Chatterbox: 28 May 2021

28 May 2021

Inside this issue: Fundraiser in memory of Steve: Page 5 New look restaurants: Page 7 Focus on volunteers: Pages 8&9 Kate’s Snowdon adventure: Page 11 Staff support: Pages 16-21

Guard of honour Stuart Tyrer was yesterday applauded off Ward 17 as he was discharged following an incredible 178 days in hospital after contracting COVID-19.

And Stuart had a message for staff at the Princess Royal Hospital (PRH) in Telford as he finally headed home: “Thank you for saving my life.”

Full story: Page 3

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Stuart with his wife, Jane

Patient Stuart Tyrer, who has been discharged after 178 days at PRH, has told staff he couldn’t have wished for better care.

Stuart, 55, from Leegomery, Telford, was admitted to the Intensive Therapy Unit (ITU) at PRH in November last year after realising something was wrong and calling 111.

Watch the video

Whenever I’ve needed anybody they’ve been there for me. I just want to say to them: ‘Thank you for saving my life’.”

Stuart said his advice to everyone would be to get a COVID-19 vaccine when it is offered.

He said: “Even though I’ve had COVID, I’ve been advised to get the vaccine and I will be arrange that as soon as possible.”

my birthday in June. I always said He was diagnosed with COVID-19 if I made it this far I wanted to be Sarah Sivill, Ward Manager on and placed on ITU as his condition walking for my birthday which I Ward 17, said: “Stuart has worsened. am, albeit with the aid of crutches.” survived COVID-19 and all the Stuart said: “I remember going complications that the virus Although Stuart is now well onto the unit, and that’s all I brought with it. He really is a enough to return home, it is far remember for the next four miracle and we were delighted to from the end of his recovery. His months.” be able to get him home and experience with COVID-19 saw him suffer two strokes, has left him honoured to applaud him on his Despite being seriously ill, thanks way. We wish him all the best in to the skill and care of the team at with heart problems and he is his recovery.” likely to lose some of his toes.

PRH, Stuart eventually recovered enough to be transferred to Ward He said: “I’m lucky to be here.

Hayley Flavell, Director of Nursing 17, where he spent the next two COVID-19 is as serious as it gets. at The Shrewsbury and Telford months, before finally being At one point my wife was phoned Hospital NHS Trust, which runs discharged yesterday. because they didn’t expect me to PRH, added: “Stuart’s story is a live, so I’ve done extremely well to remarkable one and everyone at He said: “It only seems like be here and that’s all thanks to the the Trust sends their best wishes yesterday I came in. I missed to him as he continues his marvellous team here.

Christmas, I missed Easter, but recovery at home with his wife.” thankfully I will be home in time for “I couldn’t wish for better care.

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Two fundraising efforts have been set up to support the Intensive Therapy Unit at PRH in memory of a patient who sadly lost his battle against COVID-19.

Steve Fisher died in March after spending four weeks at PRH. Steve’s wife, Marsha, works in the Endoscopy Unit at PRH and also contracted COVID-19 before recovering.

Now Steve’s family, along with some of Marsha’s colleagues, have started fundraisers to benefit the ITU, where Steve was cared for in his final days. The fundraisers will also be used to support patients with ‘long COVID’.

Steve’s son, Tom, said: “In March, my father sadly lost his short battle with COVID-19. He spent a week in Ward 17 before being transferred to the ITU at PRH. “He was a kind and loving

husband to Marsha who works in the Endoscopy Unit at PRH, a loving father to myself and my sister Alice and loyal friend and colleague to many.

“He dedicated his life to working for APEC Braking, based in Bristol, becoming an industry icon in the motor trade.”

Steve’s family were able to spend some time with him in his final days.

Tom said: “As a result of these visits we were inspired by the work of all the staff on the Intensive Therapy Unit. We got to appreciate first-hand the incredibly tough working conditions but the amazing care and support they received throughout my dad’s stay.”

suffering with COVID-related after effects.

Tom said: “We have been overwhelmed by the money raised so far, which is approaching £15,000.”

The Fisher family are close friends with the Marshall family and Fiona Marshall also works at PRH. She and her family decided to complete their own charity effort to support Steve’s family.

Fiona, who works as Medical Secretary, said: “In memory of Steve, as a family we decided to set ourselves a challenge rather than just give a donation. We decided that we would walk 1,000 miles during the month of May to try to raise £1,000 in Since Steve’s passing, his family support of Steve’s family’s have created a fundraising page fundraiser.”

- www.justgiving.com/ So far, their efforts have actually crowdfunding/stevenfisher - to raised over £1,300. To support raise funds for the ITU and also Fiona and her family’s efforts, for local long COVID clinics, set visit www.justgiving.com/ up to support patients still crowdfunding/rebecca-solari-1

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The restaurants at both RSH and PRH have undergone a transformation in recent weeks.

