal story, it really highlights the impact of social media and how important it is to talk. Although it’s a horrible thing to go through, I’m so pleased to have helped people and continue to encourage, especially young people, to get checked and potentially save lives!”

In May 2021, when Demi was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, there were 372 people referred to Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust for tests on suspected head and neck cancers, of these six people were later diagnosed with thyroid cancer.

A year later in May 2022, there were 491 referrals to the Trust for suspected head and neck cancers, with one person later diagnosed with thyroid cancer.

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AWARE Matthew Ward, Head and Neck and Thyroid Cancer Multidisciplinary Team Lead at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, said: “It’s fantastic that Demi has been so upfront in the media about her cancer diagnosis and treatment.

I have certainly seen a number of patients in recent months who have come to see us in the ENT department because they have read about Demi’s journey.

“Thyroid cancer can affect very young patients, and so it is important that people do see a specialist if they are worried.”

The Queen Alexandra Hospital has a large thyroid practice in the Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) department, with three specialist ENT thyroid surgeons who treat everyone with thyroid lumps. Typically, patients get referred by their GP having noticed a lump in their neck. They are then assessed in the clinic, using an ultrasound scan and a blood test.

Consultant Matthew Ward continued: “Thankfully, most of the thyroid lumps we see are not cancerous, and once we have the scan results, we can reassure the majority of patients that they don’t need any further treatment.

“If we do have any concerns on the scan, then we would proceed to take a needle biopsy which helps guide us what to do next. If the needle biopsy is worrying, then usually we proceed with thyroid surgery. If this confirms cancer, then further treatments are sometimes needed, depending on a number of factors.

Thankfully, the vast majority of thyroid cancers respond very well to treatment, and most of our patients will be cured of their cancer.

“As with any cancer, the earlier we catch thyroid cancers then the easier they are to treat.”

WHAT ARE THE EARLY SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF THYROID CANCER? The main symptoms in the vast majority of cancers is a lump in the neck, which is usually at the front of the neck near the Adam’s Apple. Very occasionally, thyroid cancer can present with lump in the side of the neck.

Any patient who has a new lump in the neck that stays for longer than two to three weeks should be seen by an appropriately trained surgeon and assessed further. In our department, we treat both thyroid cancers, but also cancers in the neck that have spread from other parts of the body. We can therefore offer a full assessment of any neck lump.

Demi Jones pictured with her consultant Costa Repanos, who she nominated for a Who Cares Wins health award this year.

Matthew added: “If people are worried about a lump, then they should see their GP in the first instance and then be referred to an appropriately trained specialist. Thankfully most lumps turn out to be benign, and most of the time we can reassure patients that all is well.”

For further information visit: nhs.uk 15

Charity Events in 2023 Portsmouth Hospitals Charity raises funds to enhance patient care and support staff wellbeing across Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust.

Support your local hospital by taking part in one of our fundraising events. We have numerous events throughout the year for you to take part in:

• Great South Run • Inflatable 5k • Skydive • Spinnaker Tower Abseil • Walk for Wards • Wing Walk

porthosp.nhs.uk/charity/events Charity Registration No. 1047986

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Learn more:

THE GLOVES ARE

ON...

Helping to reduce side effects of Taxol chemotherapy for ovarian cancer patients Frozen gloves and slippers that have helped reduce the side effects of Taxol chemotherapy, are now being offered to patients with ovarian cancer at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust (PHU).

Patients receiving Taxol chemotherapy can experience irreversible side effects of numbness in their hands and feet. This can make everyday tasks such as doing up buttons, finding change and playing musical instruments difficult. Feedback from patients suggests that the feet are more problematic as it can feel like they’re walking on uneven ground, affecting their balance.

Studies have shown that using frozen gloves and slippers for the duration of treatment reduce these side effects.

Mandie Tonge, clinical practice educator in Oncology, said: “Being able to provide this service for patients puts PHU in the forefront of Trusts providing this care for patients. We are hoping to provide this service to more patients soon, but we are currently still testing the efficacy and allowing nurses to learn more about them before rolling them out further.”

Previously, patients have had the option of purchasing these privately, but they can often un-freeze by the time they arrive at the hospital.

Stephanie Cussen used cold socks during her treatment, she said: “I used cold socks during recent treatment hoping to prevent further damage to the nerves in my feet from previous chemotherapy. Doing so has helped me to continue to do the things I love, such as walks in the countryside, gardening and driving. It’s wonderful that many other people can now be helped to avoid the worst effects of treatment on the nerves of their hands and feet.”

