RD&E News

THE MAGAZINE FOR RD&E STAFF AND MEMBERS

NHS Foundation Trust

OUR

EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE meet the winners

PAGES 12-13

MAKING CALORIES COUNT for Nutrition and Hydration Week 2014 PAGE 16

03 LOOKING GOOD

New uniforms for senior nurses

09 new member and governors section

www.rdehospital.nhs.uk

Spring 2014

Follow @RDEhospital

RD&E news

Royal Devon and Exeter

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Index

04 Survival boost for high-risk patients 06 RILD INNOVATION 07 Connecting Care Torridge Ward case study 09 Members and Governors welcome to your new section 10 Governors Elections would you like to make a difference?

11 Members’ Say 2014 Here’s a date for your diary 12 Extraordinary People meet our amazing winners 14-15 RD&E staff festival 17 Energy-saving schemes spark into life 20 Comfort packs for relatives of terminally ill

Welcome

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elcome to the new-look RD&E News, bringing you a roundup some of the RD&E’s news, activities and achievements since the last issue in late 2013.

The big change is that RD&E News is now a joint magazine for both staff and Trust Members, replacing the separate RD&E News (staff) and RD&E Express (Members) newsletters and merging their content into one new quarterly publication. This change saves the Trust several thousand pounds a year - savings which can now be redirected into frontline services. We’re also using lighter-weighted paper, which saves on growing newsprint and postage costs.

Another change is that there is now a greater focus on content quality more stories, more pictures, and better presentation. We’ve made every effort to balance the content so it can be enjoyed by both staff and Members, but inevitably there will be some stories - for example where we refer to the RD&E staff intranet ‘IaN’ - that may be of more interest to staff than Members, and vice versa.

We warmly welcome story ideas, information and pictures from you that we can use as content for future editions. We’d also love to hear your feedback on the new RD&E News and any ideas you have on how we can continue to improve it.

Deficit CHALLENGE

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So don’t be shy, get in touch. The more we hear from you, the better RD&E News will be.

Tell us your news!

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D&E News is published quarterly.

We’d love to hear about your projects, achievements and successes.

Get in touch if you have a story idea that you would like including in the next edition of RD&E News, and don’t forget we love pictures too so send them in!

Copy deadline for the next issue is Friday 4th July 2014. The next RD&E News will be published in early August.

To get in touch, contact a member of the Communications Team: James Garnett, Communications Manager 01392 402833, jamesgarnett@nhs.net Gwen Powell, Communications Officer 01392 406941, gwenpowell@nhs.net Lucy Basten, E-Communications Officer 01392 406186, lucybasten@nhs.net

care LATEST S

CORES of extra staff have now been trained to use Connecting Care’s team-building tools and techniques after it received a very positive response in clinical areas after launch.

The Trust-wide roll-out of Connecting Care – the RD&E’s new way of working – began in January after it was piloted in selected clinical areas in 2012/13. It uses a variety of new tools and techniques to help teams work more closely and solve problems together, driving improvements in the care we provide for our patients.

Enthusiasm for Connecting Care has been such that the Service Development team have received masses of extra requests for training. The team had set a target of 86 people to be trained up by the end of April, but as RD&E News went to press this figure was expected to rise to almost 150.

Tracey Reeves, Associate Director of Midwifery and Patient Care said: “We have been overwhelmed with the positive response we have received from the training and coaching sessions. Whilst each area presents a different challenge with its complexities and diverse needs, the commitment, enthusiasm and engagement that teams have shown is very commendable and has enabled us to overcome issues in partnership with them.

“Although the training and implementation of Connecting Care marks only the first steps, teams are already reporting improved communication, shared understanding of issues and opportunities for improvement.

They are also collectively working through identifying and implementing solutions which ensures the delivery of safe and compassionate patient care.”

The Service Development team are now working towards completing the implementation of Connecting Care in most clinical areas by early June, before the roll-out of Phase 2 over the summer.

Or email rde-tr.RDEComms@nhs.net

Accessibility We can arrange language translation if you do not speak English. We can arrange British Sign Language interpretation, and also give you this information in larger text. Please ask us on (01392) 403977

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Connecting

How Torridge Ward is using Connecting Care Page 7

Adult inpatient

APPROVAL

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L ead Nurses, Assistant Directors of Nursing, the Chief Nurse and her Deputy wear red tunics or dresses with navy blue piping

New LOOK FOR

SENIOR NURSES

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enior nurses at the RD&E are getting a new look. Since March, senior nurses across the Trust have been wearing new uniforms to indicate their position of leadership. Nurse leaders, from Matrons to the Chief Nurse, wear the uniforms to help the public and other Trust staff to recognise them.

The move is in response to several national reports and local feedback which indicates that patients and the public want to be able to identify senior nurses within the hospital.

Chief Nurse/Chief Operating Officer Em Wilkinson-Brice said: “In addition the new uniforms instil a sense of pride and discipline in nurses who have worked hard to become leaders, providing an image of professionalism in which both staff and patients can be confident.”

One of our Matrons said: “I love the recent change in uniform! I have had such positive comments from people, from patients and visitors through to porters and even staff in the nursery. I have felt so proud and I’m wearing my belt and buckle with pride.”

What does the new uniform look like?

■ Lead Nurses, Assistant Directors of Nursing, the Chief Nurse and her Deputy wear red tunics or dresses with navy blue piping.

■ Senior Nurses wear a navy blue tunic or dress with white piping.

■ Matrons wear a navy blue tunic or dress with red piping.

■ All of the senior nurses who wear tunics will wear navy blue trousers.

dults admitted to the RD&E have given the Trust a resounding stamp of approval in the Care Quality Commission 2013 adult inpatient survey.

The Trust performed highly across each stage of an inpatient’s journey, and is scored amongst the best performing Trusts nationally.

The results show standards of care have remained consistently high since the last survey in 2012.

Patients (excluding maternity and psychiatric) were asked about their experiences and the CQC ‘scored’ different parts of the Trust from 0 (worst) to 10 (best), based on how inpatients perceived the quality of their treatment.

One of the highest scores was in answer to the question, ‘Overall, did you feel you were treated with respect and dignity while you were in the hospital?’, with the Trust scoring 9.2 out of 10.

Em Wilkinson-Brice, Chief Nurse/ Chief Operating Officer, said: “RD&E staff are to be congratulated on these excellent results. They are real evidence that all our staff are delivering very high standards of care with dedication, courtesy and respect.

Other scores included Emergency Department – 8.6 Waiting list and planned admissions – 9.1 Waiting to get to a bed on a ward – 8.5 The hospital and ward – 8.6 Care and treatment – 8.0 Operations and procedures – 8.6 The CQC received responses from 508 adult inpatients at the Trust – a response rate of 62%.

“We need to maintain this level of quality and learn any lessons we can from these results. Our new way of working, Connecting Care, will support teams to achieve even higher standards.”

