Positive August 2012

August 2012

Growth Through Partnership Services come together to showcase achievements at this year’s AGM and Annual Members’ Meeting – see centre pages prospect house rampton hospital celebrations children’s Centres HMP STocken big health day

MESSAGE Last month saw two of the Trust’s biggest events of the year; a wonderful old fashioned fete celebrating Rampton Hospital’s Centenary and the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Annual Members’ Meeting. Both were a great success and I was delighted to be a part of them.

I thoroughly enjoyed my afternoon at the Rampton Hospital fete. There was a fantastic atmosphere to the day and even the weather was kind to us with staff, members of the local community and their families enjoying the various activities in bright sunshine.

My personal highlights included the falconry display, the buzzing marquees with all the fantastic stalls and attractions and the magnificent history exhibition and gallery detailing the story of the Hospital over the past 100 years. Many staff and volunteers gave up their free time to make this day a fantastic celebration attended by about 500 people. Staff have also been working hard inside the Hospital to ensure patients have been able to be a part of the Centenary celebrations by holding special events and activities and

FROM THE BOARD offering them the chance to contribute their work to some of the exhibits shown at the fete. Thank you to you all.

553 people attended our best ever Trust AGM and Annual Members’ Meeting on 24 July. The day was attended by staff, service users and carers, Trust Members and partner organisations all eager to find out how we have performed over the last 12 months and our plans for the coming year.

Focusing on partnership working, the event illustrated the range and depth of achievement across mental health, physical health and integrated health.

Each year I am incredibly impressed by the many engaging exhibitions and workshops, but this exceeded all my expectations. An interactive showcase opened the day highlighting how Involvement really does change services, culture and lives; something we are incredibly proud of at Nottinghamshire Healthcare. Over 80 exhibition stands demonstrated the way our services and partners are working together to develop and improve, to provide the very best care to our patients and service users. Five engaging and moving

films showcased how we are doing this; bringing us back to that uniting purpose, for patients, service users and staff, the essence of what we do and why we do it – that’s what it’s all about.

I want to make sure this becomes our reality in Nottinghamshire Healthcare always and that we do all we can, every day to live up to these inspiring and memorable words in the NHS Constitution; ‘THE NHS BELONGS TO THE PEOPLE… “It is there to improve our health and wellbeing supporting us to keep mentally and physically well, to get better when we are ill and, when we cannot fully recover, to stay as well as we can to the end of our lives. It works at the limits of science bringing the highest levels of human knowledge and skill to save lives and improve health.

It touches our lives at times of basic

New and improved facilities opened a A special open day to celebrate Nottinghamshire Healthcare’s new and improved facilities on Ward B1 at Bassetlaw Hospital was held on Monday 25 June. The assessment ward, which previously only provided care for older people with an organic mental health problem, has been redesigned to provide access to both organic and functional services, ensuring the highest possible standard of care is provided and maintained.

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Jeannette Lee, Ward Manager, Mike Cooke, Chief Executive, and Dr Kuklewicz, Consultant

The ward now comprises two units, Blyth, a 10 bed organic assessment unit, and Clumber, a five bed functional assessment unit. Each unit includes individual rooms, with access to shower, bathroom and toilet facilities, and a TV lounge and dining room.

Mike Cooke, Chief Executive, formally opened the ward as part of the Open Day. Staff, patients and other guests also had the opportunity to view the new facilities, see a demonstration of the therapeutic interventions available and ask questions about the facilities and the care that is provided.

human need, when care and compassion are what matter most”.

When Nottinghamshire Healthcare really shines with its partners it is a fantastic example to others – Nationally Important, Locally Relevant and Personally Valued by all. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved. We have ‘grown through partnership’ since we achieved Foundation Trust Standard in 2010 and we now need to build on this as we apply for NHS Foundation Trust Status and prove we can handle this autonomy. Our consultation will launch on 1 September.

I hope you enjoy the special Centenary Fete and AGM features in this issue of Positive. For those of you who were unable to join us they provide just a flavour of these great events. I would also encourage you all to pick up a copy of our Annual Report, Annual Involvement Report and Quality Account detailing our Growth through Partnership over the past year.

Professor Mike Cooke CBE Chief Executive

Emma Sly with delegates at the event

Personality disorder pathway launched A conference has given colleagues a chance to learn more about the Trust’s recently-developed personality disorder (PD) care pathway.

Offender Management Service (NOMS) and commissioning services. Attendees were given a greater understanding of the principles, process and design of the personality disorder pathway and a chance to start working through it.

The conference was held in May at the Mike Harris Learning and Development Centre and attended by over 100 delegates from the Trust, other NHS and private providers, and representatives from the National

The event also highlighted the achievements made around collaborative working relationships and increased communication between services and professional groups working with personality disorders.

d at Bassetlaw Jeannette Lee, Ward Manager, said: “These excellent and modern facilities have significantly improved the care environment. We are now able to provide access to support for a range of mental health difficulties in one place, ensuring that older people receive the most appropriate care to meet their needs.

“During the refurbishment, patients and staff were temporarily relocated to Ashfield Community Hospital; thank you

to all staff, patients and colleagues for their support with this. We are delighted with the results, and the Open Day provided an opportunity to celebrate these new and improved facilities.”

The refurbishment programme began in January 2012, with patients moving back into the new facilities in early July.

For more information contact Jeannette Lee on 01909 502035.

The day was opened by Mike Cooke and included presentations on the PD care pathways project, which has brought together clinicians from across Forensic Services to provide fully integrated care.

A ‘live’ male personality disorder forum also gave attendees an insight into one of the support mechanisms established for PD care pathways.

Several ex-service users shared their own experiences of moving through secure services, and market stalls demonstrated recovery and involvement, the CLAHRC (Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care) work, a patient portfolio, the work of different working groups in the pathway project work, and the Wathwood Farm Shop.

Initial feedback from the conference has been extremely positive and formal feedback including the themes raised throughout the day will be distributed to all delegates.

For more information or copies of the ‘Creating Coherence within Personality Disorder Services’ guidance document contact Emma Sly, Care Pathway Facilitator for PD Services and Project Lead, at emma.sly@nottshc.nhs.uk.

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Top: Mike Harris and Dean declare Prospect House officially open Bottom: The Prospect House team Inset top: The games room Inset bottom: Jonothan’s bedroom

Welcome to Prospect House Prospect House is a new step-down facility for male patients moving on from low secure inpatient services at The Wells Road Centre back into the community.

Situated within a residential area, the unit was designed with the aim of providing further support to patients as they transition between services; enabling them to adapt in a less secure, supported environment. The House has seven bedrooms; three of which are for patients staying for a period of up to one year and four for patients staying for three to six months.

The first patients moved into their new accommodation in April and having had time to settle in, last month a special event was held to declare the unit officially open and celebrate with everyone involved in setting it up. Patients, family and friends and staff heard from Dr Mike Harris, Executive Director Forensic Services, Andy Latham, General Manager, Low Secure & Community Forensic Directorate, Helen Lloyd, Ward Manager and Dr Khalifa about the ethos behind Prospect House and the team effort to turn the idea for the unit into a reality.

With the dedicated staff team, patients will continue their Recovery work, focusing on future goal setting, their aspirations and skills whilst building trust and a sense of personal responsibility. They will have the opportunity to access education, voluntary work and other methods of developing life skills in order to better equip them for a return to life in the community; therefore reducing the potential for readmission.

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One of the patients commented on how much he was enjoying living in the house: “It’s very relaxed here and there’s no hassle if you do your chores. I’m enjoying it.” His mother was also at the celebration and commented on what a difference the unit could make; how the environment is more conducive to rehabilitation and how she thinks it will really help with her son’s recovery and that she hopes many others like him will have the opportunity to benefit from it.

New website opens up world of research Healthcare professionals interested in research are now just one click away from a library of online resources – thanks to the launch of a new website by the Institute of Mental Health.

The website for clinicians – www.mentalhealthclinicians.org.uk – brings together a vast number of existing information sources across the internet as well as providing specific new content.

Developments at The Wells Road Centre Prospect House is part of a wider development scheme which includes the phased refurbishment of Porchester, Lister and Darwin wards at The Wells Road Centre. Patients will soon be moving into Porchester Ward which will provide accommodation for 20 long-stay men. Lister Ward will open later in the year, offering 16 beds for men with learning disabilities. Darwin Ward will provide accommodation for female patients in the New Year. Look out for more news on the developments in future issues of the newsletter.

The new website was launched at the official opening ceremony of the Institute’s new building by Professor Dame Sally C. Davies, Chief Medical Officer and Chief Scientific Advisor at the Department of Health, seen here talking to Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist Dr John Milton, who has been instrumental in putting the site together.

The Institute, a partnership between the University of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Healthcare, set up the website in response to requests from clinical colleagues who wanted more accessible online information on mental health topics, particularly with regard to running mental health research programmes.

Dr John Milton, Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist and Forensic Research Lead with the Trust, said: “We intended this new website to be a one-stop shop for busy clinicians who don’t have the time to search the internet for the latest in evidence-based practice. It quickly links to authoritative sources and encourages visitors to join in the conversation with the Institute about spreading good ideas, encouraging innovation and adopting best practice.

“We are putting in place an editorial board to oversee content and to ensure that it is kept accurate and up to date. The website has only just been launched and so it is very much a piece of work in progress. We would encourage site visitors to help us continually develop and improve the site with their feedback.”

Professor Nick Manning, Director of the Institute of Mental Health, said: “This new site is the latest in a series of innovations coming out of the Institute of Mental Health at Nottingham. Through this facility all mental health clinicians can quickly access the latest ideas and evidence for practice and the opportunities to get involved in research, which we know leads to improved healthcare and better outcomes for patients.”

