Chatterbox 240322 by The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust

Friday 22 March 2024

CHATTER BOX

Your fortnightly bulletin for SaTH colleagues and events

EPR – on the road

The digital team were at both sites this week to answer all your EPR questions.

With 4 weeks until SemaHelix is switched off, the whole EPR team were on hand to help and support everyone through this exciting digital transformation. The feedback was really reassuring and the excitement is building as we move closer to the Go Live weekend.

Turn to page 2 for more pictures from RSH and PRH.

For more information, please visit the links below.

If you have any questions about EPR, you can find FAQs on digital.sath.nhs.uk or email sath.askepr@nhs.net

The EPR Change Agents have been working hard to complete their action plans ready for Go Live weekend.

They have been working through the lists to make sure they have done everything they can to prepare, including preparing Business Continuity Plans (BCPs). A massive thank you to all of our change agents and congratulations to the teams featured here who are now, officially ‘EPR ready’.

EPR goes on the road at RSH and PRH

EPR!

Our RSH & PRH teams are ready for

Healthcare Science Week

Earlier in the month we celebrated Healthcare Science Week where we recognised the outstanding work of our healthcare scientists.

Science and technology are vital in providing modern patient care and can change lives for the better. Healthcare Science Week raises awareness of the diverse careers in healthcare science and its aim is to inspire the scientific workforce of the future.

There are more than 350 healthcare science staff working across a range of specialisms here at

the Trust. Their roles might not involve seeing patients face to face, however their work includes developing cancer treatments, helping to create families through fertility services, diagnosing what is making a patient ill, repairing vital medical equipment such as kidney dialysis machines; and treating patients with heart and respiratory problems.

The role of a Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) is crucial for patients who have received a diagnosis of cancer. Macmillan Cancer Support estimate that by 2040, there will be approximately 5.3 million people living with cancer in the UK. On the third National Cancer CNS Day, we explore more about what that role entails and how they support those affected by cancer.

A cancer diagnosis can be devastating for patients and their loved ones. In addition to supporting them throughout their clinical pathway, the role of the Cancer CNS encompasses much more than this; they are there to provide a wide range of support to empower their mental and physical wellbeing.

The role of the Cancer CNS can vary within the team but one thing that all these roles have in common involves supporting cancer patients and their loved ones across all stages of treatment, including helping them understand their treatment options, encouraging the shared decision process in all aspects of their care. As well as this, these highly skilled professionals also excel at performing clinical tasks and providing check ups whilst providing the crucial continuity of care across the pathway. By providing this continuity of care and building the rapport and personal relationships from diagnosis and throughout treatment, it can be invaluable to support those with their emotional and mental health.

The Cancer CNS is constantly striving to improve the quality and experience for patients, reinforce patient

A selection of our nursing colleagues Celebrating National Cancer CNS Day

safety, and work with other healthcare professionals and organisations to improve patient care. The Cancer CNS uses their expertise in many ways including to assess, diagnose, and treat patients and in addition to this, their role often extends into other areas like healthcare management, leadership, and research.

The Cancer CNS workforce is currently facing a crisis; with the demand for cancer services increasing, it is evident that more Cancer CNS’s are needed. Currently, there a large number of experienced nurses within the workforce who, in the next few years, will be looking to retire so we must ensure that we are developing and investing in the next generation of specialised nurses to be recruited so that they are able to continue the amazing work that is being delivered. This is why the annual National Cancer CNS Day is so important.

On Friday 15th March, we celebrated the third National Cancer CNS Day. To mark the occasion, Cancer Services were able to work with the Lingen Davies Cancer Fund to secure some gifts for the cancer workforce here at SaTH. In addition to the funding Lingen Davies kindly contributed, they approached their charitable partner, AICO, who kindly donated the remaining funds to work with Dobbies who were able to gift a large number of spring flowerpots for each of our Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialists.

If you are you a nurse or considering a career in nursing, be sure to explore the prospect of becoming a Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist. Our cancer workforce needs you more than ever before!

CELEBRATING Neurodiversity

Making up the largest part of the NHS workforce, nurses and midwives have a unique and far-reaching relationship with the people and communities they serve and are integral to building a greener NHS.

The first annual Greener Nurses and Midwives Week will be held 18-22 March and will comprise a number of regional and national webinars to support and empower nurses and midwives to make sustainable changes for the benefit of the populations we serve, our profession, and the NHS.

Find out more

This week is Neurodiversity Celebration Week and to raise awareness, we have been visiting lots of Wards and Departments to share information and resources on where colleagues can find support and guidance.

Monday started with a Schwarz Round at PRH with Emmeline, Ashley and James, the three panellists talking through their lived experiences.

As the week hasn’t finished yet, there will be a full rundown in the next edition of Chatterbox on Friday 5 April.

Mud runners!

Hospital Team to take on the Shropshire Mud Run to raise funds for IT equipment to help educate patients on oral hygiene.

Teamwork, sweat, fundraising and a lot of mud will take centre stage for members of the Orthodontic and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) department next month as colleagues across the department get ready to take part in the Shropshire Mudrun on 27th April.