Medical Director Designate

Senior Nurses wear a navy blue tunic or dress with white piping.

Matrons wear a navy blue tunic or dress with red piping.

Mr Adrian Harris has been appointed to take up the role of Medical Director in April 2015. Adrian will take over from our current Medical Director Mr Martin Cooper, who will work closely with Adrian during his development programme to ensure a smooth transition. Prior to taking up his new role, Adrian will complete the NHS Leadership Academy’s Fast Track programme from June 2014.

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give your views

Prostate cancer patients benefit from PSA tracker

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simple system for managing regular testing of a tell-tale prostate cancer symptom is about to begin at the RD&E, helping eliminate unnecessary regular hospital visits.

It is part of the hospital’s Cancer Patient Pathway Redesign project to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of follow-up care. Project Manager Wendi Abraham said: “The project aims to offer everyone living with cancer a tailored care plan which addresses their physical, practical, social, emotional and spiritual concerns.”

The PSA (prostate specific antigen) Tracker is one of many facets of the project, which has been made possible by a grant of over £50,000 from NHS England.

Men have their blood taken at the GP surgery which will be logged onto the PSA Tracker. A normal sample will result in a call or letter from a Clinical Nurse Specialist to offer self-monitoring advice.

Abnormal or unexpected results trigger a range of possible responses, including an appointment to see a specialist if needed.

Urology Oncology Nurse Specialist Jane Billing said: “Many men having their PSA monitored pre or post prostate cancer treatment may be able to benefit from remote monitoring offered by the Tracker.

This would reduce unnecessary out-patient appointments and allow men to feel less like a ‘cancer patient’. It also means that more clinics can be provided for other patients that need them.”

It is hoped that about 1,500 patients will be suitable to be managed by the system.

Back row l-r: Richard Guinness, Mark Stott, Malcolm Crundwell, Juliana Bailey, Jane

Project team members l-r: Andy Swain, Neil Smart, Marina Quantick, Ian Daniels and Bruce McCormick.

Survival boost for

high-risk patients S

urgeons at the RD&E believe they have saved five extra lives in a project for people needing a particularly high-risk operation.

Patients having emergency abdominal surgery (laparotomy) for illnesses such as a perforated or dead bowel face a high chance of death in the following month. At the RD&E, the survival rate before this eight-month ‘care pathway’ project began was 86%, but it is as low as 56% at some UK hospitals. For the 98 patients operated on during the project their survival rate was above 90%.

Bruce McCormick, consultant anaesthetist and project lead, said: “Using this pathway, we have tried to improve all aspects of our patients’ care, and the end result has been this improvement in survival. We hope to build on the early success of this project with a modified

version, and will present our findings nationally to help other hospitals.”

The team of surgeons, anaesthetists and intensive care staff based their care around new Royal College of Surgeons standards, which included aiming to have emergency scans completed and reported within three hours, surgery beginning within six hours of a decision being made to operate, and admitting all patients to intensive care after their operation.

For the 98 patients operated on during the project their survival rate was above 90%

Billing, Elizabeth Waine, Karen Green.

Executive blog “When we get things wrong, we own up to the problem and do everything we can to learn and put things right.”

Catch up with more of Chief Executive Angela Pedder’s Blog on IaN and follow her on Twitter @AngelaPedderNHS

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Our

achievements Safety ■ 0 MRSA bacteraemia ■ 33% reduction in C.diff cases ■ 5 extra lives saved due to patient pathway improvements for laparotomy ■ 97% reduction in cancelled operations ■ M ajor investment in additional nursing staff ■ O ur ‘zero tolerance’ approach to Pressure Ulcers ■ 18 week RTT achievement Patient Experience ■ “Forget Me Not” campaign ■ E xcellent feedback in national

Deficit CHALLENGE A STRONG financial performance over the last few years, healthy cash reserves and positive discussions with health and social care partners mean that the RD&E has a solid foundation on which to manage its very challenging financial position.

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his was one of the headline messages from RD&E Chief Executive Angela Pedder and Suzanne Tracey, Executive Director of Finance and Business Development, at a series of briefings with staff over the past few weeks.

Over the last four years recurrent savings of approximately £50 million have been achieved but a further £80 million is likely to be required over the next five years.

But despite the financial pressures, Angela and Suzanne emphasized that the Trust and its staff continue to deliver a long list of achievements – among them a £2.5milllion investment to increase nursing numbers, a 97% reduction in cancelled operations, launching the innovative ‘front door’ service for the elderly in ED, receiving excellent feedback in national patient surveys, and opening the superb RILD multi-disciplinary building at Wonford.

Suzanne told staff the Trust would record a deficit of £3.2million in the 2013/14 financial year, with this forecast to rise to £8.9m in 2014/15 and £13.5m in 2015/16.

Several factors, including cumulative annual tariff price reductions, an ageing population and emergency admissions costs, have led to this. Thanks to its financial prudence in previous years the Trust has cash reserves of £30 million, but

with the RD&E needing to spend roughly £1m a day to meet growing demands on its services, the job of balancing the books would be ‘very challenging’ in the coming years, Suzanne said.

She said: “The only way we can change is by transforming our services and focusing on integrating with other health and social care providers, and working with other acute providers around the locality to see how we can best improve our services. Your input to this will be invaluable.”

Angela told staff: “As we go through this difficult time we need to focus on all the good work we are doing and it is very important that we do not lose sight of what we are here to do, which is to deliver highquality care.”

Conversations are well underway with colleagues at the NEW Devon CCG, Devon County Council and local acute Trusts to look at integrating services for patients.

Angela added: “We are all being driven by adversity so the conversations with social care and CCG are perhaps easier than they would have been in previous years when there was more money and everyone had their own projects to focus on, but we mustn’t underestimate the scale of the problems we face across Devon.”

patient surveys ■ Wheelchair intravenous (I.V)

poles introduced ■ Successful Members Say event - what members think compassion means ■ Connecting Care roll out Staff Development ■ Research Innovation Learning & Development Centre (RILD) ■ Creating a new healthcare role: the Advanced Critical Care Practitioners (ACCPs) ■ C linical School to support Nursing research launched ■ E xtraordinary People Awards scheme launched ■ Matron’s Leadership Programme Service Development ■ ‘Space-age’ laser surgery for glaucoma ■ New surgical robot for prostate cancers ■ E xemplar status for our Radiology department ■ ACE – acute care for the elderly service ■ S W Peninsula host for the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Clinical Research Network and PenCLARHC

TALK TO US Do you have ideas on how executives and senior managers can communicate and engage effectively with staff? Email Marie Taylor, Engagement Manager, Marie.taylor5@NHS.net or James Garnett, Communications Manager, Jamesgarnett@NHS.net with your ideas and these will be fed back to Executives.

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RILD Innovation T

he striking £27million Research, Innovation, Learning and Development (RILD) building is a partnership between the RD&E and University of Exeter Medical School, and part-funded by the Wellcome Trust and the Wolfson Foundation.

