Foundation Times - Issue 10 Spring / Summer 2014

Foundation Times A newsletter for every member of our trust

Welcome to the Spring edition of Foundation Times Issue 10 Spring 2014

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Foundation Times A newsletter for every member of our trust

Issue 10 Spring 2014

GOVERNORS UPDATE MEET OUR NEW PUBLIC GOVERNORS Following our autumn elections, we are pleased to welcome some new faces to the Trust.

Their three year term started on 1 March this year.

IAN HAMMOND > Public governor - Berkshire

Resident in the Reading area of Berkshire for over four decades, I am married with a son who is an NHS Specialist surgeon, and have one grandson. I have been a member of the SCAS Trust from inception, and a volunteer SCAS First Responder of 6 years’ service.

Formerly a Manager and Chartered Insurer employed by an International UK based Insurer in their Risk Management Department; latterly employed by two industry related research and standards bodies involved in a variety of projects, including Fire research, technical standards, training in Hong Kong, Quality Management Systems to ISO 9001:2000 and Schemes Management. I am also a past member of the CII Fellowship panel.

As a Governor, representing Berkshire, I bring relevant management experience to the considerable challenges faced by the Trust, in addition to local knowledge and service within SCAS as a volunteer; I am willing to play a part in improving the public perception and awareness of the task faced by SCAS, informing Berkshire Trust members.

The valuable insight gained by me over the past five years in the front line of SCAS operations will enable me to provide an informed participation within the Council of Governors, managing the expectations of the public, alongside SCAS, who face the need for greater efficiency and improvement of services to our patients, the public at large, and relevant parts of the NHS.

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DAVE JOHNSON

> Public governor - Buckinghamshire I am a member of Bucks Health Trust and a member of SCAS. I work as a volunteer at Stoke Mandeville Hospital and I am also a Community First Responder at SCAS. My wife had a major stroke 5 years ago.

Whilst she would like to physically be in the same position she was in the day before her stroke, I am delighted that she is 90% better than when I found her lying on the utility room floor. That improvement is because of the superb treatment she initially got from the ambulance service, then from the specialists at Stoke Mandeville and finally the work done by the peripetetic team at Raynor’s Edge.

I feel that I want to repay those services.

I am now retired. I am a Rotarian and will shortly be Chair of Weston Turville U3A. I have a wide variety of interests but I want to support our NHS.

I was a headteacher in the state primary sector and also a head of maths in a prep school.

JENI BREMNER > Public governor - Hampshire

The ambulance service sees us at our most vulnerable, the skills and compassion of ambulance staff can make an enormous difference to patients in very difficult circumstances.

But the ambulance service faces big problems; staff also have to deal with rising demand, people who don’t need an ambulance calling them out, abusive patients and a growing shortage of community alternatives to hospital.

The staff are the most precious resource that SCAS have and ensuring they are well supported, listened to and involved is essential to SCAS. I bring over 30 years experience of working in health and social care and health and social care policy, on the front line as a nurse and as a manager in health and social care.

I have worked locally, nationally and at European Level.

I am a qualified nurse and trained Health Economist, I live in Hampshire and currently run a European Wide Health Charity that focuses on exchanging knowledge and learning.

I have a particular interest in staff development and support and I am proud to be a governor of SCAS, one of the most forward looking and innovative ambulance trusts in the UK.

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Foundation Times A newsletter for every member of our trust

Issue 10 Spring 2014

TRICIA KELLY Public governor - Hampshire

I grew up in London and Hampshire and my family has lived in the New Forest area for over 50 years. I have always had a great affinity for the area which is why I came to Lymington when I returned to the UK three years ago after spending many years in the US.

JONATHAN COTTERELL

Public governor - Hampshire I was born in Portsmouth and Hampshire has always been home. I am now retired and have the time and energy to make a difference representing your views to help make our Ambulance Service one of which we can all continue to be proud.

In my career, spanning the RAF, Hampshire Constabulary and Local Government, I have worked with the front-line emergency services many times.

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There are a number of areas that the public and SCAS members have expressed concerns about regarding our ambulance service. It used to be one of the emergency service that we heard about growing up. It has been transformed and has to be more business-like and integrated. However, funding is finite and pressures mean choices are made which have to be justified to the membership.

I am an Associate of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment so I am interested in representing Hampshire constituency’s views on sustainability issues. I am also a Member of the British Computer Society so I am interested to represent my constituency’s concerns around the use of technology.

I am originally a biologist and dive instructor and frequently worked off shore, where I learnt about organising and leading diverse groups and using limited resources to their best advantage when there is no option of going for outside help.

Later I worked as an Emergency Medical Technician in the US and trained as a paramedic. When I first came back to the UK I worked as an Emergency Call Taker at SCAS. I currently work as an administrator at a local marina and boatyard.

I believe I bring a unique perspective to the Council of Governors having been involved in multiple medical emergency service organisations in two different countries.

I am passionate about the important role that the ambulance service plays in our lives. I believe that this role has evolved from a transportation service to a critical care medical service and that SCAS has an opportunity and duty to both support and educate the public and their employees in this time of change.

