One & All - Issue 1

Issue 1 October 2012

One &All Royal Cornwall Hospitals

NHS Trust

The Future of Healthcare in Cornwall

Then and Now

KIN

LIVES

It’s a Knockout pictures

NG W OR

Charity Special

VI

G

One &All

I M P RO

Looking back with

NEWS / TRUST PEOPLE / GRAPEVINE / MEMBERS / VOLUNTEERS / PATIENT STORy

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CONTENTS www.rcht.nhs.uk

One &All Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust

One and All is published quarterly every January, April, July and October. Copy date for each issue is approximately six weeks before publication.

TRUST VIEW 4

TRUST PEOPLE 8

IN FOCUS 21st Century Healthcare

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MEMBERSHIP NEWS Why Foundation Trust members are important

16

VOLUNTEERING National recognition, local work

18

GRAPEVINE Improving Working Lives news and initiatives

20

CHARITABLE FUNDS It’s A Knockout, Phoenix Appeal, donations

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DID YOU KNOW? The future’s bright for Mullions

28

PATIENT STORY A journey through End of Life Care in Cornwall

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PATIENT views Letters and views

31

ACHIEVEMENTS Local Heroes and staff awards

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INSIDE OUT Olympics dream, Cardiac bike ride

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OUR PARTNERS KCCG Chair Interview

Advertsing Zara Media 01392 201227 grant@zaramedia.co.uk

Welcome to One and All

CONTENTS

News and views

Design Edgemoor Design 01837 659224 simon@edgemoordesign.co.uk

PRINTING FourwayPrinting 01566 771950 info@fourwayprint.com

DISCLAIMER Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that adverts and articles appear correctly. Edgemoor Publishing cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage caused directly or indirectly by the contents of this publication. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of its publisher or editor.

Lezli Boswell, Chief Executive

Editorial Communications, Bedruthan House 01872 253216 oneandall@cornwall.nhs.uk

Welcome to this our first new edition of ‘One & All’ magazine. Those of you with good memories will know that ‘One & All’ was the title of our magazine between 1992 and 2000 when RCHT was founded and we have decided to come home.

The new quarterly magazine aims to reach out to all our staff, volunteers, Foundation Trust public members, patient groups and stakeholders – another reason for the title ‘One & All’.

This year also marks the 20th anniversary of RCHT and in our 21st year we aim to have the keys to the door to become an NHS Foundation Trust. Now seems a good time then to reflect on our history and our future.

In this edition we look at the future of healthcare in Cornwall. We have features on the very latest technology to beat cancer, and an interview with the GP who is Chairman of the new Kernow Clinical Commissioning Group.

We also look back and take a light-hearted look at how RCHT has changed since the heady 1990s through the eyes of our staff.

Hopefully there is something in the magazine for everyone with a dedicated section for our volunteers, Foundation Trust members and staff – look out for the ‘Grapevine’ section which continues with all the news from Improving Working Lives.

I hope you enjoy the new magazine and welcome all feedback.

Thank you for your support.

Garth Davies Associate Director, Communications at RCHT. oneandall@cornwall.nhs.uk

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WHAT’S ON Diary dates, competition and art

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COVER PHOTOGRAPH The TrueBeam Linear Accelerator, bringing state-of-the-art treatment to Cornwall One and All 3

TRUST VIEW

Lezli Boswell, Chief Executive As this summer’s Olympic fervour fades it is hard not to have been inspired by the achievements of those taking part and their determination to succeed. The British team’s endeavours created a feel-good factor and sense of pride that we could all do well to capture - that hoped for legacy could go much wider than sport alone.

Lezli gets a demonstration of the new TrueBeam linear accelerator in the Sunrise Centre by senior radiographer Nicky Ward.

T

he question is what can we learn for our team at RCHT? The British team clearly nurtured and invested in talent. Each individual was valued, made responsible for their actions and felt part of the bigger team. They had a clear and simple goal, they supported each other, learnt from each other and listened to each other. If RCHT is to reach its full potential we need good coaching, good communication and a unified vision for the future.

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Over the summer we have started to put the building blocks in place. The Listening into Action staff conversations involving over 500 people was an excellent way to get out into the open the challenges and frustrations but also the opportunities and solutions.

The passion and commitment of our staff is absolutely evident and it must be our mission to translate that into pride in RCHT and excellent care for every single patient.

In July we published ‘Our Plans 2012 – 2017’ which

sets out our vision, our achievements and our clinical strategy. It was developed in partnership with staff and provides a platform on which to build. The strategy is clear on our commitment to education, research and developing our staff. A coaching programme started in September which in time will be available to all staff.

Communication is another of our big challenges.

Following the Listening into Action events we have started to make some changes including more visibility from senior leaders through the ‘Team Talk’ sessions, back to the floor days and patient safety walk-rounds. This new magazine ‘One &All’ is a way to communicate to our wider community and reading through there is much to be proud of.

The NHS is changing.

It always has but now more than ever we need to work together as a whole community, respond to new challenges and make the difference we all want to be part of and to feel. It is only by working as an effective team that we will realise our full potential and offer the excellent patient care we strive every day to achieve. n

TRUST PEOPLE www.rcht.nhs.uk

Blood conservation team leads the way Already acknowledged as a national leader in its field, RCHT’s blood conservation team has hosted its first training course for international medical supplier Haemonetics.

The team won the contract to provide training for the company’s representatives from across Europe in light of the expertise developed in Cornwall over the last 10 years. From an initial focus on conserving blood during orthopaedic surgery, the service has since expanded to include all surgical specialties and evolved into a comprehensive Patient Blood Management Programme.

Haemonetics sales reps David Gethin and Sonia McFall, with work experience student Erin Wosnitzka and RCHT’s Blood Conservation Practitioner and Trainer, Carol McGovern and Blood Management Programme co-ordinator, John Faulds

Blood conservation, including cell salvage – the specialist filtration process that allows a patient’s own blood lost during surgery to be cleaned and re-infused post-operatively – has now become the norm within RCHT. The Trust has recently adopted a pledge that aims to minimise the use of donor blood through better preparation of patients before surgery, reducing the likelihood of needing a blood transfusion, and proactive planning of cell salvage as part of care during surgery. Theatre teams are trained in the use of cell salvage and there are now 12 machines in operation across our hospitals.

This holistic approach to blood conservation has attracted much acclaim for the RCHT team, which has presented its work and research nationally and internationally, making it the ideal base for sharing expertise.

As well as bringing in useful income to support the blood conservation programme, the training offers the Haemonetics representatives a greater understanding of the operation of blood conservation in the clinical environment and the wider programme of blood management and pre-operative preparation of patients.

Blood conservation co-ordinator at RCHT, John Faulds, said: “The first training course has been a huge success, particularly thanks to the clinical teams who helped out. We’ve built up a lot of knowledge at RCHT and can share our experience of problems and how to resolve them.

“The reps found the opportunity to talk to staff and patients at pre-operative assessment and to see cell salvage equipment in use in theatres of huge benefit in understanding and being able to support customers in developing their own blood conservation programmes, buying equipment solving and problems.”

RCHT in top 25% for best practice in hip fracture The Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust is in the top 25 per cent of NHS Trusts nationally for best practice standards and placed sixth out of 16 NHS Trusts in the South West in the National Hip Fracture Database report which was released in September.

The report shows that the Trust has continued to improve its performance and the quality of its service and now scores better than the national average in most areas reported on, with patients being admitted to a ward quicker and a reduction in the time patients have to wait before having surgery. More than 70 per cent (national average 67 per cent) of RCHT’s patients are now in theatre within 36 hours and 82 per cent within 48 hours, matching the national average.

Simon McIntosh, Consultant in Geriatric Medicine, said: “These standards are the most important to reflect our multi-disciplinary level of service. Overall there has been a significant improvement in our theatre waiting times and we are now in the top 25 per cent nationally for best practice standards even when considering we are now seeing more patients.

The Trust submitted information covering 555 patients for the latest report, the most accurate data the Trust has ever produced thanks to the introduction last September of Trauma co-ordinators, who regularly update the database.

The Trauma Co-ordinators started work in September 2011 with a view to improving the care of patients with neck of femur fractures. The team, cover everything from admission through to discharge for those with neck of femur fractures and all lower limb fractures.

Jenna Aldridge is a full time co-ordinator. She says: “We are here to ensure the needs of these patients are met whether that is making sure they move smoothly and quickly through the Emergency Department or that they have the right equipment necessary when they arrive on ward or to make sure any drug reversal work is done to put them in a better position for surgery. It is important that people get the right treatment quickly because neck of femur fractures are a serious condition and in patients who are already vulnerable through age or other conditions they can be fatal.”

One and All 5

Flu s l l i k Influenza is dangerous, highly contagious and largely preventable.

You can carry and pass the virus on to others without having any symptoms yourself, so even if you consider yourself healthy, you might be risking the lives of others.

TRUST PEOPLE www.rcht.nhs.uk

my view From the Front Line: Allyson James, Lead Stroke Acute Care Co-ordinator, transforms stroke care

Allyson James and Debra Shields, Service Manager

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new unique service has helped the Trust improve stroke care in less than a year and is still continuing to improve the Trust’s performace.

The Virtual Nurse Stroke Clinic in the Emergency Department was the idea of Lead Stroke Acute Care Coordinator Allyson James and began as a pilot in November 2011.

It ran for four months with results so dramatic it has now been incorporated into practice.

Allyson said: “Service Manager Debra Shields and myself were keen to improve our care of stroke patients and started looking at our results for all stroke and TIA (Transient Ischaemic Attack) patients in the hospital and analysing what was happening to them, in particular why we weren’t hitting our targets for patients spending 90 per cent of their time on a stroke unit. We discovered there were a large number of people who were being admitted when they didn’t need to be.

Some were spending less than 24 hours with us in a bed on the stroke unit, meaning those who really needed it possibly faced a delayed admission to the unit. These short stays were negatively affecting our results without being of benefit to the patients. We knew we could start assessing and treating and discharging patients in the Emergency Department, admitting those that really needed it to the Acute Stroke Unit and making sure those that could be were discharged for stroke care in the community.”

“My plan for the Virtual Nurse Stroke Clinic was mindful of the Trust’s plan to reduce the number and impact of strokes through prevention, better diagnosis, treatment and long term care, reduce overall admissions to hospital and help bring the

Trust’s stroke care in line with National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidance.”

During the pilot, month on month saw more patients being saved the experience of an unnecessary admittance while at the same time the numbers spending time on an acute stroke unit increased and with them patient satisfaction levels.

“Our patient satisfaction surveys had a huge response which showed 100 per cent felt their care was very good or excellent.

They liked that they had an individual nurse looking after them, taking them to Computerised Tomography (CT), Vascular Studies, keeping them informed about what was happening and why. They liked that it meant they got very specific information about Stroke.

“When South Western Ambulance Service Trust (SWAST) crews pre alert Emergency Department (ED) or the Acute GP calls to say they are sending someone in, I am able to meet them as they arrive and be with them through the process. It makes the patients feel secure and provides support to the families because there is someone here with them helping them through.”