One of RILD’s key objectives is to take a truly multi-professional approach to research and education. Doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, managers and academic staff will all be trained and educated in RILD with one goal in mind – to improve the quality of patient care.

RILD has already featured in television and press reports, and early next month it will once again be the focus of attention. On June 2, distinguished guests from across the health, academic, social care and charitable sectors will gather at RILD for a formal opening ceremony, led by principal guest and World Dementia Envoy Dr Dennis Gillings CBE, Hon DSc. And on June 3, the Clinical Research Facility

AN INNOVATIVE multi-disciplinary health education and research centre designed to drive up the quality of patient care will be in the spotlight next month.

(CRF) will be throwing open its doors in an open day. Members of the public will have the chance to take part in the Exeter 10,000 research study, go on a tour of the CRF with manager Dr Gillian Baker and meet researchers and clinicians, and hear a talk from Professor Andrew Hattersley, CRF Clinical Director and RD&E Research and Development Director.

RILD provides working space for around 70 research staff, and its simulation suite offers hands-on clinical learning and teaching.

Patient studies laboratory research and then education of health care professionals of these new findings will all occur in a single building. It also provides a forum for students, researchers and clinicians to come together and ensure that medical research is relevant for the needs of the NHS. Prof Hattersley said: “These new facilities are a real asset to Exeter: they will greatly improve the

Diabetes research carried out by Wonford-based nurse Anna Steele for her PhD course has helped challenge international guidelines on managing blood sugar levels.

Anna was part of a team which analysed people with elevated blood glucose levels from birth, a relatively uncommon genetic change. Their findings were published by the Journal of the American Medical Association, which praised a “clever and informative study design”.

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research we can do. RILD puts Exeter right at the front of healthcare innovation world-wide.”

• To register for all or part of the CRF open day, call Louise Bolt on 01392 408182 or email l.bolt@exeter.ac.uk • In the next edition of RD&E News – we meet some of RILD’s staff

The RD&E has been ranked third nationally out of 52 Foundation Trusts for meeting the Government’s 70-day benchmark for clinical trial initiation, for Quarter 2 2013/14.

More than 90% of the RD&E’s trials met the benchmark. Only Cumbria Partnership and Northumberland Tyne and Wear FTs were ranked higher, with 100%.

How Connecting Care

is helping us STAFF on Torridge Ward are among the first to start using the new Connecting Care way of working in their everyday work – and they have given it their full backing.

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ed by Matron James Stevenson and Ward Sister Kat Somers, the ward has been using the Communication Cell (CCell) since February after James and Kat attended training sessions run by the Service Development Team.

The CCell is like an operational nerve centre, using an information board (separate from the Patient Flow Board) displaying regularly updated key information and data relevant to that ward or area’s performance, achievements, issues and staffing. James holds his CCell sessions every Tuesday and Friday at 11.30am in the staff coffee room and informs absent staff about the sessions later.

For James, one of the CCell’s main strengths is that it enables a ward team to zone in on particular clinical tasks or systems and work out how to improve them. James cites compliances with Malnutrition Universal

Screening Tool, Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) and Pressure Ulcers as three examples.

“It empowers people on the shop floor to identify what the problem is and what the potential solutions are. Now we have a Communication Cell that enables a constant source of information where we can get key messages across very simply,” he said.

To help staff engage with it, James takes a “positive, not punitive” approach to the CCell and tailors it to suit the culture and needs of his team. He focuses on celebrating achievements, helping the team to focus on solutions, and likes to include information that’s “real and relevant”.

James added: “We are lucky here that we have got a supportive Consultant - you have the strength of a medical perspective as well.”

Chris Mortimore, Housekeeper on Torridge Ward Chris has created an additional information board beside the CCell board which gives the Torridge team essential information about patient nutrition and hydration (N&H).

He and James went along to the launch of the Trust’s N&H Week in March and Chris took the project forward from there.

James said: “Chris is very keen to make improvements and expand his job role. He and I went through a problem-solving exercise and we found that patients who are nutritionally compromised may not want meals at meal times. They wanted snacks – but we only had biscuits and toast to offer them.

“Chris got information from Bovey and Kenn wards where they give patients more high-energy snacks, such as crisps, chocolate and cake, and now we have these to give to those patients who don’t always want meals but need calories.

“It’s the problem-solving aspects of Connecting Care that have enabled solutions to this to have been worked on in the team and by the team. It’s problem solving from the floor.

“Knowing that staff can actually make changes and implement different strategies is giving staff more empowerment and involvement.”

Chris is very keen to make improvements and expand his job role

TORRIDGE top tip • Make sure your CCell is relevant to your area and really think about the different information that you could display.

James said: “It needs to engage staff rather than leave them cold. The challenge is to get staff engaged fully so that they can run the Communication Cell themselves. So

it’s giving regular explanations of how the Communication Cell works and dispelling any myths that it’s got to be a manager that’s doing it all the time.”

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Patients benefit from outreach project

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he RD&E is now the venue for an outreach project to provide benefit advice and information to its kidney patients. The free and independent service has been initiated by the Exeter and District Kidney Patients Association and the Exeter Citizens Advice Bureau. EDKPA and CAB will provide a twice-monthly service held on alternating Mondays and Thursdays. The appointments will be a mixture of face to face interviews and telephone interviews depending on the needs and complexities of the situation. Appointments can be booked by calling and leaving a message on 01392 402244 or emailing jill@edkpa.org.uk. The partnership expressed their appreciation for the use of facilities and the cooperation of Renal Unit staff in getting this project underway, and believe it will make a great difference to renal patients.

Steve Barriball, Chief Executive of Exeter Citizens Advice Bureau said: “It is understandable that patients and their families are concerned about financial issues, this service allows them to focus on their treatment and recovery, whilst we help with money worries.” Kate Cresswell,South West Region Advocacy Officer for the National Kidney Federation said: “I think other KPAs could very usefully explore such links with their local Citizens Advice Bureaux, it makes such good sense.”

Yealm Go Purple Yealm Ward staff raised £370 for Kidney Research UK by wearing purple scrubs and selling cakes in support of the ‘Go Purple’ campaign this March.

Renal team launch outreach service I

n January this year, the RD&E launched their Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) outreach nursing team for a six month pilot.

AKI is a rapid loss of kidney function that can occur in any patient group. It can significantly increase length of hospital stays and the development of co morbidities.

The AKI outreach nursing team is concentrating on working with patients who have developed one of three potential stages of AKI and have been ‘flagged’ on the ward electronic whiteboard. The team visits the patients in their individual ward environment, and provides advice and information for their care-giving teams.

On-going data analysis will provide both regional and national audit figures along with the reputational elevation of being the first team working to this model in the country.

