CHATTER BOX Your fortnightly bulletin for SaTH colleagues and events Friday 9 February 2024
EPR goes on the road The EPR Digital team was at RSH this week, on Tuesday and Wednesday, visiting as many departments as possible to talk all things CareFlow and EPR and give away some snacks and goodies.
The EPR team will be at PRH next week on Tuesday and Wednesday, so look out for the green T-shirts and come and grab a snack and ask your questions. If we didn’t get to you and you have any questions you can also email sath.askepr@nhs.net.
The team was really excited to talk face to face and listen to all your questions about CareFlow and the Go Live weekend (Friday 19-Sunday 22 April).
We are ‘running’ a feature in the next edition of Chatterbox, profiling colleagues who are running for charity or challenge this year. Send your details to sath.commsteam@nhs.net by Friday 16 February.
EPR goes on the road
Nigel and son Tom reach peak of Mount Kilimanjaro to raise charity funds Nigel Lee and his son Tom tackled thunderstorms, sleet and altitude sickness to climb Africa’s highest peak Mount Kilimanjaro to raise funds for SaTH Charity and the RAF Benevolent Fund. Nigel, who is our Director of Strategy and Partnerships, and his son, Flight Lieutenant Tom Lee took six days to reach the summit on Wednesday 24 January. They took on this challenge to raise money for the cancer fund of SaTH charity and the RAF Benevolent Fund. They started the trek on Friday 19 January and had to contend with thunderstorms, sleet and rain. Despite the preparation they had undertaken, the climb proved difficult, and both suffered with the effects of altitude sickness, including headaches and a lack of appetite. Nigel said: “Reaching the summit was the culmination of a week of arduous trekking and ascent, and we were all delighted to get to the peak – and especially that all nine of our trekking
group achieved this too. Getting to the summit with my son was a very special moment for the both of us – we had a big hug… and a cry!” “It was certainly a tough challenge – high altitude, long days and tough terrain, but we had a great group of fellow trekkers (including some doctors from Canada) and excellent local guides, who helped us at every stage to achieve our aim. “We are both hugely grateful for the support from friends, family and supporters, and really appreciate everyone, who has kindly donated to our two super charities, the RAF Benevolent and SaTH Charity.” Julia Clarke, Director of Public Participation, said: “On behalf of SaTH Charity and the patients and families who will benefit from the funds raised we would like to say a very big thank you and congratulations on the achievement of climbing the highest single free-standing mountain in the world.” They are hoping to raise £6,000 and there is still time to donate to this cause via their Just Giving page.
NHS Staff Survey results coming soon Thank you to everyone who completed the NHS Staff Survey 2023. 3,417 of you took the time to share your views. The results will be published in March, and you will be able to book on an online briefing to hear more. Details coming soon.
See below the roll call of teams who increased their response rate in 2023. Special shout outs to the Bridgnorth, Oswestry and Ludlow MLUs who increased their response rate by 222%, the Clinical Audit department who increased by 117%, the General Outpatients department at RSH by 129%, Patient Access reception by 150%, Ward 25 by 135% and Ward 36 by 745%.
Department
Division
Yr on Yr Improvement 2022/23
Audiology Department (PRH)
SAC
34%
Bowel Cancer Screening
SAC
23%
Bridgnorth Oswestry and Ludlow MLU
W&C
222%
Catering Department (PRH)
Facilities
33%
Catering Department (RSH)
Facilities
40%
Cellular Pathology Department
CSS
12%
Chemotherapy Day Centre
SAC
53%
Cleanliness Services Department PRH
Facilities
18%
Clinical Audit Department
Corporate
117%
Clinical Practice Facilitator Team
Corporate
11%
Endoscopy Unit (PRH)
SAC
82%
General Outpatient Department (RSH)
SAC
129%
Head and Neck Management Team (RSH)
SAC
52%
Medical Secretaries - Head and Neck (PRH)
SAC
92%
Medical Secretaries - Obs & Gynae
W&C
13%
Outpatient ENT
SAC
19%
Pathology - Multi-Disciplinary Team (RSH)
CSS
28%
Patient Access Reception (PRH)
SAC
150%
Patient Access Reception (RSH)
SAC
17%
Pay Services and Pensions Department
Corporate
92%
Phlebotomy Department (PRH)
CSS
21%
Phlebotomy Department (RSH)
CSS
15%
Portering Department (PRH)
Estates
18%
Recruitment Team
People & OD
37%
Shrewsbury Midwifery Team
W&C
31%
Surgical Services Management Team
SAC
20%
Theatres Department (PRH)
SAC
20%
Theatres Department (RSH)
SAC
28%
Therapy Admin Team (PRH)
CSS
15%
Therapy Outpatients PT (RSH)
CSS
30%
Therapy Stroke & Rehab (PRH)
CSS
20%
Ward 20 Cataract Suite (RSH)
SAC
30%
Ward 23 - Neonatal
W&C
27%
Ward 25 - Colorectal and Gastroenterology
SAC
135%
Ward 36 - Elective Orthopaedic (PRH)
SAC
745%
X-Ray Admin Support Department (RSH)
CSS
58%
Parking - thank you for your feedback Thank you for your feedback, which has sparked positive changes for parking at PRH and RSH.