Seating areas in the Apley and Mytton Restaurants have been redecorated with new tables and chairs, making them a better place to take a break.

To finish off the areas, SaTH Charity has provided additions of colourful murals (PRH pictured above).

Both servery areas have also been revamped with new modern serveries to enable the catering teams to give greater variety including additions to the salad bar and Halal choice, a Director of Corporate Services, grab-and-go section and selfand Jo Yale, Head of Facilities, serve coffee to ease queues. to congratulate Ann on her Watch out in the coming weeks achievement.” (pictured) for other additions to the menu/ The Bistro’s at both sites have specials. new Schaerer Soul coffee Trish Purfit, Senior Catering machines.

Manager, said: “What better way The bistro menu has also been to mark the opening of Mytton enhanced to include jacket restaurant servery than potatoes, rice and noodle presenting Ann Davies, the dishes. restaurant supervisor, with her 40 years Long Service Award?

Hot food vendors to provide a selection of healthy, tasty, hot “Ann is now in her 51st year of service with the Trust. The whole food/snacks are available 24team gathered with Julia Clarke, hours-a-day, seven-days-aweek.

The vendors are in place at RSH in the well-being hub in the Ward Block and at PRH in Apley Restaurant, near the Amazon Lockers.

For up-to-date opening hours of each outlet, click here.

The menu for the Mytton Restaurant at RSH can be found here.

The menu for the Apley Restaurant at PRH can be found here.

Trish said: “The catering staff have been amazing throughout the revamp and so flexible to make the temporary service work.

“We would like to thank all our customers for bearing with us over our temporary arrangements and hope you can visit us soon to see the improvements.”

Volunteers have played a key part in the NHS’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and now the Trust that runs Shropshire’s acute hospitals is saying ‘thank you’.

To celebrate Volunteers Week, which takes place from 1-7 June every year, The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) wants to recognise its hundreds of volunteers who carry out invaluable work at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital (RSH) and the Princess Royal Hospital (PRH) in Telford.

SaTH has a thriving volunteer workforce that supports patients and staff at both hospital sites. We have around 200 volunteers who have active placements and more than 300 whose activities are currently postponed due to the pandemic.

Julia Clarke, Director of Corporate Services at the Trust, said: “Throughout 2020, we saw a big change to our volunteer workforce.

Many had to stop volunteering due to COVID-19 guidance, but we also saw a rise in people who wanted to join us to help out during the pandemic.

“Volunteers have played a key role in the pandemic response. During an exceptionally difficult year, local people from all walks of life have taken the time to volunteer and make a huge difference to our hospitals – just as they do every year. This is a time for us to come

together and thank all volunteers for their invaluable contribution.”

Staff Volunteer Scheme

would like to take part in projects that are supervised and do not have patient contact.

This includes gardening at our hospitals.

Volunteering isn’t just for members of the public, you can also What are the benefits of the volunteer as a member of staff.

Staff Volunteer Scheme?

The Trust has volunteers at both  It supports life-long learning. hospital sites, who play an important role in supporting a  It helps staff to understand range of non-clinical services. different areas of the hospitals.

Volunteering can help staff to  It improves staff motivation and develop new skills or “give develops key skills such as something back” and evidence communication and problemsuggests such schemes can have solving. a positive impact on staff health  It increases an individual’s and wellbeing. awareness and understanding Volunteering opportunities for staff of how other parts of the Trust are: work.  Regular volunteer placement:  It has a beneficial effect on This is great for staff who want personal and mental wellbeing. to commit to a regular date and time to volunteer. Placements  Helps staff to develop as will be on specific wards or individuals as well as boosting departments for a minimum of confidence and enthusiasm. six months.  Improves the experience of our  Ad-hoc volunteer placement: patients.

This is suitable for staff who can’t commit to a regular day or How do I apply? time and want a placement that Discuss the possibility of fits around their workload. volunteering with your line Wards or departments will let manager. the Volunteer Office know what Complete the Staff Volunteer support they need at specific Application Form, available in this times, and volunteers will be document. contacted to ask if they can help.

For more information contact our Volunteers Office by emailing  Informal volunteering: This is for sath.volunteers@nhs.net staff who can’t commit to a long -term volunteer placement but

Focus on our volunteers

Name: Soula Joannou Windley

Name: Mandy Eccleston

Role: Phlebotomy Reception/meet and greet (PRH)

Role: Meet and Greet

Why is volunteering important to you?

My husband passed away a few years ago and my confidence had been shattered. Becoming a volunteer at SaTH has given me that confidence back. It’s also nice to be able to give back to the NHS in a small way.