The AKI outreach nursing team are Mel Sully, Senior AKI Outreach Nurse Specialist, Carrie Hewitt, AKI Outreach Nurse Specialist and Steph Reid, AKI Outreach Nurse Specialist. Consultant time is provided by Dr Chris Mulgrew, Consultant Nephrologist and project support is provided by Allie Wilson, Senior Project Support Officer.

Since the launch, a care bundle, care plan and the T.H.I.N.K poster have been developed, which are promoted through the team’s visits and planned teaching sessions. An AKI element will be added to the monthly Safety Thermometer in due course.

A network of Link Nurses is also being developed in target wards across the Trust to improve knowledge and skills around early recognition and prevention of progression of AKI amongst non-renal nurses and medical staff.

More dialysis patients treating themselves at home thanks to new service

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Standing l-r: Kate Cresswell South West NKF Advocacy Officer, Mel McColm Co Chairman EDKPA. Seated l-r: Freya Searle Benefit Adviser Exeter Citizens Advice Bureau, Jill Baines EDKPA Service Co ordinator.

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pioneering new dialysis service is offering more kidney patients the convenience of being treated at home.

Patients on Automated Peritoneal Dialysis previously had to be well and able enough to set up their system on their own. Now specialist nurses can visit patients’ homes daily to set it up and check how the dialysis is going. The result is more kidney patients opting for home dialysis instead of coming

in to hospital for long haemodialysis sessions three times a week. Elaine Vandecandelaere, Peritoneal Dialysis Nurse Specialist, said: “It is wonderful because it gives kidney patients more freedom and a more normal life. It is also saving hospital admissions as some of these patients would need to be admitted if they became unable to do the treatment at home.”

Members’ Say 2014 Page 11 Here you will find all the information you need to know about the latest news and events for Members and the Council of Governors.

Welcome to your new member and governors section!

Become member of local hospital

and give your views Article by Linda Piggott-Vijeh, RD&E Governor

As a long-standing public governor representing East Devon, Dorset and Somerset at the Royal Devon & Exeter NHS FT, I am fully aware of the enormous challenges faced by the NHS locally.

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s acute hospitals and other care providers across the country struggle to cope with unrealistic expectations, it may well be that staff morale will be adversely affected as a result of increased pressures, and uncertainty as to their future. In any other setting this might be understandable, but there can be no excuse for a lack of compassion and kindness.

One issue is we are all finding life a lot tougher these days, and with the best will in the world it is not as easy as saying “leave your personal problems behind you when you go to work”, when life at home is difficult.

In a harsh environment, saving lives will always take precedence over the extra time it might take to whisper a soothing word or

give someone a much needed hug.

At a recent meeting, representing our members’ views, in discussing the RD&E’s key areas of focus for the coming year, it was heartening to note that “compassion” came out on top of the list; seen as a priority before it became a problem.

All patients, along with their relatives and carers, can feel powerless and vulnerable at a time of stress and anxiety over the outcomes of a hospital visit, for Linda Piggott-Vijeh, whatever reason.

RD&E Governor Unfortunately

Meet the Engagement Team Since the start of 2014, our new Engagement Team replaced the Foundation Office.

The team members include: Marie Taylor - Engagement Manager Jenny Jones - Engagement Officer Lorraine Howe - Department Secretary As a member, you can still contact us in exactly the same way. The phone number remains 01392 403977 or you can email rde-tr.foundationtrust@nhs.net

life does not always deal us the cards we would want for ourselves; bad stuff happens. I believe that often it is not what happens to us that can affect the outcome, but more a case of how the situation is handled by those in whose hands we entrust our lives.

I would urge everyone to become a member of their local hospital; there is no obligation involved in becoming a member, but it is the duty of hospitals to consult with its members and to listen to their views.

Your hospital needs you and your views, so sign up now.”

RD&E welcomes new Non-Executive Directors

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rofessor Janice Kay and Jane Ashman have joined the RD&E’s board as Non-Executive Directors.

Together with the Trust’s Executive Directors, they are responsible for all aspects of the operation and performance of the Board.

They take over from outgoing Non-Executive Directors Brian Aird and David Wright. James Brent, Chairman, said “I would like to thank Brian and David for their outstanding service. I am also very pleased to welcome Janice and Jane - both bring with them a wealth of experience, and will be a valuable addition to the board.”

Professor Janice Kay Has held the post of Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Exeter since 2004. She is a Professor of Cognitive Neuropsychology, line manages the University of Exeter Medical School, and is a Director of the South West Peninsula Academic Health Science Network. the organisation.

Jane Ashman Has 30 years’ experience working in social care, including the post of Director of Adult Social and Housing Services and Joint Director of Commissioning at Bath and North East Somerset Council, and the independent Chair of two safeguarding boards.

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Elections to the Council of Governors 2014 Would you like to have a real influence over the future of the Trust? Are you interested in becoming a Governor?

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e are looking for members interested in putting their names forward for our Council of Governors. The elections will be held during the summer and our 20,000 members will be casting their votes for new Governors. We have vacancies in all our constituencies, both staff and public.

If you are interested in taking part in the important work of our Council of Governors, you are invited to come along to one of our ‘prospective governor meetings’, where you can hear more about the role from current Governors and Trust staff. We are looking for people who are committed to the NHS, who are keen to support us, and who have skills that will add real value to our Council.

Our Governors have an important role: as well as collectively holding the Directors accountable for our performance, they also ensure that the interests of the Trust’s members are taken into account. The new Health & Social Care Act gives Governors more powers so that Foundations Trusts, such as the RD&E, become ever more

accountable to the local community we serve. Our Governors have shown fantastic commitment in representing the views of local people and helping the RD&E to shape its plans for the future.

The Prospective Governor Meetings will be held on: Monday 30 June 2014, 2.00-3.30 Wednesday 2 July 2014, 5.30-7.00 For details of the venue and to book your place, contact the Engagement Office on 01392 403977 or email: rde-tr.foundationtrust@nhs.net The meetings will give you information on the role of a Governor, on the commitment you will need to make and what is involved.

This will help you decide whether the role of a Governor is for you.

If you are not able to attend, you can still put your name forward to join the Council of Governors, but we would encourage you to get in touch with us so that we can talk to you about the role and the commitment required. You can also attend the Council of

Governors meeting on 11 July 2014 in order to see the Council at work.

Council of Governors Meetings All Council meetings are 2-4pm - Monday 7 July - Monday 13 October Venue: Research, Innovation, Learning & Development building (RILD), RD&E, Wonford, Barrack Road, Exeter.

All Foundation Trust members are welcome to attend. There is no need to book but if you would like more details, please contact the Engagement Team on 01392 403977 or email rde-tr.foundationtrust@nhs.net.

Board of Directors meetings 2014 Our Board has 10 meetings in a calendar year (though it can meet in August and December if required) with each meeting having a public and confidential session.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the public sessions.

2014 Board meeting dates are: ■ Wednesday 28 May ■ Wednesday 25 June

Medical School. The room used for the meetings is on the ground floor and is accessible by wheelchair.