MIKE SHREAD Public governor - Oxfordshire

Originally from Dudley, in the West Midlands, having worked and lived all over the UK. Now living in Blewbury, Oxon, with my partner June. I have one son who remains in Aberdeenshire, where I spent over twenty years.

My career has been varied and interesting in law enforcement and law. I have held a number of senior positions and directorships.

My interests are in history, archaeology and amateur radio. I have been a licensed radio amateur since 1979.

For thirty-three years I have been a member of RAYNET (Radio Amateur’s Emergency Network), providing emergency radio communications for all ‘blue light’ services, the military and other statutory services and presently as Group Controller, for the Oxford County Group.

I spent several years with West Midlands Metropolitan Ambulance as an Ambulance Technician. I am a Trustee, for SCAS League of Friends, who support the service, military schemes and CFR’s.

I take the position of SCAS Public Governor, seriously and very much look forward to interacting with SCAS colleagues and constituents, helping to promote the excellence in patient service, levels and types of treatment together with seeking the views and opinions of all users.

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Foundation Times A newsletter for every member of our trust

Issue 10 Spring 2014

COULD YOU BE ONE OF OUR NEXT STAFF OR PUBLIC GOVERNORS? GOVERNOR

GOVERNOR

GOVERNOR

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GOVERNOR

GOVERNOR

“ Since being elected a Public Governor, I have benefited from the policy of commencing informal service early for a “lead in” period that includes Governor training during the two months prior to appointment date. My aim is to develop my Berkshire constituency engagement progra mme in order to further publicise the Ambulance Service work, demands and to grow Trust membership ”.

Ian Ha mmond Public Governor Berkshire

SCAS will hold again a Governors election this autumn for governors in constituencies where the current three-year appointments will expire at the end of next February and new threeyear appointments are required.

The Trust is keen to increase the number of our members who cast their votes and of those who put themselves forward as governors.

“ New Governors need not be worried about what is expected of them since the Service offers excellent training and workshops prior to taking on the full role. Experience and confidence are quickly gained and there are lots of opportunities to obtain continuous training in order to gain personal improvement ”.

Mike Shread Public Governor Oxfordshire

“ I have been able to spend some time in the Emergency Operations Centre and have tried to share this experience within my constituency at every opportunity. It has often come as a surprise when I tell people how much there is going on everyday so that when they need to call 111 or 999 there will be someone, willing and able to expertly respond to their needs ”.

Jon Cotterell Public Governor Ha mpshire One of the most exciting parts of being a Foundation Trust is being accountable to our staff and public members instead of to the Department of Health.

Through a Council of Governors that represents our members and partner organisations, we have an opportunity to encourage greater staff and public involvement in shaping the future of the Trust.

We welcome applications to both public and staff governor roles.

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Foundation Times A newsletter for every member of our trust

Issue 10 Spring 2014

“ I was recently elected and the thought of being a governor of such an important organisation was daunting, yet I felt a need to support the South Central Ambulance Service. I have found that being a governor of SCAS involves a whole new set of ideas and I would say that so far I have a superficial understanding but I have been made to feel that my ideas are taken seriously ”.

Dave Johnson Public Governor Bucks “Any good governance model provides for challenge and scrutiny, to ensure that ideas and decisions are properly thought through and tested before implementation. The Governors fulfill this role, bringing an added layer of scrutiny to the Board, often asking difficult questions, raising issues from a different perspective and cha mpioning the voice of our prime stakeholders – the patients”.

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Claire Carless Non-Executive Director

“ I ha pe rs pe ve fou n d ba ck g ct ive s a n t h e dif fe r g o ve rn rou n d s o f d dive rs e e nt t h e qu o rs h a ve ou r a s k ed e st io n s t ho ft e n m ea h e l p f u u s a s a B e y h a ve nt m e t o l a n d o ft oa rd a re ou r s e t hi n k dif e n ch a lle ve ry rv ice s fe re nt l n g e a n d p y a bo u Al a st la ns ” t .

N on- Ea i r Mit ch x e cut i e ll-Ba ve D i r k e r e ct o r

TO FIND OUT MORE, PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE WHERE THERE ARE DETAILS OF THE GOVERNOR ROLE AND A GOVERNOR’S HANDBOOK.

HOW DO I APPLY? If you wish to stand for election as either a staff or public governor, or would like further information, please email getinvolved@scas.nhs.uk.

Make your mark - cast your vote.

It’s easy to show you care about your ambulance service. Simply ensure that you vote at this autumn’s Governors election.

WE CARE, DO YOU? This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone interested in the future of local health services and, in particular of the ambulance service, to put themselves forward as governor and make a difference. Register your interest NOW by emailing getinvolved@scas.nhs.uk.

Public members Keep an eye on our website, your local press and our summer issue of Foundation Times (out mid August) for all those important dates!

Staff members Information and reminders will be sent to you via Staff Matters and the intranet.

