230217 - Chatterbox

17 February 2023

Congratulations to our STEP graduates

Through Excellence Programme (STEP), which is a new development programme aimed at developing management skills, transitioning into leadership behaviours.

participants attended five full day modules and completed on 10 February.

The programme includes topics such as; managing people, understanding finance and

The graduates are: Fiona McAree; Mark Leighton; Marion Tench; Tina Dodd; Lisa Marsden (not pictured); Sarah Hyde; Richard Lothian; Graham Archer Loui Daragos and Karen Flynn

Golden tickets for Pharmacy colleagues

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.”

For further information about apprenticeships at SaTH please visit www.jobs.sath.nhs.uk/findjob/apprenticeships

Josh Harrison, Biomedical Science

Josh already worked at SaTH as a medical laboratory assistant, before coming across the level 6 healthcare science (blood science) apprenticeship.

Josh completed his apprenticeship in summer 2022 when he was offered a permanent role as a biomedical scientist.

Evie Heath, Legal Services

Evie was in her final year at school studying for her GCSEs when she came across apprenticeships in her search for what to do next.

Evie said: “The apprenticeship scheme has really helped me to become an adult, settle into the world of work and learn about so many new things. I’m so grateful for what it has done for me.”

the Golden Tickets in the (PRH); Jodie Pritchard (RSH) pictured also received a Ticket.

Well done to our PNA colleagues

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.

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.

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.

“Kindness and compassion have

staff have received.

“Each person who has been named has made someone feel very special at an important time in their life.

development of local maternity care, so as well as identifying areas for improvement it’s important to highlight the positive stories we receive to help this good work to continue.”

are celebrated for providing good care

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.

Some of you may be aware that all of our sharps waste is disposed of via Sharpsmart. This includes syringes, needles,

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!

This picture shows you what just one tonne of CO2 would look

like, so to save 252.96 of these is amazing. Thank you for all you are doing to help and hopefully we can all work together to improve on these figures for 2023.

The heat is on for fundraising pair

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.

“

I am not a runner and can’t run a marathon – a fire walk was a bit more appealing. We are going to give it a go. I don’t think you can do any training – we will just have to prepare for the heat. We hope there is plenty of cheering and support as we walk

and 9.30pm if you fancy popping along. To donate, please visit Rachel’s justgiving page: Rachel Williamson is fundraising for Severn Hospice (justgiving.com)

Good luck both - we’re all rooting for you.

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: 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’s so important that everyone is treated with respect and dignity at all times, every day, and that we embrace and celebrate diversity and take an inclusive approach for all.

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

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

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 the right support to ensure that we are living our values and upholding the high standards that we should all expect to see.

Get involved:

• 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:

Tuesday 21 February Staffordshire University Site at RSH, Room L, from 2pm – 4pm

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

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.

The workshop takes participants through the steps of carrying out an audit at SaTH, and briefly covers data analysis and presentation. The workshops would benefit any

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 email jane.burgess3@nhs.net to book a place at one of the workshops.

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 complete the audit proposal form, and return it to Victoria Birch, Secretary to Sally Allen, Head of Clinical Audit, by the end of March 2023.

• 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

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

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

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

Long service award for Sandra

Spreading the love to get our patients active

Our patients got into the spirit s Day as they took part in more 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.

Here’s some patient feedback:

“It made me smile and was good fun.”

“When are you coming back?”

inactivity – we need more ideas like this, it was fun.”

Plenty of activities have been taking place since the Reconditioning Games launched last year. We are encouraging patients, visitors and staff to keep active to stay healthy and prevent muscle wastage.

Successful launch week for cancer support centre

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

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

Colleagues and visitors were invited to pop along and see the great work that has been done.

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

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

Sara Biffen, Acting Chief Operating Officer, said: “The centre looks wonderful after the refurbishment work.

“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.”

Volunteer Adrian Bowen with Ella Sadd

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

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

Family raises funds in memory of Kev Price

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.

In December 2015, Kev was diagnosed with a rare brain tumour and underwent an operation to remove the tumour, followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Throughout his treatment, Kev insisted on returning to work and living life to the full with his family.

Unfortunately, a routine scan in January 2019 showed that the tumour had returned, and Kev underwent a second operation. In October 2019, the family sadly received news that the tumour had regrown. Kev continued to receive support from the Macmillan team at RSH and Severn Hospice. Kev passed away in May 2020 at home, surrounded by his family.

Throughout their journey, Kev and his family wished to try and help others in the same situation as them. Since 2015, they have raised

fundraisers, coffee mornings, fun days, tournaments and much more.

The money raised has been used to help other families affected by cancer, through various charities including Macmillan, Severn Hospice, The Brain Tumour Charity and Brain Tumour Research, to name a few.

A portion of the money fundraised has been donated to the Macmillan Integrated Therapy team at RSH which has been used for iPads to aid in the care and communication with cancer patients and their families, as well as a memorial bench in the peaceful garden at the Hamar Centre [pictured].

Jayne Price, Kev’s wife, said: “We will continue to fundraise in memory of Kev as we feel giving back and helping those who may be going through something similar is so important.

“Kev’s memory will remain in those who love him and in the help that others will receive with the funds raised.

to help, but to prevent and cure.”

We would like to say a huge thank you to the Price family for their generosity and the difference it will make to patients and their families who are being cared for by our cancer services.

Ursula Owen, Macmillan Clinical Specialist Occupational therapist, said: "Kevin was a true inspiration, always positive even when everything must have felt so challenging and overwhelming.

“However, with the help of his family and their determination to give Kevin the best quality of life possible, providing support as a Macmillan Occupational therapist for Kevin and Jayne was a privilege.

“Their fundraising is invaluable to Macmillan and the many other organisations, and we would like to thank them for making a real difference to the care we provide other individuals and their families."

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

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

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

• The Trust has 91 trained Mental Health First Aiders within the organisation. Mental Health First Aiders/Champions are a point of contact if you, or someone you are concerned about, are experiencing a mental health issue or emotional distress. They are not therapists or psychiatrists but they can give you initial support and signpost you to appropriate help if required. There are plenty of different types of support out there, and Mental Health Aiders/Champions can help you access them. Click here for more information.

• 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. More information can be found here.

• We have a number of network groups (the Disability, Ability & Wellbeing Network, the Race Equality & Inclusion Network and the Hospital Pride Network) who support our aims to improve our culture and I would encourage anyone who is interested in joining to click here to find out further information.

For a full list of other support available to you, including counselling, online support and free wellbeing apps, please click here

Please contact our wellbeing team at sath.ahealthieryou@nhs.net and they will be able to signpost you to the most appropriate help and support.

Notice Board

Notice Board

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.