Board Papers The agenda and reports are available to view and download from the Trust’s website at least two working days before the scheduled Board meeting date. A small number of hard copies of the papers are supplied at the meeting.

■ Wednesday 30 July

Meeting Format

■ Wednesday 24 September

The public has a designated seating area to observe the meeting discussion. At the end of the public session the Chairman will ask those in attendance whether they would briefly like to ask a question.

It is asked that this question be related to an item on the meeting agenda. The Board will then move into a confidential session and the public will be asked to leave the meeting.

■ Wednesday 29 October ■ Wednesday 26 November

Start time and Venue Board meetings start at 2pm. They are held in the RILD building on the RD&E Wonford Hospital site. The new Research, Innovation, Learning and Development building (RILD) is adjacent to Peninsula

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At the end of the public session the Chairman will ask those in attendance whether they would briefly like to ask a question.

There is no need to book to attend but if you would like more details, please contact the Engagement Team on 01392 403977 or email rde-tr.foundationtrust@ nhs.net.

Meet our winners!

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Medicine for members T

hank you to those members who were able to join us for our latest ‘Medicine for Members’ event. Dr Adam Reuben (pictured above), Consultant Emergency Physician and Clinical Lead for the Emergency Department, gave a highly informative talk on the role of emergency medicine. It was a unique opportunity to hear firsthand how his award winning team works to provide quality care, ensuring patients get the right treatment in the right place at the right time.

Clinical Lead for Physiotherapy and another of our Extraordinary People award winners, will be the keynote speaker. He will be focussing on how our Physiotherapy department plays a vital role in the treatment of trauma. He will be supported by fellow Physiotherapists Louise Watson and Anna Lloyd.

The next Medicine for Members talk will be on Physiotherapy. Rob Wickens (pictured above right),

Diary Date: Monday 16th June, 2014 1.30pm to 3.30pm The talk will be held in the Princess Elizabeth Orthopaedic Centre at Wonford Hospital.

Places are limited so reserve your place early to avoid disappointment by contacting the Foundation Trust Office on 01392 403977 or email Jenny Jones, Engagement Officer at rde-tr.foundationtrust@nhs.net

Members’ Say events THIS still comes from a ‘cartoon’ on compassion created after our latest Members’ Say event – which attracted nearly 200 members last September.

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embers’ Say events, usually held twice a year, offer members the chance to be informed about our work and take part in interactive activities and focus groups.

Following the compassion issues highlighted in the Mid Staffordshire Hospital scandal, at September’s event members were asked to define ‘compassionate care’ and to help us ensure it is delivered appropriately every time.

After holding five focus groups the results were developed into a cartoon by an external

Governor Keith Broderick: “Becoming a member is free and you can have your say on decisions and developments about the RD&E”

Join us!

supplier, Akumen, which has developed software designed to draw meaning from qualitative data.

You can watch the video on IaN and on our website. Go to: www.rdehospital.nhs.uk/trust/ ft/members_say.html ■ We will be holding our next Members’ Say

event on Saturday 27th September 2014.

You cannot book your place yet though. We will be sending you booking information in the Summer edition of RD&E News.

We’re always looking to recruit more members. If you know someone who would like to join us, send your name, address, and email address to Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, FREEPOST NAT 7092, Exeter, EX25BF, or email rde-tr.foundationtrust@nhs.net

Have your contact details changed?

Let the Engagement Team know so that we can still keep in touch with you. Call us on 01392 403977 or email rde-tr.foundationtrust@nhs.net

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Our Extraordinary People – Winner of Winners Awards Night!

“The RD&E have extraordinary staff doing exceptional things every day in a place where passion for the job is the norm.”

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his sentiment from awards compere and BBC Radio Devon presenter Judy Spires, was echoed thought the night at the inaugural Extraordinary People – Winner of Winners Event. The sparkling ceremony was attended by more than 100 people, and was the culmination of a year’s campaign to celebrate staff who go above and beyond to care for their patients. The event, which was held in the newly completed RILD building in April, was attended by all staff who had won an Extraordinary People award in the three seasonal ceremonies since the scheme’s launch.

Staff who were successful in their categories were all nominated for the prestigious Winner of Winners awards. A panel of judges had the

difficult decision of choosing a winner out of each category – take a look overleaf to see who was successful. Staff across the Trust were also invited to have their say by voting for the winner of the People’s Award in the Excellent Care category – with the staff of Okement Ward emerging victorious for their dedication to high quality care. Finally, the Trust took the opportunity to celebrate the dedication of some of our longest serving volunteers, the Hospital Radio Team.

Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed canapés and elderflower fizz whilst being serenaded by a jazz band. Many were also Tweeting live from the event and congratulating the winners as they were revealed.

RD&E Chairman James Brent said the nominations received for the awards represented only ‘a fraction’ of the talent in the RD&E as a whole. “There is a real iceberg of compassion and achievement in this hospital,” said Mr Brent.

Judy Spiers, from BBC Radio Devon, told guests: “I cannot speak highly enough of the RD&E. It’s only right to recognise when people do their job brilliantly and go that little bit further.”

RD&E Chief Executive Angela Pedder said: “There is so much to celebrate in the safe, high quality care you deliver with courtesy and respect each and every day. Our focus should be on celebrating what we can do and recognising what we do so well. Our winners are wonderful examples of personal passion and drive to do the very best for our patients and fellow staff.”

Winter winners More exceptional members of staff were recognised at the winter Extraordinary People Awards in February. The winners were: Excellent Care Award – Lisa Bowden Exceed Award – Carina Hume Exemplar Award – Donna Addison and Ali Galling Extra Mile Individual Award – Jonathan Evans, Viv Watts and Jane Dorothy Extra Mile Team Award – Patient Transport Team

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The Extraordinary People Awards will be taking a break for the summer, but keep an eye out for a new round of nominations in the Autumn.

Meet our winners Okement Ward – The People’s Award

Holly Hamlyn, Staff Nurse – Excellent Care Award

Emergency Department – Extra Mile Team Award

Holly was nominated by the daughter of a patient, Tina Bilyard. Tina says that Holly always brought laughter and cheerfulness to the ward. She was kind and considerate and maintained her father’s dignity right to the very end. Holly never shied away from talking about difficult issues in an honest and open way. ‘The words ‘Thank You’ don’t seem enough. It was my dad’s last wish that Holly be nominated.’

The team have faced an increased challenge in achieving the four hour waiting time target. They led a recovery plan which required influence and negotiation across many parts of the hospital and external stakeholders. They adopted a zero tolerance to unnecessary and non-clinically justifiable delays for patients ensuring that patients get the right treatment, at the right time. Patient Safety was their guiding principle coupled with a relentless focus on service improvement.