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Foundation Times A newsletter for every member of our trust

Issue 10 Spring 2014

NEW NON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR APPOINTED

Following a competitive recruitment process, which included governors on the selection panel, the Trust’s Council of Governors fully approved the appointment of Mike Hawker as a new Non Executive Director for SCAS with effect from 1 January 2014. Mike will succeed Eddie Weiss as Audit Committee Chair when Eddie’s term of office expires on 7 June 2014.

Mike is based in Brockenhurst in Hampshire, and as well as being a NED for the National Offenders Management Service, is also a Trustee Director of The Shaw Trust, one of the largest third sector providers of education and learning opportunities. Mike is a Chartered Accountant and his executive roles have largely been gained in a Chief Executive capacity in the retail sector, including as Chief Executive of Otto UK, overseeing the merger of Grattan and Freemans in 2000, to form the largest home shopping business worldwide.

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Trust chairman, Trevor Jones said: “I would like to welcome Mike to the Trust’s board where his skills and experience will be put to good use in helping us ensure that the Trust is delivering exceptional levels of care to the people of the South Central region, and using public funds appropriately.

Mike has been chosen to lead the Trust’s audit committee due to his broad-ranging financial management experience over a number of years.

I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the service given by Eddie Weiss to SCAS, and I’m delighted that he will be staying on until June to oversee an effective handover to Mike”.

Mike Hawker has been appointed for three years, on a remuneration of £15,000 per annum. He is not politically active and has no ministerial appointments.

VIP VISIT TO PTS, 111 AND 999 SERVICES South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) were delighted to welcome Sir Stuart Hampson and Lady Hampson to our Northern House headquarters on Tuesday 21st January 2014.

Sir Stuart is High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire, and was keen to meet with SCAS Chairman, Trevor Jones and colleagues to find out more about what we do, and how we help the people of Buckinghamshire.

Sir Stuart and Lady Hampson spent time talking to staff and learning about the systems we use on 999, 111 and PTS calls.

Sir Stuart said about the visit: “We all hope that we won’t need to call on the help of the emergency services, but my visit to Bicester gave me a chance to see how well our County is supported through the care, training and commitment of the whole team at South Central Ambulance Service.

It was impressive to see the full scale of their activities and to hear the professional guidance offered through the 111 service as well as the calm way in which urgent 999 calls were handled.”

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Foundation Times A newsletter for every member of our trust

Issue 10 Spring 2014

BORDON EMERGENCY SERVICES SHOW 2014

A FUN DAY OUT FOR ALL THE FAMILY AT AN EXCLUSIVE VENUE SET IN 185 ACRES OF GLORIOUS COUNTRYSIDE ON THE SURREY AND HAMPSHIRE BORDER. 12

Come and enjoy a family fun filled day with Arena and Static Displays from current members of the Emergency Services, Classic/ custom Cars, Craft Stalls, bouncy castle, preserved 999 vehicles, food & drink stalls, and this year we have a Festival of Music & Dance, music from the Mighty Fly, Becki Short, Ellie Reidy, dancers from the Monsoon Dance Academy and Marching Bands and much, much more. We hope to see you all on the day in aid of Help For Heroes and The Royal British Legion.

Organiser Paul Wingate, an ambulance technician from South Central Ambulance Service, says “We are looking forward to this year’s second Annual 999 Emergency Services Show after the success of the 2013 one. This year we are raising money once again for The Royal British Legion and also for Help For Heroes.

This year’s show has grown and grown since we started planning straight after the show last year and we now have a 6-8 acre site with the 999 arena / static displays. Also new for this year are a classic / custom car and motorcycle show, and a Festival of Music & Dance which includes over 16 acts, 11 hours of live music and dance with local singers and bands.”

LIST OF ATTRACTIONS ÙÙ Kidszone: featuring facepainting, bouncy castle and more ÙÙ Classic and custom car & motorcycle show including preserved 999 vehicles ÙÙ Marching bands - featuring the TS Sturdy Naval Cadet Band and more ÙÙ Craft stalls ÙÙ Information and merchandise stalls

Festival of Music & Dance starring: ÙÙ Monsoon Dance Academy ÙÙ Becki Short ÙÙ Nathan Churchill ÙÙ Katy Saunders ÙÙ Luke Marsden ÙÙ Ward-Thomas ÙÙ Cardboard caraousel ÙÙ Ellie Reidy ÙÙ Dan Gordon ÙÙ Crosstown Trio ÙÙ Sam Brawn ÙÙ Josh Savage ÙÙ Claudia Arnold ÙÙ Joe Booley ÙÙ Ollie West ÙÙ The Mighty Fly More information about attractions will follow soon.

Sunday 27 July 2014 10:30am - 9:30pm Groomes Hotel Frith End, Bordon, Hampshire, GU35 0QR (just off the A325) Entry: FREE

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Foundation Times A newsletter for every member of our trust

Issue 10 Spring 2014

MEET JOHN DYER, HEAD OF RESILIENCE AND SPECIALIST OPERATIONS I have been in the ambulance service since 1985. Frankie was saying, “relax!” and leg warmers seemed a good idea at the time!