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Clinical Leadership Development P The Trust’s first Clinical Leadership Development Programme recently drew to a close. Aimed at Band 7 Nursing and Allied Health Professional colleagues in a leadership role or in a position to influence positive change, the programme ran over five sessions at Trent Vineyard in Nottingham. It was attended by 150 Band 7 professionals working in Local Services, Forensic Services and Health Partnerships and was a great success.

The programme was sponsored by Chief Executive Mike Cooke and Janet Sheard, Executive Director of Nursing and Allied Health Professionals. It was co-ordinated

by Julian Eve, Deputy Associate Director of Learning and Development and supported by experienced clinical leaders and facilitators across the Trust and the Standing Nursing and Allied Health Professionals Advisory Council (SNAAC).

The purpose of the programme was to further develop: • A focus on how to lead on putting quality, patients and service users’ experiences first • Networking across the organisation, integrating Band 7 clinical leaders who will explore the same challenges and leadership expectations • Organisational values and what it means to be part of an organisation that is nationally important, locally relevant and personally valued • Energy and inspiration for a clinical group that has a pivotal role of influence in the organisation • Action, delivery and impact of how to lead well and by example • Strengths and identification of personal development needs of the Band 7 population of the Trust.

Delivering positive leadership impact:

“With a focus on putting quality, patient and service user experience first, this was a unique opportunity for networking across all clinical divisions” “Overall I found the training extremely inspirational and very empowering! It has made a difference to my practices already” 6

“As a result of the programme I have regained my focus and am ready to take on the challenges of leading a busy ward”

Session 1: Your Role as a Leader • Issues and challenges to the professions and the wider NHS. The leadership agenda for the organisation, and how leadership at Band 7 needs to look in the future.

Session 2: Emotionally Intelligent Leadership • Developing an understanding of emotional intelligence and how to develop these skills to manage and lead more effectively.

Session 3: Leading High Performing Teams • Focusing on effective team working, team leading and the essence of high performing teams.

Session 4: Leading for the Future • Maintaining and managing personal

Alcohol services meet primary care partners Representatives from alcohol services had a busy and productive time at the Nottingham City GP Practices’ Protected Learning Time event in June.

Over 200 delegates visited the stall at the Gateway Hotel to find out more about the services.

Jackie Quenby, Deputy Manager at Oxford Corner, said: “It is essential for us to meet with our primary care partners so that we highlight the need to talk about alcohol misuse. We can also promote our services and talk about referral pathways.”

The team now intends to attend future similar events to continue to raise its profile.

nt Programme

For any more information about alcohol services contact Karen Fisher on 0115 948 5505 or email karen.fisher@nottshc.nhs.uk.

wellbeing and resilience. A contemporary look at healthcare records, how to adhere to the increasingly strict rules of clinical governance.

Session 5: Guiding the Impact of Organisational Change • The importance of service user feedback to future services, the future of the NHS and the role of the Band 7 clinician in business planning.

For more information, please contact: • Julian Eve – Deputy Associate Director of Learning and Development Telephone: 07770 701026 Email: julian.eve@nottshc.nhs.uk • Rachel Parkinson – Project Facilitator Telephone: 07557 457882 Email: rachel.parkinson@nottshc.nhs.uk

Left to right: Jackie Quenby, Mark Holmes, Clinical Nurse Specialist and Rachel Redford, PA to Clinical Director Specialist Services

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Celebrating R Hospital’s 1 Staff old and new and members of the local community celebrated Rampton Hospital’s Centenary at an Old Fashioned Fete held in the grounds of the Hospital on Saturday 14 July.

The event opened with a Children’s Fancy Dress Parade led by Thoresby Colliery Brass Band and Louise Clarkson School of Dance. Over 40 stalls and activities had children and adults captivated; from

falconry displays, a vintage steam engine and tractors, to circus skills, sports activities and a variety of fairground attractions. Nottingham Forest Football Club held a popular Penalty Shoot Out and a guest appearance by Sportacus and Stephanie from Lazy Town was one of the highlights for many of the younger children.

A fascinating history exhibition offered visitors the chance to step back in time to relive the life of the

g Rampton s 100th Year Hospital over 100 years of improving patient care and a gallery of ‘Rampton Hospital in Pictures’ compared photographs of ‘then and now’. The exhibition will be shown in the Bassetlaw Museum in Retford from 8 October for four weeks.

This was the main celebratory event for the Centenary, but many other festivities have been taking place throughout the year in commemoration of the milestone. Events have

also been arranged for the patients in the Hospital to enable them to be a part of the celebrations.

Thank You A big thank you to everyone who supported the Fete and those who worked incredibly hard to make it such a success; staff, the local community, exhibitors, sponsors and local businesses. Charitable donations raised on the day for Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice reached £2000.

Lings Bar celebrates 20th birthday Staff, patients, relatives and carers were invited to a summer garden party to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Lings Bar Hospital in June.

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Main: Colleagues with the commemorative tree. Left to right: Sara Jane Ashmore, Head of Inpatient Services; Lynn Cotterill, Clinical Director, Rushcliffe Locality; Janet Crawford, Site Manager, Lings Bar Hospital; Mike Cooke, Chief Executive.

Inset: A birthday cake created especially for the occasion

that have taken place since it opened 20 years ago.

Lings Bar was officially opened in June 1992 by His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester. To mark its 20th year, Trust Chief Executive Mike Cooke joined the celebrations to plant a commemorative tree in one of the garden areas used by patients.

Sara Jane Ashmore, Head of Inpatient Services, said: “It was fantastic to see so many people – both staff and patients – attend to help us celebrate 20 years of service, to remember the events of the last 20 years and wish us well for the coming 20 years. Lings Bar Hospital is a wonderful facility that is loved by patients and staff alike and it was a truly enjoyable afternoon.”

Information about Lings Bar Hospital, past and present, was on display at the event and attendees enjoyed seeing the achievements and developments

Patrick Brookes, currently a patient at Lings Bar, attended the event and commented: “The party was magnificent and was enjoyed by all.”

Rampton runners’ race success 117 runners from around the county took part in this year’s Rampton 10km race. A number of Rampton Hospital staff put in respectable performances with Jason Tong and Adele Bryan being crowned this year’s staff champions.

Many of the runners gave positive feedback about the race and the course, and £400 was raised for Cancer Research in memory of Chris Ryan.

The event couldn’t have taken place without the help of a small group of staff members who gave up their time on a Sunday morning to make it work. Thanks go to Michelle Sly, Bernard Walker, Stuart Smith, Dave Windle and Kath Cook for their help.

Invest to Lead 4 comes to a memorable end “I thoroughly enjoyed Michael West’s session. It was extremely inspirational and I will certainly be taking back actions to implement within my team.

The presentation was excellent and very motivating Michael was truly fantastic; intellectual but grounded and you could relate to what was said.

Brilliant and enthralling talk.”

A presentation and key note speech from Michael West, Professor of Organisational Psychology at Lancaster University Management School rounded off a memorable Invest to Lead programme, which saw delegates from around the Trust learning more about the qualities and skills required for leadership and the resilience needed to cope with the demands of being a leader at such a difficult time in the NHS. The final session also provided a focus on workforce resilience and wellbeing and the impact this has on delivering high quality care. Attendees were given the chance to try out a variety of activities to enhance health and wellbeing through special taster sessions on offer at the lunchtime break.

Above: Michael West Inset: Trying out health and wellbeing activities

the session that featured corporate services taking feedback from their ‘customers’ in the Divisions and planning how to respond to that in order to be more customer friendly.

Chief Executive Mike Cooke commented: “It has been another successful and inspiring leadership development programme.

We were delighted to extend this opportunity to our new staff in Health Partnerships and our Offender Health colleagues.

With 370 delegates attending from across all levels of the organisation, 1020 people have now participated in our Invest to Lead programmes since they commenced. At times of difficulty and change it is really important to invest in good staff and leadership and this bespoke programme has allowed us to do that.

I’m even prouder that it has been developed and managed in house – showcasing the very best of what Nottinghamshire Healthcare can do.”

Mike Cooke and Michael West will both be presenting at an event at the Institute of Mental Health on 30 October. ‘Effective Team Work in Mental Health’ will communicate key findings from a three year programme of research into effective multi-disciplinary team work in mental health care. The Trust and the University of Nottingham were both directly involved in the research via input from Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr Hugh Middleton. The day will identify best practice in team working, key learning points and the best way forward in mental health care and how to effectively manage change following the Health and Social Care Act.

Feedback from the whole Invest to Lead programme has been excellent, with the audience enjoying the leadership journeys of some of our senior people.

Particularly interesting was

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Stonewall programme open for applications The Trust and its Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transexual (LGBT) Forum are encouraging staff to apply for a prestigious leadership programme.

The Stonewall Leadership Programme enables talented lesbian, gay and bisexual professionals in the UK to look at their leadership from the dual perspectives of their sexual orientation and their workplace context. It provides a space where delegates feel safe to discuss how their difference as gay people impacts on their leadership experiences and outcomes. The unique freedom that delegates experience to bring their sexual orientation into exploration of their leadership strongly influences their learning about why they operate at work in the way they do and how this impacts on their outcomes as leaders.