prompted us to take a closer look at our pricing structure. Updates by the end of the month.
Parking charges: • We have paused the re-introduction of parking charges until April 2024. • Parking charges will remain at pre-COVID-19 levels until at least March 2025. • We recognise the varying needs of our team members, so fees will be reduced proportionately for part-time workers and those who car-share.
Pay-as-you-go system: • We’re developing a pay-as-you-go system to better accommodate individuals who park infrequently on our sites. Stay tuned for further details!
Pricing structure review: • Watch this space: Your comments have
Purpose-driven parking charges: • The Trust will not profit from the car parking charges. Any surplus generated will be reinvested into further parking initiatives and/ or our staff hardship fund.
We have staff parking focus groups taking place on Wednesday 21 February, 9-10.30am, at SECC and Wednesday 21 February, 3.30-5pm, at the PRH Education Centre. Please come along to have your say. For more information and to register your place, email sath.improvinghospitals@nhs.net.
On the buses Thank you to everyone who is trialling the Park and Ride. We have listened to your views and, starting from Monday 12 February, there will be a request stop (drop-off only) at Stretton House. Please note that this stop is only for journeys from Oxon Park and Ride to RSH in line with safety procedures and to aid traffic flow. We’ve also extended the trial period of the Park and Ride service, along with the incentive for a hot drink voucher at Caffé Bistro (T&C here). Ask your friendly bus driver for a Park and Ride loyalty card. Join your colleagues and give the Park and Ride a go: Kelly Hall, Executive Assistant “It was taking me longer to get off site. It was taking me almost 20 minutes by the time I had walked from the office to the car and queued. It’s actually quicker to jump on the bus. I’d
encourage everyone, who’s not tried it yet, to give the bus a go.” Sabeena Khanna, Assistant Director People Advisory Services “As someone who cannot get on site very early due to dropping my daughter at school, I have found the Park and Ride really helpful in saving me the time I used to take trying to find a parking space. It’s less stressful and makes me plan my day a bit more.” How you can help: • • • •
Just give it a go! Try the Oxon Park and Ride to prioritise parking off-site to save spaces for our shift-working colleagues. Whenever possible, consider sustainable travel options or working from home. Keep your parking registration updated when requested. Your ideas and suggestions continue to be invaluable. Please keep them coming!
Thank you for being a vital part of our team.
Free Oxon Park and Ride bus service is now available for RSH staff Monday to Friday, every 15 minutes from 07.20 to 18.35 Please show staff ID
Oxon Park & Ride Site -> Outpatients, Royal Shrewsbury Hospital Oxon P&R
07.20
07.35
RSH Outpatients
07.30
07.45 08.00 08.15 08.30 08.45 09.00 09.15 09.30 09.45 10.00 10.15
Oxon P&R
10.20
10.35
10.50
11.05
11.20
11.35
11.50
12.05
12.20
12.35
12.50 13.05
RSH Outpatients
10.30
10.45
11.00
11.15
11.30
11.45
12.00
12.15
12.30
12.45
13.00 13.15
Oxon P&R
13.20
13.35
13.50
14.05
14.20
14.35
14.50
15.05
15.20
15.35
15.50 16.05
RSH Outpatients
13.30
13.45
14.00
14.15
14.30
14.45
15.00
15.15
15.30
15.45
16.00 16.15
Oxon P&R
16.20
16.35
16.50
17.05
17.20
17.35
17.50
18.05 18.20
...