I started as a trainee ambulance technician at Portsmouth Main ambulance station, part of what was Hampshire Ambulance Service (now the southern area of South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust).

Ambulance staff are always being asked if they have a funny story to tell. I remember driving back to our ambulance station from the hospital one day when we found ourselves in a queue of traffic. Looking ahead to see what the problem was, we could see a car parked at an awkward angle on the side of the road, with a pair of legs sticking out from underneath.

There was also a small group of people standing around, looking anxious. Thinking the worst I put the ambulance’s blue lights and sirens on while my crewmate got onto the radio to the control room to “call it in”.

Now driving on the other side of the road we were soon approaching the car and group of bystanders... just in time to see the AA man pull himself from under the car with what looked like a burst water hose!

Needless to say we sailed on past until we were around the corner before turning off the lights and sirens!

While stationed at Fareham ambulance station I qualified as an ambulance paramedic in 1992, a qualification I am proud to still hold.

(Although it is a little more difficult than it used to be to get back up after kneeling alongside a collapsed patient!)

Reporting to the Operations Director for Hampshire, I head a small team of resilience and specialist operations managers, the HART operational manager and the two air ambulances. I ensure the Trust’s resilience strategy is set and then delivered against agreed milestones.

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I also ensure that any strategic direction from the Department of Health and NHS England is integrated into the Trust within agreed budgets and deadlines.

My position also gives me the opportunity to contribute to national emergency preparedness, resilience and response (EPRR) priorities such as the response to new and emerging threats and the ever present challenges of hazards such as adverse weather and pandemic disease. I also chair the National Emergency Preparedness and Resilience Group - an integral part of the National Ambulance Resilience Unit (NARU).

It is also my responsibility to ensure the Trust is able to respond to conventional major incidents such as mass casualty or large transport incidents as well as less conventional incidents such as terrorist or CBRN attacks.

This is done by ensuring the Trust has adequate resources and that staff are well trained and rehearsed in their roles.

Looking at the wider picture, I also have to ensure the Trust (as a category 1 responder under the Civil Contingencies Act (2004)) complies with its duties and plays an integrated part in the multi-agency preparation, response to and recovery from an emergency (as defined by the Act).

I’m a firm believer that adversity often presents opportunities for learning and making things better.

Read more about HART in the next pages.

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Foundation Times A newsletter for every member of our trust

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Issue 10 Spring 2014

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Foundation Times A newsletter for every member of our trust

Issue 10 Spring 2014

Many areas within the south central region suffered from flooding during the winter months and like all emergency services, we have experienced a high volume of calls.

Working together with colleagues from Fire & Rescue, the Police, the military, the Environment Agency, the NHS and other government agencies, we are always committed to providing the very best level of care possible.

The SCAS Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) worked throughout the region to assist with other agencies.

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The HART team were deployed to Wraysbury in Berkshire, where there had been substantial flooding, to assist with the rescue and support operation. HART staff undergo extensive water training and hold qualifications for working in difficult conditions. This expertise and training made them perfectly suited to assist with any medical issues that arose in the community.

SCAS designer and photographer Ben Hennessy spent a morning with HART paramedics Gemma and Andy (aka Potter) to see first hand the role that the team have been playing. Ben picks up the story below: “HART along with the other main emergency services had set up camp (quite literally) in the playground of a junior school. With their specialist vehicles and makeshift sleeping quarters, there was quite a HART presence.

“Inside the school, a command centre from where they would run support and rescue operations had been established and the usual noise and chaos of a school dining hall had become a place of shelter from the rain to feed and water the numerous emergency services personnel, members of the military and volunteers who were all working hard.

A steady stream of people helped themselves to hot drinks, sandwiches and biscuits all provided by volunteers. There was a very strong feeling of support for the community and it was clear everyone who was there really wanted to help.

“I’d gone to Wraysbury to spend some time with the HART team to take photos and see exactly what they are doing in the community. When I arrived it was clear there was a lot of water around but it was only when we got to Friary Island in the HART 4x4 under the guidance of local flood warden Mick that we saw a street that was completely submerged, due mainly to it’s proximity to the incredibly swollen River Thames.

“On the day of my visit, the water had dropped and where we were the water was probably about 2ft / 2.5ft deep in places but it was clear from the water lines on fences and houses that it had dropped by over a foot.

“Following Mick we cautiously walked the length of the street, watching out for potholes and raised manhole covers which had been forced up under the pressure of the water. As a local, Mick knew a lot about the area and the people living in it and told us about previous flooding.

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Foundation Times A newsletter for every member of our trust

Issue 10 Spring 2014

“He told us that there had been such bad floods in 1947 that houses now had to be built raised off the ground and have special grills and channels for flood water to flow through.

“Thankfully, the majority of the houses we saw were raised above the flood water.

