Working Together December 2013

DEC/13

Cover illustration by Ben Hennessy

7 Idea O T F LE

CHRISTMAS LEFTOVERS IDEAS

14 SCAS APS UP AND RUNNING

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THE COLD SEASON IS UPON US

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HAMPSHIRE POLICE DRINK AND DRUG DRIVING CAMPAIGN

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WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT US

ERS

as

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THE AMBIES

FIND 999 TED

OUR NEW MASCOT IS HIDDEN IN THIS FESTIVE ISSUE OF WORKING TOGETHER. CAN YOU SPOT HIM? LET US KNOW AT GETINVOLVED@SCAS.NHS.UK

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WINTER GUIDANCE

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THE CHRISTMAS SONG

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PLANTING THE NHS FOREST 4

DEC/13 Last month, we started planting our contribution to the NHS Forest project, planting trees at Ambulance stations across the region. Coordinated by the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare, the project has a number of aims, including ‘greening’ the NHS Estate by planting 1 tree per employee. That’s a whopping 1.3million trees, so it’s a massive task, but everyone has the chance to get involved.

Adderbury RC was the first station to take part, with Kidlington, Reading and Ringwood not far behind. All four sites are now boasting new trees, and you can see colleagues taking part in the first planting. Basingstoke, Andover, Whitchurch and the new Portsmouth site are still to follow and planting will carry on well into the New Year.

Our Green Team Champions have been leading the charge, but anyone can get involved in the NHS Forest, so if you are interested contact our Green Team Coordinator Brian Miller.

Adderbury RC (SCAS and PTS colleagues) from left to right, front row Amy Young, Karen Greenway, Martin Young and Robin Finlayson, back row Paul Cook and Neil James Kidlington (SCAS, A&E and PTS colleagues) - from left to right, Bonnie Brookes, Simon Murphy, Lizzie Hill and Jeff Watkins Reading – from left to right, Green Team Champion Aniko Balogh and Green Team Coordinator Brian Miller Ringwood (SCAS and A&E colleagues) – from left to right, Green Team Champion Duncan Evans, Leslie Goddard and Charles Mead

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Thank you!

DID YOU KNOW OVER 1,571 SCAS STAFF WILL BE WORKING OVER CHRISTMAS & BOXING DAY

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DEC/13

S R E O T F E L

s a e Id

S A M T S I R H C O T Y E K R U T M FRO S A E D I E S E H T T U O K C E H C , CAKE E S U O T S Y A W E V I T A E R C R FO G N I X O B D N A … …

S A M T S I R UP CH S R E V O T F E L L A E M DAY 7

y e k r Tu s r e v lefto Leftover poultry such as turkey, goose, chicken or duck can be used in a variety of ways, from sandwiches and stir fries to soups and salads.

Why not make one of these dishes: ÙÙspeedy stir fry ÙÙturkey and chickpea coconut curry ÙÙduck, broad bean and beetroot salad ÙÙchicken and vegetable broth ÙÙturkey, ham and leek pie If you don’t think you will get around to eating the meat before it goes off, you can always slice it and freeze it for another time. When you are ready to use it, defrost it in the fridge and use it the same day.

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f e e b t s a o R s r e v lefto Beef hotpot Try combining leftover roast beef with leftover gravy and vegetables from the Christmas dinner, top with a layer of sliced cooked potatoes and you’ll have a hearty hotpot ready to go on Boxing Day. Yorkshire pudding canapés You could also try serving roast beef topped Yorkshire puddings. Place slices of roast beef inside mini Yorkshire puds with a bit of English mustard or horseradish. They can be served hot with gravy, or cold as a canapé.

Mince beef Beef can also be minced and used as a filling for cottage pie or a bolognese sauce.

DEC/13

e l b a t e g e V s r e v lefto Potatoes, carrots and parsnips combine wonderfully with stock to make a warming root vegetable soup. You can also chop them up into cubes and add some herbs, fry them in a little olive oil and serve with cold leftover meats.