...
...
RSH Outpatients
16.30
16.45
17.00
17.15
17.30
17.45
18.00
18.15
...
...
...
07.50 08.05 08.20 08.35 08.50 09.05 09.20 09.35 09.50 10.05
18.30
Outpatients, Royal Shrewsbury Hospital -> Oxon Park & Ride Site RSH Outpatients
...
07.35
Oxon P&R
...
07.45 08.00 08.15 08.30 08.45 09.00 09.15 09.30 09.45 10.00 10.15
07.50 08.05 08.20 08.35 08.50 09.05 09.20 09.35 09.50 10.05
RSH Outpatients
10.20
10.35
10.50
11.05
11.20
11.35
11.50
12.05
12.20
12.35
12.50 13.05
Oxon P&R
10.30
10.45
11.00
11.15
11.30
11.45
12.00
12.15
12.30
12.45
13.00 13.15
RSH Outpatients
13.20
13.35
13.50
14.05
14.20
14.35
14.50
15.05
15.20
15.35
15.50 16.05
Oxon P&R
13.30
13.45
14.00
14.15
14.30
14.45
15.00
15.15
15.30
15.45
16.00 16.15
RSH Outpatients
16.20
16.35
16.50
17.05
17.20
17.35
17.50
18.05 18.20
18.35
...
...
Oxon P&R
16.30
16.45
17.00
17.15
17.30
17.45
18.00
18.15
18.45
...
...
18.30
This Oxon Park and Ride is located behind the Bicton Heath Co-operative. From the Shrewsbury bypass, turn on to the Welshpool Road heading towards Redwoods Hospital, turn left at the junction directly after the traffic lights and continue towards the signed park and ride car park. The nearest postcode to the Oxon site is SY3 5AD (Bicton Heath Retail Park, Shrewsbury).
LGBT+ History Month (LHM) is an annual event running throughout February and this year the theme is ‘Medicine #UnderTheScope’.
•
colleagues through compassion and inclusivity Support colleagues to declare their gender orientation and have open conversations with managers.
LHM is celebrated every February across the UK, and was founded in 2004 by Schools OUT cochairs, Paul Patrick & Professor Emeritus Sue Sanders. It was first celebrated in February 2005 and provides a platform to raise awareness and celebrate LGBT+ lives and their full diversity.
We really encourage you to be involved with the various events that are taking place nationally, and what we have here at SaTH. Details of some national events are in the link below, and do look out for further events throughout the month (lgbtplushistorymonth.co.uk).
The LGBT+ History Month 2024 theme ‘Medicine - #UnderTheScope’ celebrates LGBT+ people’s contribution to the field of Medicine and Healthcare both historically and today.
If you are a line manager and have members of your team that don’t have regular access to the intranet and emails, please pass this onto them in your team chats and one to ones.
In collaboration with our colleagues at SaTH Library, an awareness stand will be available throughout the month to provide resources and information on subjects that promote inclusivity. The libraries will also have some Pride badges and pledge forms available for colleagues to pick up and support the celebration of LGBT+ History Month.
Coinciding with the start of LGBT+ History month Thursday 1 February was Dignity Action Day.
At SaTH we want to: • Recognise the contributions of colleagues from the LGBTQIA+ community and celebrate this diversity within our workforce • Encourage leaders and managers to support
This is an annual opportunity for health and social care workers, and members of the public to uphold people’s rights to dignity and provide a truly memorable day for people who use care services. The film ’70 Years Through LGBT+ Eyes’ goes through the decades of three characteres, highlighting social and political changes on the way. The film is designed to prompt thoughts about people’s lives and experiences which may be different from our own.
This week we have been shining a spotlight on our apprentices during National Apprentice Week (5-11 February). This year’s theme is ‘Skills for Life’. The week will reflect on how apprenticeships can help individuals to develop the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career and help businesses to develop a talented workforce that is equipped with skills for the future. SaTH currently has 183 employees on apprenticeship programmes across a range of apprenticeships including Engineering, Leadership & Management, Pharmacy Technician, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Radiographer and Nursing Associate. Apprenticeship qualifications are available to support the development of both new and existing staff members and the Trust embraces this route to help people progress in their chosen career. Rhia Boyode, Director of People and Organisational Development, said: “The apprentice scheme is not just for school leavers.