However, without impressive waterproof gear, residents were effectively stranded in their houses. Most residents had moved cars to dry land but there were a couple that had been swallowed up by the water. We stopped at a house that had two kayaks moored outside, not a sight you see very often; one roped to the drain pipe and one to the fence.

We spoke to the owner who told us that everything was fine apart from their heating not working, but he was at least dry inside.

“He advised us to call in on an elderly gentleman further down the road. His house backed onto the River Thames but luckily, as with most others his house had been built raised up. Mick, the flood warden spoke to the man who wanted additional electric heaters for his house. There was obviously a problem with heating in the street. Most houses seemed to have electricity still which was a good sign though we were unsure how efficient their plumbing would be.

“Walking back towards the 4x4 we came across a crew from London Fire Brigade who were going to check on certain properties.

A list had been compiled of all properties or residents who needed attention or had particular requests. This info was shared amongst all agencies, which again illustrated how joined up the whole operation was.

Potter and Gemma passed on additional info about the gentleman we had spoken to and we left them to it.

“Back at the school it was time to get out of my dry suit which wasn’t as easy as you’d imagine. It had kept me bone dry and warm in cold miserable flood water, I can’t imagine trying to cope without it.

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“Spending the morning with HART showed just what a impressive range of skills and people we have working in SCAS. “These are trained specialists who are as comfortable in flood water as they are climbing up a tower crane. Some of the team had been sleeping in a tent in the playground (though I did notice a toaster and a supply of French Fancies in their command vehicle so it wasn’t all that bad…)

“All members of staff who have been involved in operations around the flooding deserve recognition for working in such challenging conditions.

“A big thank you to flood warden Mick who guided us around Wraysbury and to Gemma and ‘Potter’ for taking me out and taking the time to talk to me through what they’re doing. Thanks also to Adam Broom for lending me his dry suit and thermals and finally to Paul Haly and David Findlay for allowing me to go at all”.

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Foundation Times A newsletter for every member of our trust

Issue 10 Spring 2014

TAKE OUT THE GUESSWORK WITH NHS 111 PATIENT STORY Usually when something unexpected happens and you, a friend or family member, are in pain it can be a ‘default’ to head to the local A&E. Luckily in this instance when it struck Mary Purnell’s family at 1am, she had the presence of mind to remember to call 111.

Mary lives with her daughter and her daughter’s boyfriend Dan and it was at 1am in early January when Dan woke up in excruciating knee pain. It had happened once before a few months earlier and that time, the severe spasm had been equally painful but soon eased. This time, however, it was different.

“It was probably more painful this time and was lasting much longer”, says Mary. “It was time to get some help. There was no way Dan could be transported to A&E so I immediately suggested my daughter call 111. I was aware of the 111 service through my work and it seemed to me to be the best thing to do.”

The NHS 111 service is designed for anyone who needs urgent medical help that is not a 999 (i.e. life-threatening) emergency. Mary’s daughter made the initial call and then passed the phone on to Dan to explain exactly what was happening to him. The call handler soon realised that due to Dan’s incredible pain and immobility, it was not going to be possible for him or a family member to get him to a medical centre and so a paramedic was despatched.

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Mary picks up the story: “I told Dan to prepare for a long wait – thinking that just like an A&E department, there would more urgent cases ahead of him.

But the paramedic arrived in 15 minutes!

He gave Dan some gas and air, established a really good rapport with him in difficult circumstances and stayed with him until the seizure began to ease. He explained exactly what he was doing at every stage and made sure Dan knew it was important to make an urgent GP appointment to start investigating what was making the knee seize up.”

“If we had turned up at A&E, we could have waited there for two, three maybe even four hours. After all, they are there to treat lifethreatening emergencies first and everything else – however painful it might seem – comes second.”

Mary found using NHS 111 easy, with a professional and knowledgeable person on the other end of the line who treated Dan as an individual and was able to get urgent, necessary help to him without him having to leave home.

“The thing that I’ll take away from this, is that 111 is a gateway into ALL the NHS services and takes away the decision from the patient as to what, if any, is the best service to choose. We couldn’t have asked for a better, more professional and straightforward service.

I would recommend 111 to anyone and have done so since!”

SCAS NOW PROVIDES THE NHS 111 SERVICE TO LUTON AND BEDFORDSHIRE In February we successfully started our delivery of the NHS 111 service to the residents of Luton and Bedfordshire.

REAL LIFE IN MANY WAYS, MARY FEELS DIALLING 111 WAS A BETTER DECISION THAN GOING TO THE LOCAL A&E. We will be delivering this service out of the Emergency Operations Centre at Northern House, until such times as the NHS 111 service is retendered nationally.

An incredible amount of hard work has gone in to preparing for the implementation of this service and we would like to take this opportunity to thank all those staff members involved for their commitment and enthusiasm in preparing for the ‘go live’.

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Foundation Times A newsletter for every member of our trust

Issue 10 Spring 2014

Sixth Form Students Get the Message Drive Safely!

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In March Chris Brooker, one of our team leaders from Bracknell station, co-ordinated an extrication demonstration to school children in Bracknell to educate them about the danger of irresponsible driving. Here Chris gives an account of the event.