Ideas: ÙÙroot vegetable soup ÙÙbeef hash and poached eggs with hollandaise sauce ÙÙvegetable crumble

g n i s U s r e v lefto y l e f sa It is important to use leftover food correctly and safely: ÙÙcool leftovers as quickly as possible, ideally within 90 minutes (splitting into smaller portions can help), then cover and refrigerate ÙÙ use leftovers within two days and reheat until steaming hot ÙÙdon’t reheat leftovers more than once

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Hampshire Police drink and drug driving campaign focuses on Evey’s story A series of hard hitting videos spelling out the heartbreaking consequences of drink and drug driving are being released by Hampshire Police.

This year, the police campaign focuses on the story of Evey Staley, a ten-year-old from Newport on the Isle of Wight. Evey was killed when her parents car was hit by another car being driven by a drink and drug driver as they pulled out of their driveway.

Neal and Penny Staley were both seriously injured in the crash, with Penny being in a coma for several days and Neal left permanently disabled.

In the first video, released on Monday, Evey’s mum and dad tell their story. Neal speaks of the unbearable decision to switch off Evey’s life support machine and to donate her organs to others that needed them.

Evey’s aunt and uncle, Hayley and Alan, feature in the second video, and speak movingly about how they coped with the immediate aftermath of the crash, particularly how they cared for Evey’s older sister, Ellie.

Further videos being released daily through Hampshire Constabulary’s You Tube and social media channels feature police officers who attended the crash scene and a specialist officer from the Impaired Driver Unit focussing on the issue of drug-impaired driving. The final video interview is with a hospital consultant who treated Neal and Penny after the collision also recalls her memories of those tragic events and the lasting effect it has had on her.

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DEC/13

Inspector Andy Storey who is heading this year’s campaign said: “I’d urge everyone to watch these videos to the end. They are extremely emotive and painful to watch. But that is nothing compared to the pain and suffering the Staley family continue to experience.

“They have shown extraordinary strength in telling their story to us to help us get across this vital message, and to try and stop any other family having to suffer as they have and continue to as a result of drink and drug driving.

“All those involved with the crash were and remain affected by it, as the videos demonstrate.

“Evey is the reason we are wearing purple ribbons this Christmas, to remember her and all those who have died as result of drunk or drugged drivers.

“Drink and drug driving ruins lives. If you know someone who drink drives or takes drugs before getting behind the wheel, I would strongly urge you to get in touch anonymously by text on 80999 or by calling police.

“Don’t hesitate, just do it. You could save a life.”

View the Hampshire Police YouTube channel here

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DEC/13

Click here to download the AED app

Click here to download the Trauma Triage Tool app

In the last couple of months we have launched two new and innovative apps, one designed to help members of the public, and one to assist our crews.

We still need help from the Public as we develop the app, and anyone who has, or knows of an AED that is not listed on the app should let us know.

Our Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) locator app forms part of our ongoing ‘Start a Heart’ campaign, and we are delighted to be the first ambulance trust in the UK to launch such an app.

The other app launched is a Trauma Triage Tool app, and this is specifically designed to help our emergency crews make the right decision when it comes to taking critically injured trauma patients to the right hospital.

The app, which identifies over 600 AEDs in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire and Oxfordshire, could help local people save the life of a person suffering sudden cardiac arrest.

As well as providing clear and simple guidance on how to perform CPR on adults, children and infants (including hands-only CPR), the app uses GPS functionality to show where the nearest AED is as well as a list of other AEDs in the area.

Devised by our own Els Freshwater, SCAS paramedic and trainee consultant practitioner, the app works by using GPS functionality to locate the scene of the incident and confirm the condition of the patient. The app will then recommend to crews whether the best option is one of the major Trauma Centres in the region, or the nearest Trauma Unit. You can also record ATMIST information (Age of patient, Time of incident, Mechanism of injury, vital Signs, and Treatment given), and provide feedback about the app using the ‘about’ tab.

