July 2015 Issue 15
New cancer technology at NGOC
North East women are benefiting from a new piece of medical technology which detects pre cancerous ‘hot spots’ in women which can lead to cervical cancer. Doctors at the Northern Gynaecological Oncology Centre (NGOC) at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead are using the device called a DySIS to help detect changes and to help guide the best course of treatment for women to prevent them developing full blown cancer. DySIS is helping in the fight against cervical cancer by picking up changes which could go on to become cancer and those which can go undetected. The advanced cervical scan is also ensuring women don’t undergo unnecessary invasive treatment which can in some cases leave them with problems during pregnancy such as increased risk of miscarriage and premature birth. Mr Raj Naik, consultant gynaecological oncologist at the at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, said the procedure is helping to detect additional women with abnormal cell changes referred to the centre for examination each year which can be missed using standard techniques. Click here to read more... Pag 2
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New look for maternity unit at the QE
A brand new maternity reception area is proving a big hit after new and expectant mothers helped to make the big decisions about design, equipment and furniture. More than 2,000 babies are born each year at the Queen Elizabeth and the new reception area is the latest in a long line of new developments at the hospital. Midwives in Gateshead were overwhelmed by the response when they took to social media site Facebook to ask new mums and pregnant ladies to get involved in the redesign of the reception area. More than 70 people contacted the unit to act as volunteers to offer their feedback, help shape the service and get more ideas about how the maternity unit should look and feel in the future. The area now has a bright, modern and colourful design with a layout that is based on what the group said they wanted. QE Gateshead already offers the highest possible standards of care and was rated as one of the best in the country by the National Maternity Survey. Gateshead was also one of only 15 in the country to be given the highest possible rating for maternity risk management standards by the NHS litigation unit. The unit already has an amazing family room so that children have somewhere to play when visiting their new siblings. The unit also includes designated single rooms with en-suite bathrooms to accommodate birthing partners or family support so that others can be with you during your stay. For more information including a virtual 360 tour of the unit visit: www.qegateshead.nhs.uk/maternity You can also see a video about our maternity unit on YouTube by clicking here.
Operational plan 2015/16 The updated version of the Trust’s operational plan for this financial year is now available on our website. This is an important document that not only reaffirms the overall strategy for QE Gateshead, but also includes a number of detailed objectives for the coming year. Our strategy is ultimately about putting the patient at the heart of everything we do and providing the highest possible quality of service to the people of Gateshead. This strategy was developed in 2014 and is based on five key themes: Patient centred, coordinated care; integration and innovation; ensuring long term sustainability, expanding scope and portfolio and being the provider of choice. This broad strategic framework is reviewed annually and we believe that it continues to provide a sound basis to deliver our objectives and plans for 2015/16, despite the challenging financial landscape facing the NHS. For more information go to: www.qegateshead.nhs.uk/operationalplan
Nursing president visits QE Royal College of Nursing (RCN) President Cecilia Anim chose to make a flying visit to QE Gateshead whilst in the region meeting commissioners. QE Gateshead was the only hospital that Cecilia chose to visit, and specifically want to come and see the new emergency care centre which opened earlier in the year as the only unit of its kind in the country. Cecilia said: “I very much enjoyed visiting the fantastic new facilities at the Queen Elizabeth hospital in Gateshead. The new Emergency Treatment Centre is a huge improvement on the old facilities, but what ultimately makes a centre of excellence are the staffing resources: the nurses, health care assistants and other healthcare professionals who deliver the service. I was fortunate enough to meet some excellent front line staff on the day that I visited. I congratulate them on the hard work that they do, and the quality of service that they deliver.�
New artwork at St Bede’s unit
A new piece of artwork is providing a peaceful welcome to patients and visitors at QE Gateshead St Bede’s palliative care unit. The mosaic welcome piece was created by artist Mark Todman who worked with staff to choose the design. “I worked closely with patients and staff on the unit, getting to know the people who use the unit and we worked on a design together. We decided to echo the design of a stained glass window which had been brought over from the old unit when this one opened in 2012, a candle on a hill. For the staff and patients this represented a light in the darkness,” he explained. “The mosaic was made up of broken cups and saucers, everyone is familiar with the blue willow pattern, and this touch of the familiar makes it quite a comforting piece.” The artwork was part funded by QE charitable funds, the official hospital charity which raises money for equipment and services, as well the little additional things which can make coming into hospital a better experience. An organisation called Room For You funded the other half of the work. Liz Lough, ward manager on St Bede’s said: “The mosaic has made a warm and personal touch to the entrance of our lovely unit. It enables patients and their loved ones to feel welcome and supported as soon as they arrive at the unit and is also a reminder of the dedication and care of patients given at the old Dunston Hill Hospital which has shaped the culture we have at the unit today and we’ll never forget.”
Team completes cycling challenge
Congratulations to QE consultant Mark Katory who completed #RaidDolomites cycling challenge in aid of QE Gateshead Charitable Funds.
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Mark and his team completed their trip cycling 660 km, climbing over 50,000 feet over six days including cycling over many of the Dolomite passes including the infamous Stelvio, Sella and Zoncolon passes. The team raised more than £1,280 and he said: "I would like to thank all who contributed to this fundraiser in particular to those patients and relatives of patients who provided me with much inspiration during the course of this event in times of cold, rain and endurance." The money will go towards improving the experience we can offer at the QE to our cancer patients. Well done Mark but it’s not too late to sponsor him – you can still make a donation by visiting www.justgiving.com/mark-katory
QE purchases new bladder scanners Abby Khan is one of the sisters in our new Emergency Care Centre. The piece of equipment she's demonstrating is a portable bladder scanner. Recently, QE Gateshead Charitable Funds (the hospital’s own charity) purchased two scanners for the centre at a cost of more than £12,000. Abby explained: "These scanners mean we can see our patients here in the unit quicker so we can more easily diagnose problems which therefore means the patients can start treatment earlier. We've trained all the staff on how to use them and we're really pleased to have this extra equipment thanks to the QE charity."
Trust wins funding to continue support for saving babies lives campaign The Trust has been successful in bidding for funding from the NHSLA (NHS litigation authority) to help continue support for the saving babies lives campaign by reducing stillbirth rates and perinatal morbidity. The funding will help the Trust build on work to reduce stillbirths by utilising CTGs (a piece of equipment that helps monitor babies during labour) and other methods.
Keep in touch We hope you enjoyed reading this issue of Health Matters and would love to hear your views on the newsletter. If you would like to submit stories or offer any other feedback on the content please get in touch with Ross Wigham (ross.wigham@ghnt.nhs.uk). Thanks for reading and please continue sending us your story ideas and suggestions.