‘On a sunny Wednesday afternoon (12th March 2014) Sam Gamper, Nick Carter and myself were able to help deliver a safe drive message to about 100 sixth formers from Garth Hill College in Bracknell.

With our local Bracknell colleagues from Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service and Thames Valley Police we created a mock entrapment RTC that had been caused by a newly qualified and intoxicated driver. Whilst talking the process through with the students, we assessed, treated and immobilised the casualty then cut them free from the car. The students were able to see at first hand the effort, team work, equipment, noise and disruption that go into freeing a trapped casualty.

This event was organised by Bracknell Forest Council’s Road Safety Team and will be followed up the following week to drive home the message about drink driving, making responsible decisions and keeping safe behind the wheel. I’d like to thank Sam and Nick for their support and volunteering to come in to help out.’

student comments: ‘‘It makes you aware of all the people who are involved when there is an accident. It’s really thought provoking.’

“Excellent demonstration, really made me think about my driving and the effect of alcohol on a driver’s ability.”

“It was a surreal experience.

It’s one thing to hear them talk about accidents like this and another seeing it.”

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Foundation Times A newsletter for every member of our trust

Issue 10 Spring 2014

BE PART OF OUR FUTURE

BY TAKING PART IN OUR ANNUAL SURVEY We want to hear from you, our members, and make sure your opinion counts!

We continually strive to make your membership as meaningful as possible, offering you the opportunity to be as involved as you wish or are able to be. In order to achieve this, we need to continue to develop and improve ways of communicating and engaging to ensure your needs and wants as members are met.

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We also aim to provide our patients and users with the best possible experience whilst they are using our services. We know that involving patients in decisions about their care leads to improved patient experience and this is why putting our patients first is one of the Trust’s core values.

Have you used our services either as a patient or a caller during the last year? If so, please help us by completing our survey. We value your feedback.

Your continued support as members is very important to us.

Deadline for submitting the survey: Monday 7 July 2014

We would be grateful if you could spare a few of minutes to complete our survey; it’s easy, straightforward and above all an opportunity for you to tell us what you think about our services.

A summary of the results will be included in the next members’ newsletter and will be published on the Trust website.

Take the survey now by following www.surveymonkey.com/s/7TN6FWY

CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE SURVEY 27

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T E E M G E B I L A 28

I was born and bred in Southampton and currently work as Project Manager for Awaaz Community Radio. Having lived, worked and studied in the city, my wish is to work for continuous improvement and excellence in local health and social care services as I have good ground knowledge of the needs of the local BME community especially the Pakistani community including overcoming barriers (religious or customs).

I am passionate about health awareness in the community and was at the forefront of the delivery of Healthwatch England. I participated in Healthwatch England activities through my work with CQC. I have particular interest in SCAS to help ensure they reach diverse communities especially those that are seldom heard. When I was approached by Monica Moro at SCAS, getting involved would give me an active role in advancing BME public engagement.

As an FT member, I am able to use my experience of working with the ethnic community represented by Awaaz for mutual collaboration and gathering views and understanding experiences. As a Hampshire Patients’ Forum member, I am able to put forward views and experiences of people – via the Awaaz platform - who use SCAS services from the wider community. This is a valuable asset in helping to understand the experiences of the service users.

I spend my spare time with family. My recreational interests include swimming, squash and long distance driving. Recently, I drove – with friends – through Europe to Istanbul and back in 15 days!

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Foundation Times A newsletter for every member of our trust

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Issue 10 Spring 2014

WAYS TO GET ACTIVE WITH YOUR KIDS

WALK OR CYCLE TO AND FROM SCHOOL WITH THE KIDS AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE. PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN WEAR A CYCLE HELMET AT ALL TIMES

GO ROLLER SKATING, ROLLER BLADING OR SKATEBOARDING, INDOOR OR OUT.

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Spring is finally here and there are now lots of activities which you can enjoy outdoors if you have children or grandchildren Physical activity helps children grow strong bones, maintain a healthy weight and discover the world around them. Best of all, it’s great fun.

BUILD A DEN OR TREEHOUSE WITH THEM. OR, UNDER SUPERVISION, ENCOURAGE THEM TO CLIMB A TREE OR TWO.

DO AN ACTIVITY CHALLENGE TOGETHER, SUCH AS WORKING TOWARDS A FUN RUN OR A WALK FOR CHARITY. TAKE THE DOG FOR A WALK. IF YOU DON’T HAVE ONE OF YOUR OWN, ASK TO BORROW A NEIGHBOUR’S OR FRIEND’S DOG AND TAKE IT FOR A WALK.

SUPPORT YOUR KIDS IN SPORTS, CLUBS OR ANY OTHER ACTIVITIES THAT MAY INTEREST THEM. JOINING A WEEKEND CLUB SPORT ENSURES COMMITMENT TO A TEAM AND REGULAR EXERCISE.