I feel my help benefits the hospital and medical staff to focus on providing the best health care to patients. Me being there provides more time for the phlebotomist to spend on the patient and not on patient flow. It benefits me, too, as I am learning new skills, gaining experience, improving my social skills, and best of all meeting and helping people.

What is your favourite part of volunteering at SaTH? Coming in every week and working with such wonderful people is one favourite part. But gaining satisfaction from helping patients especially if there is an issue and problem. It really pleases me when I am appreciated by most patients and thanked when I have resolved and acted in things before I have to send them away. I like to make sure I did my best.

Why is volunteering important to you?

What is your favourite part of volunteering at SaTH? Being part of a team in Phlebotomy at SaTH and helping patients and staff and I am always happy to go that extra mile.

I have met some wonderful patients; only the other week a couple who were about to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary and they were so funny, he said it works because he turns his hearing aids off. They both thanked me for volunteering.

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Cascade Live

On Saturday Kate Adney, along with family and friends, will be walking Snowdon to raise money and awareness for Motor Neurone Disease.

On 4 June SaTH will be hosting the Trust’s first Cascade Live, an all-staff discussion and Q&A, which gives you the chance to hear directly from me and our executive leadership team on the issues that matter to you most.

Kate (above), who works in the Organisation Development Team (ODT) has a close friend, Neil Williams, who has been sadly diagnosed with this cruel disease.

Neil, his wife and children (right) will also be walking with Kate to take part in the challenge.

The date— 29 May will be 120 days since Neil’s diagnosis and Kate and the family are hoping 120 participants will take part, from across the country, to help raise awareness and much need funds for on going research.

This will be the first in a series of Cascade Lives. Initially held monthly, on the first Friday lunchtime after the traditional Cascade briefing, we will focus on key themes emerging from Cascade as well as topics you would like to hear more about.

to raise awareness and funds for Cascade Live will be hosted as a the Motor Neurone Disease Microsoft Teams meeting. You Association.

“Neil and his family are great friends and this will be our chance to show how much we Team members from Shrewsbury Rugby Club part will appreciate them and we want to also be taking part with Neil, as support them in any way we can.”

Neil has a love for rugby and was a keen player and coach at You can find out more about the Shrewsbury RFC for many event by visiting the Facebook years. page Neil’s Snowdon Walk for Kate said: “I’m looking forward to MND the challenge of walking up You can donate by visiting Snowdon. I have yet to make it www.justgiving.com/ to the top on previous attempts! Neilssnowdonwalk1 “This will be a great way for us

can submit your questions in advance anonymously here, or you can ask your question at the meeting.

The first Cascade Live will focus on the next phases of our Getting to Good programme, where we are at with our progress following on from the first Ockenden Report into Maternity Services, as well as an open Q&A session designed so we can hear what matters most to you.

You can join the meeting, which starts at 1pm on Friday 4 June, here.

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Freedom to Speak Up What speaking up is and why it's welcome Speaking up is for all workers, whether they are employed by SaTH directly, work as contractors, are students or volunteers. Speaking up is valuable, the information it provides is a gift that helps organisations learn and improve and it enhances the experience of patients and workers. The best leaders know that it gives them an insight into things they might not have been aware of.

When things go wrong we need to make sure that lessons are learned and things are improved.

If we think something might go wrong, it's important that we all feel able to speak up so that potential harm is prevented.

Melanie Trafene and Louise Waters, (top) who both work as Medical Secretaries for the Women and Childrens Division, Speaking up is all of these things. have received their Long Terminology maybe used such as raising concerns; whistleblowing; rais- Service Awards.

Even when things are going well, but could be made even better, we should feel able to say something and expect that what we say is listened to and used as an opportunity for improvement.

ing a grievance; making a disclosure; making a suggestion for improvement. All of these things are speaking up.

You might wish to speak up about anything that gets in the way of doing a good job.

This can include but is not limited to:  Poor clinical practice  Things that make colleagues' working lives difficult such as too much work or feeling bullied  Areas where processes aren't followed Speaking up is also about elements of good practice that can be built upon.

When you speak up you will be thanked.

You will be able to learn about what happens as a result.

You should also be given the opportunity to provide feedback on how the matter was handled. For more information on Freedom to Speak Up, click here Helen Turner, Freedom to Speak Up Lead

If you think you are eligible for the long service award, click here to find out more.

Meanwhile, Ian Stanton (above) is retiring at the end of this month after 22 years of loyal service .

Ian has worked in PRH Estates in the mechanical, building and electrical workshop, assisting with compliance and new works and will be sadly missed.

Take-away lockers now available

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At SaTH your wellbeing matters and that’s why we all need to take s wellbeing.

The COVID-19 crisis has affected us all, whether this is within our person Wednesdays. Each Wednesday we will be touching on a different topic ra You will be able to find useful tips, resources and we will also be arrangin Each Wednesday our staff wellbeing team will be walking round our two h support you and to promote the importance of looking after ourselves. Th are there to help you.