The programme is an intensive two-day residential course which offers a selected group of 36 professionals a powerful opportunity to: • Reflect on how their sexual orientation impacts on their leadership at work • Find for themselves the means to exercise authentic leadership • Explore how they can be more effective organisational role models • Network and forge ongoing relationships with other lesbian, gay and bisexual professionals from the private, public and third sectors The next Stonewall Leadership Programme will take place on 22 and 23 November 2012 at Ashridge Business School in Hertfordshire. More information is available at www.stonewall.org.uk/ at_work/stonewall_leadership/leadership_ programme/default.asp To find out more about the Leadership Programme 2012 please contact Ashley Thomas, Client and Leadership Programmes Manager, on 0207 593 1888 or email leadership@stonewall.org.uk or contact Catherine Conchar, Head of Equality and Diversity, on 0115 993 4543 or email catherine.conchar@nottshc.nhs.uk.

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Sure Start celebrates its stars Parents, volunteers and learners from Sure Start in Sutton-in-Ashfield celebrated a ‘Pride of Achievement’ night in June.

The evening was organised for all the parents and volunteers who had taken part in the centre’s adult and family learning courses throughout the year.

More than 30 guests attended the star-studded event and all were presented with awards for their individual contributions to the centre and the course.

Guests enjoyed a buffet and disco and shared their thoughts about the course and the centre on ‘wish trees’ laid out on each table.

For information about Sure Start and the courses available visit www.westmansfield.surestart.org or email tracey.bird@nottshc-chp. nhs.uk.

Top: One of the wish trees Left: The individual star awards awarded on the night

Children’s Centres recognised fo Sure Start Children’s Centres in Broxtowe are celebrating achieving the Investing in Volunteers Quality Standard; recognising the excellent work they do with volunteers.

The Standard has been awarded to all seven Centres across the Broxtowe district, which are run by County Health Partnerships.

Specially trained Breastfeeding Peer Support Volunteers run Breastfeeding Support Groups, offering advice and a friendly ear to new breastfeeding mothers. Administrative Volunteers welcome visitors to the centres and help staff with office duties. Play Volunteers support children’s play in sessions, planning, delivering and evaluating high quality play for under 5s.

The Centres have excellent relationships with parents, and a strong pool of over 40 hardworking volunteers who support the teams to deliver a variety of services to families with children under the age of 5 years. Many volunteers are able to gain qualifications in the areas in which they provide such vital support.

Allotment Volunteers run community allotment sessions at the Eastwood Centre, while others plant and grow food with children at other Centres across the district. Volunteers also run Local Advisory Groups which support strategic planning to ensure the service is meeting outcomes set by the government.

All smiles at Children’s Centre Visitors to a Nottingham children’s centre are benefiting from new play equipment funded by Nottinghamshire County Aiming High Short Breaks project. The equipment includes a trampoline, ability whirl and a wheelchair swing provided by G L Jones and is already being enjoyed by children at the centre.

Short Breaks at the Children’s Centre, run by County Health Partnerships and based at Nottingham City Hospital, is a

nurse-led service which provides 24-hour short break care for children/young people who have learning disabilities and complex health needs. The service provides a range of day care short breaks, overnight care and holiday care. It also provides palliative care.

The service allows parents/ carers to rest and have quality time with other siblings while enabling the young people at the centre to have their health needs met whilst taking part in a range of play and

Enjoying the ‘ability whirl’

Megan Barnes on the new swing

activities which they are less able to do in the community.

as a family when Bethany is having a short break.”

Megan Barnes’ mum, Julie (pictured with Megan on the swing), said: “Megan loves being on the swing and has really enjoyed using this new play equipment.”

Joanne Smith, Clinical Lead Nurse for Short Breaks, said: “The equipment will enable the staff to provide a wider range of outdoor activities and choices for the children and young people who access short breaks. We have seen lots of smiles from the children and young people who have used it already, and with the school summer holidays imminent the equipment will be very well used.”

Bethany’s mum and dad said: “We think it’s ‘fab’.

Bethany loves this type of play equipment. She falls asleep on the swing and can experience the roundabout with her sister. She’ll love the trampoline and we’ll use it

ed for work with volunteers The Investors in Volunteers Quality Standard award is the culmination of a rewarding partnership between the Sure Start Children’s Centres and their communities. The Centres were assessed against a range of best practice standards and proved to excel in all aspects of working with their volunteers.

Steve Lack, Senior Co-ordinator said: “This award recognises the importance we place on developing our volunteers so they are able to move onto other opportunities and ensures the service we offer to these parents is of a consistently high standard.

“Our volunteers are keen and eager and willing to turn their hand to anything,

from delivering play in the park, running Rhyme Rattle and Roll sessions at the library, attending conferences and awards ceremonies. Volunteers have continued to play an important part in the development of the Children’s Centres in Broxtowe and now have a key role in the delivery of services.

We are absolutely delighted to have achieved this standard.”

The achievement will be formally recognised with a celebration later in the Summer.

Services provided at the Children’s Centres include ante-natal classes, play sessions, breastfeeding support, health clinics, adult education courses,

parenting classes, ready for nursery groups, allotments, support into work, home visiting and crèches.

About Investing in Volunteers Investing in Volunteers is the UK quality standard for all organisations involving volunteers. It aims to improve the quality of the volunteering experience for all volunteers and for organisations to acknowledge the enormous contribution made by volunteers. Investing in Volunteers is unique in that it is the only standard that focuses on volunteers.

It is based on four areas of volunteer management; planning for volunteer involvement, recruiting volunteers, selecting and matching volunteers and supporting and retaining volunteers.

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Dutch visit offers new ideas In June, four colleagues from Rampton Hospital and Jim Louth, Peer Support Worker, visited the Netherlands to attend the Expertise Centre Forensic Psychiatry’s (EFP) 10th anniversary conference and find out more about the Dutch mental health system.

EFP is a joint initiative by the Dutch Ministry of Justice and the country’s twelve high security forensic clinics. It is involved in various ways in forensic mental health services and has set up a Scientific Council of international scientists, which serves as a forensic scientific advisory body.

The conference featured several speakers from the Council, alongside workshops on psychosis and violence, databases and long stay care.

Some of the visitors and hosts on the Dutch trip

– dedicated units which focus on quality of life rather than risk-reducing interventions.

At the first unit the group saw a very intensive specialised care unit and spoke to an inhabitant (as they call their patients) and to staff. At the second unit an inhabitant showed them around wards, the recreational and work areas, gardens and spoke openly and honestly about his life.

“The day provided a good insight into not only Dutch approaches to forensic care, but also those from around the world” said Jim Louth.

“We were impressed with the positive, relaxed atmosphere in the units,” said Birgit Völlm, Clinical Associate Professor. “This was a very informative and thought-provoking visit.”

The group then visited two of the Netherlands’ forensic long stay centres

The units are work-orientated rather than therapy-orientated and aim

Network members tour healthcare factory The quarterly meeting of the County Health Partnerships’ Infection Prevention & Control (IPC) Link Network was held in June at Robinson’s Healthcare Factory in Carltonin-Lindrick. The day was organised by infection prevention and control nurse specialists Sheila Smith, Lead for the IPC Link Network, and Diane Churchill Hogg, and was attended by 17 of the Network members.

The aim was for members to learn about the processes and legal requirements involved in the manufacture of medical devices and in particular single use instruments.

It included a tour of the factory, which produces a variety of healthcare products for domestic and professional use.

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to reinforce pro-social behaviour, psychological stability and a sense of safety. Inhabitants are involved in ‘real’ work (kitchen, laundry etc.) and are paid an hourly rate. Most are able to take regular (escorted) trips into the community and relationships with their families are encouraged.

Despite the more permissive approach, incident rates are very low with no escapes or absconders since inception of the long-stay units about 10 years ago and low rates of physical violence and seclusion.

A working group has now been established to consider how the Trust can use this framework to benefit our own mental health system and long stay forensic care.

The day started with an update of local and national IPC issues, followed by a presentation from Andy Derbyshire, Medical Business Manager at Robinson’s, who spoke about the history of the factory. The members then saw the processes involved in manufacturing healthcare products such as dressings and cotton wool balls, from the delivery of the raw cotton through to the completed end product.

The group also heard a presentation on the Medical Devices Directive and regulatory affairs.

Everyone agreed that the day was extremely informative and the evaluations showed that it was enjoyed by all.

For further information about the CHP Infection Prevention & Control Link Network please contact Sheila Smith at Hawthorn House on 01623 673 834.

BHP launches community based continence clinic Bassetlaw Health Partnerships (BHP) has launched its first community based continence clinic.

The clinic is called the ORCHID Clinic, reflecting the aims and values of the service and ensuring privacy and dignity for all who use it; Openness in communication, Respect for each service user, Compassion regarding the impact that incontinence can have on each individual, Holistic approach to patient care, the promotion of Independence and Dignity will be embedded in all the care we deliver to you, and everyone involved in your care.

Orchid Clinic was officially opened on 12 July by Clinical Director, Dr Trez Jordan who spoke of its value to patient services.

Inside the clinic

The case for the clinic was born from the government influences that represent improving access to specialist care in the community. The service provided will achieve many of these directives including delivering efficiencies in patient care, early detection and prevention in clinical practice, patient centred care, care closer to home, and delivering services responsive to local needs of the local community. On meeting Secretary of State for Health, Andrew Lansley, at an event in June, Christine WilkinsonCook, Continence Staff Nurse took the opportunity to explain to him the innovation and quality in patient care that the service will represent.

The combined drive for this service improvement initiative was underpinned by the initial innovation of Christine and the foresight of Community Matron, Vivienne Watson. Together with the other members of the Continence Service team they have enabled the concept of the service to become a reality.

Dr Trez Jordan officially opens the clinic

One of the primary aims of the clinic is the partnership working of primary and secondary care to promote seamless transfer between departments, providing a positive experience for everyone experiencing temporary or permanent continence issues.