Tackling the 5km route (which will involve slipping and sliding over obstacles, crawling through tunnels and a lot of mud!) will be Consultant Orthodontists Leonie Seager & Anish Patel, Laboratory manager Sam Bunn, Dental Nurses Gemma Reed and Jenny South as well as Centre manager Claire Evans.

The team hopes to raise £500 to purchase several tablets to help educate patients on oral hygiene and orthodontics, as well as

to demonstrate various clinical procedures and laboratory prosthetics that patients with oral cancer and missing teeth can often require.

Men Like Us Cancer Support Group

The Personalised Care Team in Cancer Services are about to launch a men only cancer support group after receiving a high number of queries about what support is available for men only.

After working with a small group of men, a pilot will launch at the end of this month, supporting men living with a cancer diagnosis. Anybody is welcome to join regardless of when and what they were diagnosed with. Katey Evans, Personalised Care Navigator who has led on the project, said “we are really excited to be able to provide a support group that has been designed by men, for men. It is a muchneeded opportunity for men to get together to talk with a drink and a welcoming face. We are looking forward to seeing how this group develops over the next six-month pilot”.

The support group will be a friendly, safe, welcoming environment, led by men volunteers, allowing the opportunity for people to come along and share their thoughts and experiences. Katey will be present for the first hour, offering advice, signposting and answering any non-clinical questions they may have. The second hour will be led by volunteers within the Personalised Care Team who will lead discussions in a relaxed atmosphere.

The first Men Like Use Cancer Support Group will be held at the Men’s Shed, West Mid Showground, Shrewsbury on Thursday 28th March, 1pm to 3pm and will continue monthly on the last Thursday of every month at the same time and place.

If you have any questions or would like some more information for yourself or a patient, please contact Katey on 01743 492424 or email sath.lwbc@nhs.net

We might even stretch to a brew! Time and date: last Thursday of the month starting the 28th March 1pm-3pm Location: The Men’s Shed, West Mid Showground, SY1 2PF Please contact the Personalised Care Team on 01743 492424 or email sath@lwbc@nhs.net to book on or if you are shy just turn up for a warm welcome. A Cancer Support Group

People’s promise post cards

Our NHS People Promise is a promise we must all make to each other – to work together to improve the experience of working in the NHS for everyone.

Only by making Our People Promise a reality will the NHS become the best place to work for all – where we are part of one team that brings out the very best in each other.

To help raise awareness and promote the importance of the NHS People Promise, postcards have been created.

The purpose of these postcards is for departments and line managers to use in welcome packs, inductions and to congratulate or reward their colleagues for their work and commitment to the Trust. This also improves morale and engagement amongst teams.

Greener NHS is pleased to announce the fourth year of the Chief Sustainability Officer’s Clinical Fellow Scheme, which offers clinicians with a passion for sustainable healthcare the unique opportunity to work directly on embedding net zero carbon principles into the delivery of care across the system.

Recognising the unique contribution each clinician can make in reaching net zero, the scheme is multi-professional and welcomes applications from allied health professionals, dentists, doctors in training (including public health registrars and SAS doctors), healthcare scientists, nurses, midwives and pharmacists from across England.

The deadline for applications is 5pm on 27 March 2024.

Find out more about the scheme and how to apply.

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World Down Syndrome Day

Thursday 21 March marked World Down Syndrome Day – and we asked you to put on your finest pair of odd socks. There is still time to send your photos in to sath.commsteam@nhs.net and you could WIN a very special pair of odd socks, courtesy of SaTH Charity.

The date of World Down Syndrome Day is significant. The 21st day of the 3rd month signifies the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome.

And why socks? Socks are used as a representation because the chromosomes actually look like mismatched socks.

#Endthestereotypes is the theme of World Down Syndrome Day this year – for people with Down syndrome are often underestimated and treated without equity.

More information can be found on the World Down Syndrome Day website here.

Weight management – beyond diet and exercise

Dates: 16th April – Room 2, SERRI, RSH and 30th April – Room G, Education Centre PRH

Times: 09.30am - 3.00pm

•The reasons for eating – physical, social, psychological

•Understanding hunger and cravings

•Sleep and eating especially around shift workers

•Introduction to appetite retraining

•Emotional eating

•Food choices and portion sizes

Open to all sta . Places are limited. To book on email sath.ahealthieryou@nhs.net.

Dementia & Delirium Conference

Wednesday 22nd May 2024

Shropshire Education Centre (SECC)

Royal Shrewsbury Hospital

Mytton Oak Road

SY3 8XQ

Anyone of any age can experience delirium, but it is most common in older people and in people with dementia.

In fact, dementia is the single biggest risk factor for developing delirium. Delirium can be difficult to recognise in people with dementia as the symptoms such as confusion and difficulties with thinking and concentration – are similar.

However, it is important to be aware of the possible symptoms of delirium in a person with dementia, and not just assume it is their dementia getting worse.

In hospitals, approximately 20-30% of older people on medical wards will develop delirium, and up to 50% of people with dementia. Up to 50% of people who have surgery develop delirium. Most people living in care homes are also at greater risk.

Older people with delirium and dementia have been found to have longer stays in hospital and be at increased risk of complications such as falls, accidents or pressure ulcers; and be more likely to be admitted into long-term care.

❖ Registration 9am

Speaker 9.30am

Remarks 16.00pm