The clinic is run virtually so that Ally can be called to ED when required. “I am the Lead Nurse for Stroke across the Trust so I am not based in ED all the time. I also provide stroke education for staff; I spend a lot of time assisting with data collection and analysis to ensure we meet our NICE guidelines for Quality for Stroke, which means ensuring we give the very best care to patients during their admission. I also look at particular specialist clinical areas like assessment of swallowing and continence in order to improve our care of stroke patients. I liaise with community teams, including the Early Support Discharge Team, ensure patients are followed up and deal with admitting and bed availability issues.”

The new service has also been supported by Emergency Department colleagues. “The ED staff have been very receptive to what I am doing. The support I have had from them really is the most important thing and I think they are supportive because I have shown I am keen to be part of the team and prepared to work alongside them and do my share.”

Prior to coming to RCHT, Ally was a District Nursing Sister and then a Community Stroke Nurse in Carrick, where she trained as a Nurse Practitioner and more recently an Independent Prescriber.

“When someone was needed to look at the stroke service here at RCHT I moved across and the work I have done here, namely this clinic, has been an opportunity I have never had before. I really value the support from management and my colleagues across the whole hospital. Working in stroke care has been very rewarding.

“The Virtual Nurse Stroke Nurse Clinic in ED is an original service which has never been tried anywhere else before and has proved to be worthwhile. That’s been highlighted in the patient satisfaction survey most importantly, but also in our stroke targets being met over the last six months proving that stroke care at RCHT is improving and we are getting close to being one of the best in the South West!” n See page 27 for Phoenix Appeal news One and All 7

TRUST PEOPlE

Then &Now

M

any people at RCHT will know that ‘One & All’ was the title of the Trust magazine many moons ago. It was a popular magazine and ran from 1992 until 2000. This year we are marking our 20th year as the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust and with our magazine once again called ‘One & All’ it seems like a good opportunity to look back – and forward.

A great feature in the old magazine was called ‘First Impressions’ and we have managed to track down two of our staff who gave interviews on their first impressions of RCHT in the 1990’s. Both Mike and Adam will be well known to many at RCHT and below you can see what they said then and now! In contrast we thought we would speak to one of our new junior doctors who started in August to get his very first impressions.

I very much look forward to a challenging and fulfilling professional and family life here and hope that over the next few years to become a part of the community. To help in this I have put down on my Christmas list a request for Osborne’s First 1,000 Words of Cornish.

And now…

Adam Widdison Consultant Surgeon Winter 1995 My first impressions of Treliske Hospital really were my first impressions. I have never lived here before, nor visited.

Everyone said wonderful place, sun, sea, surf and sand. I have to admit the weather has been superb for November but the only sand I have seen has been on the building site in front of the hospital and I haven’t yet taken a wrong turning and found myself overlooking the sea.

However, they were right in saying it was a wonderful place with really friendly, cheerful staff and people. This has been particularly useful when trying to find distant outlying clinics at Redruth, St Austell or Bodmin.

8 One and All

Having worked here for 17 years the changes have been radical and challenging but my first impression that it was a wonderful place to live and work with really friendly, cheerful staff and people has continued. In those days everyone knew one another whereas now it is not unusual to come across someone you

TRUST PEOPlE www.rcht.nhs.uk

have never met before. We were very busy and it was not unusual to be operating out of hours several days/nights of the week and most weekends.

We had waiting lists of more than 18 months but cancer and urgent patients were treated in a similar time frame to now. Then we could only take annual or study leave if the “resident locum” was available to cover. How things have changed with specialisation, the “New Contract”, specialisation, shifts and other targets!

Nevertheless, most staff work very hard, over and above their contract, as they did then, and the students continue to be enthusiastic and keep us young. The goalposts may have changed but the dedication, work ethic and professionalism haven’t.

Being (a lot) older I look forward to a long and happy retirement, but not yet, and still really enjoy working here.

I have taken over a Department that is used to working in difficult conditions and making do with poor equipment. However, the light at the end of the tunnel can now be seen, although the staff are getting fed up with the expressions:- “It can only get better” or “It will all be over soon!”

Soon we will have one of the best Catering Departments in the South West. The kitchen has been very well designed with “state of the art” equipment in place. The Food Service Belt has been upgraded, a new Thermal Disinfection Washing Machine is about to become upgraded and new Patient Meal Trolleys will soon be seen trundling around the Hospital. In addition, the Dining Room is going to be upgraded, making it a very pleasant place to eat and relax.

Everyone at Treliske has made me very welcome, the Catering Staff are a team of dedicated professionals and I am looking forward to every challenge.

And 16 years later…..

Mike Pearson Catering Services Manager – Spring 1996 What Mike said then….

I arrived in a rainstorm on 2nd January 1996 – an auspicious start to the New Year! Since then we have had a small fire, there wasn’t enough gas or steam pressure and the old washing machine is nearly on its last legs – its nothing to do with me, honest!

RCHT today is a very different place to when I first arrived, there are less beds for example, but also an extra hospital - St Michael’s - which arrived on the scene after City hospital closed, different

targets to achieve but some things stay the same, budget pressures will always be there and we continue to be creative in an effort to raise money. One thing however, has remained the same, and is a constant – the staff.

Staff who are committed to working to provide great patient care, who just want to come to work to do a good job and get recognised for it. We have a lot of people working at RCHT who feel like this and I am proud to be associated with them, as I am to work for RCHT because when all is said and done we do have three lovely hospitals to work in, located in a fantastic county. The annual Christmas dance has, I hope left an impression on all those who have attended them over the years, I am still receiving therapy as a result of a Shirley Bassey impression that went horribly wrong!

The thermal disinfection machine which was eagerly awaited in my first impressions piece was installed and worked very well for three years, thereafter it became a real “pig” and the caterers started to suffer from trench-foot as it leaked so much, and Doctor Pickup still blames me to this day for soaking records that were kept on the floor below. It has since been replaced with a machine that is regularly serviced and very well looked after!

Technology and treatments have all changed making healthcare very different to when I first started out on this road as a very junior assistant dining room supervisor in 1983 but it has been very enjoyable, particularly the last 16 years, am I ready for another 16?

Of course I am!

In the last 16 years we have developed a team that is very successful, pro-active and good at what they do. I am very proud of all our staff who work so hard delivering such a vital services be it cleaning, portering, security services, linen, post, food, waste collections, receipt and distribution, accommodation and retail therapy for our hungry customers.

Dan Murphy New F1 doctor August 2012 I’m not new to Cornwall or the Trust. My family and I have lived here for the last 15 years and I have spent the last three years training here but starting work proper has been an eye opener!

I feel lucky that I had a head’s up and knew the place a bit although I am working on the Surgical Receiving Unit and I haven’t been here before. It’s only been three weeks but has been fine so far although the days are long and there’s a lot of work, people and systems to get to grips with.

I’m hoping to complete my training here, then do the core medical training and eventually become a GP working in Cornwall. n One and All 9

TRUST PEOPLE

new starters Tristan Szoka (Healthcare Assistant), Marie Short (Healthcare Assistant), Leanne Roberts (Staff Nurse), Theresa Rowswell (Staff Nurse), Sarah Wilkinson (Staff Nurse), Charlene Taylor (Staff Nurse), Stephanie McIntosh (Clerical Worker).

Catherine Dangleben joined the Trust in June having moved from Brighton.

Catherine previously worked in a GP surgery but was keen to move to Cornwall. Catherine is now working on Outpatient receptions around the Trust.

Histopathology Juliane Stolte (Consultant) Surgery, Trauma and Orthopaedics Nicola Fine (Consultant), Damien Gill (Consultant), Chandra Kitaruth (Sister/ Charge Nurse), Christine Lamerton (Staff Nurse), Marie Oxenham (Healthcare Assistant), Fiona Meier (Technician), Ian Downey (Healthcare Scientist), Paul Lidder (Locum Consultant), Mark Mantle (consultant).

General Surgery Thomas Dougherty (Consultant).

Corporate Services Richard Schofield (Senior Manager), Claire Higdon (Senior Manager), Susan Ralph (Senior Manager), Jennie Mien (Senior Manager), Leanne Daniell (clerical worker), Lydia Webster (Clerical Worker), Caroline Chapman (Clerical Worker).

Medicine and Emergency Division Patricia Madden (Clerical Worker), Elizabeth Curtis (Clerical Worker), Lucy Kelland (Healthcare Assistant), Laura Campbell (Staff Nurse), Helen Dowling (Staff Nurse), Allison Norman (Healthcare Assistant), Bernadette Kavanagh (Healthcare Assistant), 10 One and All

Patient Facilities and Estates Services Division William Pope (Assistant), Robert Bode (Clerical Worker), Nicholas Smithson (Clerical Worker), Stephen Pilkerton (clerical worker), Dominic Smith (Porter), Robin Martin (Porter), Gareth Davies (Porter), Anita Cotterill (Assistant), Catherine Dangleben (clerical worker), Rachel Vigus (Assistant), Yan Sciuto (Porter), Alex Wheatcroft (Assistant), Lorraine Doherty (Assistant), Steven Durham (Assistant), Michael Brooks (Porter), Belinda Gregory (Assistant), Fiona Wilson (Assistant), Rebecca Chowdhury (Assistant), John Lancaster (Assistant), Kathy Roome (Assistant).

Diagnostics, Therapeutics and Cancer Division Nigel Logan (Radiographer), Shaleigh Hammill (Medical Laboratory Assistant), Jennifer Walker (Radiographer), Louise King (Helper/ Assistant), Ryan Kemp (Medical Laboratory Assistant), Philip Chapman (Helper/ Assistant).

Theatres and Anaesthesia Division Kathryn Sharpe (Specialty Registrar), Emily Sutton (Staff Nurse), Heather Sullivan (Healthcare Assistant), Stephanie Bolton (Healthcare Assistant), James Plumb (Simulation and Anaesthesia).

Women, Children and Sexual Health Division Paula Hollings (Specialist Nurse Practitioner), Amy Roberts (Healthcare Assistant).

Volunteers RCH: Nick Pykett (Coffee Bar), Albert Clemo (Chapel Helper), Kathryn Garner (Maternity), Stacey Wilde (Maternity), Carol Hall (Befriender), Ken Moyle (Befriender), Laura LongworthRiggs (Breastfeeding Support), Mick Pawlak (Critical Care Unit), Ellen Richards (Hostess), Margaret Ross-Munro (Hostess), Carol Taylor (Hospital Guide), Ian Riley (Hospital Guide & Pre Assessment Clinic), Kevin Johns (Hearing Support), Brian Salmon (Gardener), Peter Bayly (Gardener), Michael Robertson (Gardener), Stephen Todd (Gardener), Christopher Veal (Gardener), Ciaran Barlow (Ward Support), Deborah Averill (Children’s reader), Michelle Bearham (Children’s play area), Christine Clements (Mermaid), Tess Dean (Library Service), Lynne Dunne (Patient Surveys), Kelly Hallet (Breastfeeding Support), Gemma Law (Breastfeeding Support), Thelma Warner (Tower Reception), Sam Wills (Hostess), John White (Gardener), Carrine Withers (Pre Assessment Clinic), Keiron Swain (Pre Assessment Clinic).

WCH: Lynda Karanjia (Pastoral Visitor), Linda Thomas (Outpatients), Marie Farley (Memory Café), Mena Longworth-Riggs (Memory Café).

SMH: Mo Fee (St Eia’s Tea Bar), Sue Knight (Marie Therese House), Jean Rowe (Outpatients), Geoff Purdie (SMH Co-ordinator), Joyce Hindle (St Eia’s Tea Bar), Darryl Morris (Marie Therese House).