The AED Locator for iPhone and iPad can be downloaded from the Apple iTunes Store using the relevant links, or you can browse the store searching for ‘AED Locator UK’.

The Trauma Tool app can be downloaded here, or by searching for ‘triage tool app’ or ‘major trauma triage’ within the Apple iTunes store.

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It is easier to catch a cold in the winter months, probably because we are stuck inside and the virus has more opportunity to spread.

A cold is a viral infection and you know the main symptoms are coughing, sneezing, a runny then a blocked nose, sore throat, headache and a slight temperature. A cold clears up when your body has had time to fight off the virus, and this usually takes about three days. There are no medicines to kill the cold virus however if the cold is wearing down your body’s defences and you get a bacterial infection you may be prescribed an antibiotic.

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DEC/13 How can I treat a cold?

• Take paracetamol or ibuprofen when required for pain and discomfort • A cough medicines may help (see below) • Drink fluids to prevent dehydration • Rest if you are feeling tired • Seek medical advice if symptoms deteriorate significantly or other symptoms develop.

Children Cough and cold medicines shouldn’t be given to children under the age of six as they may cause allergic reactions, sleep problems or hallucinations.

You can give a child a warm drink of lemon and honey or a simple cough syrup that contains glycerol or honey. Do not give honey to children under one as there is a small risk of infant botulism.

How long will cold symptoms last?

Colds usually last for about three days. Some symptoms such as a sore throat, blocked nose and a cough may last longer, and you may want to treat these for a little longer.

Sore throat About 9 in 10 sore throats clear up within 7 days. The throat pain can be treated with regular pain killers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol.

Blocked nose For the first few days of a cold you will usually have a runny nose and later on the secretions become thicker and darker and the nose becomes congested. About 8 in 10 congested noses will clear up in 14 days.

• To help you breathe more easily a decongestant may reduce nasal congestion and can be used for up to a maximum of one week • To relieve local discomfort you could try a warm face pack • To reduce pain you could take paracetamol or ibuprofen.

Cough A mild cough can take up to 3 weeks to disappear. If you are coughing up dark phlegm or feeling a lot of distress when you cough, you may have developed a bacterial infection.

• Honey and lemon cough mixture may relieve the irritation that causes coughing as the honey coats the throat • Cough medicines should never be taken for more than two weeks.

Types of cough mixtures Dry coughs Cough suppressants reduce the cough reflex and are used to treat a dry hacking cough.

Cough suppressants include pholcodine, dextromethorphan and antihistamines. The antihistamines sometimes cause drowsiness, which can be helpful if your cough is disrupting your sleep.

Chesty cough Expectorants help loosen mucus and make coughing easier. Expectorants include guaifenesin, squill, and ammonium chloride.

Other ingredients • Cough medicines may also contain other ingredients that help relieve cold symptoms such as a blocked nose or fever • Some cough medicines contain paracetamol so don’t take more than the recommended dosage Don’t pass it on

CATCH IT

Germs spread easily. Always carry tissues and use them to catch your cough or sneeze.

BIN IT

Germs can live for several hours on tissues.

Dispose of your tissue as soon as possible.

KILL IT

Hands can transfer germs to every surface you touch. Clean your hands as soon as you can.

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November 28 saw our prestigious AMBIES Awards Ceremony take place at The Randolph Hotel in Oxford. The AMBIES are our annual awards event, which celebrate the dedication and commitment shown by staff to the Trust and our patients.

‘AMBIES’ is not an acronym, it’s a unique name derived from ‘ambulance services’.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate and to everyone who was able to come along to celebrate our friends and colleagues achievements.

First up we celebrated those members of staff who were in receipt of their Queen’s Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.