Can your service support an apprentice placement January 2013?

Could your service accommodate an apprentice to work on a year’s fixed term training contract? You will need to be able to pay a salary of £105 per week and offer a supportive learning environment for them to achieve their work related qualification.

hosting a young person and placement responsibilities:

Currently, young people are working in Health and Social Care, Business and Administration and Hospitality.

To reserve a place at a session or for more information please contact: Heather Porter on 0115 969 1300 ext 11269 or heather.porter@nottshc.nhs.uk or for Health Partnerships contact Sue Stronach on 01623 673588 or susan.stronach@nottshc-chp.nhs.uk.

Two briefing sessions are being held on Tuesday 24 September for people wishing to find out more about

• 10am – 12noon: Duncan Macmillan House, Mapperley, Nottingham • 1.30pm – 3.30pm: Birch House, Southwell Road, Mansfield

Staff Nurse set for trek Fiona Bone, a staff nurse on Kempton Ward at the David Wilson Unit at Rampton Hospital is preparing to take on a challenging trek in October.

Fiona will be walking 100km through the desert, valleys and mountains of Jordan over six days to raise funds for Help for Heroes.

If you wish to support Fiona please contact her on 01777 248 321 ext 6344 or visit the fundraising section of the intranet.

We wish Fiona lots of luck with her challenge.

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Pilot Proves Local Services Division is Ready for Electronic Progress Notes A Clinical Noting pilot project has proved the benefits and practicalities of recording electronic patient progress notes in the Local Services Division.

Successfully rolled out to colleagues on Rowan Ward 1, Rowan Ward 2 and The Willows at Highbury Hospital, the system has been well received by staff.

Sarah Wiecek, Staff Nurse from Rowan Ward 1 explains that the system has brought about significant improvements to working practice and has helped to enhance patient care.

“Using electronic notes is great and saves so much time. Simply logging on through RiO to record patient progress notes is easy. Now the quality of the notes recorded are much more in depth and easier to read and find from one convenient location unlike the previous paper record.

from a specific date and time quickly.

This is particularly useful for instance to help me catch up if I have been away from the ward for a few days. The system allows me to backdate a progress entry, helpful as it ensures that all notes run chronologically.

“The system includes a risk alert facility which is brilliant in terms of enhancing the safety of both patients and staff. Furthermore, it enables improved access to physical healthcare notes – important

information to understand when caring for a person’s mental wellbeing.

“Removing the need to hold paper records and password protected, electronic notes provides a more confidential way of working. I think that electronic patient progress notes are the right way forward and I look forward to the system being used more widely across the Division.”

After the first two weeks of the rollout, through simple training, 100% of staff were using the system. 79-100% of staff believed that it has improved their working day and 89-95% reported that they thought electronic progress notes had improved patient care over the three wards.

This pilot project supports the Health Informatics Service’s (HIS) aim to implement an expanded Electronic Patient Record (EPR) across the Trust – part of the ‘Information Revolution’.

“A specific search facility enables me to look up a patient’s details

Left: Sarah Wiecek and patient Top: Clinical Noting test screen shot

Non-Emergency Patient Transport Non-emergency patient transport is the nonurgent and planned transportation of eligible patients with a medical need for transport to and from a premise providing NHS healthcare.

The service within Nottinghamshire has historically been provided by East Midlands Ambulance Service.

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Arriva Transport Solutions and Ambuline, have been appointed to provide nonemergency patient transport in Nottinghamshire from 1 July 2012. Through their partnership, Arriva and Ambuline have over 25 years’ of experience in providing patient transport.

Please note these changes do not apply to Rampton Hospital; all non-emergency patient transport is arranged through the Rampton

Hospital Transport Department.

What will be different from 1 July 2012?

• A new phone number, for booking patient transport 0845 266 9662; • A brand new fleet of over 130 ambulances and cars delivering comfortable transport to service users; • The introduction of an effective ‘Ring when Ready’ booking system

Main: Karen Elliott and colleague using CESA Inset: CESA test screen shot

Central Electronic Storage Area (CESA) Embraced by Clinicians A Central Electronic Storage Area (CESA) pilot project, developed by the HIS to enable the storage and retrieval of elements of the patient record from one central area, has been embraced by clinical teams in four wards at Rampton Hospital.

Karen Elliott, Arts Therapies and Speech and Language Therapy Team Manager at Rampton Hospital and a key clinical lead in the rollout of CESA in the Therapies and Education Department, explains that the system offers huge benefits to the way she and her team work and has helped enhance patient care.

“CESA is great as it allows information to be accessed more easily. This is beneficial as it allows staff to better prepare for patient meetings and make informed decisions, ultimately improving patient care. Furthermore, by having standard form templates, the quality of the information recorded is coherent, clear and much more comprehensive.

“Storing records in one central electronic area ensures that everyone

for outpatient return journeys, meaning patient return journeys are flexibly booked onto transport as soon as they finish their appointment rather than in advance to avoid unnecessary waiting times when an appointment finishes early or late; • Enhanced online booking, enabling regular users to book, cancel and amend patient transport quickly and easily.

involved in a patient’s case has instant access to the same up-to-date information. It has also helped to streamline the way we work, allowing for greater productivity. This coherent approach to information gathering and sharing I believe improves the patient experience significantly, reassuring them that everyone involved in their care is working together as a team and accessing the same information to aid their recovery.

“Password protected and reducing the need to send emails containing patient information, working through CESA, offers greater confidentiality. A clearer audit trail can also be traced, helping to meet critical legal requirements.

“From a managerial point of view CESA is also very useful, enabling me to easily see if targets are being met. If

Patient Eligibility The patient eligibility criteria for the service are not changing but it is expected that in normal circumstances patient eligibility will be checked for each journey being booked to ensure that those most in need continue to receive this service.

Patients are typically eligible to receive this service if they have a

any issues arise the system is useful in allowing me to identify exactly what it is and how to resolve it.

“The training we received throughout the implementation progress and the ongoing support has been fantastic. I am a strong advocate for CESA and I look forward to seeing it developed further and used more widely across the Trust.”

All Care Programme Approach (CPA), Child Safeguarding assessments and elements of the Mental Health Act documentation are currently stored on CESA. This pilot project supports the HIS’s aim to implement an expanded Electronic Patient Record (EPR) across the Trust – part of the ‘Information Revolution’.

medical condition and answer yes to at least one of the following criteria: • Does the patient require moving on a stretcher?

• Is the patient in a wheelchair and cannot transfer in and out of a vehicle without skilled assistance and has no other way of getting to a hospital?

• Is the patient attending hospital likely to have diagnosed severe physical side effects following

treatment? If so, do they need transport both ways?

• Does the patient have a diagnosed disability that may result in their condition or behaviour deteriorating during transport that could put them at risk and does the patient have no other means of transport?

Further information is available on the Trust Intranet.

Positive August 2012

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Far left: Entertainment from Involvement Centre left: Volunteers get ‘Involved’ on the Involvement stand Left: Dean Fathers formally opens the AGM and Annual Members’ Meeting

Right: Dean Howells, Executive Director of Nursing, Quality and Patient Experience presenting the winning prize for the safeguarding quiz to Claire Towne, Head of Adult Services, County Health Partnerships (CHP) Nottingham West Far right: This year’s three reports; these are available to download from the Trust website or in hard copy on request Below: Over 80 stands showcasing partnership success

Left: Mike Cooke introduced five showcase films demonstrating partnerships in action and presented ‘Growth Through Partnership’ Right: Dane Brennan, Lead Governor presenting the Membership Strategy Far right: Drumming was one of the many activities on offer from the interactive stands

‘Growth Through Partnership’ was the theme of this year’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Annual Members’ Meeting held on 24 July at The East Midlands Conference Centre.

553 people attended the vibrant and interactive event, with over 80 creative exhibition stands from a range of Trust services and partner organisations, highlighting stories of excellence and how we have worked in partnership to improve the lives of people who use our services.

An exciting and engaging ‘Involvement: Changing Services, Changing Culture, Changing Lives’ showcase area opened the day, demonstrating a variety of positive changes made and how people can get involved in the Trust and influence the services and care provided.

A review of achievements and highlights from the past year and exciting plans for the future was delivered in the formal part of the day, along with the publication of the Annual Report, Involvement Report and Quality Account. This was followed by five inspirational and moving films, showcasing partnership working in practice and the real and meaningful benefits this can bring.

Thank you to all involved in helping to make the event a success.

Right: Ruth Hawkins, Executive Director of Finance and Performance and Deputy Chief Executive giving an overview of Trust highlights and financial summary Far right: Anne Haywood, General Manager and Dr Stephen Head, Clinical Director of Newark and Sherwood CHP Locality getting into the spirit of Growth Through Partnership Below left: ‘Involvement: Changing Services, Changing Culture, Changing Lives’ interactive showcase Below right: The main Exhibition Hall

AGM and Annual Members’ Meeting 2012

Best feet forward to the top of Ben Nevis The team at the top of Ben Nevis.

Left to right: Guy Thurlow, Steve Taylor, Dave Beard, Luciano Recchia, Carl Hough, John Coolie, Ian Marsh, and Phil Smith.

An intrepid group of Trust colleagues has raised £300 for charity by climbing Britain’s highest mountain.

The team, from Rampton Hospital, completed the walk in June and will donate the money to Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.

“I would like to thank all the people who sponsored us for the event and Mike Harris and James Routen for all their support in making it possible,” said Luciano Recchia.

“The weather on the day was very unpleasant but we still enjoyed the experience.”

Sharing stories Former Chair of the Trust, Professor Brian Edwards CBE, has kindly given 25 copies of a book to the Patients’ Library at Rampton Hospital as part of the International Day of the Book and World Book Night.