Generous donations and fundraising events have allowed the department to purchase 22 pairs of gloves and slippers.

Vanessa Hillary has been a patient in Oncology since being diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2013. Her son, Kevin, took part in the Bristol Half-Marathon in 2021 and raised £2,500 towards the project.

He said: “I hope giving back to the hospital shows how I will be forever grateful for their support and how immensely proud I am of my Mum for being so positive, strong and kicking cancer in the face for so many years.”

“We would like to extend our thanks to PHC, Vanessa’s son and the Worshipful Company of Glovers who donated £5,000 towards this project. These gloves and socks will provide years of symptom relief for our patients.” Mandie added.

If you would like to make a donation to help fund future projects, please visit www.porthosp.nhs.uk/charity

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It has saved my life Those are the words of 74-year-old John Rochester from Portsmouth who was diagnosed with lung cancer in the summer following a free Lung Health Check from Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust.

The Royal Navy veteran, who smoked for nearly four decades, had surgery to remove the lung cancer and is now back to his gardening.

John said: “It really is amazing how quick it has all been sorted.

I got the letter in the summer inviting me to the free Lung Health Check at the Rodney Road Centre in Fratton, then I had a follow up scan and was told I had lung cancer.

“I had surgery and I have been told I won’t need any follow up treatment.

“The free Lung Health Check has saved my life.”

John is among more than 8,000 former and current smokers, aged 55 to 74, in Portsmouth that so far have been invited to the Lung Health Check programme in a drive to improve earlier diagnosis of lung cancer in the city and save more lives.

Of those that have been diagnosed with lung cancer, following their free Lung Health Check, 80 per cent have been

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diagnosed in Stage 1 and 2 when treatment is simpler and more effective.

Lung Cancer Lead and Respiratory Consultant at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, Dr Alex Hicks said: “This is such a fantastic programme because we can identify lung cancer at an earlier point and offer a cure.

“In my clinics before the programme, I would see only 30 per cent of cases where I could offer that patient a cure, with this programme I can offer 80 per cent of patients a cure which is a complete game changer.”

John wanted to share his story to encourage Portsmouth residents to take up the offer of the free Lung Health Check.

More than a quarter of those who have been invited already, have not responded or have opted out of the programme.

John said: “I would really encourage anyone who gets offered this check to take it up because it can save your life.

SPOTTING THE SIGNS What are the symptoms of lung cancer?

There are usually no signs or symptoms of lung cancer in the early stages. Symptoms develop as the condition progresses.

The main symptoms of lung cancer include:

People never think it will be them, but it can be.

“I have been telling my neighbours and anyone who walks past me while I am gardening to go because it is so important.

People never think it will be them, but it can be and it is better that it is caught early.”

If you have missed your free Lung Health Check appointment or think you should have received an invite letter, please call the team on 02392 282625.

Copnor GP and Clinical Director, Portsmouth Place of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board Dr Linda Collie, added: “We would really encourage people to get their free Lung Health Check and get back in touch with the team if you have missed your appointment or invite because it really can save your life.”

More than 24,000 people in Portsmouth will be offered the check over the next two years.

The city was chosen to be part of the NHS England pilot programme due to its high incidence rate of lung cancer, with nearly two thirds of cases presenting at a late stage.

The programme is expected to roll out nationally by 2025-26.

For more information, please visit www.porthosp.nhs.uk/lunghealthcheck

•

a cough that does not go away after 3 weeks

•

a long-standing cough that gets worse

•

chest infections that keep coming back

•

coughing up blood

•

an ache or pain when breathing or coughing

•

persistent breathlessness

•

persistent tiredness or lack of energy

•

loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss

Less common symptoms of lung cancer include: •

changes in the appearance of your fingers, such as becoming more curved or their ends becoming larger (this is known as finger clubbing)

•

difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or pain when swallowing

•

wheezing

•

a hoarse voice

•

swelling of your face or neck

•

persistent chest or shoulder pain

See a GP if you have any of the main symptoms of lung cancer or any of the less common symptoms.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? Cancer Research: cancerresearchuk.org Macmillan: macmillan.org.uk porthosp.nhs.uk/lunghealthcheck

Source: NHS.uk

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noviniti was delighted to have partnered with Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust to improve the staff, patient and visitor experience at Queen Alexandra Hospital delivering the new 541 space multi-storey carpark.