The recipients are: »» Shea O’Hagan »» Susan May »» Ann Gilbert »» Sandra Stephens »» Darren Noakes »» Christopher Tate »» David Edwards »» Michele Behan »» Christopher Hurley We are very pleased to announce that the shortlisted and winners of this year’s AMBIES awards are:

A&E Person of the Year Shortlisted »» Rebecca Cartwright »» Trudi Nicholls »» Debbie Plant And the winner is…

DEBBIE PLANT

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111 Person of the Year Shortlisted »» Richard Darch »» Claire Farrow »» Jane Shouler And the winner is…

CLAIRE FARROW

Commercial Services Person of the Year Shortlisted »» Emma Crozier »» Andrea Reed »» Deborah Davison And the winner is…

EMMA CROZIER

EOC Person of the Year Shortlisted »» Sally Hodgson »» Keith Roberts »» Claire Pond And the winner is…

CLAIRE POND

Support Person of the Year Shortlisted »» Michelle Cobb »» Graham Sharman »» Lynnette Witt And the winner is…

MICHELLE COBB

DEC/13

Volunteer of the Year Shortlisted »» David Lewis »» Chris Wrey »» Brian Vowell And the winner is…

BRIAN VOWELL

Team of the Year Shortlisted »» ICT Clinical »» PTS Oxfordshire »» TRiM Practitioners South And the winner is…

PTS OXFORDSHIRE

Educator of the Year Shortlisted »» James Birdseye »» Sarah Somerville »» Richard Berry And the winner is…

RICHARD BERRY

Governors Ambassador Award And the winner is…

MARK BROWNING

CEO’s Commendation Shortlisted »» Bronwyn Audin »» Eleanor Rutter »» Simon Brown And the winner is…

ELEANOR RUTTER

Chairman’s Special Award Shortlisted »» Barry Marshall »» Els Freshwater »» Debbie Marrs And the winner is…

DEBBIE MARRS Congratulations to all those nominated, shortlisted and the winners and a big thank you to our special guests Bill Heine from BBC Radio Oxford and John Harwood, Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Oxford.

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DEC/13

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OUT IN THE COMMUNITY

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DEC/13

Vernham Dean became the latest Hampshire village to join the Public Access Defibrillator Initiative, as they unveiled their newly installed Automatic External Defibrillator (AED). The Parish, Borough and County councils have all contributed to enable the village to purchase and install the AED with help and support from South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS).

Parish councillor Michael Knight, who has been instrumental in driving forward the initiative in Vernham Dean said ‘We have ten Parish Responders who have received training in CPR and using the new defibrillator, and being a small parish of around 250 properties most people know at least two of the Responders.

Having a defibrillator so close is really beneficial to the whole community, and I look forward to seeing ours appear on the new AED app soon’.

SCAS is able to provide assistance to interested businesses and organisations by directing them to charities, grants and community fundraising schemes to help with AED purchasing. To find out more about how SCAS can help you and your community benefit from an AED please email richard.tracey@scas.nhs.uk.

Also out in the community our Bitterne Community First Responders group (CFRs) were delighted to receive a donation of £380 from BBC Radio Solent as part of their Community Chest scheme.

Supported by BBC Radio Solent, the Community Chest scheme is designed to support grass-roots activities in Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight. Weekly winners are announced every Monday live on air during the Katie Martin Show where Katie heard firsthand from Bitterne CFR coordinator Paul Loth about how the money will help the scheme, what the CFRs do in the local area, and how the community will benefit.

In Hampshire our volunteer CFRs responded to 3690 immediately life-threatening medical emergencies in 2012/13, and the Bitterne CFR scheme currently has 5 active volunteers with further volunteers going through the application process.

If you know anyone who may be interested in volunteering as a CFR across the region, don’t hesitate to telephone 0800 587 0207 or email us at cfr@scas.nhs.uk.