This international day, which took place earlier this year, is a celebration of books and reading and invites 20,000 passionate volunteers across the country to give copies of 25 specially chosen, brilliant books to members of their communities. Professor Edwards chose to donate The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro.

In honour of William Shakespeare, each World Book Night title carries a different Shakespeare sonnet, chosen by the poet Don Paterson. To find out more about World Book Night visit www.worldbooknight.org

NHS Heroes: who’s yours?

A new scheme has been launched nationally to recognise the great work that individuals and teams do every day in the NHS in England.

First Queen’s Nurse at Bassetlaw Health Partnerships Suzanne Jones, a District Nurse Team Leader in Bassetlaw Health Partnerships, has become the first nurse in Bassetlaw to be awarded the ‘Queen’s Nurse’ title. The title is awarded by the Queen’s Nursing Institute, a charity dedicated to improving the nursing care of people in their own homes. It was introduced to encourage community nurses to develop their professional skills and to promote high standards for the benefit of patients.

There are currently 216 Queen’s Nurses across the country, including community nurses such as district nurses, practice nurses, health visitors and others working in specialities who want to improve the care of patients.

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“Becoming a Queen’s Nurse will allow me to network with other community nurses and bring new ideas back to my area,” Suzanne said. “It gives me a voice to promote community nursing in a positive manner and highlight areas where Bassetlaw nursing staff are excelling.

“The charity really raises the profile of community nursing and I encourage all community nurses to apply for the Queen’s Nurse title in order to open up opportunities and promote the fantastic work that nursing staff undertake.”

For more information about the Queen’s Nurse Institute and the award visit www.qni.org.uk.

Who’s your NHS Hero? Who do you know who always goes the extra mile to provide exceptional care? Show them how much you appreciate them with a nomination as your NHS Hero 2012. To find out more and nominate visit www.nhsheroes.com

Pharmacist training Three Trust volunteers have helped train a group of pharmacists.

The Centre for Pharmacy Education at the University of Manchester hosted a training workshop at Eastwood Hall, Nottingham, titled: Consultation skills training for pharmacists. Three volunteers from the Trust assisted six groups of pharmacists with real patient scenarios during the training.

Ceinwen Mannal, East Midlands Regional Manager at the University of Manchester, said: “Using real people in the training of our pharmacists is invaluable and gives them a sense of the patient’s experience.”

Some of the Estates and MITIE team

Commemorative Flowerbed Revealed at Rampton Hospital A special flowerbed commemorating Rampton Hospital’s centenary year was unveiled last month by Dr Alfred Minto, former Medical Director of the Hospital.

The design for the flowerbed is based on that of the Centenary Flag which was created by patients at the Hospital.

entrance of the Hospital.

So that patients can also enjoy the floral arrangement, a smaller replica has been created inside the secure area.

The main flowerbed is situated outside the secure area near to the main

The flowerbed has been a joint venture by the Estates team and MITIE, who

provide maintenance services at the Hospital. This is the first of its kind for the MITIE grounds team.

The event is one of many being held throughout the year to commemorate 100 years of improving

patient care. Patients, staff, carers and the local community have all been able to participate in the various festivities. The main celebratory event, an Old Fashioned Fete, was held on Saturday 14 July. See pages 8-9 for a roundup of the day.

Left to right: Dr Mike Harris, Executive Director Forensic Services, Dr Alfred Minto, Dr Minto’s wife, daughter, grandson and his grandson’s girlfriend.

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Trust clinicians provide research support Two research studies have successfully reached their recruitment target within the Trust in a short space of time, thanks to support from Trust clinicians.

The AdEPT study investigated the adverse effects of therapy and what happens when psychological therapy doesn’t go as well as expected, in order to develop practical ways of improving outcomes in therapy. The Sheffield-based study team invited the Trust to help boost recruitment and asked for therapists and psychologists to volunteer to take part in a short questionnaire.

Therapists with an experience of delivering any kind of therapy which didn’t quite achieve what was initially hoped for were asked about what might have helped the therapy to be more successful. Even working to a tight deadline of just three weeks, responses exceeded the target number of completed questionnaires.

The DNA Polymorphisms In Mental Illness (DPIM) study is investigating variations within specific genes that may be related to mental health and that may help inform treatment options. The alcohol dependency arm of the study has exceeded its recruitment target within the Trust in only a few months.

Joanne Higman, Clinical Studies Officer, said: “We could not have reached our recruitment target without the help and support of staff across the Substance Misuse Services in the Trust, who have all been very enthusiastic about the study and very welcoming in our visits.

We are very grateful for the constant support from all staff at The Woodlands, Highbury Hospital, and Oxford Corner.

We would also like to say a huge thank you to all the service users who have participated in the study so far – we couldn’t have achieved such a fantastic result without you!”

The DPIM study is still recruiting participants. For any further information or to refer a patient, please contact Joanne Higman on 07771 945522 or email jo.higman@nottshc.nhs.uk A big thank you to all those who participated in these important pieces of research.

Staff from Oxford Corner Substance Misuse Services who were involved in the DPIM study. Left to right: Kim Short, Clinical Nurse, Amy Shuttlewood, Clinical Studies Officer and Richard Gray, Nurse Specialist.

Extra funding for young carers Many young carers in Nottinghamshire could be eligible for additional support from the Council.

Young carers are children and young people under 18 who provide, or intend to provide, care, assistance or support to another family member.

They carry out, often on a regular basis, significant or substantial caring tasks and assume a level of responsibility which would usually be associated with an adult. The person receiving care is often a parent but can be a sibling, grandparent or other relative who is disabled or has some chronic illness, mental health problem or other condition connected with a need for care, support or supervision.

Young carers looking after a family member with a disability often have problems at school. They may be underachieving, not completing homework or suffering fatigue and poor concentration. Young carers are often socially isolated and can be victims of bullying. They often lack time for play, sport or leisure activities and may find that there is a conflict between the needs of the person they are helping and their own needs, leading to feelings of guilt and resentment.

The money could be used to improve the young carers’ lives by helping with the cost of: • A school trip or holiday • Leisure activities • Vocational activities • Equipment for their education (e.g. books or computer) To request an assessment the parent, young carer or someone acting on their behalf should contact Nottinghamshire County Council’s Customer Service Centre on 08449 808080 or email enquiries@nottscc.gov.uk. More information is available at www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/ youngcarers or contact Sue Foster, Project Manager, on 0115 977 3110 or email Sue1.Foster@nottscc.gov.uk.

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Memory Assessment Service launched to GPs Around 50 GPs from Nottingham City attended a special event to launch the Trust’s new Memory Assessment Service (MAS).

Kehinde Junaid, Consultant at the Trust, and partners from the Alzheimer’s Society, gave presentations to the assembled GPs and practice staff about the new service.

The MAS will be located in six accessible community venues around the City. Patients will receive comprehensive assessment, diagnosis and treatment initiation from a multi-disciplinary team within 12 weeks of referral.

Patients diagnosed with dementia will be given a personalised care plan and discharged back to the care of their GP for ongoing management within their local community; patients identified with complex needs will be referred to the Community Mental Health Team for ongoing support.

The MAS team will also be visiting GP practices to develop colleagues’ skills to support the ongoing management of people with dementia and will provide a regular programme of education, advice and support.

For more information about the new service contact Aimee Baugh on 0115 883 9278 or email aimee.baugh@ nottinghamcity.nhs.uk.

Double celebration at Highbury Hospital Colleagues at Highbury Hospital combined their celebrations for Dementia Awareness Week and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and hosted a party for patients, relatives and staff.

The event took place at the end of May and raised almost £250 for patients on Silver Birch Ward from a cake stall and raffle.

Ali Moore, Environment Care Co-ordinator, and organiser of the event, said: “It was a lovely sunny afternoon, we all had a really good time and I’ve had some very positive feedback from carers who also thoroughly enjoyed the day.”

The event was also supported

by Walker Partnerships (Highbury Healthcare), the Hospital’s Private Finance Initiative (PFI) partners.

Left: Paul Jones, Therapeutic Activities Co-ordinator, Carol Cousins, Deputy Ward Manager, and Ali Moore, Environment Care Co-ordinator, who organised the event.

Top: Patient Len Eteo with his three daughters and son-in-law

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Changing Culture, Changing Services, Changing Lives; working in healthcare at HMP Stocken Two prisoners at HMP Stocken have been working as orderlies within the healthcare department. They often tell Alison Hunter, Head of Offender Health at Stocken what a difference working in the team makes to them so she offered them the chance to share their experiences by interviewing them for Positive.

How long have you worked in the healthcare department?

W: 16 months.

S: 7 months.

What do you like about working in healthcare?

W: Being treated as part of the team.

S: Being treated as normal and being kept busy.

How has it made a difference to your prison life?

W: People now recognise me as I walk around the prison. I have gained a recognised qualification as a Level Two Smoking Cessation Advisor.

S: I have more confidence in myself and being able to speak to people, even very senior people and I communicate more easily. My sentence appears to be passing quicker as no two days are the same in healthcare. Because I am more confident I now have more respect from people on the wing and I have more patience. I am able to concentrate and I sleep all night where as I used to toss and turn all night.

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Do you think it will benefit you at the end of your sentence?

W: Yes, it will give me another qualification when I apply for work when I leave. The experience is like having a job outside of the prison.

S: Definitely my confidence. I used to be in my own little bubble due to my Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) but now even my phone calls to my family have improved to quality conversations.

My mum has really noticed a difference.

What makes you feel part of the team?