Volunteers Retired: Hilary Wills, Gavan Gardener, Judith Wallis, Clayton Tilsley, Ennis Hodgson, Helen Carter.

The new Named Nurse for Child Protection at RCHT is Alison O’Neill. Alison has taken over from Liz McLeod who retired earlier this year.

Liz spent over 45 years in the NHS and education, starting her career at Guy’s Hospital in London before moving on to complete midwifery training at Birmingham Maternity Hospital, and Health Visitor training in Plymouth.

She set up RCHT’s first Named Nurse for Child Protection post in 2005. Liz also worked shifts in the Emergency Department.

Liz doesn’t plan on putting her feet up anytime soon.

She has now started a job with the Susie Project helping victims of domestic violence as well as continuing to do shifts in the Emergency Department at the Royal Cornwall Hospital. As well as work, Liz and husband Alan also enjoyed a trip to a Buckingham Palace Garden Party in May, following the Trust’s nomination for Liz’s invitation to this splendid event.

To contact the named nurse at RCHT call ext 2596.

Anne Dingwall, consultant anaesthetist in pain management, retired in September.

Anne will be missed by all her colleagues in Pain Management and many others across the Trust.

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Cornwall Health Services Retirement Fellowship Enjoy your retirement join our Fellowship

Welcome

/cornwallcollegeuk

It doesn’t matter whether you are old or young at heart, able or disabled, quiet or outgoing, there is always a welcome for you within the CHSRF. Our very successful days out this year have taken us from St Just in Penwith in the west of Cornwall to Powderham Castle in Devon, with venues in between! Our normal coach pick-up points are Camborne, Carnon Downs, Truro, Probus and St Austell but these are flexible.

Our Fellowship is Cornwall-wide and all our money is spent for our members. We may not be able to offer a benefit scheme or holidays abroad (yet!) but neither do we pay a substantial fee from your subscriptions to a National body.

If you have retired or are about to retire from the NHS or any if its related professions, as a member of staff or a volunteer, do get in touch for more information.

Tel: 01872 863987

●

Contact: Margaret Herbert Hon.Sec margirvinherbert@tiscali.co.uk ● Roseleigh Frogpool Truro TR4 8RS Tawanroath Engine House Chapel Porth, Photo by Terry Thomas

IN FOCUS

One small step for technology, One giant leap for care It’s not uncommon for visitors to Cornwall to assume our hospitals are ‘a quiet back water’ in terms of technology.

But a look through the doors and they might well be surprised to find that not only do we have the latest technology, we’re also often among the first in the UK to be using it. With recent developments including an interventional radiology suite, gamma camera and integrated laparoscopic (keyhole) theatres, the advances keep coming…

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IN FOCUS

One and All 13

iN FOCUS

Hot on the heels of our world-class integrated laparoscopic theatres is the arrival of a £3 million linear accelerator, among the first of its kind in the UK.

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242 square meter extension, including 485 cubic meters of concrete for the bunker (the average house foundation is 5 cubic meters), during an 18 month programme of construction, equipment installation and testing and the team at the Sunrise Centre has opened its doors to latest in radiotherapy technology.

The new TrueBeam linear accelerator, or LINAC as it is more familiarly known, is capable of delivering highly complex treatments currently not available in Cornwall.

Radiotherapy Services Manager, Philippa Robins said, “This is a very exciting time for the radiotherapy team in the Sunrise Centre. The new LINAC will enable us to carry out the most advanced techniques for some specific tumours. The investment by the Trust, together with a significant contribution from the ongoing Sunrise Appeal, has once again put Cornwall at the forefront of cancer treatment.”

The Sunrise Centre provides radiotherapy treatment for around 1800 patients each year and is also at the centre of a significant growth in research into cancer treatments, with specialists and patients taking part in local, national and international studies.

Consultant Clinical Oncologist, Richard Ellis, said “At RCHT we are fortunate enough to be the first in the South West and one of only five trusts across the UK to be able to offer our patients treatment on this new generation of linear accelerators.

The technology behind TrueBeam allows doctors to deliver radiotherapy with unparalleled speed and accuracy and will ensure that our patients receive state-ofthe-art treatment for their cancer.”

Although pipped at the post to being the first to install a TrueBeam, the Sunrise team is among the first in the UK to be using the technology to its full potential.

For certain types of tumour they have introduced cone beam CT, which allows the patient to be perfectly positioned to

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target the tumour, maximise the benefit of treatment and reduces the chances of unwanted damage to nearby organs and tissue.

A vital element making the investment in TrueBeam technology possible has been a £600,000 donation from the Sunrise Appeal, which played such an important part in building the Sunrise Centre 10 years ago and continues to raise funds to support the development of cancer care in Cornwall.

It’s quite clear from the smiles on faces the team are delighted with their new

acquisition. Consultant oncologist, Dr Toby Talbot said, “It’s still early days but frankly we’ve been amazed at just what the TrueBeam is capable of. The accuracy and flexibility is remarkable and it’s going to be of huge benefit for patients with tumours that are particularly difficult to target.”

The team is so impressed they’ve already got a second TrueBeam at the top of their shopping list!

If you would like to fundraise for the Sunrise Appeal, visit our charitable funds pages at: www.rcht.nhs.uk or www.justgiving.com/rcht

Delivering the Linac

Philippa Robins at the Linac

iN FOCUS www.rcht.nhs.uk

Senior nurse Clare Gardner with patient Terry Jiggins, one of the patients now able to take advantage of the wifi heart monitoring equipment

Our clinical site development programme continues to deliver more technological advances along with improvements to facilities elsewhere at RCHT, too.

Hi-tech refit for coronary care It was a swift job for contractors as the capital planning team took advantage of a 4-week window of opportunity to temporarily relocate the coronary care unit for a refit to take place.

The work included a new nurses’ station, redecoration of the relatives’ room and improvements to storage facilities and the unit’s sluice. The lion’s share of the investment though was the installation of the latest in hi-tech monitoring equipment for cardiac patients.

New wide-screen monitors at each beside in the coronary care unit are now integrated with portable devices that

are used in the Emergency Department when patients first arrive at hospital.

These portable monitors are transferred with the patient when they go to CCU and the information from them can be immediately downloaded to the bedside monitors. Coronary care staff then have instant access to an the patient’s information from their arrival in hospital.

The portable device can then be returned to the Emergency Department for the next patient.

New magnet for MRI scanner An upgrade for one of the MRI scanners at the Royal Cornwall Hospital sees the arrival of a new magnet. It will offer the latest in MRI scanning with improved imaging and a wider range of scans than ever before, including the ability to carry out heart scanning. An investment of just over half a million pounds, the scanner will be operational later this autumn.

All eyes on new home for ophthalmology Building work got underway in August to transform the former Phoenix Ward on the ground floor of the Tower Block into

a new purpose-designed facility for the ophthalmology department.

The £1.4 million investment will see the creation of a new outpatients department, including rooms for minor operations, specialist examinations and treatment.

Providing tens of thousands of appointments each year, the ophthalmology department had outgrown its existing space in the Trelawny Wing. The new area should be ready for opening by the end of 2012, offering considerably better facilities for patients and staff.

Eco-build for new residences Eco-technology is a big part of the new residence buildings on the Truro site. Built with low energy use and high insulation in mind and with their striking appearance, the buildings are significantly enhancing a previously tired corner of the hospital site. The Siberian larch cladding and crisp zinc roofs blend well with the specimen trees, creating a pleasant external environment for both junior doctors and students to enjoy. The new accommodation should be ready for occupation by January 2013. n One and All 15

Membership News 5000 public members support RCHT Foundation Trust bid RCHT has signed up over 5000 public members in its bid to become an NHS Foundation Trust. We currently have 5,240 public members from across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly with the number growing every day. Our staff are automatically members so combined we have over 10,000 people who will have a significant say in what we do when we become an NHS Foundation Trust.

Why are members important?

Growing our membership base is important because when we become an NHS Foundation Trust we will effectively become an organisation accountable to our local community – through our members and Council of Governors.

Members are vital because they vote for the new Council of Governors which has significant powers such as appointing the RCHT Chair and Non-Executive Directors, approving the appointment of the Chief Executive and receiving the annual accounts.

RCHT will also encourage our members and Council of Governors to represent the interests of patients and the public to give us feedback on services and developments. That is why we want to encourage as many people from across our community to sign up and get involved.

If you are interested in becoming a public member you can visit our website: www.rcht.nhs.uk/FT

Constituencies for publicly elected governors

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Become a governor at RCHT Our application to become an NHS Foundation Trust in 2013 is progressing well. In October 2012 we had confirmation that the Secretary of State for Health will support our application. This means we are now through to the third and final assessment

by Monitor - the independent regulator of all NHS Foundation Trusts - and we can start soon the process of electing our Council of Governors.

At RCHT we will have 20 governors – 11 elected by our public members, 5 elected by staff members and 4 appointed from partner organisations such as local councils.

The map on this page shows the constituencies for our public governors and if you think you could represent your area when we become an NHS Foundation Trust we want to hear from you. For more information email us at: rcht.membership@ cornwall.nhs.uk

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Dinner with entertainment from the fabulous ‘Atlantic View Jazz Trio’ Three course meal with entertainment At Trelissick Gardens on: Friday 14th December

C. Nicholls Solicitors Chris Nicholls M.A. (Cantab.)

71 Fore Street, Bodmin, Cornwall PL31 2JB

ÂŁ22.50 per person - Bar open from 7pm, sit down 7.30pm

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FFamily Problems? • Neighbour Problems?

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Email: alice.watts@ nationaltrust.org.uk or call 01872 863486 for details www.nationaltrust.org.uk

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1st December Enjoy a delicious three course dinner while attempting to solve a tragic and suspicious death!

We offer advice in all these areas – AND –

Road Traffic: 12 points on your licence?

Driven with excess alcohol?

Your career is at risk – BUT we may persuade the court Not to disqualify You if there are Special Reasons or you would suffer Exceptional Hardship.

F O O R P

ÂŁ25 per person - Bar open 7pm, sit down 7.30pm

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Conveyancing and Wills • Motoring Specialists

Email: alice.watts@ nationaltrust.org.uk or call 01872 863486 for details www.nationaltrust.org.uk The National Trust is an independent

charity, number 205846 %&h\ CWhcVYf %gh 8YWYaVYf UbX ,h\ 8YWYaVYf

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Discounts for Health Professionals Contact C. Nicholls Solicitors on 01208 76969 for a free assessment

24/7 Emergency number – 07778 496058 Family Panel Member • Motoring Specialists • Higher Court Advocates.

CORNWALL MOBILITY CENTRE

CONFERENCE ROOM AVAILABLE FOR HIRE

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A great venue for: Christmas Parties Murder Mystery nights Family celebrations Anniversaries Weddings Funeral receptions Or just for a great meal out.

Phone 01209 610414 Email: enquiries@rosewarnemanor.co.uk Web: www.rosewarnemanor.co.uk

Our conference room is now available to hire for meetings or training events (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm).

Cost: ÂŁ100 per day, ÂŁ50 per half day.

Tea and coffee can be provided at 75p per cup.

We have whiteboards, a flip chart, induction loop system and wireless RCHT internet access. We can provide a projector at ÂŁ10 per meeting.

Our conference room can accommodate 16 people boardroom style and 25 people theatre style. A larger room will be available later in the year.