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What others say about us Oxfordshire

Berkshire

I want to pass on my thanks to them (the crew); the professionalism is second to none, I was so impressed and their work was highly praised by 2 cardiologists at the hospital who commented how well they had read my ECG and reacted

You have given exceptional service – not only efficient and helpful but with such a caring attitude, people like you make life so much more worthwhile

Hampshire

Buckinghamshire

Thank you so much to the 2 great young men; they arrived quickly, were calm, thorough, professional and personal they really went the extra mile and gave fantastic service; they deserve our praise and thanks they are great guys!

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I am writing to say a big thank you for your continual care and commitment to the patients you attend. You both work hard to treat patients with the care, compassion and the dignity they deserve in their time of need and this is often not recognised.

DEC/13 Oxfordshire

I have no doubt that I owe my life to your staff; my family and I are deeply grateful and believe that your staff a first class and providing outstanding a service to the local community

Berkshire

I live so far away that I was so grateful that you could get to granddad; the care provided was fantastic, each member of staff showed kindness, respect and effectively chose the right care for him; I want you to know how grateful we are

Buckinghamshire

We want to thank everyone you were so efficient and helpful – a supremely well organised and caring service

Hampshire

Thank you to the speedy response by the ‘A’ team from Hythe. Such professionalism, kindness and humour. Much appreciated.

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Photo by Jeremy Noble: www.flickr.com/photos/uberculture

With winter now upon us, it’s a good time to remind everyone how they can prepare for the season, and help their local ambulance service in the process.

Take a look at the following steps, and just remember three simple things…’Be aware, Be prepared, and Be neighbourly’.

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DEC/13

BE AWARE Mark Ainsworth, Operations Director said “We’d encourage everyone to use us appropriately and only use 999 and A&E in a genuine emergency situation. Choosing the right place to go for NHS treatment can save you time, get you the right level of care first time around and help us respond to genuine life threatening medical emergencies.”

• Call 111 – if you urgently need medical help and it’s not a life threatening situation, or if you simply need advice and are not sure of the correct route.

• Use NHS Direct online – if you need advice about conditions or medications, or need to check your symptoms.

• Consult your local pharmacist – for illnesses such as coughs and colds, diarrhoea, minor infections, headaches and also for travel advice. Your pharmacist can also help you stock up with any first aid items for your home, business or vehicle.

• Contact your GP or Out of Hours GP Service – for infections and persistent symptoms such as ear pain, rashes, fevers, depression and generally feeling unwell.

• Visit your Minor Injuries Unit/ Walk In Centre – for injuries such as deep cuts, eye injuries, severe sprains, minor head injuries, minor burns, scalds and bites.

Pharmacist, GP, Minor Injuries Unit/ Walk In Centre and A&E information can be found by using the ‘Find your nearest’ option on NHS Choices. NHS Direct online can also help with a guide to treatment of your particular symptoms, simply use the ‘Check symptoms’ guide on the homepage.

Remember that 999 and A&E are for immediately life-threatening and emergency medical conditions only. You should always call 999 for chest pain, choking, blackout, cardiac arrest, heart attack, severe loss of blood, stroke, breathing difficulties and in the case of major accidents.

Your health: think first and stock up It’s always important to think about the impact the winter can have on any existing medical conditions you might have. For example, if you have heart or respiratory problems, make sure you stay inside if possible during cold spells. You should also think about any medications you are on, and whether you have enough to get you through the winter months. Make sure you are stocked up, or have a means of replacing any prescriptions you might need. If you are in any doubt about an existing condition or medications, consult your GP.

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BE PREPARED Make sure you are prepared for things you would usually associate with the winter months, such as adverse weather conditions and reductions in services. You can help prepare by following a couple of simple steps: Your home: is your number up?

Check your house name or number is clearly visible from the road both day and night, removing any blockages such as plants and trees, and if you are expecting an ambulance, switch on an outside light if possible to help alert us to your location.