W and S: Even though we are prisoners the team treat us with respect and honesty but we still know our boundaries and so do the staff.

Do they make you feel valued?

W: Yes especially when we come up with ideas or suggestions and the staff listen and sometimes implement them.

S: Yes I feel appreciated.

Which part of your role do you enjoy the most?

W: The smoking cessation clinics I hold and the busy activity of the place.

S: The conversations I have with the staff and the variety each day.

What part of your role do you dislike?

W: Nothing, well actually when we have to go back to the wing.

S: Weekends when I don’t come to healthcare.

Has there been any conflict from the other prisoners because of you working closely with the healthcare team?

W and S: No. Do you think the bimonthly healthcare patient forum benefits the patients?

W: Yes it gives the patients a voice.

S: I want to see the new waiting room completed before I get out.

Have you seen changes as a result of the forum?

W: Extreme changes for the better.

Is there anything else you would like to say?

W: It is a nice feeling to know we can help the nursing team as they are so busy and they always call us respectfully using our proper names. I like working with S, he is great and we work well together as a team.

S: I really like to leave the department clean and knowing I have done a full day’s work that is appreciated and is important for the control of infection here. I like working with W as he has supported me from the start and helped me settle into my job that I enjoy.

Reaching out: Listen in

Pat Hayes donates the equipment to Zoe Read

As part of the Trust’s commitment to meeting the needs of our diverse communities, we are reaching out to radio listeners by providing clear, accessible and meaningful information through a monthly radio show.

Tune in to 97.5 Kemet FM each month to hear Trust staff, service users and carers sharing their journeys and experiences on key themes such as mental health, addiction, recovery and physical health and wellbeing.

This month Sudheesh Sidhardhan, Senior Physiotherapist, Health Partnerships, will be talking about Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Rehabilitation on Wednesday 15 August, while on Wednesday 26 September Dr Ola Junaid, Clinical Director for Mental Health Services for Older People (MHSOP), will be discussing dementia in black and minority ethnic communities.

Find out more about Kemet FM at www.975kemetfm.co.uk.

Thanks – you’re life savers A prison officer at HMP Stocken believes he owes his life to the healthcare team.

Officer Will Sayers collapsed from a blockage in his heart while at work last year. Members of the healthcare team went quickly to his aid, helping a colleague in the use of a defibrillator and administering emergency care to Will, who had also fractured his skull in the collapse, until he was airlifted out to hospital.

Will said: “Without their help and the way they acted in such a professional way I would not be here now. I have no doubt in my mind that I owe these fantastic people my life.”

Will is well on the road to recovery and has recently returned to work. “I have had constant support from all my friends in the healthcare team since I returned to work.

I truly believe that all these wonderful people deserve an award, for saving my life and for being such a ‘fantastic team’ I cannot thank them enough.”

Equipment boost for community matrons A grateful husband has donated equipment to the community matrons in County Health Partnerships.

Pat Hayes donated a blood pressure monitor, O2 saturation monitors and an extra large blood pressure cuff to Zoe Read, Community Matron covering Barnby Gate and Fountain Surgeries in Newark.

Mr Hayes made the donation to thank Zoe and her team for the care they gave his wife, Elisabeth. He described the care as “fantastic” and felt it had enabled her to remain at home until her death as she wished. He and his family were very grateful to Zoe and the team for making this possible.

The items donated will be used to help others with similar long term conditions to Mrs Hayes.

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Steve Elliott, Commissioner, with service users, carers and staff at the event

Partnership working in Bassetlaw A partnership steering group, including Bassetlaw Hospice, Bassetlaw Health Partnerships (BHP), Carers Federation, Bassetlaw Commissioning Group, Carers, County Health Partnerships (CHP), Bassetlaw Community Voluntary Services and chaired by Steve Elliott, Commissioner, Bassetlaw Commissioning Group, recently organised two events focusing on Carer Service Provision.

The events, held in The Well, Retford and at The Crossing, Worksop, featured over 30 stands from service providers across voluntary and statutory services and were attended by eighty carers and staff from a variety of organisations.

Feedback from the events included: “The event was very well organised indeed and a credit to those involved. The information

“I was thrilled to be invited to the Bassetlaw Carers’ Event.

I was particularly interested as I am now able to expand the Carer Section on my not for profit website, by adding all the information I gathered. I can now let users know all that’s available to them, with a particular emphasis for carers of people suffering from depression.

“It was so encouraging to hear that Nottinghamshire Healthcare is working in partnership with the voluntary sector and district and county councils to offer services to carers. The planned launch of the Carers’ Support Plan will be a milestone that encompasses everyone’s hard work. I had no idea that there was so much help out there for carers if they just know where to look.”

Helen McNallen www.depressioncanbefun.com

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available was extremely useful. Only since I have become a carer have I realised just how much time and effort go into caring for those who cannot care for themselves. I now realise that back up is available.” And “It was reassuring to note how much help there is available from many different sources.

What was really useful was being able to walk around and to meet all the people who care and work so hard behind the scenes.”

Helen McNallen meeting Gillian Bradley, Senior Practitioner, Hospice Services and members of the Carers’ Group

The events also provided a superb networking opportunity for the variety of organisations who attended.

Examples of partnership working that are now developing since the events include: • The Family Intervention Service from County Adult Mental Health Services working with Carer Co-ordinators from CHP to share best practice and review and streamline current Carer, Family and Friends Awareness training provision across the Trust.

Big Health Day’s big success

• The Carers Federation is now looking to work in partnership with the Nottingham Recovery College to deliver their ‘Caring with Confidence’ course via the College.

• The members of Bassetlaw Carers’ Support Group based within Adult Mental Health Services are now looking to join the Carer Support Group facilitated by Bassetlaw Hospice.

Traditionally, the Group provided by the Hospice was for carers as part of end of life support, however, it has now developed to involve all carers of those with long term conditions.

Sue Gill, Head of Partnership Commissioning and Dr Steve Kell, Chair of Bassetlaw Commissioning Organisation were among the speakers at the events. Sue focused on the national requirements for Trusts to produce a Carers’ Support Plan. Dr Kell explained the role of the GP led commissioning group and the aim to improve support for carers across Bassetlaw; recognising how important it is to care for the carer.

There was also a session on Carers’ Assessments and Breaks and a personal and moving account from Andy Brumpton who spoke of his experience as a carer of his late wife Anne.

For further information please contact Sue Gill, Head of Partnership Commissioning on 01777 274422

Two of the stands at the Big Health Day

The Big Health Day took place on Tuesday 19 June and was attended by over 120 people.

The day was an opportunity for people with learning disabilities, their families, carers and health professionals, to talk about their health service experiences and find out what is happening to improve the health of people with learning disabilities.

More than 30 stands were manned by services providers such as Podiatry, Specialised Dental Services, Audiology, Speech and Language Therapy and the Health Facilitators, as well as third sector organisations such as Mencap, Independent

Voices for Engagement, and the Rowan Organisation.

“This is the second year that the Salaried Dental Service has had a stand at this event,” said Alex Hobson, Dental Nurse Team Leader, Salaried Dental Services. “Our stand was well attended and we were able to provide information and advice around dental services available and how to access them.

“Some visitors just wanted to discuss their dental worries, and we were happy to help them. One lady was afraid to go back to her dentist in case he told her off for losing her dentures, but we discussed her concerns and she thanked us for giving her the

confidence to phone her dentist.”

The overall theme of the event was one of interactivity and many of the stands featured the tools of their profession, allowing service users to see what they could expect when attending appointments. The Glee Choir smoothie bike also entertained many visitors and a diary room allowed service users to give video feedback on the services they had used.

The afternoon featured a performance by the Atmosphere Glee Choir followed by a quiz that will provide useful feedback for the Trust.

Feedback from service users suggested that they enjoyed the day and the variety of stands on offer.

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Arts Therapies workshops celebrate Learning Disability Awareness Week Trust service users experienced music and art therapy as part of National Learning Disability Awareness Week in June.

The Learning Disability Music Therapy team collaborated with Biant Singh Suwali, a percussionist and social worker, to deliver two music making workshops at Mencap’s Harpenden House in Nottingham.

Boys and teachers from Kimberley School, along with adults and their carers, all took part in the sessions.

Djembe drums formed the main focus of the workshops, with Biant leading energetic improvisations. The group explored different sounds and rhythms, creating powerful and emotional connections within the music, and then incorporated other instruments.

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The workshops were grounded in evidenced-based practice and carers commented on how engaged the people that they were supporting seemed. Many felt they enjoyed the experience and seemed relaxed afterwards.

The Art Therapy workshop was delivered in Mansfield and facilitated by Gail McGregor, Art Psychotherapist. The theme was ‘The Tree of Life’.

Group members were invited to see the tree as themselves; something strong and powerful. They were shown how to decorate or change the tree to express positive and/or negative feelings.

Heart templates were used to express things that they liked and dove templates for things they didn’t like. These were decorated with a range of mixed media such as glitter, sequins, felt tips, paints, pastels and tissue paper and displayed on the tree.

The therapeutic benefits of working with mixed media were considerable. It was a ‘real’, hands-on experience, which totally engaged the group, leaving little capacity to dwell on anything else.

The Art Therapy workshop was structured to improve self-esteem. There is no such thing as a mistake in art – just happy and creative accidents.

Participants were encouraged to see the positive implications of all their actions and decisions.

Mixed media is a very inclusive and accessible medium and participants produced amazing results that give a huge sense of achievement. The workshops provided a low-risk, fun environment for individuals to experiment, discover hidden talents and excel in a new way.

Conference focuses on end of life care A conference held at Highbury Hospital in May gave Trust colleagues an opportunity to find out more about end of life care.