Please email enquiries@cornwallmobilitycentre.co.uk or telephone ext 4920 for a booking form.

Volunteer

Volunteer

profile Rosemary Archer

Rosemary Archer, Secretary of the Friends of Royal Cornwall Hospital, has been presented with the Badge of the Order of Mercy at a ceremony in London.

Rosemary, who has been a Friend of RCH and a member of Cornwall and Isles of Scilly League of Hospital Friends for 13 years, attended the League of Mercy ceremony at Mansion House in June.

Rosemary said: “It was quite an event! There was a fanfare from trumpeters from the English Schools Orchestra and then we enjoyed tea and refreshments in Mansion House.”

Rosemary received her badge from the League’s President Lord Lingfield, with the Lady Mayoress of London also in attendance.

Rosemary says modestly: “I don’t think I really did enough to warrant it. I considered all the help I was able to give patients during the 30 years I worked in the NHS part of the job. I really enjoyed my work and I was in a position to help everyone, so I did. What I have done for the Friends since I have also enjoyed. I think it is important to use the skills I have to improve things.

Each year 25 outstanding volunteers are picked from a mountain of nominations to receive the Badge of the Order of Mercy, which is a hallmarked silver gilt representation of the original 1899 design depicting Sir Joshua Reynold’s figure of Charity.

Rosemary was nominated by Cornwall and Isles of Scilly League of Hospitals and Community Friends with Martin Watts, RCHT chairman, and GPs from Carnon Downs Surgery supporting the nomination.

The aim of the awards is to honour the work of volunteers and by doing so promote their work to encourage others to consider volunteering within areas of after care. n

Contacts

For more information or advice about volunteering at the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust, or to get in touch with the Friends of Royal Cornwall Hospital, St Michael’s Hospital or West Cornwall Hospital please contact the Volunteer Services Office on 01872 253737 or email RCHT. voluntaryservices@rcht.cornwall.nhs.uk

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Dementia Café at WCH Patients with Dementia at the West Cornwall Hospital in Penzance are now able to benefit from a Dementia Café enabling them to relive memories from their pasts.

The Dementia Café idea for Medical Ward 2 came from Dementia Link Nurses Lisa Williams and Joanne Pope.

The café, which is based in the ward’s day room, is open every Thursday afternoon and League of Friends Volunteers including LoF Chairman Carolyn Rowe, rota co-ordinator Jean Lodge, Mena Longworth-Riggs and Marie Farley are always on hand to chat to patients and share memories over a cup of tea. Each week the café has a different theme.

Medical Ward 2 underwent a £250,000 refurbishment at the beginning of the year following a donation from the hospital’s League of Friends. Continuing with their support, the Friends donated a new china tea set for patients and provided funding for other equipment.

Lisa said: “The renovations to Medical Ward 2 have really made a difference to patients during their stay and we are really grateful to the Friends, volunteers and to the Trust for supporting our café plan.”

Anna Sperring, Voluntary Services Co-ordinator for RCHT, said: “Our committed team of volunteers, from whom we draw three or four per session, share the responsibility of assisting Jo and Lisa to set up the cafe, and clear the room at the end of the afternoon. They also help serve out the tea and cakes, and thoroughly enjoy their involvement in this very valuable time spent with dementia patients.”

Cream tea raises £1,000 A Jubilee Cream Tea held by the Friends of the Royal Cornwall Hospital on the Bank Holiday Monday in June raised £1000.

Beatrice Dyer, Chair of the Friends, said: “The Cream Tea was a great success and we managed to raise a very respectable £1000 which will help us to benefit patients and staff.

Thank you to everyone who attended and supported us.”

How can I help?

Consider Volunteering The Trust is lucky to benefit from the support and friendship of a large, committed group of volunteers, who come from a wide and varied background and new faces are always welcome.

The Voluntary Services Office is the first port of call for anyone interested in undertaking any form of volunteering on any of the Trust’s three sites with advice and information readily available.

Whether considering a short term (minimum of 6 months commitment) or long term commitment, Voluntary Services staff will be happy to help with completing the necessary paperwork and checks.

For more information on volunteering roles within the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust, please contact the Voluntary Services Office on 01872 253737 or email RCHT. VoluntaryServices@rcht. cornwall.nhs.uk

Volunteer Lord Falmouth visits RCH Having originally been unable to officially open the new Headland Garden at the Royal Cornwall Hospital because of illness, the Friends were pleased to recently welcome Lord Falmouth to the garden with a luncheon.

The garden was created to mark the work of Lady Falmouth, chairman and president of the Friends of RCH from 1970 until 2007.

Lady Falmouth had worked tirelessly to raise funds to help improve the facilities for patients and staff at the former City Infirmary and RCH Treliske site and the present committee had felt the garden would be a fitting tribute.

With support from the Hon Evelyn Boscawen and his team of gardeners at Tregothnan, a garden was developed beside the Headland Unit on RCH site for the benefit of patients and staff.

During his visit, Lord Falmouth was thrilled to see what the Friends had done and he spent time talking to committee members as well as staff from the unit including Kathryn Radcliffe, Senior Matron, about the benefits to the patients from being able to look out on such a pleasant area and sit in it. The garden will have an all year round appeal as it is illuminated on winter evenings.

The afternoon also gave Lord Falmouth the opportunity to meet Rosemary Archer, who had just received her Order of Mercy award. Lady Falmouth had received the same recognition marking all the hard work she had done in aid of the Friends.

Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust chairman Martin Watts also

New Volunteer Services at RCH With over 52,000 cups of tea provided for free every year, the Complementary Drinks Service run by the Friends of the Royal Cornwall Hospital has proved a roaring success and departments are eager to invite them in.

The latest such department to benefit is the Critical Care Unit which cares for the most seriously ill of patients and with them comes families who find themselves coping with difficult situations in an unfamiliar location.

The move into the Critical Care Unit is unusual in that unlike the other departments which are fortunate enough to have the hostesses, here it is not the patients the Friends Hostesses deal with but their relatives. The volunteers are called on as much to provide a listening ear and comforting word as they are for their beverages.

Friend Suzie Woodier, who co ordinates the Complementary Drinks Services, says: “Sometimes these relatives can be there night and day, for days on end and our hostesses provide support. Our service seems to bridge the gap between the clinical

Ann Williams, CCU hostess

world and the real world for relatives. ” The Friends’ Complementary Drinks Service started in the Mermaid Centre 15 years ago before moving into the Sunrise Centre and is now run in six departments including Haematology, ENT, the Headland Unit and since February, the Critical Care Unit.

Suzie said of her Critical Care volunteers: “It is not for everyone.

There are some very stressful moments and our volunteers have to be able to deal with that.”

Seven volunteers are currently providing an afternoon service from Monday to Friday. All have previously provided the service in other

attended as did current Friends Chairman Beatrice Dyer.

Writing to Mrs Dyer after the event, Lord Falmouth thanked the members for inviting him and giving him the opportunity to see the garden and meet so many current Friends. He said: “My Elizabeth would have loved the thought of the garden at Treliske.”

departments or have experience of similar situations.

There are always hopes of extending the Service into other areas and plans are in place to move into Rheumatology in the near future.

Another new Volunteer initiative recently launched is in Pre-op Assessment. Here six volunteers are helping staff by assisting with administrative tasks such as making up information packs, delivering and collecting items to and from other departments, making the odd drink for patients and escorting patients to and from x-ray among other similar duties.

The service was started after a similar service proved successful at St Michael’s Hospital in Hayle. Anna Sperring, Voluntary Services Coordinator, said: “The nurse who ran the service at St Michael’s came to the Royal Cornwall Hospital to run a similar service and asked if the volunteers here would be willing to do it. It is really valued by staff and I think it’s because it makes things more efficient for staff and our volunteers enjoy it because it offers a more flexible volunteering opportunity than some of our other positions.”

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IWL Thank You “Beth & Rosie helped me through a truly awful year by being extremely flexible with their working hours, sometimes coming in on their days off to make sure I was alright and not overworked. They swapped off duty so that I could attend funerals and even took an extra overnight on call to ease the burden. I consider myself to be very lucky to work with such excellent people.”

IWL would also like to thank: Switchboard Team, RCH, Sam Gill, Mr Regan’s Secretary, SMH, Anita Da Palma Lopes, Domestic Supervisor, RCH, Jo Cupples, Ward Manager, Carnkie Ward, RCH, Liz Carson, Interim Postnatal Ward Manager, RCH, Lorraine Sole, Gynaecology Matron, RCH, Caroline Hellyer, Medical Secretary, RCHT and Jane Jackson, Secretary, Children’s Community Therapy, RCHT.

KIN

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Grapevine

LIVES

Want to save on your energy bills?

Cornwall Together is a ground breaking collective purchasing scheme that enables people in Cornwall to group together to negotiate better prices for their energy bills. It’s open to anyone living in Cornwall and could save you up to 15% on your household engery bills.

Want to know more…

Check out the website: www.cornwalltogether. com. You don’t have to make any commitment to changing supplier. The first step is just to register an interest. Once there are 20,000 signed up the Cornwall Together team negotiate with gas and electricity companies to see who can offer the best deal. People will then be offered two options to switch their energy supplier for a better deal.

It really is that simple, so why not join in.

20 One and All

IWL Staff Lottery The winner of the IWL Thank You gift for June was Polly Wells, Assistant Practitioner in the Emergency Department. “I found Polly to be the most friendly, welcoming and consistent colleague I have ever come across, as well as being excellent at her job. It makes for a better day when you are working with her, as she often goes out of her way for both patients and colleagues.

I know this is an opinion that is shared by many members of the MDT.” There were three winners for the IWL Thanks You for July, who were Gill Gilbert, Receptionist, ED, RCH, as well as Rosemary Strong and Bethan Gilbert, Midwives RCHT “Gill is reliable, honest and her manner and attitude is an example to all. Her composure to deal with the most distressing of cases at all times is a reflection on her whole demeanour…..She is a superb team player and is well liked and respected. She is efficient, reliable and conscientious.”

Every month the IWL staff lottery draw takes place in the payroll department when the winning numbers are randomly generated. Following the draw the winners are contacted by telephone by the payroll team. The top prize is £3800 and there are four runner up prizes of £950. If you would like to join the lottery email iwl@rcht.cornwall.nhs.uk for an application form. It could be you!!

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Grapevine

LIVES

Staff Photography Competition The categories for the 2013 IWL Staff Photography competition have now been set!

The four categories are: • Life • Celebration • Black & White • Seaside The deadline for this competition is 15th February 2013. If you would like to enter, please contact iwl@rcht.cornwall.nhs.uk for copies of the rules and an entry form.

Christmas Dinner and Dance The IWL Christmas Dinner and Dance marks its 8th anniversary this year since it started in 2004.

This festive event has not only grown in popularity over the years but has helped to get staff in the Christmas mood!

This year is set to be bigger and better again and we have listened and acted to all the feedback from last year’s event to ensure all staff have a fantastic evening.

• Venue - We gave staff the option this year to go back to Tregenna Castle or change the venue. An overwhelming 80% of staff wanted to go back to Tregenna. “Tregenna is a great venue - we had an amazing evening and the food was amazing! Good value for money!” was one of the many comments received from staff.

• Menu Choices – We had a few comments about the lack of options on last years menu - “Thoroughly enjoyed this years event-just would have a like a bit more choice with the menu”.