FIND TIME EVERY WEEKEND TO DO SOMETHING ACTIVE WITH YOUR CHILDREN. PLAY FRISBEE OR FOOTBALL IN THE PARK, GO TRAMPOLINING OR TRY INDOOR ROCK CLIMBING. FLY A KITE. THE KITE SOCIETY OF GREAT BRITAIN’S WEBSITE LISTS A NUMBER OF GROUPS THAT REGULARLY MEET FOR SPECIAL FLYING DAYS

TRY A BEACH HOLIDAY. WHEN THEY HIT THE SAND, CHILDREN FIND A MULTITUDE OF WAYS TO EXERCISE, INCLUDING GAMES, SWIMMING AND PLENTY OF RUNNING AROUND. OR TRY AN ACTIVITY-BASED HOLIDAY.

THE NATIONAL PARKS WEBSITE HAS LISTS OF EVENTS SUCH AS GUIDED WALKS AND CHILDREN’S FUN DAYS, FOR FRESH IDEAS FOR ACTIVE DAYS OUT.

All photos © South Central Ambulance Service. Photos by Ben Hennessy

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Foundation Times A newsletter for every member of our trust

Issue 10 Spring 2014

HAZARDOUS AREA RESPONSE TEAM CELEBRATES 3RD ANNIVERSARY 2013 was a busy year for the Hazardous Area Response Team at South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SCAS) attending 680 incidents since 1 April 2013. Over the last three years HART have gone from strength to strength with new training and skills being introduced since their inception. 31 January 2014 saw them celebrate the 3rd anniversary of their launch.

Hazardous Area Response Teams (HART) are Paramedics and Technicians who have additional training and skills which allow them to attend a variety of incidents. HART was started in a bid to bring ambulance staff into the ‘hot zone’ of an incident, where traditionally ambulance service personnel wouldn’t be allowed in order to provide triage, treatment and care to patients.

Previously colleagues from other Emergency Services would retrieve patients from the ‘hot zone’ and bring them to ambulance personnel in the safe area. John Dyer, Head of Resilience and Specialist Operations said: “Taking care to patients, wherever they might be is very important. SCAS HART have proved that a close knit team working in partnership with other emergency services can ensure high quality care is given to patients as soon as possible.”

Over the last year HART have been dispatched to various incidents across the four counties it serves. Including: ÙÙ Flooding ÙÙ Persons injured while at height ÙÙ Multiple casualty incidents ÙÙ Chemical incidents ÙÙ Water incidents ÙÙ Complex Road Traffic Collisions ÙÙ Aircraft Incidents ÙÙ Fires in various locations ÙÙ Difficult access to remote areas Paul Haly, HART Team Leader & Paramedic, said “The ability to take pre-hospital care into locations where traditionally Paramedic interventions would never have reached is both an enjoyable and challenging experience.

The knowledge and increased awareness that I have gained in HART has enabled me to develop both personally and professionally, and helped me progress my career as a Paramedic.

Working as a valued member of a team has allowed us to provide effective care inside the risk area at a diverse range of incidents.”

The HART Team are mobilised to incidents via the Emergency Operations Centres in the SCAS area, however any Ambulance Service area can request the attendance of the HART team.

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Foundation Times A newsletter for every member of our trust

Issue 10 Spring 2014

GET INVOLVED WITH OUR LEAGUE OF FRIENDS Mike Shread, one of our Oxfordshire governors and League of Friends trustee, tells us about the League’s latest initiatives and how you can help.

Did you know that SCAS League of Friends has been fundraising since the mid 1970s? The League was formed to raise charitable funds in support of our Ambulance Service and more recently to aid and support CFRs (Community First Responders) and military groups.

We were the first and remain the only such League in the UK! We are a registered charity managed by volunteers who meet regularly throughout the year.

The Trustees are:ÙÙ Ali Smith, Chair ÙÙ Mike Shread, Public Governor and Gift Aid Co-ordinator ÙÙ Dick Tracey, Paramedic/CFR Manager ÙÙ Ian Jones, Paramedic/Community Responder Officer ÙÙ Amanda Cundy, Technician/Community Responder Officer ÙÙ Andy Long, CFR 34

Fiona Mantle, a Chinnor CFR is helping us by taking on the role of Lottery Organiser and Recycling Champion.

We recycle printer cartridges so please save any you have. Current tasks include CFR support, car purchasing for CFRs, pager provision and service support and helping provide AEDs along with other essential items.

Contributions can be made through specific events on the ‘mydonate’ website or directly to the charity. We are currently applying for Gift Aid status which will increase the value of donations.

We are introducing a monthly lottery, a fun way to contribute. We recycle used inkjet cartridges and unwanted mobile telephones.

Further information and enquiries can be made via our e-mail address scasloflot@gmail.com.

WE ARE COMING TO MEET YOU We actively seek to involve our members, patients and the public (and those who represent them) in our decision making, ensuring that we engage with our local communities and members. Come and talk to us at one of our events this summer.

