230217 - Chatterbox

17 February 2023

Congratulations to our STEP graduates

Congratulations to colleagues The programme started in governance and operations. who completed the Strive September 2022 and Through Excellence participants attended five full day The graduates are: Fiona Programme (STEP), which is a modules and completed on 10 McAree; Mark Leighton; Marion new development programme February.

Tench; Tina Dodd; Lisa Marsden aimed at developing (not pictured); Sarah Hyde; management skills, The programme includes topics Richard Lothian; Graham Archer transitioning into leadership such as; managing people, Loui Daragos and Karen Flynn behaviours. understanding finance and Inside: National Apprenticeship Week, Certificates for PNA and maternity colleagues and Valentine’s games

Golden tickets for Pharmacy colleagues

Congratulations to six members of our pharmacy team who have been presented with Golden Tickets.

They are the first six to be given the Golden Tickets in the

Pharmacy Department. Each Golden Ticket represents a guaranteed job to those who have completed training with us.

Trainee Pharmacists Oliver Page, (PRH); Haroon Sohail (PRH); Jodie Pritchard (RSH)

and Trainee Pharmacy Technician Kirsty Heathcock (PRH) and Gemma Hall (RSH) were presented with their tickets by our Chair Catriona McMahon.

Hannah Pease, Trainee Pharmacist (RSH) who is not pictured also received a Ticket.

Apprentices in the spotlight Last week (6-12 February) we shone a spotlight on our apprentices to mark National Apprenticeship Week.

SaTH currently has 165 employees on apprenticeship programmes and there are a range of apprenticeships.

Rhia Boyode, Director of People and OD, said: “Our apprentices are an important and valued part of our workforce.

“Apprenticeships not only provide people with the opportunity to develop skills by gaining on-the-job experience while studying, but they allow us to grow talent and develop skilled and qualified teams.”

Josh Harrison, Biomedical Science

Evie Heath, Legal Services

Evie was in her final year at Josh already worked at SaTH as school studying for her GCSEs a medical laboratory assistant, when she came across before coming across the level 6 apprenticeships in her search for healthcare science (blood what to do next. science) apprenticeship.

Evie said: “The apprenticeship Josh completed his scheme has really helped me to For further information about apprenticeships at SaTH please apprenticeship in summer 2022 become an adult, settle into the world of work and learn about so visit www.jobs.sath.nhs.uk/find- when he was offered a permanent role as a biomedical many new things. I’m so grateful job/apprenticeships. scientist. for what it has done for me.”

Well done to our PNA colleagues

Top: Hayley Flavell pictured with PNAs and PNA Lead Karen Sargent. Above left to right: Hayley presents certificates to Hannah Pope, Ward Manager; Becky Owen, Professional Development Nurse, and Kelly Tootill, Sister.

Below left to right: Asha Vettikkal Narayanan Nair, Professional Development Nurse; Sabina Jones, Critical Care Sister; Karen Forrest, Professional Development Nurse and Stephanie Young, Deputy Director of Nursing.

Seven of our colleagues were presented with their Certificate of Achievement for successfully completing a Professional Nurse Advocate (PNA) Training Programme.

Hayley Flavell, Director of Nursing, presented the certificates.

She said: “You are supporting our staff. A massive thank you

from me to you.”

A PNA is a nurse or midwife with the skills to facilitate restorative clinical support, both personally and professionally with colleagues.

Colleagues in maternity services are Certificates to recognise “a special contribution to service user care” have been awarded to colleagues in maternity services.

Created by the Maternity Voices Partnership (MVP) Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin, special contribution certificates have been given to a wide range of staff, including midwives, consultants, housekeepers, women’s services assistants, health visitors and mental health services.

More than 150 nominations were received for 101 people and everyone who has been awarded a certificate was nominated by at least one member of the public who has used maternity services at SaTH in the last year.

Annemarie Lawrence, Director of Midwifery, said: “I am thrilled with this recognition for individuals and teams across our maternity services.

“What makes these certificates extra special is that every single nomination has come from someone who has been cared for by us, which tells us that we are listening and supporting people to have the birthing experience that is right for them.