Delegates from Learning Disability Services, Mental Health Services for Older People and Forensic Services all attended the End of Life Awareness conference.

The idea for the conference came from the Physical Healthcare Team and Sharon Howe, Modern Matron for Mental Health Services for Older People, who wanted to raise awareness of end of life care.

Elise Adam and Stephanie Pindor, End of Life Care Trainers, supported the conference and presented the local and national perspective. Other speakers included Paul Quilter, Head of Spiritual and Pastoral Care, who discussed aspects of spirituality, and Greg Finn, Consultant in Palliative Medicine, County Health Partnerships, who introduced the topic ‘Do not attempt CPR’.

Claire Henley, Learning Disability Nurse Specialist, spoke about end of life care for people with a learning disability, and Ann Johnson gave a heart-warming speech about her own personal experiences, which enabled delegates to think about their own clinical practice.

Stands were available throughout the day with leaflets, information and advice, and a selection of interactive workshops was run in the afternoon.

Comments from the day included: “The day was organised with real sensitivity”, “Ann’s talk was heart-warming and a reality check; I will go back to my area and talk about end of life care and improve practice”, “Paul’s speech was enthusiastic and engaging; it made me think about end of life care within my own clinical practice”.

For more information about end of life care contact Laura Hodgson on 01623 784900 or email laura.hodgson@ nottshc.nhs.uk or Stephanie Pindor on 0115 883 1865 or stephanie.pindor@nottshc-chp.nhs.uk.

Left to right: Stephanie Pindor, End of Life Care Trainer; Claire Henley, Learning Disability Nurse Specialist; Sharon Howe, Modern Matron; Paul Quilter, Head of Spiritual and Pastoral Care; Laura Hodgson, Physical Healthcare Facilitator; Ann Johnson, Guest Speaker; Elise Adam, End of Life Care Trainer.

Celebrate World Hearing Voices Day

The event will take place on World Hearing Voices Day, Friday 14 September, at Nottingham Recovery College, Duncan Macmillan House, Porchester Road, Nottingham, NG3 6AA.

Do you hear voices or support someone who does?

Do you work alongside people who hear voices?

Anyone who hears voices or spends time with others who hear voices is invited to attend an anti stigma event which aims to raise awareness of voice hearing.

The National Hearing Voices Network will be in attendance and refreshments will be available.

For more information call 0115 956 0827 or email trevor.hogg@nottshc.nhs.uk.

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Support from peers helps patients progress Nottinghamshire patients with long term health conditions are receiving peer support through a new service. The Health Peer Mentor Scheme pairs patients with a volunteer mentor who has the same condition as them and who can relate to how they are feeling from direct personal experience.

Mentors visit their paired patient every week for six weeks to give advice and information about how to move on and take their next steps. The service has nine volunteers who support 22 different conditions.

Beverley had a brain haemorrhage in February

I am now back at work and living my life.”

2011. She has described the mentor scheme as ‘fantastic’.

Beverley felt she wasn’t coping with her condition, until a nurse told her about the scheme.

“Although my GP was very supportive and compassionate, he didn’t understand what I was going through,” said Beverley. “I felt out of control of my condition and of my life. I just wanted to talk to someone who had been through the same thing and who would know how I felt.

I wanted to get back to how things used to be.

“I had six visits from the health peer mentor, Dawn Spence, and now I feel as though she

Dawn Spence said: “I hope to help many others regain confidence and become active members of the community again.”

Dawn Spence, Health Peer Mentor

saved my life. I have achieved the goals that we set, I go out a lot more and I don’t see my doctor like I did before.

“I’m really glad this service was available to me and although things can still be quite difficult

Boosting bones for falls prevention

Beverley has also now completed the Expert Patient Programme, a six week course for people with long term conditions, where she learned coping skills.

For more information about the Health Peer Mentor Scheme or the Expert Patient Programme, contact Dawn Anderson on 01623 673302 or email dawn.anderson@ nottshc-chp.nhs.uk.

In support of National Falls Awareness Week in June, the Mansfield and Ashfield Falls Prevention Team took part in an event organised by Ashfield Voluntary Action at Kirkby-in-Ashfield aimed at local senior citizens.

L-r: Louise Davies, Rehab Nurse, Charlotte Walker, Student Occupational Therapist, Tina Dean, Julie Mills, Administrator and Mandy Dixon, Assistant Practitioner

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Health Promotion events gather pace across Offender Health’s Yorkshire patch There has been much health promotion activity across the prisons in Yorkshire. Here are some highlights: The Integrated Mental Health Team at HMP New Hall was involved in launching the Drug Recovery Programme at the prison. The theme of the day was promoting insight into dual diagnosis and mental health.

The Offender Health team’s stall had been decorated by prisoners and staff.

Prisoners also manned the stall and were actively involved in awareness raising of issues such as sleep, hygiene and making choices. Sleep improvement strategies including the use of soothing drinks were promoted as alternatives to medication with samples on offer. A quiz highlighted

The Falls Prevention Team’s stand focused on osteoporosis and bone health, which was the theme of the awareness week. Louise Davies, Rehabilitation Nurse, showed models of osteoporotic bone pre and post treatment with bisphosphonates (medicines used to prevent and treat bone disease) to show the improvement in bone density. Visitors to the stand could have their risk factors for the condition assessed and take part in a quiz with a prize of a hamper of high calcium food.

Tina Dean, Senior Physiotherapist, arranged a ferrule exchange which offered replacements for worn rubber ends to walking sticks and walking aids. There was also an opportunity to test balance and take part in a session of gentle chair based exercises and learn about other home and group activities.

Sally Kennedy, Physiotherapist in the Sherwood Rehabilitation Team (SFHT) ran a Tai Chi taster session.

All of the activities were well received by members of the public.

The Community Falls Service is based at Mansfield Community Hospital. For more information contact 01623 785157/785114

how many prisoners take greater care of their physical health than their mental health.

Alongside this a ‘hearing voices’ exercise using headphones provided an insight into the troubles and distractions that are often present in people experiencing psychosis and schizophrenia.

Behind the stall a ‘Tree of Hope’ was erected and prisoners were encouraged to hang a ‘hope’ or ‘wish’ on its branches.

Feedback from staff and prisoners was that the stall was successful in raising awareness of issues and at involving prisoners in making the event a success. Special thanks go to Secondary Mental Health Practitioner Ruth Cafferty who led and co-ordinated this contribution with support from the rest of the team.

Lindsay Woodhall, Healthcare Assistant, HMP Lindholme, co-ordinated two successful events across the Doncaster Prison cluster. An event at HMP Doncaster was attended by more than 140 prisoners.

Held in the gym, prisoners took the opportunity to discuss issues and concerns relating to their health and could also have their blood pressure taken and BMI measured. The event went really well, with the gym staff and the kitchen staff helping enormously to make sure the event ran smoothly. The prisoners who work at the gym also helped organise leaflets, posters and literature. Literature was also available in the main patient areas and many prisoners took away health related crosswords and word searches from the event.

At HMP Lindholme, more than 50 people attended an event coordinated by Lindsey with Linda Murphy, Rodger Williams and

Some of the team from HMP Lindholme

Yasim Mcmath, RDASH Cancer Awareness and Nurse Kate Wales.

Attendees could have their blood pressure and BMI measured. The Cancer Awareness Team brought specialist information and took the opportunity to talk to attendees about any specific concerns. The event went really well and attendees took a lot away with them. The staff in the library were really helpful advising attendees on where to find information they required.

Prisoners were thankful for input they had on the day and for concerns being dealt with.

Comments included: Patient LW: “I enjoyed the event, it brought my awareness up and provided me with helpful information.

The staff were really pleasant and extremely helpful.”

Patient JC: “I attended the health clinic. They told me my blood pressure was fine but I needed to loose some weight (about a stone), I did not realise that I was so overweight and now I plan to do something about it.”

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Left to right: Suzanne Avington, Carol Tucker and Catherine Pope.

AHPs share Trust experience with national audience Physiotherapists and occupational therapists from around the country have been learning about outcome measures from the Trust’s Allied Health Professionals (AHPs).

‘Outcome measures’ are a method of measuring the effectiveness of interventions by measuring a service user’s function, wellbeing or other relevant factor. Many clinicians and other healthcare professionals within the NHS do not routinely use outcome measures but they are increasingly being encouraged to do so. The Trust’s AHPs are supporting the work by raising awareness and setting up systems to collate the information.

In June physiotherapists from around the East Midlands heard about the Trust’s AHP outcome measure project from Catherine Pope, Associate Director of AHPs, and Suzanne Avington and Carol Tucker, both physiotherapists.

The work was also presented further afield as Lyndsay Beck, an occupational therapist and Senior AHP – Professional Projects, presented a paper at the National Occupational Therapy Conference in Glasgow. Lyndsay focused primarily on her work developing an ITbased outcome measurement framework and hers was one of a number of papers that demonstrated how clinicians are increasingly focused on using outcome measures.

Catherine and Lyndsay are now working with AHPs across all Divisions of the Trust to demonstrate the positive impact that AHPs can have on service

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users’ lives. The outcome measurement framework will enable AHPs to evidence the added value their interventions bring, such as promoting recovery and adding life to years, and encourage the early adoption of good practice.

For more information about outcome measures contact Lyndsay Beck on 0115 956 0814 or email lyndsay.beck@nottshc.nhs.uk.

Head massage gives patients a lift

Honoured to dance for royalty Healthcare Assistant Babita Chady performed for royalty when the Queen and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited Nottingham for the Diamond Jubilee.