To find out more about the weekly activities, please look out for detail in t These sessions will be facilitated by Team Prevent and are available for a be sent a link for the session.

As part of Wellbeing Wednesday, we’ve created a Wellbeing Wheel which encourage all staff to work with a trusted colleague or line manager to co which you should review regularly. This booklet also outlines the support

some time to consider the factors which have an impact on our

nal life or at work. This is why this week we’ve launched Wellbeing anging from exercise, nutrition, sleep, financial advice and mindfulness. ng some online sessions. hospitals to speak to you, ask how you are feeling and what we can do to hey will be in their purple wellbeing t-shirts so do look out for them – they

PAGES 14-19

the weekly staff information bulletin and notifications from the staff app. all staff to attend. To book please email l.westcott@nhs.net and you will

h is intended to help you think about your wellbeing and lifestyle. We omplete the Wellbeing Wheel and to develop a Wellbeing Action Plan available from SaTH to help improve and enhance your wellbeing.

Staff Support

Staff Support

Peer-to-peer listeners

Viv Orme, Radiographer viv.orme@nhs.net Maria Scenters, Library Assistant maria.scenters@nhs.net Erica Davies, Barista erica.davies@nhs.net Sally Roberts, Barista sally.roberts23@nhs.net

In many situations, having someone to talk to can lighten our load; when we are listened to this helps us to feel valued.

Therefore we have trained a group of staff from across the Trust as Peer to Peer (P2P) Volunteers to help support colleagues. P2P are trained to provide confidential, non-judgmental peer support, signposting to other internal contacts where appropriate. P2P listeners are trained in supportive listening skills but they won’t be acting as counsellors.

Elaine Evans, Nurse, TBC Caroline Callister, Workforce Assurance caroline.callister@nhs.net Nick Robinson, Leadership & OD Coordinator nick.robinson5@nhs.net Jeanette Barnes, Specialist Nurse jeanette.barnes3@nhs.net Petro Hryziuk, Champlain petro.hryziuh@nhs.net

Teresa Love, Nurse and Workforce Project Office, P2P Lead Teresa.love3@nhs.net

Megan Griffith, A&E Sister megan.griffith2@nhs.net

Charlotte Beirne, OD Practitioner, P2P Lead Charlotte.beirne@nhs.net

Kirsty Wagg, Specialist Nurse kirsty.wagg1@nhs.net

Mervyn Williams, Champlain mervyn.williams@nhs.net

Ella Collison, ITU Staff Nurse e.collison@nhs.net

Lynette Charles, Specialist Nurse lynette.charles@nhs.net

Angie Lunt, Recovery Staff Nurse angelamary.lunt@nhs.net

Jules Lock, EOL Volunteer juleslock@live.com

Sarah Thomas, Senior Corporate Education Advisor sarahthomas@nhs.net

Rachael Maskell, Corporate Education Assistant rachael.maskell@nhs.net

Nerys Cox, Pain Nurse Specialist nerys.cox@nhs.net

Steve Jenkins, Maxillofacial steve.jenkins2@nhs.net

Jules Lewis, End of Life Care Nurse Specialist jules.lewis@nhs.net

Karen Maguire, Theatre Nurse karen.maguire2@nhs.net

Lucy Stanley, HCA, A&E lucy.stanley3@nhs.net Nyree Porter, PA nyree.porter@nhs.net Rachel Hanmer, TCI Administrator Rachel.hanmer@nhs.net Adam Anderson-Woods, Library Assistant, adam.andersonwoods@nhs.net Samantha I'Anson, Corporate Educator s.i'anson@nhs.net

Julie Cheshire, Orthopaedic Technician julie.cheshire1@nhs.net Janet Flavell- Raybone, Nurse Practitioner, janet.flavellraybone@nhs.net Sarah Raynor, HCA, Ward 21, sarah.raynor2@nhs.net

1st prize: Sharon Waters – Women & Children’s 2nd prize: Sophie Parr – Neonatal; Jane Wilde - Women & Children’s 3rd prize: Felicity Massey – Pharmacy, RSH; Kate Ballinger – Public Participation

The final word...

My 96-year-old mother attended A&E following a fall in her garden when she suffered a head injury.

I just felt I wanted to send my thanks to the staff involved in treating her. She was seen immediately and made to feel safe and secure by the staff and kept informed throughout of everything they were doing to her and why.

When her treatment was completed I was phoned by the doctor who explained to me what had been done, that he was happy to release her into my care with instructions of any worrying signs to look out for. The same doctor rang me again later to check she had been collected safely and to check she was alright. My family and I appreciate how busy and undervalued NHS staff are and so would like to thank everyone concerned for their superb care.