Jason Maddocks, Portering Manager – Exceed Award Jason was nominated by his manager, Frank Alstead, for his innovative improvement to the way we transport patients in wheelchairs around the hospital. Medical pumps often used to slide down or get cross-threaded behind the IV poles; Jason realised the poles needed to be thicker but still fit the current wheelchairs. He worked with the makers of the poles and arranged an adaptation to provide a more comfortable service to patients.

Jonathan Evans, Orthopaedic Registrar – Extra Mile Award Jonathan established the ‘Quality Improvement Academy’ which pairs junior doctors with managers and senior clinicians to help them achieve real change through quality improvement projects. His enthusiasm, dedication and care for his patients have made the QIA a sustained success. He has also had a poster presentation accepted at the BMJ International Forum on Quality and Safety in Health Care in Paris.

Lucy Hill, Matron Exemplar Award Lucy is the first of our Modern Matrons, with a background in Occupational Therapy. Being the first non-nurse matron, she has done an exceptional job as a leader to her nursing colleagues and is an inspiration. She has done an excellent job of linking the hospital with community health teams to provide improvements in continuity of care for our patients.

Extraordinary Volunteer Award – Hospital Radio Exeter Award Hospital Radio Exeter has been broadcasting for 40 years, with their inaugural meeting held in August 1974! Among the members are Malcolm Mardon, who has been there since the very first meeting; Pete Harvey, who has given 39 years’ service; Paul Hayman, who has

The winners of our People’s Award were nominated by a patient, who said: ‘I would like to nominate all the staff on Okement, including the non-clinical staff such housekeepers and ward clerk, as I feel they provide an outstanding service.

The leadership by Matron, Jo, is also outstanding. I have been a patient on Okement on and off for the last 15 years, many of my stays when I was very young.

I feel less anxious about coming into hospital if I know I’m going to Okement.

The medical staff always explain treatment options in full so you have all the information. There are a number of staff who have worked there for many years and as a patient this is reassuring to see familiar faces. They know you and your illness and how best to support you.’

On collecting the award with her colleagues from Okement, Matron Jo Churchill said: ‘It’s not about me. Without my team I cannot do my job and I am sure that all the matrons here feel the same way. My team are behind me day and night.’

volunteered for 31 years; and Phil Warnes who joined the radio four years ago. The team has around 30 members and they broadcast 24/7.The volunteers visit the wards regularly to collect requests and also present a range of specialist programmes and a live broadcast from the Chapel on Sundays. They have been broadcasting for longer than any radio station in Exeter.

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W

e held our very first RD&E Staff Festival on a bright and blustery Saturday in May. Situated in the beautiful grounds of Bicton College, the festival was designed to celebrate RD&E’s staff’s hard work and dedication in its 10th year as a Foundation Trust. The event was supported by RD&E Charitable Funds, the Staff Lottery and DAC Beachcroft.

Festival-goers enjoyed an afternoon of family-friendly entertainment, before dancing the night away to some live music. Here is a selection of pictures from the festival.

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Bramble round up Page 16

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Heartsease room refurbished thanks to Ayrton’s Dream T

he Heartsease bereavement room has undergone a homely refurbishment thanks to parents Claire and Mark Rider and their charity Ayrton’s dream. The room on the labour ward is a place set aside for parents who have a stillborn child.

Claire and Mark lost their son Ayrton in May last year. The couple were able to spend over 30 hours saying goodbye in the Heartsease room, but found the room lacking in home comfort. “When I first came into the room I cried; it felt so clinical and cold. This is the kind of room that easily gets forgotten, so after talking to one of the matrons Debbie, we decided that we would like to do something to make it more homely.” said Claire.

Making calories count for Nutrition and Hydration Week 2014

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D&E staff are busy spreading the message that upping the calorie count can be good for patients.

In March, the Trust held a range of activities as part of the national Nutrition and Hydration Week, organised by Patient Safety First, the National Association of Care Catering and the Hospital Caterers Association.

Throughout the week, everyone from catering staff to the Chief Executive were involved in promoting the benefits of eating a high calorie diet and drinking well during times of

illness to speed up recovery. Activities included kitchen tours; executives and senior managers delivering meals to patients; and information stands. All inpatients also enjoyed a Devonstyle cream tea to top up their calorie intake.

David Thomas, RD&E Assistant Director of Nursing, coordinated the week and said: “There’s good evidence to show that eating and drinking plenty can help build up your energy, aid healing and get you home from hospital faster so it’s really important that we get the message out there.”

BUSY IN Bramble

There’s been a lot going on on Bramble Ward recently…

From l-r: Mark and Claire Rider take a look at the newly refurbished Heartsease room with midwife Ruth Mordue.

The couple have set up the Ayrton’s Dream charity and completed a four-mile sponsored sea swim raising over £2,600.

Thanks to their efforts, the room has been completely transformed. Heartsease now benefits from new soft furnishings, a TV, a fridge and refreshments as well as new furniture, fresh wallpaper and flowers.

RD&E Matron Debbie Stevens said: “The Heartsease room is such a special place for bereaved parents. They will carry the memories of that room with them forever – it was such a clinical place before, so the fact that it is so warm and comforting now is very meaningful.

We are so grateful to Claire and Mark for all of their amazing work.”

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Sport Relief – staff got into the sporting spirit for the national charity, raising over £127 by holding a cake sale.

Special visitors – Golden Retriever Henry and Cockapoo Jenna recently paid a visit to the playroom with their owners Liz and Ian, from charity Pets as Therapy.

Starlight storytellers - The Starlight Storytellers tour stopped by the playroom to give the children a big dose of laughter. The performance saw four actors singing and dancing along to a selection of wellloved children’s stories.

Christmas magic – there was a double Christmas treat for children on Bramble over the festive period. Ten of the Exeter Chiefs popped in with gifts and goodiebags, while a pair of reindeer – complete with a sack of toy reindeer from Cotley Christmas Farm in Whimple also paid a visit.

The Clinical School is launched

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he Clinical School, a new collaboration between the RD&E and Plymouth University designed to promote nursing and midwifery research, has been launched.

The school will support nurses and midwives develop ideas and make use of the latest evidence for changing practice, and submit conference abstracts and journal papers.

Em Wilkinson-Brice, RD&E Chief Nurse/Chief Operating Officer,

Let ability shine!

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said the Clinical School will help to “demystify research and ultimately broaden the value we give to patients”.

The school also boosts the RD&E’s reputation for high quality clinical research, with Senior Hepatology Nurse Fiona Fry receiving the first Clinical School Alumni Research Grant to take forward her work Hepatitis C. To find out more about the Clinical School, contact Carole Boulanger, RD&E Consultant Nurse and Honorary Research Fellow, on 01392 402426 or follow them on Twitter @rdepu

Fiona Fry (right) being presented with her award by Professor Ruth Endacott

Energy-saving schemes

spark into life The RD&E and the University of Exeter have been awarded a £1.1m grant from the Department of Health to fund a variety of energy efficiency projects.

The projects mean precious budget savings of about £200,000 a year can be diverted to frontline teams.