“I am so proud of the team for their commitment in helping women and their families to have a good experience at SaTH.” Emily Evans, MVP Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin Service User Chair, said: “A lot of the feedback we receive about staff working in SaTH’s maternity services is positive and we feel that they should be celebrated for the amazing work that they are doing.

come across clearly and frequently in the nominations staff have received.

“As a working group, the MVP reviews and contributes to the development of local maternity care, so as well as identifying “Each person who has been areas for improvement it’s named has made someone feel important to highlight the positive very special at an important time stories we receive to help this “Kindness and compassion have in their life. good work to continue.”

e celebrated for providing good care

Sixth formers get ‘hands on’ in taster session

We welcomed local sixth form students, who are aspiring to become doctors, to a simulation event at Princess Royal Hospital, Telford.

The students will shortly be applying to medical school so we offered them some handson experience of life as a doctor working in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Perhaps we’ll be welcoming them back as colleagues in a few years’ time?

Update on our Trust’s sustainability Following on from the successful Carbon Literacy Engagement event held in November, we wanted to update you on the work the Trust is doing around waste; this was the subject you were most interested in when we asked you what you wanted to hear more about.

forceps, scalpel blades, giving sets, pipettes, pipette tips, broken glass and single use instruments not contaminated with medicine. Between December 2021 and December 2022 SaTH has saved a total of 89.48 tonnes of this waste from going into landfill, 44.74 tonnes of which was plastic. We have also managed to save a total of 252.96 tonnes of CO2e!

like, so to save 252.96 of these is amazing. Thank you for all Some of you may be aware that you are doing to help and all of our sharps waste is hopefully we can all work disposed of via Sharpsmart. This This picture shows you what just together to improve on these includes syringes, needles, one tonne of CO2 would look figures for 2023.

The heat is on for fundraising pair

Fundraising efforts for two colleagues are hotting up with them ready to take on the Fire Walk Challenge for Severn Hospice.

Rachel Williamson, Renal Unit Care Coordinator at PRH, and Fern Morris, Renal Supportive Care Nurse, are all fired up to walk over fiery hot coals when they take on the Fire Walk Challenge on Saturday 25 February.

“We have chosen this amazing charity because they have helped so many of our patients with Outreach Services, Day Services and Spiritual Care,” Rachel said.

through to take our minds off it.”

The Fire Walk Challenge takes place at Albrighton Hall Hotel, Shrewsbury, between 6.30pm and 9.30pm if you fancy popping along. To donate, please visit “I am not a runner and can’t run Rachel’s justgiving page: a marathon – a fire walk was a Rachel Williamson is fundraising bit more appealing. We are for Severn Hospice going to give it a go. I don’t think (justgiving.com) you can do any training – we will just have to prepare for the heat. Good luck both - we’re all rooting We hope there is plenty of for you. cheering and support as we walk

League of Friends donates air filter funding The League of Friends of RSH has gifted nearly £12,000 for virus air filters which improve the air quality for patients on wards and reduce the risk of COVID-19.

Funding paid for four filters at RSH and the Trust also bought four for the Princess Royal Hospital site in Telford.

Inivos Ltd, the company which supplies the filters, also donated two machines – one for each hospital site.

Hayley Flavell, Director of Nursing, said: “Thank you to the League of Friends for its generous donation, which has helped us to buy these air filters.

“The portable filters will make such a difference to patients in our care and have shown that they can reduce the number of COVID-19 cases.”

LGBT+ History Month (February) is a great opportunity to raise awareness of LGBT+ history and promote equality.

As a service provider and employer, we are committed to promoting equality, diversity and human rights, and achieving the elimination of unlawful discrimination.

It is really important that when colleagues share their experiences, we listen to what they have to say.

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Download some LGBT+ History Month Teams backgrounds or email signatures from the intranet here.

Clinical audit workshop The Clinical Audit Department will be running some clinical audit workshops. They will take place on the following dates:

member of staff who is involved in clinical audit projects as part of their job role. Please contact Jane Burgess, Clinical Governance Administrator, on ext. 3392 or Tuesday 21 February Staffordshire email jane.burgess3@nhs.net to University Site at RSH, book a place at one of the Room L, from 2pm – 4pm workshops.

Tuesday 7 March Education Centre, Room B PRH, from 9am – 11am

SaTH PRIDE is our LGBTQ+ network. This network meets monthly via Teams and is open to all. It offers a place for colleagues to come together, share experiences and facilitate learning and development. If anyone is interested in joining or would like further information, then please contact sath.edi@nhs.net.