We have fed this back to Tregenna and this year there will be 3 options on each course, if you fancy something a bit different from turkey!

• Theme event – As this event has taken place at Tregenna for a few years now, we wanted to make this dinner and dance a bit different! So this year, we are having an optional Masked Ball Theme for those of you wanting to add to your festive attire!

• Disco – We had a few comments about the music choice and the time the disco finished at last years event - “Would be good if the disco lasted longer!” This year not only will the music keep playing till 1am, there will be 60s to 80s music in the Godrevy room and 90’s to modern day music in the Trelawny room.

• Raffle – “The raffle was fantastic, what great prizes!” We can assure you this year will be better again and we are working on a different format to speed up the process and enable everyone to have more dance time!

If all this talk of Christmas has got you in the festive mood but you have yet to get a ticket, fear not! Contact IWL on iwl@rcht. cornwall.nhs.uk as they might have a few tickets left!

One and All 21

CHaRiTaBlE FUNdS

RCHT Family Fun Day

A Knockout event!

W

ater, foam, teletubbie costumes and a battle against 16 teams of colleagues couldn’t hold-back The Magnificent Seven as they fought their way to glory in RCHTs first “It’s A Knockout” contest and Family Fun Day at Redruth Rugby Club on Saturday 4th August.

Spurred on by Olympic fever, competition at the fundraising event was tough and whilst mostly playing by the rules, everyone taking part had a fun time, as did those who came along to support family members and colleagues.

Alongside the ‘Games’ were mini-sports, face painting and amusements for youngsters, as well as food stalls, cookery demonstrations and lifestyle advice.

Winning team captain, Deanne De Beer, from Physio Outpatients, was thrilled that her team came out on top and felt this event was a great way for departments to interlink. “We were over the moon to be the winning team, we all had a great day, even though we were surprised how competitive some of the other teams were!” stated Deanne. “All the games were great fun, especially the large inflatable slide in the final! We really hope this event is run again next year, so we can do it all again!”

Born out of an idea to make the most of this summer’s sporting focus and to raise money for the hospitals’ charitable funds, the event was organised by RCHT’s Improving Working Lives Group, in partnership with UNISON. The Improving Working Lives Initiative uses proceeds from the Trust’s staff lottery to support staff events, recreational facilities and workplace improvements.

22 One and All

CHARITABLE FUNDS www.rcht.nhs.uk

Chairman of RCHT’s Charitable Funds Committee and non-executive director, Rik Evans, said “We had a fantastic day and the teams taking part had a huge amount of fun.

The level of competition between one and other was determined but good spirited and I’m sure this is going to become a regular event on our calendar. It’s a great boost for morale. Better still is the news that we’ve got well over £4,700 pledged so far in donations for our charitable funds, including the Phoenix Stroke Appeal.”

Special thanks go to Unison, Redruth Rugby Club, Ultra Entertainment, The Brownie Baker, Mansell, St John’s Ambulance, Redruth Fire Brigade and the many volunteers who gave up their free time to help support this event.

For more information on RCHTs charitable funds and tips on raising money for our hospitals, visit: www.rcht.nhs. uk/charitablefunds n

The Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust Charitable Fund was set up in 1996 to benefit the patients and staff of the Trust. The fund is a registered charity which manages the money donated for the benefit of the patients and staff of the Royal Cornwall Hospital, St Michael’s Hospital and West Cornwall Hospital.

Healthcare provision at the Trust is funded by the NHS and is tightly controlled to provide the highest level of care for patients. However voluntary donations help to provide the extras that can make life a little better for patients and staff and also aid future diagnosis and treatment. This help includes additional medical equipment, specialist training, medical research and improvements to facilities for both staff and patients.

To make a donation: The charity is grateful for the support of all its donors, no matter how small the donation. If you would like to make a donation towards good work in the future, you can do so in a number of ways: Online: Using your debit or credit card at www.justgiving.com/royalcornwallhospitals Cheque: Payable to RCH NHS Trust Charitable Fund Telephone: Using your debit or credit card on 01872 252690 Cash: Via the General Office in the Trelawny building (RCH), General Office (WCH) or General Office (St Michael’s) Standing Orders: Please contact the Charitable Funds Officer for more information on ext 8015 or by email RCHT.charity@cornwall.nhs.uk . Standing Orders provide a reliable source of support for the Charitable Fund.

Legacy and Bequests: A legacy or bequest is a tax free gift left to a charity in a Will. Charitable bequests are of enormous importance to our work. Please contact the Charitable Funds Officer for more information.

Money donated to the Charitable Funds is used to benefit all departments unless a donor states they wish it to go to a particular area.

To make a request for Charitable Funds (Staff only): A full list of funds and the fund manager contact details along with an electronic copy of the form can be found at http://www.rcht.nhs.uk/RoyalCornwallHospitalsTrust/ WorkingWithUs/FundraisingAndVolunteers/ FundListAndForm.aspx Send the completed form to Stephen Hocking, Finance, Carlyon House, Penventinnie Lane, RCH, Truro, TR1 3LJ or via email to stephen. hocking@rcht.cornwall.nhs.uk Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust Charitable Fund Registered charity number: 1049687

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CHARITABLE FUNDS

Neonatal Unit cheque donation A donation of £650 has been made to the Neonatal unit.

The money was raised during a children’s Truro’s Got Talent contest at Truro Baptist Church in June. The event was organised by Lucy Norman with help from Dani Godden and Matt Noble, Truro Baptist Church minister.

Julie Major, Neonatal Unit Matron, said: “We are so grateful for all donations to neonatal funds. Our next purchase is likely to be hot cots so some of this money will be used for that. Thank you for all your efforts.”

Musicians raise £2,350 A man from Carharrack who beat Leukaemia has handed over a cheque for £2,350 to Cornwall Leukaemia Trust.

Keith Howe, along with friend and former band mate Alan Ibbotson, decided to raise money for the charity after Keith was affected by Hairy Cell Leukaemia.

Having recovered, Keith and Alan set about organizing The Guitars for Life event which managed to raise £2,350.

Dr Desmond Craegh, Consultant at the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust, received the cheque on behalf of Cornwall Leukaemia Trust. He said: “We are always very grateful for donations such as this and want to thank Keith and Alan and all those who took part for their efforts. The money the Trust receives goes towards patient grants, supporting education and carrying out research.”

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West Cornwall Hospital Teddies Donation A donation of teddy bears was given to the Urgent Care Centre at West Cornwall Hospital from the Cornwall Freemasons, for children who are currently in hospital.

The Freemasons originally started these donations in 2002, when the wife of an Essex Freemason was rushed into hospital suffering from an allergic reaction which stopped her breathing. She was resuscitated once she was in A&E; however this experience made her and her husband think about how traumatic experience like this would be for children and what they could do to alleviate these feelings. From this, the ‘teddies with loving care’ campaign was started and was brought down to Cornwall in 2007.

The teddies were initially introduced to RCH Emergency department and to the Children’s ward in Truro and were used to lessen trauma, distress or simply to explain to a young patient how a bandage will be placed, by demonstrating on the teddy.

As these donations were such a success at RCH, Bill Mayhew, Information Officer for Cornwall Freemasons decided to introduce these teddies to West Cornwall Hospital, following the urgent care centre becoming a 24 hour service. “As we know the Teddies are so valuable in so many ways, we decided to extend our distribution to this hospital” explained William. “We always have a wonderful reaction when we donate these teddies and staff tell us that they do help relieve stress for children, during their time in hospital.”

Jan Olszewski, Assistant Provincial Grand Master for Cornwall said “Freemasons have a long history of charitable giving to the medical world, for example since 2007 over 1 million pounds has been donated to the Air Ambulance service, but it is nice to have a simple project with immediate results”.

Sister Louise Silver, Ward Manager for the Urgent Care Centre at West Cornwall was extremely grateful for this kind donation and felt these teddies will certainly help children during their stay at hospital. “This is a wonderful idea and I know that the staff will be as pleased as the children when we commence to hand out the Teddies” stated Louise. “We would like to say a big thank you to the Freemasons for bringing these teddies to West Cornwall!”

See word search solution on page 31

n Cornwall we are looking for people to become foster carers and adopters. Becoming a foster carer or adoptive parent can be fulfilling and life changing, and make a real difference to the life of a child.

On average we successfully place 40 children a year in adoptive families, and we continue to have children waiting for a family. There is no one type of person that makes a good adoptive parent. Just as every child is different, so every adoptive parent brings different life experiences, backgrounds and skills to the care and support they can give.

Sarah and Mike adopted with Cornwall last year and say: “We have gained an amazing fun filled family life and recommend it whole heartedly. But be prepared to be exhausted!”

Currently we have 261 foster carers, and anyone can apply to become a foster carer as long as they

have the skills and experience to look after children in care. Foster carers can help some of the most vulnerable children in Cornwall, providing them with guidance, stability and love.

John is a young person in foster care in Cornwall.

He says: “My foster carers are amazing, I mean they treat me with so much care and they truly do love me as much as I love them. I see them as my family. I wouldn’t be as confident in myself if I wasn’t in foster care…it gives me confidence and happiness.”

If you are interested in finding out more about how you can give a child a loving, secure home, please contact us.

Adoption: www.cornwall.gov.uk/adoption, tel: 01872 322200 Fostering: www.cornwall.gov.uk/fostering, tel: 01872 323638

CHARITABLE FUNDS www.rcht.nhs.uk

Now into its second and final year of fundraising, the Phoenix Stroke Appeal is well over halfway toward its target to raise £500,000 to improve stroke services across Cornwall. As the money is raised, it is allocated to the Royal Cornwall Hospital, the dedicated stroke units at Bodmin and Camborne Redruth Community Hospitals, and to stroke carers in the community. The cause, championed by BBC Radio Cornwall, has been well supported, and stroke patients are already benefitting from new equipment bought with Phoenix money.

Appeal Chairman Rik Evans said: “The statistic is that 1,150 people in Cornwall every year are admitted to hospital with stroke – but that is only a fraction of the people whose lives are affected by it, as I know from personal experience. Family and friends can be thrown into a new role overnight.

“Luckily, if stroke sufferers have access to the right equipment at the right time, their chances are greatly improved for life after stroke, and that is why we have been fundraising.”

Stroke professionals said opening some of the boxes ordered by the appeal was “like Christmas”. “We’re taught to be thrifty in the NHS,” said Robert Downie, an occupational therapist and stroke specialist at Bodmin Community Hospital. “This money from the appeal has already added some fantastic tools that would otherwise just be on our wishlist.”

Other equipment bought with appeal money include: specialist wheelchairs for people who have difficulty sitting and balancing; splints to support stroke survivors’ shoulders, hands and feet to correct imbalanced muscle tension; specialist communication software for speech therapy; Standaids to help people stand and move; and a Fibre Endoscopic Swallow Evaluator which can diagnose swallowing problems at patients’ bedside.

Community carers have benefitted from more mobile tools, such as a device which can print and diagram a tailor-made exercise routine during a home physiotherapy visit.

Over the summer, fundraisers across the county have been active, many of them inspired by BBC Radio Cornwall’s enthusiastic support and coverage of stroke issues. The Phoenix Stroke Appeal was the main charity partner of the Royal Cornwall Shows and was also generously supported at the Countryman’s Fair, the West of England Steam Engine Rally, various athletic events, sponsored walks, and community group fundraisers.