Laura Frain
We have many colleagues completing their training who have been a part of the Trust for many years. It is a fantastic opportunity to develop skills whilst earning. They make up a hugely important part of our workforce as they allow us to grow talent and develop skilled and qualified teams.” Apprenticeship programmes accessed for our employees for the first time during the last year include Midwife, Accountancy Professional, Assistant Accountant, Healthcare Science Associate in Cardio-Respiratory and Multichannel Marketing. We have also celebrated the first graduates for Registered Nurse Degree Apprentices. You can read more about our apprentices here. For further information about apprenticeships at SaTH please visit www.jobs.sath.nhs.uk/findjob/apprenticeships or call Judith Tudor, Talent and Succession Manager, on 01952 641222 ext 2956 (email: judithc.tudor@nhs.net). You can also set up an alert for when vacancies are advertised throughout the year.
Lauren Abraham
Paul Wenlock
Ten internationally-trained midwives join the Trust We are thrilled to announce that we have recruited 10 internationally-trained midwives to the organisation, with a commitment to recruit a further two midwives from overseas each year to be more representative of our local communities. Each midwife has been through an extensive induction and training period to equip them for practice in the UK. You can read the full story on our website.
HELP
Our new employee assistance programme This week we have launched a new employee assistance programme called HELP, which replaces Care First.
HELP can be contacted on 0800 047 8843. Further information can be found at https://sath. workplacewellbeing.com or at https://sath. optimise.health.
HELP provides confidential support, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The programme gives you access to a team of trained wellbeing and counselling practitioners to support all colleagues. It offers confidential, independent and unbiased information and guidance by telephone, in writing, online and through face-to-face appointments for a wide variety of issues. Your wellbeing is important to us so we are also delighted to offer you access to Optimise - a comprehensive wellbeing assessment that you and your family can take at any time. It provides personalised wellbeing content tailored to your responses and has an extensive library of wellbeing information for you to access at any time, including videos, podcasts and Ted Talks. You can access it at https://sath.optimise.health.
| Health & Wellbeing
Leadership programme success SaTH 4 Leadership Congratulations to participants on our SaTH 4 senior leadership programme who delivered their final day group presentations on Thursday 25 January 2024. STEP – Strive Towards Excellent Programme Our latest group of SaTH Leaders commenced their STEP journey in January. Thank you to all the supporting presenters from across SaTH for giving their time and support to the programme. FOSATL – Foundations of Supervision and Team Leadership The FOSATL programme was relaunched at the end of January 2024. Nineteen colleagues have joined the programme from across SaTH. They will now embark on five dedicated training days over the next five months developing their future supervision and team leadership skills in readiness for future roles. Thank you to Rhia Boyode, Director of People and OD, for welcoming the group at the start of their journey to leadership.
Golden Ticket Student nurse Charlotte Mulliss has been awarded a golden ticket from Ward 6/ CCU at PRH. Ward Manager, Jo Adkin said: “Charlotte has proven herself to have the potential to become an excellent future cardiology nurse. Well done, Charlotte.” Pictured L to R Ward Manager Jo Adkin, Student Nurse Charlotte Mulliss, CCU Sister Sara Moore.
T-level students join Digital Team Five T-levels students from Telford College have taken part in a placement with the Digital team. During their four-week placement, they have been working in a range of departments including cyber security, desktop, software development, network & infrastructure and data. Throughout this time, they have been asked to complete research projects, tasks and even helped with desktop installations. John Cunnningham, Head of Digital Service Delivery said: “We decided for the first four-week placement, the students should
rotate between several different teams across digital services so they can start to experience different specialisms and get hands on experience. Over the four weeks, the team has seen a marked changed in the students, they have all become more interactive, confident and have started asking the digital teams lots of questions, looking at how they could transfer theory into practice.” Another student, Maham said: “Working with the cyber team has helped me to confirm the direction I want my career to go”, Ethan added: “Working in cyber was really interesting because it brought the theory to life”.