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BREATHE

EASY...

Infants across the Portsmouth area will play a vital role in a new respiratory virus study looking into the leading cause of infant hospitalisation.

Research begins in Portsmouth to tackle RSV infections in infants

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is one of the leading causes of hospitalisation in all infants worldwide and affects 90 per cent of children before the age of two. In recent months, there has been a resurgence of RSV following the easing of COVID-19 public health measures.

The study is evaluating the efficacy of nirsevimab, a monoclonal antibody immunisation. Nirsevimab is an investigational long-acting antibody aiming to protect all infants from birth entering their first RSV season with a single dose.

The ground-breaking HARMONIE study will take place at Queen Alexandra Hospital, run by Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, and is a collaboration between Sanofi, its partner AstraZeneca, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

RSV often causes only mild illnesses, like a cold. However, for some babies, it leads to more severe lung problems such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia.

Supporting this study will make an invaluable contribution to the health of babies now and in the future.

The study will see more than 20,000 infants, including newborn babies to babies 12 months old, take part across three countries (United Kingdom, France and Germany). It will last approximately 12 months. It includes a single in-person visit with entirely virtual follow up.

Dr Tim Scorrer, local lead investigator for the HARMONIE study and Consultant Neonatologist at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, said: “RSV is a major cause of death and illness in children across the world and in the UK, it is the

most common reason for admission to hospital in children aged under one year.

“Most of the children admitted to hospital with RSV are previously healthy and every year we see a significant number of infants on our wards with this infection, some becoming very unwell.

“We would encourage parents to support this important study, with the knowledge that they will be making an invaluable contribution to the health of babies now and in the future.”

Find out more about the study by visiting the HARMONIE website: https://rsvharmoniestudy.com/en-gb.

Study will see 20,000 infants 21

SPOTLIGHT ON

MEET SEWING ROOM TEAM LEADER

JAN HARRIS

Jan has been working at Queen Alexandra Hospital for over 30 years in the busy Sewing Room. During this time, she’s made lots of memories including sewing a button on Australian pop star Peter Andre’s shirt! We caught up with Jan to find out what makes her tick and what she loves about working at the hospital.

WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR EVERYDAY JOB?

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING OUTSIDE OF WORK?

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE SEASON AND WHY?

I manage a small team of sewing machinists working in a very busy sewing room. We fit new and existing staff for their uniforms.

I also purchase, receipt, and alter uniforms and work on a day-to-day basis with suppliers. We also do private alterations for curtains and soft furnishings and any money from this is given to charity.

I have a very big family and we get together regularly as there’s always something happening between us all. I go to London a lot too, as I have friends there. I also love to go to the gym, Zumba, and aerobics classes and I like pubs, clubs, and restaurants.

I love the summer – everyone just seems happier, you can do so much more, such as going for walks, to the beach, having a picnic. The lighter evenings help too, it’s a much healthier season for us all. Sun exposure boosts our vitamin D and it improves our moods, which leads to better mental health.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT WORKING AT PHU? It’s close to home – I can walk to work as its only ten minutes away. I meet and have met so many nice people here and I have many friends and relatives working here.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT AT PHU? Meeting Peter Andre in 2003 and sewing his button on his shirt (he didn’t take it off though!) and was even invited to the party at the Hilton that night, but I declined. He was at the hospital as part of filming on site with This Morning.

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IF YOU COULD INVITE THREE FAMOUS PEOPLE, DEAD OR ALIVE, TO DINNER, WHO WOULD THEY BE? George Michael, Robbie Williams and Paul Hollywood (someone’s got to do the cooking).

WHAT IS YOUR DREAM HOLIDAY DESTINATION? The Caribbean.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? When I left school, I started working as a trainee sewing machinist in a bra factory for Courtaulds in Paulsgrove called Kayser Bonder. After a year I became a supervisor managing a team of 50 girls manufacturing bras for Marks and Spencer and swimwear for BHS.

One of my most memorable moments was meeting Peter Andre in 2003 and sewing his button on his shirt.

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Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust

Are you feeling ill or injured, but it’s not life threatening?

Where are my nearest centres?

Visit your local Urgent Treatment Centre: • St Mary’s Urgent Treatment Centre (PO3 6DW) 8am to 8pm • Gosport Urgent Treatment Centre (PO12 3PW) 8am to 10pm • Petersfield Urgent Treatment Centre (GU32 3LB) 8am to 8pm

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