The Phoenix Ward at the Royal Cornwall Hospital was presented with a marquetry plaque donated by woodworker Roy Morcom in honour of his friend Colin Knight, who suffered a stroke aged only 50. The plaque is a phoenix designed by mid-Cornwall artist Mel Quested, and made of marquetry, with strips of different veneer (thin wood) such as walnut, ash and maple.

“We are deeply thankful to everyone who has participated in the Appeal so far, and we really need the momentum to keep going,” said committee member Gillian Molesworth. “As a two-year appeal, we do not have the infrastructure to organise many fundraising events ourselves, so we rely heavily on volunteers. If you can organise an event, no matter how small, we would appreciate it!”

To see the most recent total and upcoming events, or for fundraising resources, see www.rcht.nhs.uk/ phoenixstrokeappeal or call 01872 25 37 37. n

One and All 27

did YOU KNOW?

The future’s bright for Mullions

A

year ago Mullions restaurant on the Royal Cornwall Hospital site was looking tired. People were voting with their feet and the restaurant was losing trade.

It proved to be a turning point. Fast forward 12 months and today there are people lounging on comfortable couches chatting over cups of coffee, others sat eating at tables topped with fresh flowers and plans in place to install a coffee shop style bar with window seats and hopefully wi-fi.

Work will soon begin which will see the Mullions deli bar area redeveloped into a Cornwall Food Coffee Bar complete with barista style coffee, pasta dishes and paninis.

Mike Pearson, Head of Hotel Services, says: “It will very much have a coffee shop look and feel. We will be creating window seats and the coffee bar will be sectioned off within its own space to ensure it has a distinct identity.

We really feel it will be a great resource for our customers and it’s an opportunity for us to promote it to people looking to meet and chat over coffee.”

The restaurant’s salad bar will also get a revamp ensuring all tastes are catered for.

Mike added: “There is quite a small budget for the work and we are relying heavily on the enthusiasm of our staff which thankfully seems to be in abundance! We are very fortunate that our staff really do enjoy their jobs.”

Mullions’ turnaround started with the restaurant’s staff being asked for their 28 One and All

ideas and suggestions. Mike says: “We could see there was a problem and decided to go to our staff and ask them for their ideas and what they felt customers wanted. Stephen Rogers, Diana Oldfield and I set about providing more customer care training for the team and then we focused on the restaurant itself.”

Installing couches to create a more relaxed area came from Stephen and had an instant effect. Mike said: “That one change has made a huge impact on the feel of the place. It’s much more welcoming and comfortable, a nice place to be. We built on that by refreshing the paint and Diana introduced fresh flowers for the tables every day and added curtains at the bottom end of the restaurant.”

Coupled with the successful introduction of card machines, people in search of food and a comfortable spot to sit and rest began tentatively finding their way back. And instead of bare walls, they were instead greeted by bright, colourful artwork in a staff gallery and large blackboards featuring all the Chef specials of the day and other tasty treats.

And the changes don’t end with Mullions.

There are plans to increase the size of Trelawny Coffee Shop allowing for 30 more seats and a new sandwich round has been introduced for staff internally with Peter Oldfield continuing to do the “outside” sandwich round.

The Tower Block Shop will also see a radical overhaul which will result in a more corner shop amenity. Mike said: “We found there was a need for people to be able to pick up shopping before they went home and this change is as a direct response to customer requests.” n

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Call the Box OfďŹ ce on 01872 262 466 or book online at www.hallforcornwall.co.uk

For a chance to win a Family Pack of tickets to the opening night on Friday 14th December, 6.30pm just answer this simple question: What magic object plays an important role in introducing Aladdin to the genie?

To enter, please send your answer along with your name, home address, or Department and extension number to oneandall@cornwall.nhs.uk or send it to: One & All Magazine, c/o Press OfďŹ ce, Bedruthan House, RCH There will be just one winner, no cash equivalent prizes. The competition is open to RCHT staff only, excluding those associated with the competition.

The prize is non-transferable and is available to entrants aged 18 and above.

Al entries must be made by 14th November 2012. The decision of the Press OfďŹ ce is ďŹ nal and no correspondence will be entered into.

PATIENT STORY

my

story Services are made up of people and sometimes through no fault things go wrong.

This is a story of when the care is right for the end of life.

T

alking to One and All, Bernie Gatt, Joyce’s daughterin-law tells Joyce’s final patient story. “George and I moved to Truro in October 2011 from Oxfordshire.

Joyce was 83 but reasonably fit and well. She had many of the health problems associated with age but these were managed with care and efficiency by the Three Spires Medical Centre.

At the beginning of July, Joyce began to appear unwell.

As it was Saturday we contacted Serco. The operator was efficient and caring, informing me a GP would make a home visit. Dr Lin, from Probus surgery, attended. He was kind and thorough, speaking to her and reassuring her. He then supported us with the news that Joyce needed a hospital admission for x-rays and a CT scan to make a clear diagnosis, as her symptoms were unclear.

An ambulance arrived and the two crew were thorough in their assessment, ensuring Joyce was stable enough for the journey to the hospital. Again they spoke to her, rather than over her or ignoring her altogether, as we had frequently experienced during a period of care in Oxfordshire following a stroke.

Joyce arrived at the Royal Cornwall Hospital’s Surgical Receiving Unit where she was assessed again by a junior doctor and monitored by nurses and health support workers with efficiency, kindness and consideration. Following an assessment

by Dr John Loy, specialist registrar to Mr William Faux, the colorectal surgeon, a CT scan was initiated and we received devastating news within an hour and a half that Joyce had very advanced pancreatic cancer. Dr Loy could not have been more appropriate. He spoke directly to Joyce not just us and Joyce was even able to make a joke.

We asked if Joyce could be moved somewhere quiet to

30 One and All

help her feel more at peace after receiving such devastating news that nothing could be done and a prognosis of weeks.

The nurses made time to put us at our ease, reassuring us that they would do their best and within a couple of hours she was in a single room on Tolgus ward. Joyce received excellent care there from all the staff and received appetising food – a major bonus to someone who was very nauseous. Her room was clean, bright and reasonably recently decorated. We stayed with Joyce for most of the day, most days, and her care was efficient and caring.

On the Monday, Ben Casey from the RCHT palliative nursing team and Lorna Woods and Nancy Squires from the Community team, instigated the palliative care team process and worked tirelessly to ensure Joyce was able to be nursed at home – which was her overriding wish. They made referrals to the Community Nursing team, who supported us daily, and provided a fantastic package of home care from ten efficient, kind, considerate and skilled continuing care home support workers. They also made a referral to the Marie Curie Cancer Care Services who provided us with equal quality night-sitting nurses every other night for two weeks. They arranged equipment, and those delivering it liaised directly with us and fitted around our commitment of being there for Joyce while she was in hospital.

Joyce was brought home again by ambulance. With another visit from a Serco doctor that night, the following morning we received a visit from Dr Bull, Joyce’s GP, and from the community nurses. They were kind and professional, and managed a very difficult situation. Community Nurses Debbie, Andrea, Claire, Jane and Michelle all supported us with daily input, adjusting Joyce’s medication as appropriate. Both they and Dr Bull acted promptly to relieve not only Joyce’s symptoms, but also our anxiety and distress, with gentleness and reassurance.

Every single agency we had any dealings with throughout this whole sad process – two weeks in all – were above and beyond what we could have hoped for. Joyce was an absolute pleasure. She never complained about anything and so for us as her family to get the service we did here, to feel we couldn’t have asked for anything more, was so deserved for her. Her pain was managed, her anxiety was managed, those who cared for her, really cared for her, she was looked after. And all this, gave us, her family, the opportunity to say goodbye properly.” n

Joyce Gatt was a mother of two, a foster mother to four more, a grandmother of five and a great grandmother to eight, not including her foster children’s offspring. A housewife and stay at home mum and then a cleaner, Joyce was married to George for over 50 years. As well as her large extended family, Joyce loved dogs and birds and near the end had found a loving companion in Puss Bit, her son’s pet cat. Perhaps harking back to a time when less was more, Joyce would never get rid of something just because it was old or scruffy looking if it was still useable. Joyce absolutely loved Cornwall and she loved the air.

Joyce passed away with her family by her side aged 83 in July 2012.

PATIENT VIEWS www.rcht.nhs.uk

Thank you

Letters

Chapel, RCH To all the members of the Spiritual and Pastoral Care Service. Thank you all for providing and maintaining the excellent prayer facilities. I have lived and worked in Truro for almost a year and have found many peaceful moments away from the hustle and bustle around the hospital to pray and reflect here. Thank you for making this possible. With sincere regards, a Muslim Medical Student.

Carnkie Ward Thank you for looking after me so very well.

Tolgus Ward At last I have the opportunity to thank you and the nursing staff for the exceptional care and attention I received while a patient on your ward. I’m most grateful and appreciative.

The hygiene and cleanliness on your ward is exemplary. Not once did a nurse pass from one patient to the next without handwashing or gelling and cleaning equipment which was very reassuring.

Without exception, staff were friendly and unpatronising and the obvious enjoyment of the nurses for their chosen profession was uplifting. My thanks also to the nursing staff that did their best to ensure patients were treated as individuals and to those who maintain the high standard of cleanliness.

My family would like to thank you for the care and support you have given our daughter during her stay here. Your humane and empathic approach to her problems has been so appreciated.

Trauma 2 To the ladies and gents on Trauma 2. Thanks very much for all your help and care. I hope I wasn’t too much trouble!

YES WE CARE This summer RCHT launched the CARE campaign in partnership with the Patients Association to focus on the fundamentals of patient care. CARE stands for: C – communicate with compassion A – assist with toileting, ensuring dignity R – relieve pain effectively E – encourage adequate nutrition After the first few months of the campaign we have seen a steady improvement in patient feedback.

One practical change we have implemented is CARE rounds – where our team regularly ask our patients simple questions such as: Are you comfortable? Do you need the toilet? Do you have any pain? Would you like a drink or mouthcare? Is the call bell within reach and working? Is there anything else I can do or get for you?

This system has worked well in other NHS Trusts to improve patient experience.

We are committed to good quality care at RCHT and in our most recent survey 98% of patients said they would recommend us to their friends and relatives. Our aim is to work with patients and carers to continually improve.

As part of this, the Trust is recruiting volunteer Patient Ambassadors to work with staff to help improve the overall patient experience. Some Patient Ambassadors will be working alongside the Patient’s Association with our CARE campaign whilst others may choose specific projects within the Divisions such as mystery shopping or supporting staff to gain feedback from their patients via comment cards. Sue Tylor is one of two Patient Ambassadors currently working at the Trust.

Sue says: “When I am talking to patients and carers I find they are very receptive to what we are doing and are pleased that someone is representing the general views of the public. The Trust has come a long way and over recent years has improved immensely. I think the role of the Patient Ambassador has helped to play a part in that.”

If you would like to be a Patient Ambassador and support our CARE campaign please email: Shirley.McIntyre@rcht.cornwall.nhs.uk or call her on 01872 253034.