Your home: keep warm Try to keep your home warm, and use hot water bottles or an electric blanket to keep yourself warm if you need to. Remember to eat well, and make sure you have hot meals and drinks regularly. Stock up on foods with long shelf lives such as tinned goods, pastas and pulses if you don’t think you will be able to get out. Keep active in the home by moving around regularly, and wrap up inside and out of the home. Wear layers, and make sure if you are going out to wear appropriate footwear with a sturdy grip.

Your vehicle: Make sure that your headlights are clean and working, and that your wipers and screen wash are functioning properly. You should also check your battery and coolant/ anti-freeze levels. A quick check of your tyres is also a good idea to ensure you have appropriate levels of tread, and take some warm clothes and a blanket in case you are stationary for long spells in the cold. Make sure you de-ice your windscreen and windows thoroughly, and if possible you should also think about taking a warm drink and a shovel in case you are stranded in snowy conditions.

You should always consider if you really need to travel at all, and of course plan your journey well in advance of setting off. Visit the Highways Agency for more information.

John Porter, Driving Standards Manager said “During periods of severe or adverse weather, only essential journeys should be undertaken. If you can put off the journey until conditions improve then do so. Allow considerably more distance and time to react to others on the road. On snow and ice, stopping distances can be up to 10 times that of normal road conditions, regardless of your tyre types and condition.”

Also remember when using your vehicle to remain ‘Blue Light Aware’, we will still need your help when getting to an emergency.

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Photo by Russell Smith: www.flickr.com/photos/russelljsmith

DEC/13

BE NEIGHBOURLY Look after others Even if you don’t currently know your elderly neighbours, it does no harm to simply ask if everything is alright and if they are planning ahead for the winter.

Remember to check on older neighbours and relatives to make sure they are safe and well, especially during cold spells. Make sure they are warm enough, and have stocks of food and medicines if applicable. It’s also worth checking batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors – these are lifesaving devices that should never be overlooked.

If you are worried about an elderly relative or neighbour contact your local council or speak to Age UK on 0800 009966.

Look after yourself Being neighbourly should also include looking after yourself, especially with increased festivities and the opportunities for a drink or two. Please remember to drink responsibly and stay safe at all times during the winter months. Under no circumstance should you ever drink and drive, the potential impact on you and innocent parties can change lives forever.

Is it worth the risk?

This year, Hampshire Constabulary, in partnership with Thames Valley Police, will be pouring more time and resources into drink-drive operations than ever before in a bid to slash alcohol-related driving incidents on our roads. So leave your car at home, designate a driver or use public transport or taxis.

You should also know your limits and drink within the daily guidelines, that’s 3-4 units for men and 2-3 units for women per day. You might choose to alternate your drinks with soft drinks or water, and you should always stop drinking well before the end of the night so your body can recover and process the alcohol before the following day.

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Roadshows and events

SCAS holds several roadshows and other events across its region where our staff raises awareness about our services. Here are our winter events from January to March 2014.

DATE

EVENT

VENUE

Friday 10 January 2014

111 Roadshow SLOUGH

The Observatory Shopping Centre, Slough 10:00 - 4:00

Friday 17 January 2014

111 Roadshow BASINGSTOKE

Festival Place Shopping Centre, Basingstoke 10:00 - 4:00

Friday 31 January 2014

111 Roadshow EASTLEIGH

Swan Shopping Centre, Eastleigh 9:00 - 5:00

Wednesday 5 February

111 Roadshow MAIDENHEAD

Nicholson Centre, Maidenhead 9:00 - 5:00

Friday 14 March

111 Roadshow WITNEY

Marriotts Walk, Witney 9:00 - 5:00

Thursday 20 March

111 Roadshow NEWBURY

Newbury Northbrook Street 10:00 - 4:00

13,128

Foundation Trust membership

13,000

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public members to date

12,000 8,000

You can make a difference!

5,000

For more information, email getinvolved@scas.nhs.uk or phone 01869 365126.