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The RSH library has some rainbow badges available for colleagues to pick up and support the celebration.

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Take a look at some of the national events happening via NHS employers here.

Sharing experiences when things go well gives others the opportunity to learn and do more.

Similarly, when there are examples of poor behaviour or treatment, we must take appropriate action and provide It’s so important that everyone is the right support to ensure that treated with respect and dignity at we are living our values and all times, every day, and that we upholding the high standards that embrace and celebrate diversity we should all expect to see. and take an inclusive approach for all.

Get involved: We are committed to putting our values at the heart of what we do, particularly through our equality, diversity and inclusion work.

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Long service award for Sandra

The Clinical Audit Department will shortly be starting to put together the Clinical Audit Forward Plan for 2023-2024.

As in previous years, to ensure that the team supports all projects that are a priority for the Trust, audits will be scored in order to determine whether assistance can be provided. If you would like us to consider a project for inclusion in next year’s forward plan, please The workshop takes participants complete the audit proposal through the steps of carrying out an form, and return it to Victoria Birch, Secretary to Sally Allen, audit at SaTH, and briefly covers Head of Clinical Audit, by the end data analysis and presentation. The of March 2023. workshops would benefit any The aim of the workshop is to give an overview of the Clinical Audit Process, illustrating the advantages and disadvantages of different data collection methods.

Congratulations to Sandra Parker, Technical Support Call Operator, on receiving her 25 years Long Service Award.

Spreading the love to get our patients active

Our patients got into the spirit and active on Valentine’s Day as they took part in more Re-conditioning Games.

The love-themed activities at both PRH and RSH included crafting, valentines walks, and heart balloon tennis.

Patients got busy making red

roses out of napkins and ‘following the hearts’ that had been dotted around the hospitals.

“We didn’t realise the dangers of inactivity – we need more ideas like this, it was fun.”

Plenty of activities have been Here’s some patient feedback: taking place since the Reconditioning Games launched “It made me smile and was good last year. We are encouraging fun.” patients, visitors and staff to keep active to stay healthy and “When are you coming back?” prevent muscle wastage.

Successful launch week for cancer support centre

Volunteer Adrian Bowen with Ella Sadd

Ella with Leah Morgan, Cancer Survivorship Improvement Facilitator (SaTH), and Katey Evans, Personalised Care Navigator (SaTH)

The new-look Macmillan Cancer Support Centre has opened at PRH. The existing centre has been extended into the former Rehabitat shop area at the hospital, creating a more friendly and spacious environment for visitors.

Macmillan Cancer Support, a charity providing specialist health care, information and

Ella with Marie Schutte, T&W Macmillan Fundraising Group, Kate Thomas – Macmillan Relationship Fundraising Manager West Midlands and volunteer Sandra Hanley

financial support to people affected by cancer, funded the work and it was supported by SaTH’s Estates Department.

spared their time to come and learn more about what we have to offer.”

Ella Sadd, Macmillan Support Centre Assistant Manager said: “We had a really successful week, had lots of visits and I am really thankful for everyone that

“It is so nice that visitors can go along and now have a new area, where they can sit and chat with the support of Macmillan to hand.”

Sara Biffen, Acting Chief Colleagues and visitors were Operating Officer, said: “The invited to pop along and see the centre looks wonderful after the great work that has been done. refurbishment work.

Family raises funds in memory of Kev Price

A local family has generously donated money to the Macmillan team at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital benefiting cancer patients and their families in memory of their husband and father, Kev Price.

over £20,000 to date by holding “The hope for the future is not just fundraisers, coffee mornings, funto help, but to prevent and cure.” days, tournaments and much more.

We would like to say a huge thank The money raised has been used you to the Price family for their gento help other families affected by erosity and the difference it will cancer, through various charities make to patients and their families including Macmillan, Severn Hoswho are being cared for by our canIn December 2015, Kev was pice, The Brain Tumour Charity and cer services. diagnosed with a rare brain tumour Brain Tumour Research, to name a and underwent an operation to few.