As a result of savings on energy bills, the carbon dioxide emissions caused by the Trust will also be cut by more than 900 tonnes.

Key projects include • Low energy light-bulbs fitted,

with more efficient fans and pumps in the hydrotherapy pool system to follow.

• A borehole system for the Laundry to reduce the usage of costly mains water.

• Inefficient oil boilers will be replaced with more efficient gas boilers, along with improvements to the heat recovery from the steam system.

The RD&E joined forces with the Centre for Energy and Environment (CEE) at the University of Exeter

which performed an energy audit across the Wonford site. The results will be closely monitored and used to encourage further savings at the RD&E and other members of the South West Energy and Environment Group (SWEEG).

Dr Tim Malone said: “Bringing in academic experts to work with our highly experienced NHS estates and engineering staff is hugely beneficial and maximises the chances of delivering the biggest cost savings.”

Bike security event Staff who cycle to work can keep their bikes more secure thanks to a recent ‘bike marking’ event run by the hospital’s Security and Sustainability Team with Devon and Cornwall Police and The Bike Doctor.

Awards round up Nurse wins national award Rhianne Mason, an Endocrine Specialist Nurse, has been awarded a top prize by the Clinical Endocrinology Trust and the Society for Endocrinology.

Rhianne’s abstract ‘Introduction of a protocol and endocrine specialist nurse ward visits in the management of hyponatraemia’ scored top in the nursing practice category. Junior Doctors Seren Williams and Charlie Forbes also contributed to the abstract and audit, supervised by Consultant Endocrinologist Antonia Brooke.

Maternity services shortlisted Maternity services have been shortlisted by healthcare consultancy CHKS for its Top Hospitals awards. The list of 15 hospitals represents the top 10% of maternity providers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and was compiled using some results from the Care Quality Commission’s recent survey on births in England.

Docs win audit prizes Three doctors from the RD&E have won first prize for their report “Don’t be a clot” on providing better patient care after joint replacements at the Junior Doctor of the Year awards.

Jonathan Evans was given the title “Winner of the HQIP and Clinical Audit Support Centre National Junior Doctor Audit of the Year 2013” for his work with Dr Caroline Evans and Mr Alexander Armstrong.

Emergency Department team shortlisted Emergency Department physicians have been shortlisted for a prestigious British Medical Journal (BMJ) award for their work on the sedation of patients for painful procedures. Led by Consultant Gavin Lloyd, they have been nominated for their use of Propofol, a drug normally used only by anaesthetists.

Dr Lloyd said: “Our efforts can mean a dislocated hip is relocated within two hours in ED, compared to eight hours if they have to wait for theatre.”

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Logistics Team

Procurement and Logistics ‘Fostering a continuous improvement culture’ T he Logistics Team is responsible for controlling the efficient flow of goods around the RD&E. The department has undergone a facelift in recent months by introducing sound lean procedures and a Continuous Improvement mentality - considered best practice throughout the industry.

The work has included increasing the efficiency of materials management rounds known as “top-up”, which involves delivering supplies to 86 clinical areas. It is highly unlikely anyone will have noticed a change when they see stacked cages

wheeled along corridors. However, the improvements made are only too noticeable in the data, which shows the average time it takes for the logistics assistants to complete the rounds is reduced by as much as two and half hours, per person per day.

have experienced before. This has recently been demonstrated by the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply who have bestowed the honour of FCIPS upon her, including Hélène in an exclusive group of procurement professionals.”

Logistics Manager, Denis Plant, said: “The measures have been put in place by the whole team, not just management. We gave the team guidance and ideas to build on. I sowed the seed and watched it grow. The support I have received from my manager (Hélène Waterhouse) has also been equal to if not better than anything I

Head of Procurement and Logistics, Hélène Waterhouse, said: “I am delighted with the changes the team have designed and implemented. This truly is teamwork at its very best. I am proud of what has been achieved and look forward to the successful delivery of other continuous improvement projects.”

Sign-up, tone-up and Let ability shine!

Richards has a rare Let ability shine, not the weight-off disability - It is important that eye condition Lisadegenerative

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en years youthfulness is the early reward for Wonford research nurse Maria Nadolski after she volunteered for the Exeter CRF 10,000 study. The 49-year-old put her name down for the joint RD&E and University of Exeter Medical School project in the autumn Maria Nadolski to give back a little to medical research.

What she found out from the set of simple tests spurred her into action for a healthier lifestyle without taking drastic action. “I decided to start some exercises at the gym but I’m now training to run 5km (on the Couch 2 5k programme). Anyone who knows me will realise this is a major achievement; I am certainly not a runner. I also downloaded an app to monitor my dietary intake/exercise pattern.” Maria is encouraging more people to join the CRF 10,000, which is still looking for the final 3,000 volunteers.

“Since I started I have lost about half a stone,” she said, “but the real difference is that I have toned up, I’m a lot fitter and I sleep better. My husband also says I look a lot better than I did 10 years ago.” To find out more about taking part in the study call 01392 408181.

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and is registered partially sighted. Having had a successful career as a nurse, she made the transition into management. While there has been hard work and determination from Lisa, the Trust has helped in her success.

It has provided reasonable adjustments by working with Lisa and Access to Work. Lisa now has a range of equipment such as specialised computer software and a CCTV to magnify documents. There are two learning points from Lisa’s story: Be open - If you keep quiet about a long term health issue, how can your manager help you?

If you are a manager, might any of your staff be keeping quiet about a health issue?

individuals are seen for who they are and not by a condition they may have.

The Trust is committed to making reasonable adjustments for any staff with a long term health issue or disability. For more information contact Tony Williams on 01392 406942 or Anthony.williams1@nhs.net

Lisa Richards

RD&E helped me…

Every day the RD&E treats hundreds of patients and many take the time to give us feedback. Here in our regular RDE News feature we share some of our recent thank-yous. Send us your thanks to rde-tr.RDEComms@nhs.net

Hello, Who would have thought, that in this era we would receive the care we have for our 68 year old mother. Our experience at the RDE has been nothing but utterly amazing.

Our mum, Mrs Wendy Hague, was living in Derbyshire, struggling with pain in her hip.

This was diagnosed at the local GPs as wear and tear. Time went on to the point that mum’s quality of life was appalling; she was living between tablets and her life consisted of pain and negativity.

Fortunately, in July of 2013 they moved to Devon to be with us. Within a week, she was in hospital being assessed as our local GP and your hospital had discovered she had a tumour.

Since then, we have been through numerous chemotherapy treatments and stays in Yeo ward.

It is without doubt that without your

intervention, our mum wouldn’t be here.

She is still battling this terrible disease, but the care, information and intervention she has received whilst in your care has been beyond excellent.