For details of all our upcoming meetings visit: www.scas.nhs.uk/foundation-trust/engagingwithourcommunities/events.ashx

Date

Event

Location

Time

Saturday 14 June

Greta Park, Hedge End, Southampton, Hampshire

3pm to 7pm

Saturday 21 June

Hedge End Medical Centre Health and Wellbeing (inc. informal SCAS Hants constituency meeting).

Governors in attendance: Jeni Bremner, Tricia Kelly, Barry Lipscomb, Jon Cotterell and Paul Carnell Tiptoe School Fete

Saturday 21 June

Annual Summer Fete

Saturday 28 June

Fawley Armed Forces Day. Partner governor in attendance: Allan Glass (New Forest District Council) CultureFest 2014 The Grandstand, Newbury Racecourse, Berks Presentation to local Sports Pavilion, villagers on local Blewbury,Oxon OX11 9NH ambulance services and how you can get involved (inc. Oxon constituency meeting) Public governor in attendance: Mike Shread, Tim Windsor-Shaw and Patrick Conafray Bordon 999 Emergency Ser- Groomes Hotel, Frith End, vices Show 2014 with Festival Bordon, Hampshire, GU35 of Music/Dance 0QR, just off the A325

Saturday 12 July Tuesday 15 July

Sunday 27 July

Tiptoe School, Lymington, 2pm-4pm Hants SO41 6FU Harestock Primary School, 10am to 4pm Winchester, Hants Gangwarily Recreation centre All day event Fawley, Hants

12pm to 4pm 6.30pm to 8pm

From 10.30am to 9.30pm

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Get to know your governors Public governors

Berkshire constituency

Ian Hammond

Melanie Hampton

Vacant

Appointed partner governors

Staff governors

Public governors

Hampshire constituency

Kemi Adenubi

Jeni Bremner

Paul Carnell

Tricia Kelly

Jonathan Cotterell

John Donne

David Palmer

Vacant

Eddie Cottrell

Christina Fowler

Steve Lacey

David Chilvers

Cllr Keith House

Barry Lipscomb

Sabrina Chetcuti

Vacant

Cllr Allan Glass

Contact the Membership Office Please get in touch with the membership office if you: Email: getinvolved@scas.nhs.uk »» want more information about what we do or Tel: 01869 365126 »» have a story you want to share with other members »» want us to come along to an event in your local area »» change your contact details »» want to get more involved and update your involvement choices »» want membership forms or other literature to distribute »» want to raise an issue with a governor 36

Have your say and support your governors.

Buckinghamshire constituency

Make a difference by helping them shape the future of your local ambulance service.

Email them at getinvolved@scas.nhs.uk

Bob Duggan

Dave Johnson

David Ridley

Oxfordshire constituency

Patrick Conafray

Michael Shread

Tim WindsorShaw

COUNCIL OF GOVERNORS

The Council of Governors meets five times a year and represents the interests of members and stakeholder organisations. Meetings are open to the public. For more information please visit our website at www.scas.nhs.uk/ft The next COG meeting will be on 22 July 2014 at Shaw House, Newbury (6.30pm - 9.00pm).

Want to find out who your governors are? Go to www.scas.nhs.uk/ft 37

Foundation Times A newsletter for every member of our trust

Issue 10 Spring 2014

HOW WE’RE DOING APRIL 2014 TOTAL 999 ACTIVITY

41,435

111 CALLS ANSWERED

104,410 NON CONVEYANCE

NON CONVEYANCE %

16,338

45.13%

What does it mean?

Total activity equates to the number of calls which received a SCAS response or were dealt with by our clinical support desks Activity variance over the same period last year.

Non conveyance is the number of incidents we responded to where the patient was not taken to hospital.

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Non conveyance % is the percentage of incidents we responded to where the patient was not taken to hospital.

Category A [Red 1] - indicates a performance target for an emergency response, which is categorised as immediately life-threatening, to reach an incident within 8 minutes from the time a call is connected to the ambulance emergency control centre. The national target is to respond to 75% of all these calls within 8 minutes.

RED 1 [8 mins]

81.60% RED 2 [8 mins]

77.33%

RED 1 [19 mins]

97.81% RED 2 [19 mins]

96.40%

CFR RESPONSES

1,832

PTS JOURNEYS

30,664 Category A [Red 2] - indicates a performance target for an emergency response which may be life threatening but less time-critical. Calls should receive an emergency response within 8 minutes.

RED19 performance - indicates a performance target for a conveying response (ambulance or rapid response vehicle) to reach an incident of a life-threatening nature within 19 minutes from the time a call is connected to an ambulance emergency control centre. The national target is to respond to 95% of all these calls within 19 minutes.

111 calls answered is the number of calls answered through the non-emergency healthcare service.

CFR stands for Community First Responder.

PTS stands for Patient Transport Service.

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Produced by South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust Units 7 and 8 Talisman Business Centre Talisman Road Bicester Oxfordshire OX26 6HR Tel 01869 365000 | Fax 01869 322814 | getinvolved@scas.nhs.uk | www.scas.nhs.uk Design > Ben Hennessy

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