The students will be back in September to finish their studies and will spend the majority of time within the areas of digital that they want to specialise in. Teresa Hughes, Director of Business and Digital at Telford College said: “This has been an absolute incredible placement for the students. They have come back to college with a spring in their step and are now excited about their futures. I can’t thank John and the team enough for giving students this opportunity.”
Hospital team sees its their fundraising become a patient benefit ITU at RSH has just received a reclining chair to support patient relatives purchased with funds raised by a team of runners who ran the Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon. Manda Pyper and Ollie Foster alongside Charlotte Scarborough from the Hospital at Night team took on the challenge. The chair will be used for relatives enabling them to sleep near their loved one, giving them precious time together. The runners decided they wanted to honour their previous ward manager, Carol Morris who retired at the end of 2023 and chose the colour cerise as this was her favourite colour. Caroline Houghton, Senior Sister, said: “We are so grateful to Manda, Ollie and Charlotte for raising money for this chair. We know that relatives often want to stay close to their loved one during their stay on the ward. This will mean we can offer them somewhere to rest.” The 2023 Lake Vyrnwy half marathon, organised by Adrenalin Sporting Events, saw nine members of staff complete the course for SaTH Charity
raising money for various funds. Julia Clarke, Director of Public Participation, said: “Well done to Manda, Ollie and Charlotte for running the half marathon in September and raising money to buy a much-needed item for their area, that we know will be used regularly by loved ones of our patients.” If you would be interested in raising money for SaTH Charity and running the Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon on Sunday 15 September, please email sath.charity@nhs.net.
Colleague Notice Board
AUTISM AWARENESS TRAINING The ‘Autism Reality Experience’ is coming to SaTH. This innovative approach to autism awareness training will give you a hands-on experience of the sensory processing difficulties faced by people on the autistic spectrum. To book, scan the QR code or visit the webpage below: https://buytickets.at/shrewsbury telfordhospitalnhstrust For further enquiries, please email sath.patientexperience@nhs.net
Wednesday 27th March Sessions are running in the morning and afternoon 10am - 1pm Or 1.30pm - 4.30pm Shropshire Education & Conference Centre (SECC)
This February at Shrewsbury & Telford Health Libraries…
Blind Date with a Book
Read the words on the cover, choose a wrapped mystery book, take it home and unwrap it. There won’t be any awkward feelings if you don’t like your date, but you might find the match of your literary dreams! www.library.sath.nhs.uk @sathlibraries Ext. 2512 / 4440
Colleague Notice Board
Short introduction to Medical Terminology This training session is an introduction to medical terminology for non-medical staff. It covers the components of medical terms, using prefixes and suffixes, and the Greek and Latin origins of medical words.
Or want to get more involved in research? Drop in sessions at
Tuesday 27 February 10.30 - 11.30
SERII research fellows Room Ground floor on the below date between 13:00-14:00
Thursday 18 April 2.30 - 3.30
Drop in dates:
Via Microsoft Teams
Book on LMS—search for ‘Short Introduction to Medical Terminology’ For more information contact Sarah Rochelle at Telford Health Library on ext. 4440 or sarah.rochelle@nhs.net
Do you have a research idea?
Monday 5th February Monday 19th February Monday 26th February For more details, You can contact us at Email : sath.research@nhs.net Or Telephone 01743 261000 Ext 2379
F F A ST RY E T T O L s winn Th i s mont h ’ 1st £400
Kate Edwards,
Why not join our lottery? CYPU
2nd £200
cation
Corporate Edu
Rachel Maskell,
2nd £200
rvices
esuscitation Se
Ami Hanwell, R
3rd £100
vement
3rd £100
Colleen Davies, Natalie Wyatt,
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Click here to download the T&C’s and enter the staff lottery
Ophthalmolog
Breast Imaging
4th £50
ndeley, Phlebo Linda Cholmo
4th £50
Claire Spawart,
4th £50
Molly McCabe,
50% of profits are given out in prizes and the other 50% is adding to our Small Changes Make a Big Difference Fund all of which is spent on items for staff. The SaTH Small Things Make a Big Difference Fund aims to improve the working environment and amenities for all employees.
r, Service Impro
Rebekah Tudo
4th £50
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Histology RSH Patient Access
Thank you Thank you to Rachel, the paediatric ACP, who managed to (finally) obtain my daughter’s blood yesterday. A special shout out to the play specialist and HCA who supported her throughout!