Ursula Owen, Macmillan Clinical remove the tumour, followed by Specialist Occupational therapist, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

A portion of the money fundraised said: "Kevin was a true inspiration, Throughout his treatment, Kev has been donated to the Macmillan always positive even when everyinsisted on returning to work and Integrated Therapy team at RSH thing must have felt so challenging living life to the full with his family. which has been used for iPads to and overwhelming. aid in the care and communication Unfortunately, a routine scan in with cancer patients and their fami- “However, with the help of his famiJanuary 2019 showed that the lies, as well as a memorial bench in ly and their determination to give tumour had returned, and Kev the peaceful garden at the Hamar Kevin the best quality of life possiunderwent a second operation. In Centre [pictured]. ble, providing support as a MacmilOctober 2019, the family sadly lan Occupational therapist for Kevin received news that the tumour had Jayne Price, Kev’s wife, said: “We and Jayne was a privilege. regrown. Kev continued to receive will continue to fundraise in memory support from the Macmillan team at of Kev as we feel giving back and “Their fundraising is invaluable to RSH and Severn Hospice. Kev helping those who may be going Macmillan and the many other orpassed away in May 2020 at home, through something similar is so im- ganisations, and we would like to surrounded by his family. portant. thank them for making a real difference to the care we provide other Throughout their journey, Kev and “Kev’s memory will remain in those individuals and their families." his family wished to try and help who love him and in the help that others in the same situation as others will receive with the funds them. Since 2015, they have raised raised.

Your wellbeing matters Thank you for your phenomenal efforts in continuing to keep our patients safe and look after each other.

The impact on mental health and wellbeing must not be underestimated and it is really important that we look out for each other, and take proactive and supportive actions to support everyone’s mental health and wellbeing.

We want to ensure that our people are provided with the correct support and an environment that enables and encourages each of us to lead healthy lives and make choices to support our wellbeing.

There are many resources available to you to help with your health and wellbeing and for you to be able to raise concerns with confidence if necessary.

Details on our wellbeing packages are available on our intranet here. This includes physical, mental, financial and emotional support. Please know that this support is available to everyone.

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It’s so important that everyone takes time for fresh air and exercise, stays hydrated and has the opportunity to rest.

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Care First can offer you counselling support that can be accessed 24/7. Please call 0800 174319 or click here for more information.

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The Trust has 91 trained Mental Health First • We have a number of network groups (the Aiders within the organisation. Mental Health Disability, Ability & Wellbeing Network, the First Aiders/Champions are a point of Race Equality & Inclusion Network and the contact if you, or someone you are Hospital Pride Network) who support our concerned about, are experiencing a mental aims to improve our culture and I would health issue or emotional distress. They are encourage anyone who is interested in not therapists or psychiatrists but they can joining to click here to find out further give you initial support and signpost you to information. appropriate help if required. There are plenty of different types of support out there, and For a full list of other support available to you, Mental Health Aiders/Champions can help including counselling, online support and free you access them. Click here for more wellbeing apps, please click here. information.

Please contact our wellbeing team at In many situations, having someone to talk sath.ahealthieryou@nhs.net and they will be to can lighten our load; when we are listened able to signpost you to the most appropriate help to this helps us to feel valued. Therefore we and support. 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

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contacts where appropriate. P2P listeners are trained in supportive listening skills but they won’t be acting as counsellors. More information can be found here.

Notice Board

Notice Board

PAGES 16-23

Staff Support

Staff Support

1st - £400 - Carol Bowen, Queensway Sterile Services 2nd - £200 - Diane (Di) Gee, Radiology - MRI 2nd - £200 - Jessica Evans, Ward 17 3rd - £100 - Lauren Jones, Ward 28N 3rd - £100 - Ann-Marie Fothergill, Pharmacy Hotel Chocolat chocolates winners: 1.Pauline Harbourne, Switchboard 2. Kathlyn Weeks, Theatres

The final word...

I wish to express my sincere thanks for the wonderful care and treatment received in the RSH RIU. The staff were kind and reassuring and explained the procedures that were necessary. I was COVID-19 positive and had been referred by my GP practice through the Care Co- ordination Team. As I was unable to enter the hospital unsupervised, I also wish to thank the member of staff who went out of her way to help get me checked in through A&E reception.

The following morning my condition was much improved as a result of the fantastic treatment received in RIU. Please pass on my thanks to all team members.

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