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fruit gums gobstoppers jelly beans liquorice maltesers milky bar pastilles pear drops

rainbow drops shoelaces snickers spearmint chews tiny gems travel sweets

One and All 31

ACHIEVEMENTS

Lifesavers and Local Heroes With our RCHT Annual Awards not far away, one team has been leading the way in being recognised for outstanding care. Those from across RCHT who saved the life of local mum, Pippa Wheatley, after she gave birth to her daughter Martha, were winners in the Emergency Services category of the Pirate FM Local Heroes Awards 2012.

Cases like Pippa’s, though thankfully rare, illustrate just how many health professionals come together in a crisis, using their expertise and experience to defy all the odds.

Dr Aylur Rajasri, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, who together with radiologist Dr John Hancock, collected the award on behalf of the

team, has been eager to ensure everyone is recognised.

From the delivery suite and maternity team, intensive care, radiology, haematology and renal teams, so many have played a part in Pippa’s care and continue to do so.

The following is an extract from a message from Pippa’s husband Mark to his colleagues, which he copied in full to Pirate FM as the citation for the team’s nomination. It was written one week after Pippa gave birth last December and whilst she remained in a critical condition. “…None of the people working on Pippa that

Our Commitment to Customer Service

Nursing, healthcare support, medical records, IT and hotel services colleagues are among the latest group of staff to receive certificates after completing the first half of RCHT’s yearlong customer service apprenticeship.

32 One and All

morning expected her to survive - but thank god they did not give up. …I sat in the small room where Martha was born. I held tight to this helpless baby wrapped only in a towel and prayed for her mum to be saved.

“Pippa was very, very poorly but is now making constant but slow progress.

Our lives will never be the same again and today saw the first visit from three of our four older children, now that Pippa feels well enough to see them.

“As you can imagine my current priorities are not what they were one week ago. I am exhausted but

TOP LEFT Pippa with her family LEFT and ABOVE Some of the team that saved Pippa’s life

yet remain strong and have retained a sense of humour. … Please hold us in your thoughts as we move to a brighter future.”

An undeniably moving account of a traumatic time in their lives but one that really brings home what it is we are here for!

The apprenticeship programme – a BTEC Level 2 Certificate - is being delivered in conjunction with Cornwall College and is open to anyone with a front-line role in caring for and helping patients, visitors or colleagues on a day to day basis.

A commitment to high standards of customer service reflects the focus of the Trust’s CARE campaign and it was very evident from the group and tutor, Caroline Pascoe, that top of the list is communication. Caroline also openly expressed her pleasure in working with a lively and enthusiastic group.

The apprenticeship not only offers the chance to pick up and refresh skills in customer service but also to influence change and improvement.

Helen Lynch, from the Learning and Development team at RCHT, said: “While the main focus of course is on providing the highest standards of customer care, a big gain from the team-working element has been the mixing of the different disciplines which has enabled colleagues to better understand each others roles, the pressures and issues they face.”

The group is half-way through the programme, having now completed the ‘classroom-based’ aspects of study. Over the coming six months they will each gather a portfolio of evidence to support their study as well as undergoing workplace and online assessments.

ACHIEVEMENTS

T

Cornwall first county in UK to achieve full UNICEF Baby Friendly accreditation

receive this award on behalf he Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust’s of the Trust. It is a fantastic Maternity reflection on what can be Services, Cornwall achieved when organisations Foundation Trust’s Health come together and work Visiting Services and together.”

Cornwall Council’s Phillip Confue, Chief Children’s Centres have all Executive at Cornwall been awarded UNICEF’s Foundation Trust, said: “I prestigious Baby Friendly was delighted to learn of Accreditation. A ceremony the success of CFT’s health at Heartlands in Pool was visiting services and that held on October 2 when families value the support Anne Woods, Deputy they receive. I hope, Programme Director for through our partnership UNICEF presented the three approach, Cornwall organisations with plaques. will continue to set the The awards, which benchmark for other include women’s views on counties to follow.” services, recognise the work Neil Burden received the of all three organisations award on behalf of Cornwall in supporting families and Council. He said: “It is promoting breastfeeding. incredible and it all started Cornwall Foundation with individuals, people Features Mums and babies, Children’s Centre Managers, Councillor Neil Burden, Cornwall Trust’s Infant Feeding Colike Arwen Folkes from Council’s Leonie Loreilhe, UNICEF’s Anne Woods, Infant Feeding Co-ordinators Stephanie ordinator Stephanie Heard Heard and Helen Shanahan, Arwen Folkes (Real Baby Milk) Real Baby Milk and Jacqui said: “This really is important Dinnis, who went out there and did it “This is not a paperwork exercise. news for families in Cornwall. It means themselves.

But I think while these awards We talked to staff and mothers to find they can be confident that they are are fantastic, this is only the beginning. We out what it has been like for them. This getting the right care and information may now have Facebook and Twitter and is a powerful award because it’s saying when they have contact with our services.

Skype but that doesn’t help a young mum to you that the vast majority of mums in “The Baby Friendly award recognises who is sat at home and needs support Cornwall are getting a good service.” our commitment to support women in and encouragement.

We now live in quite Receiving the award on behalf of the whatever way they choose to feed. We an isolated community where families are Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust, Head of know that breastfeeding is important to not always close by.

We need to be there Midwifery Jan Walters, said: “For us to maintain health. This award highlights for the new mums and dads. They need receive this award is the icing on the cake. how we are helping women to breastfeed someone there to reassure them. I think No-one should under-estimate the work for as long as they want to and that we being breastfeeding friendly is all part that has gone into getting this and I want provide support to those who wish to of that.” to thank all the midwives, the maternity bottle feed to ensure they do it as safely All three organisations will continue support workers, everyone who made as possible.” to be assessed by UNICEF to ensure this possible.”

The UNICEF award, which is given they continue to meet the Baby Friendly Lezli Boswell, Chief Executive of the to Health Services recognised to have targets with a self-assessment required in Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust, said: “The best practice standards in place, is the 12 months and then an assessment by a culmination of more than five years work. Trust is thrilled to have been awarded UNICEF team in 2014.

It began with each organisation signing a this accreditation both for ourselves The Baby Friendly Initiative, which and for our patients. This award is UNICEF certificate of Commitment. Staff was set up by UNICEF and the World acknowledgment of all the work put in then had to pass three further stages – a Health Organisation, is a global by our staff and we are proud that local review of staff training programmes, programme. Baby Friendly Initiative families are happy with the care they an audit of staff knowledge and skills Programme Director Sue Ashmore receive here. While this is fantastic, we and then a survey of women using the said: “We are delighted that Cornwall recognise that this is just the beginning. services before the Baby Friendly status We need to continue to ensure we provide has achieved full Baby Friendly Status. was bestowed.

Surveys show us that most mothers want the best possible service and keep our UNICEF’s Anne Woods said: “This is to breastfeed but don’t always get the accreditation into the future.” part of a global programme lead by the support they need. Mothers using the Receiving the award on behalf of World Health Organisation and UNICEF. services in Cornwall can be sure their Cornwall Foundation NHS Trust, Alison Cornwall is the first county in the UK where all the organisations came together Cook, Associate Director Children’s staff will provide the highest standard to achieve this.

Services, said: “I am very honoured to of care.” n One and All 33

INSIDE OUT

National

service

RCHT Nurse part of the Olympics Medical Responsive Team

Julie Trudgian, Lead Nurse in Tissue Viability at Royal Cornwall Hospital, was part of the Medical Response Team for this year’s London Olympics.

Selected out of 20,000 applications, Julie was one of the 4,000 people chosen for the team of skilled medics which included everyone from nurses to podiatrists.

Julie has worked for RCHT since 1995 and within Tissue Viability for 13 years. She applied for the placement three years ago after accidentally finding out about the role on the internet.

“I was called for an interview in Plymouth last August and found out I’d been successful this April. I had almost given up hope!” explained Julie.

She had to travel to London twice for intense training, including courses on advanced life support, which took place in the Olympic Park and the International Broadcast Centre, where Julie was based. “As part of the team, I could have been called 34 One and All

out to provide emergency care from first aid to managing critical incidents as part of a multi disciplinary team,” stated Julie. “The training provided was excellent, we had the opportunity to meet the medical team and learn how to use the equipment provided.”

Julie’s role was to deal with public, press and athletes who attended conferences, as well as anyone in the vicinity at the time. At the start of each of Julie’s shifts, additional training was given, to prepare them for the day ahead. Each team was given a scenario, which was a mock up of an emergency situation that they might have been faced with.

The support Julie received from family, friends and colleagues was gratefully received. “My mum passed away last year, however she knew I had been successful in gaining an initial interview before she died,” explained Julie. “I know she would have been especially proud of me for taking part.”

Julie feels her time at RCHT has allowed her to develop the skills required to participate as a medical response games medic, however she also learnt some new skills to enhance her role within the Trust in the future. Julie said: “I am really excited I was able to be part of the London Olympics, it was a massive opportunity.” n

Cardiac Rehabilitation A presentation was held at Morgan’s Well Being Centre, Greenbottom for former patients, family and friends who took part in a coast-to-coast charity bike ride in aid of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Department at the Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro.

In a bid to encourage former patients to keep up their cardiovascular fitness, the rehabilitation department are always looking for events to challenge them. The bike ride follows on from the success of their trip last year to the summit of Mount Snowdon and was in answer to a direct invitation from Dr Slade, Consultant Cardiologist at Treliske. A keen bike rider himself, he challenged the Cardiac Rehabilitation Department to accompany him along the Bissoe trail.

The bike ride was held in May and attracted around 40 former patients, family and friends who attend an extended cardiac exercise class at either Morgan’s Well Being Centre, Truro or Ships and Castles Leisure Centre, Falmouth were led by Dr Slade. He took the group on three concurrent trails. The first route, a five mile track from Bissoe Café to Devoran and back, was accomplished by the whole group. Dr Slade then continued on towards Portreath, a further 11 miles with a smaller band of followers. Here some dismounted and hitched a well earned lift back to the Bissoe Café, however, a hardy group of ten followed Dr Slade back to the start, a total distance of 27 miles.

The group raised over £400 for The Cornish Heart Unit Fund.

Dr Slade (consultant cardiologist), Jo Marcinekova (exercise therapist), Sandy Spence (cardiac rehabilitation nurse). Robert, Jody, Ryan and Hilary Mills, Emma and Dominic Hayward, Rod Holmes, Edwin Deady, Tony Divito

RCHT surgeon Paul Peyser met the Duke of Gloucester when medical equipment manufacturer, SRA Developments, hosted a visit to their base in Ashburton, Devon.

Paul was invited to talk to the Duke about a highly successful live webcast from theatres at RCHT, the first of its kind in the UK, which was facilitated by SRA Developments and demonstrated laparoscopic surgical skills.

After showing the Duke footage from the webcast in 2010, which also involved fellow surgeon Dominic Byrne and theatre colleagues at RCHT, Paul said: “I explained how we had beamed live surgery from the Royal Cornwall Hospital to 30 countries via the internet, sharing our surgical techniques and experiences. Both Derriford surgeon Jonathan Frappell and I explained the importance of surgeons working closely with medical device companies, to give ergonomics and clinical considerations feedback.”

iNSidE OUT www.rcht.nhs.uk

From RCHT to Jerusalem Magdalena Kincaid has worked at the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust in Vascular Surgery since 2005. She graduated from the University of Dundee and did her surgical training in Scotland.

how they can work. There are just some essential bits of equipment that you cannot get there,” Robin said.

During the trip the group also met the British Consul to East Jerusalem – Sir Vincent Fean.