I have to mention a few people in particular. Dr Scatchard has been nothing but positive and also, Dr Ian, has been excellent in his practice. The nurses on Cherrybrook are quite simply angelic! You are so lucky and blessed to have such an amazing,

Dear Mrs. Wilkinson-Brice, I have recently had my leg broken in 3 places and was treated by the RDE. Firstly I would like to say that the staff I encountered exuded professionalism, friendliness, politeness and efficiency. From the admin procedure in accident and emergency, initial assessment, radiography, doctors assessments, operation, ward experience, post op care, orthopaedic, fracture clinic and physiotherapy including

Schwartz rounds Don’t forget the final session of the Schwartz Center rounds before the summer break for RD&E staff. These are discussions of recent cases led by the clinical staff to reflect openly on their feelings and experiences. The next event is taking place on: Friday 27th June, ‘Perinatal death’ RILD, 12.30 lunch, 13.00-14.00 The Schwartz rounds will recommence in September 2014.

the cast team all were fantastic.

I believe the standards of care, cleanliness and professionalism are ones which you should be proud of your team, please cascade my thanks to ALL members of your team (I’m sure I’ve left some out).

Em, once again thanks to you and your team, please keep up the good work.

Best regards Peter Lewis

inspiring and committed team of staff. Mum is never worried, concerned or anxious. She knows the staff, they know her and she feels content. In particular, Helen Brooks, who has cared for mum on most occasions, is something beyond amazing.

As a family, we would like to express our praise. We are forever indebted to your staff for the care they have provided to our mum.

Many thanks Sally Hague

“Excellent care on the ward as I have always found on RDE. Brilliant, cheerful, caring staff” “So many negative things are said about the NHS today, but I would like to say to all staff on Lyme Ward – well done! NHS rocks!”

“I have felt that everything has been in my best interest and that I have been involved in all decision making.”

The Friends and Family Test The Friends and Family Test continues for all adult in-patients, the Emergency Department and maternity patients. In order to further increase our response rate the Trust will be using the Hospedia bedside television system for all in-patient areas to ask the question ‘How likely are you to recommend this service to friends and family if they needed similar care or treatment?’ and capture follow-up comments. The advantage of this system is that all wards will be able to access real-time feedback to enable immediate improvements to be made to patient care. The Trust will also be piloting the use of stand-alone kiosks where this question can be answered in areas such

as Maternity and the Emergency Department to see if this would be a more suitable way of capturing feedback. Prior to October 2014 the Trust is required to roll-out the Friends and Family Test question to all out-patient and day case areas and will be using the token system (as used in the Emergency Department) with comment cards for this. The CQUIN for Friends and Family for 2014/15 requires the Trust to achieve and maintain a 40% response rate and therefore it is important that all staff work together to achieve this.

• The Friends and Family Test is being extended for staff - look out for details on IaN

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Comfort packs for relatives of terminally ill T he RD&E is offering ‘comfort packs’ for families and carers of people who are approaching the last days of their life. The packs include tea, coffee, toiletries, a notepad, tissues and a voucher for Oasis. Keith Mitchell, Senior Nurse Cancer Services, said: “Relatives

are often not prepared for an extended stay in hospital. These packs allow those closest to the dying person to remain near the bedside during the intimate time. We have been given huge support from the Exe Vale Tesco store and Miles tea and coffee merchants.”

19th century fish attends RD&E for x-ray A large 19th century fish made an unusual appearance in the radiography department when it was brought in for an x-ray. Staff from the Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery enlisted the help of the hospital to see inside the sunfish before beginning conservation work to remove a large piece

of wire. The fish was x-rayed early in the morning before patient appointments began. “We needed to know how and where the wire had been inserted so that we can remove it without causing further damage to the fish”, said Susannah Bartindale from RAMM.

New services for teenagers

and young people T

eenagers and young people with cancer are benefiting from two new treatment rooms thanks to a £10,500 donation from Woodbury Park Golf Club. The teenager and young adult liaison nurse worked with young patients and The Teenage Cancer Trust to create a fresh, modern yet tranquil space to receive treatment. Woodbury Park Golf Club men’s team captain John Man and ladies team captain Bridget Leonard who pioneered the fundraising, recently visited to officially open the rooms with representatives from the club. John Man said: “We are delighted by the tremendous effort that the club has put in to raise such a terrific amount.”

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WEEU international reputation The reputation of the West of England Eye Unit (WEEU) is spreading. Whilst on holiday in Cyprus, longstanding member of the Patient and Carers Experience Group Colin Hadley, noticed an optician in Pathos using his time spent at the WEEU to sell his services to locals. Colin said: “I am well aware of the high reputation of the WEEU. However, I was still surprised to see it being used alongside the names of Moorfields and the Royal United Hospital of Bath.”

Fabulous 40 for Dave Computing and Support Manager Dave Price has retired from the RD&E after 40 years. Dave joined the NHS in 1974, and has lead the child health computing team for more than 30 years. He now intends to spend more time on his passions for golf and music.

Dave Price

NICE question and answer session at RD&E RD&E staff, governors, and the public recently gathered at the RILD building for a Question and Answer session with Chairman Professor David Haslam, and Chief Executive Sir Andrew Dillon from the National Institute for Health and Care

Excellence (NICE). Sir Andrew explained that NICE’s main roles included offering evidence-based guidance and information on clinical practice, social care, new drugs, medical technology, quality standards and public health issues.

We are delighted to have been gifted this new machine.

Cherrybrook are reducing the chances of hair-loss for cancer patients Cherrybrook unit has a new Scalp Cooling Machine to reduce the chances of hairloss for patients receiving chemotherapy.

The machine, which replaces an older model, has been generously donated by the charity ‘Walk the Walk’ in partnership with the manufacturer Paxman. Patient Professor Ann Craft has been using the cap for six weeks. She said: “It was very painful at first but after ten minutes the cold is manageable. It’s been just amazing though and I haven’t lost any hair so far.”

Cherrybrook Matron Helen Daggar said: “Losing your hair is a side effect that can be very difficult to come to terms with. We are delighted to have been gifted this new machine, as it means patients can benefit from improvements in the cap design, fitting and timings of wearing the device.”

GOLD standard for RD&E consultant Professor David Halpin, a respiratory medicine specialist has been invited to join the board of an international body helping to fight one of the most common causes of death worldwide. He will join 11 other experts on the board of the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD). Professor Halpin, the hospital’s Consultant Respiratory Physician and Clinical Lead for Respiratory Medicine, said: “It is a great honour to have been invited to join the Board of this important global organisation.”

It is a great honour to have been invited to join the Board of this important global organisation.

Patient Professor Ann Craft using the machine with nurse Sam Sergeant

New trees for the NHS Forest Three new cherry trees were planted outside the Centre for Women’s Health by our Estates Staff on March 27th in support of NHS Sustainability Day 2014. The trees will form part of the NHS Forest – a project

which promotes the benefits of trees and green spaces for the mental and physical wellbeing of our patients, visitors and staff. The NHS Forest will also attempt to offset some of the NHS’ carbon footprint.

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