Left: performing on stage for the Royal Family Below: Babita Chady at Vernon Park

Babita, based at Thorneywood Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) by day, is part of the Manushi Dance Company, which performed classical Indian dance routines for the Royal Visit to Vernon Park. The day was extra special for Babita, as it was also her birthday.

“On my birthday, it was a great honour to have been asked to perform on the occasion of the Royal Family coming to Nottingham,” said Babita.

“I saw the Queen from far away, but was very honoured to meet and shake hands with Prince William and his wife Kate.”

Nottingham was the chosen East Midlands’ City on the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee national tour. At Vernon Park a whole day of activities included schools’ track and field competitions along with performances from local bands, choirs and orchestras.

The Manushi Dance Company performed Kathak, a classical Indian style of dance originating in the north of India. Manushi is the leading Kathak dance group in Nottingham and Babita has danced at Melas – or festivals – all around the UK.

Indian head massage has helped to relieve pain and increase wellbeing for patients on Ward A43 at the Queen’s Medical Centre.

wonderful and it really has made a positive difference. The sense of calm that descended on the ward during the treatment was noticeable.”

Patients of the mental health assessment and treatment ward for women received tailored taster sessions of the therapy as part of a pilot scheme.

Indian head massage has physical and mental health benefits including muscle relaxation, improved circulation, relief of aches, pains and tension headache and increased feelings of balance and calm.

“It has been very popular for all of our service users,” said Annie Clarke, A43 Ward Manager. “The feedback has been

Occupational Therapist, Rachel Halldorsson and Modern Matron, Vickie Howard, both trained Indian head massage therapists, introduced the scheme to the ward.

Comments from the patients have included:

“It was lovely... it is my personal time to have something done for me.”

“I had severe muscle tension and pain in my shoulder and following the Indian head massage it is so much better.”

“I like the feeling of touch and of feeling positively connected during the Indian head massage, as the ward environment can sometimes feel quite harsh.”

Rachel and Vickie both received Indian head massage training through the Trust’s complementary therapies lead and qualified as therapists in 2010.

It is hoped that more patients across Adult Mental Health Services may receive the therapy in the future with increased staff training and associated research proposals.

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q What is your job title and what does your role entail? a HCA supporting my colleagues and offering support to our service users particularly with their physical, psychological and emotional needs during their detoxification programme.

Left to right: Bev Rocco, Switchboard Operator/ Receptionist, Tony Kerr and Linda Moth, Team Leader Switchboard

q How long have you been with Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust? a On and off for approximately twelve years. q What do you see as your priorities for Nottinghamshire Healthcare? a Developing my knowledge and understanding within an ever changing environment that meets the needs of the people we care for.

Tony’s off to take it easy Many people will know the familiar face and voice of Duncan Macmillan House Receptionist Tony Kerr. Tony retired on 13 July after 35 years spent working in the NHS. He started his career at the General Hospital in Nottingham, moving to Highbury Hospital before settling at what was then Mapperley Hospital, 25 years ago.

Tony is moving to Redcar to live by the sea. When asked what his retirement plans are he said: “Taking it easy!” Of his time at the Trust, Tony said: “I have made a lot of friends and enjoyed my time here.”

q What is your employment background? a For the Trust I have worked in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), Learning Disability, Social Services; prior to working in healthcare I served in Her Majesty’s Regular Armed Forces. I am also a regular reservist within our Trust at this present time. q What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given? a Best way to predict the future is to create it and the other is to always be true to yourself. q What was the last CD you bought? a Queen – Greatest Hits.

We wish Tony a happy and healthy retirement.

Volunteer tutor’s training success Geof Willers, an Expert Patient Programme volunteer tutor, has successfully completed his training to become an assessor.

Geof, an examiner who has worked tirelessly as a volunteer delivering The Expert Patient Programme, was proud to complete the two-day training in Manchester. “I can’t believe I did it,” he said, “thank you for believing that I could.”

The Expert Patient Programme is a six-week selfmanagement course for people with a long term condition. It has been running in Nottinghamshire since the pilot in 2001. The programme

enables patients to manage their long term condition more effectively and to be the best that they can be with what they have. Geof’s achievement means that the Trust will be able to ensure that the quality of the Expert Patient Programme courses can be assessed in-house.

Dawn Anderson, Self Care Development Manager, commented: “We are now in a position to assess our own volunteers inhouse instead of using outside agencies. This is a fantastic opportunity for Geof and for the organisation. I’m so pleased for him.”

Geof Willers

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q What is your greatest achievement? a Supporting my fellow comrades in

q&a

conflicts and campaigns in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces and overcoming health issues to return back to the Trust. Also earning the nickname Radar from my Woodlands colleagues, after the character in the TV series MASH.

q What makes you angry? a People who pass blame on to others

and avoid the consequences of their own actions.

q What are you most

passionate about? a Supporting veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and substance misuse services. Raising awareness of homelessness for veterans who have served their country and also mental health and substance misuse. I am involved with the Nottinghamshire Veterans’ Partnership. Also, working at The Woodlands.

q What single thing would improve your working life at Nottinghamshire Healthcare? a Spending more quality time with our service users and having more staff. q What is your favourite hobby? a Martial Arts, Boxing, Jogging and

going to work!

q What keeps you awake at night? a Preparing for the next day and also

reflecting on the day I have had.

q What is your favourite film? a 300.

Our interviewee this month is Healthcare Assistant (HCA) Shaun-Paul Morley q What is your idea of bliss? a Working with an effective great team

like my colleagues at The Woodlands.

q What three words would you use to describe yourself? a Caring, passionate and considerate. q What is your favourite holiday

destination? a Austria.

q Who would you take to a

desert island? a My family.

q Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time? a Still providing quality care at The Woodlands Substance Misuse Services. q Do you have a ‘claim to fame’? a I have met the majority of the Royal

Family when serving as a reconnaissance trooper in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces and ceremonial duties.

q How would you like to be remembered? a As a caring, honest and trustworthy person of good character.

Take good care of your feet during sports Exercise is good for our health, but it is easy to overlook the strain we put on our feet. Body weight multiplies by up to seven times when we run and blisters, sprained ankles, shin pain, knee pain and joint or muscle problems are all common injuries.

With more people thinking about sport in the wake of publicity around the Olympics, the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists

is raising awareness about the importance of foot care in sports.

“When we play different types of sport we use our body and our feet in different ways,” said Justine Harle, from Bassetlaw Health Partnerships’ Department of Foot Health.

“It’s vital to wear a sports shoe designed to support your body’s movement for that particular sport.

Running requires flexible

shoes whilst sports where you move around more and stop quickly, such as aerobics and tennis, need trainers with more support.”

Make sure you look after your feet by choosing trainers that are the correct size and fit the arch of your foot. Staff at specialist sports shops can help. Choose a reputable brand and if you exercise every day, alternate two pairs of sports shoes so that they dry out.

Wearing synthetic sports socks rather than cotton socks reduces the risk of fungal infection and blisters; if you do get a blister, don’t pop it, and remember, if you are in pain, go to a doctor.

For more information go to www.feetforlife.org or contact Justine Harle, Podiatry & Infection Prevention & Control Manager, on 01777 863359 or email justine.harle@ nottshc.nhs.uk.

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WHO WE ARE...

You may have picked up this copy of the newsletter not knowing what Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust is. We provide integrated healthcare services including mental health, learning disability and community health services. We also manage medium-secure units in Leicester and Rotherham, and the high-secure Rampton Hospital near Retford and provide healthcare in 11 prisons across the East Midlands and Yorkshire.

WE NEED YOU!

LGBT Forum celebrates diversity As Nottingham was gearing up for the Olympic Torch Celebrations in June, members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans (LGBT) Forum were hosting their own celebrations.

Patients and staff from the Adult Mental Health Wards at Highbury Hospital joined with members of the LGBT Forum to take part in craft and music activities aimed at promoting equality and celebrating diversity.

Live music was performed by The A42s, Folk Trio and The Meerkats, while participants decorated bricks to form part of a rainbow wall. Each brick symbolised the individual’s ideas of equality, diversity and recovery, but collectively they made a wall of hope, understanding and respect for all.

If you would like to decorate a brick to be part of a future exhibition please contact Catherine Conchar, Head of Equality and Diversity on 0115 993 4543 or email catherine.conchar@nottshc.nhs.uk.

Top: the rainbow wall Below: The Meerkats playing at Highbury Hospital

If you have any ideas or suggestions for the newsletter, please contact Suzanne Aitken in the Trust Communications Team on 0115 955 5403 or via email at suzanne.aitken@ nottshc.nhs.uk. We are always pleased to receive articles for possible publication, but ask that they do not exceed 300 words.

Wherever possible when naming individuals, please include details of their job titles/roles and the organisation they are from. If any individuals other than yourself are mentioned in what you write or featured in accompanying photographs, please make sure you check with them that they are happy to be potentially featured. It is your responsibility to ensure this consent is given. Please send photos as separate image files and not in Word documents.

Please note that the Communications Team has full editorial control and may have to edit articles appropriately. Therefore, if you want to see the final version please ensure you send your article in with plenty of time before the deadline and state clearly what you require.

If you would like copies of any past editions of Positive, or if you are having any ‘distribution issues’ with the newsletter – whether you’re receiving too many copies, too few, or none at all – then please contact us.

If you would like your story in the October issue of Positive, please contact us by 31 August 2012. However, due to space constraints we cannot guarantee the publication of all articles received by the deadline.

Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, The Resource, Duncan Macmillan House, Porchester Road, Nottingham, NG3 6AA tel 0115 969 1300 www.nottinghamshirehealthcare.nhs.uk

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