Magda said: “The British Consul was keen to know what type of doctor/ student exchange programmes the Trust ran and that got us thinking of ideas for the future. It could give student surgeons there a chance to see how our hospitals work here and it could give our doctors a chance to experience what it is like to work out there.”

The Kincaid’s and their children with their team and candidates from the course

T

wo of RCHT’s surgical staff, Robin and Magdalena Kincaid, spent 10 days in East Jerusalem at the beginning of June as part of a team of seven teaching local trainee surgeons.

The team volunteer their time and services to the Augusta Victoria Hospital on the Mount of Olives in East Jerusalem to provide the Basic Surgical Skills (BSS) course which was endorsed by the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh in conjunction with the Juzoor Foundation in Ramallah.

The aim of the course is to teach safe fundamental surgical skills including suturing and vein patches to Palestinian surgical trainees. The hope being that it would empower Palestinian surgeons from the West Bank and Gaza to tackle emergency cases which would

otherwise be delayed in transit to larger hospitals due to roadblocks and checkpoints.

On the Mount of Olives, the team manage to provide 20 practical sessions in 48 hours with all 20 participants required to pass each section. Robin said: “The course offers the trainees their first structured journey into professional life. One of our challenges is always making sure we have enough equipment and everyone has the same as the demonstrator.”

Magda said: “The candidates were curious about the animal tissue as it is a novelty in the Middle East where most work directly on injured people. They were all spellbound by the demo of tying knots and suturing but the crowning glory remained the laparoscopic trainer session. Many young

surgeons have never handled a laparoscope before but expressed a hope that laparoscopy (key-hole surgery) may become routine in Palestinian hospitals.”

New this year was the enlisting of five senior Palestinian surgeons. They will progress to demonstrating various practical sessions in the BSS course next year. The long term view remains for Palestinian surgeons to train their trainees themselves.

Magda said: “The course has been so welcomed here.

We all felt humbled by the Palestinian trainees’ positive attitude to learning and to life.”

The team are already thinking ahead to their next trip and now need to raise £2,000 to buy 25 dissecting sets. “Its things like the dissecting kits that we need. It makes so much difference to how we can train them and

Students try vein repairs

For anyone inspired by the Kincaids’ trip, Magda would certainly recommend volunteering. “It’s a great thing to do. It is certainly a rewarding experience which puts life into perspective. The hospital maybe run on a tight budget but it’s not short of enthusiasm. There is a need for Intensive Care and Advanced Training Life Support courses.

If anyone thinks they train people in those areas, then apply for certification from your official Body or college and just do it.” n To read Magdalena’s full blog log on to http://blogs. bmj.com/bmj/2012/06/13/ magdalena-kincaidteaching-basic-surgical-skillsin-palestine-hopes-for-thefuture/ One and All 35

OUR PaRTNERS

SWAST: Getting it right – first time and every time South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust is currently running the Right Care initiative, striving to ensure patients get the right care in the right place at the right time, every time. This ambitious project is being delivered across the entire Trust area, with engagement and feedback from clinicians, facilitated by ‘Right Care Champions’.

Peninsula Community Health nears its first anniversary Peninsula Community Health was established in October 2011 and now, ten months in, they have made several key developments including moving towards the integration of adult health and social care services for Cornwall and Isles of Scilly. PCH has now launched their company membership to staff with over 500 signed up to help shape the future of the organisation.

Devon and Cornwall Police The force and the Trust work closely with PC Juliet Davey liaising with Security Manager Paul Dixon on a number of initiatives including security awareness, safety, traffic and lost property. Their most recent initiative has been ensuring those who commit crime against the Trust or are violent or abusive towards staff are held accountable for their actions. This has resulted in fines, compensation orders, Community Orders and even prison. Those who re-offend will be prosecuted and consideration will be given to pursuing civil injunctions against them.

36 One and All

Kernow Clinical Commissioning Group

We spoke to Dr Colin Philip, Chairman of KCCG about his views on RCHT and the years ahead.

Trust Partners Our healthcare partners are integral to the success of RCHT. In each edition we bring you their news and an in-depth interview.

This time we focus on Kernow Clinical Commissioning Group (KCCG).

From April 2013, KCCG will buy health services on behalf of local people and take over that role from the current Primary Care Trust (PCT).

KCCG is already up and running and hope to be authorised as one of the first new Clinical Commissioning Groups in October – although statutory responsibility remains with the PCT until the end of March 2013.

What are your aims and ambitions for KCCG? The key is clinical focus. There is a wealth of experience, knowledge and passion in clinicians working across the NHS in Cornwall. We must use these skills to look at the healthcare we deliver and plan a sustainable service for the longer term as we face significant challenges. These are many and varied but the biggest is the financial challenge. We need to breakdown the barriers between all of those who provide care and develop genuine seamless and cost effective care as seen from a patient’s perspective. I believe all clinicians should have a role in this and to assist we have developed the Clinical Forum that brings all clinicians together to advise the CCG. The Chair of the Forum will sit on our Governing Body.

How do you think KCCG will differ from the Primary Care Trust?

The PCT has done a great job over the years and has improved health outcomes for many people. Our biggest difference is the clinical leadership we can bring but we still need managers to help us realise our ambitions. We are keen to use the reforms to bring more people into the process of designing healthcare so there is more local ownership of our services. This starts with our local GP practices and the patients but is already including a number of patient representative groups as well as wider public opinion. It is vital the public are involved in the development of health and social care.

Do you favour more competition in the health service?

The most important issue is the quality and safety of the service ideally provided as close as possible to the patient. In a county like Cornwall integration between providers is critical to ensure patient needs are met.

Competition will be there but it must meet patient needs and deliver better services and not be an end in itself.

What changes would you like to see at RCHT in the next few years?

It is clear care is changing – it always has.

RCHT has mapped out its own five year vision. The role of the acute hospital will be to focus on what they do best. A thriving RCHT is essential for the health of Cornwall. But the demography of health also means more care must be provided locally particularly for patients with long term conditions and we need to develop those services to meet their needs. This will involve RCHT developing and expanding its provision as well as integrating that with other providers including social care to provide seamless care. We will need to harness technology to support this.

What single message would you like to get across to RCHT staff?

This is your NHS both as a patient and as someone who works within it. We must all work together, whether or not we agree with the changes that have happened and develop a Health Service that really meets the needs of patients in Cornwall. Take the opportunity presented by the reorganisation to jointly develop health and social care that creates a safe and sustainable system for future.

Visit the KCCG website: www.kernowcc.org.uk

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WHAT’S ON

Staff contributors Ever fancied being a reporter? Never get to see your department’s news covered? Then why not become a staff contributor to One and All? Send us your department’s news – whether its charity rides, Diary dates, marriages, new babies, departmental changes, awards or photos.

If you are interested in joining the One and All team, contact Kelly Rowe on ext 3216 or email kelly.rowe@rcht.cornwall. nhs.uk

Competition Spot the Difference!

Win a night’s B&B at the Headland Hotel in Newquay Can you spot the six differences from the below photos, taken from this years RCHT Family Fun Day? For your chance of winning a night’s B&B at the Headland, circle the differences and send your entries to Communications, Bedruthan House, RCHT – Good luck!

Autumn Art Exhibition As Summer ends, the starts of a new Art exhibition can be found in the corridors at RCHT in the Link Corridor and Trelawny, as well as at WCH. There are four artists who make up this new show: Liz Cleaves – Work is displayed at WCH. Liz lives and paints in Cornwall, drawing on the light and the rich visual environment, for inspiration.

Malcolm Opie – Link Corridor, RCH. He started painting about ten years ago, taking his inspiration from the Impressionists and the “plein air” movement.

Sally Robinson – Link Corridor, RCH. Her interest is in colour, light, transparency and movement, with the catalyst often being emotion.

Suzy Sharpe – Trelawny corridor, RCH. She is fascinated with birds and animals, the depth of people’s feelings towards them and the role they play in everyday life.

Name………………………………..............................

Department (if applicable)………………………..............

Contact Number ……………………..........................

All correct entries will be entered into a draw and a winner picked at random.

38 One and All

What’s On OCTOBER

Prenatal Onset GBS disease Awareness Month Breast Cancer Awareness Month 11 AGM for Cornwall and Isles of Scilly League of Hospital and Community Friends TBC Baby Loss Awareness Week 15 Global Handwashing Day RCH Friends Committee meeting

November

Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month Male Health Awareness Month Phoenix Fundraiser – Make-up Demos at Boots in Hayle (check www.rcht.nhs.uk/ phoenixstrokeappeal nearer the time) 16 World Radiography Day National Stop Pressure Ulcers Day 17 Ladies’ Night, St Austell Rugby Club - Come enjoy an evening of fun and raise money for the Phoenix Stroke Appeal. The club is in Tregorrick Park, St Austell PL26 7AG. For more details, call 01726 76430 19 RCH Friends, Co-ordinators quarterly meeting 26 RCH Friends Committee meeting December 1 World AIDS Day IWL Christmas Dinner and Dance 8 RCH Friends Coffee Morning, Mawnan Smith village hall, 10am – 12 noon 16/17: RCH Friends Collecting in Sainsbury, Truro 19 RCH Friends, Reindeer Dust sales, Truro late night shopping January Love Your Liver Month 21-27 Cervical Cancer Awareness Week

The University of Plymouth is developing brand new accommodation at Treliske hospital in Truro and managed by Sanctuary Managemnent Services, to offer doctors and nursing and medical students affordable accommodation.

Starting a new job or course can be stressful enough without the added burden of trying to find suitable accommodation.

Sanctuary Management Services (SMS) can help make the process as easy and cost effective as possible.

We manage over 9,000 bed spaces nationwide and are in partnership with the Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust and Plymouth University to manage new keyworker accommodation on the Treliske Hospital site in Truro.

This exciting partnership means we can bring state-of-the-art accommodation to nursing and medical students from Plymouth University who are completing work placements at the hospital and doctors who already work or are about to start work at the hospital.

Applications for the accommodation open in November 2012. All applications are on a nomination basis through Plymouth University and the Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust.

If you are looking for secure, affordable accommodation close to your place of work or study, this brand new accommodation can offer the perfect solution.

Our affordable rents include a range of services and facilities including: ● Contents insurance ● Broadband service ● Utilities ● Site security ● Waste management ● Repairs and maintenance Ensuite rooms

Nursing and medical student ensuite room Per week Rent £135.14

Non ensuite rooms

Nursing and medical student ensuite room Per week Rent £116.67

Ensuite rooms

Doctors ensuite room Per week Rent £135.14

Non ensuite rooms

Doctors non ensuite room Per week Rent £116.67

The following on-site facilities are also available at an additional cost: ● Car parking ● Laundrette ● Cycle and surfboard stores.

For more details contact: Sanctuary Group, Dinwiddy House, 189-205 Pentonville Road London N1 9NF Email: treliske@sanctuary-housing.co.uk Tel: 01207 812 0022

Sanctuary Management Services Limited is a subsidiary of Sanctuary Housing Association, an exempt charity

The University of Plymouth is developing brand new accommodation at Treliske hospital in Truro and managed by Sanctuary Managemnent Services, to offer doctors and nursing and medical students affordable accommodation. (See inside back cover for more details)

Sanctuary Management Services Limited is a subsidiary of Sanctuary Housing Association, an exempt charity