NUMBER OF FOUNDATION TRUST MEMBERS

or ou f y t nk Tha suppor your mbers! me

DEC/13

@ s ca s 999

T E E W T TWEET ion of Tweets ct le se ll a sm a is re e H y received tl n ce re ve a h e w t a th akeholders st , rs e n rt a p r u o m o fr k here to read lic C . lic b u p e th d n a us! more and to follow

patientopinion Nov 24 8:41pm The staff are efficient, kind + reliable.

Excellent service. I hope it doesn’t change. #ambulance @SCAS999

Intersurgical Nov 27, 3:32pm New app from @SCAS999 locates nearest AED, gives map location.

Absolutely brilliant idea.

99 TED9

HayesHantsPCC Nov 28, 3:15am Visit to Ambulance Call Centre.Thnx to Team @SCAS999 for their time.

Busy meeting public expectations #impressive

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DEC/13 Lucy_Waterman Dec 7, 10:27pm LOVE being a CFR for @SCAS999 -just went out to cutest old lady who was worried she shouldnt have called 999. She’d broken her shoulder!

3 8llo0we6rs fo

gemsylou89 Dec 9, 7:09pm Very quick response from @SCAS999 Niece is going to be fine thanks to fast & excellent response from the attending crew #ThankYou

cwinter01 Dec 7, 8:18am BIG thank you to @SCAS999 who arrived within 5 mins last night when my friend had anaphylaxis and stopped breathing properly.

Follow us on Twitter @SCAS999 www.twitter.com/SCAS999

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DEC/13

Which song will be Number 1 this Christmas?

The Christmas Number 1 is the most anticipated chart battle of the year, and with only few weeks to go before the Official 2013 Christmas Number 1 single is announced, the BBC has revealed this year’s top contenders. Here they are: ÙÙ AC/DC – Highway To Hell ÙÙ Altern-8 - Activ-8 ÙÙ The Big Reunion - I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday ÙÙ Deacon Blue – You’ll Know It’s Christmas ÙÙ Fynnjan Leach-Verhoeven – The Spirit Of Christmas ÙÙ The Fishwives Choir - When the Boat Comes In / Eternal Father ÙÙ Gaz and Olabean FT The Risk and Emily Williams - Party Like A RockStar (Up Your Game Up) ÙÙ Jack Topping – Tomorrow ÙÙ James Arthur – Recovery ÙÙ John Newman – Losing Sleep ÙÙ Leona Lewis – One More Sleep ÙÙ Lil’ Chris and Lloyd Wilkinson - Christmas Number One (#FeedEmYellowSnow) ÙÙ Lily Allen - Somewhere Only We Know ÙÙ Lucy Spraggan - Tea And Toast ÙÙ Orbital – Christmas Chime ÙÙ The Retrobot – Christmas Robot ÙÙ Richard & Adam - I Saw Three Ships Come Sailing In (On Christmas Day) ÙÙ Robbie Williams – Dream A Little Dream Of Me ÙÙ Slade - Everyday ÙÙ Susan Boyle and Elvis Presley - O Come, All Ye Faithful ÙÙ Sam Bailey - Skyscraper Want to guess who will be number 1? Send us your prediction at getinvolved@scas.nhs.uk.

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The Christmas Song (To the tune of Nat “King” Cole’s Version)

Chest Compressions by an open fire, The queues in A n E still grow.

Call demand keeps on getting ever higher, A Christmas message from the CEO. Everybody knows a Brown increases laminar flow, So get that IV right, The HART team with their eyes all aglow, Will find it hard to sleep tonight.

We know that Santa’s on his way, There’s more drunks on our Terrafix display.

And every mother’s child is gonna try, To see if they really can.....inhale a whole mince pie!

And so I’m offering this simple phrase, To Oxford and to Berkshire too.

Although it’s been said many times, many ways, Merry Christmas, Staff and Crew And so I’m offering this simple phrase, To Bucks and Hampshire too.

Although it’s been said many times, many ways, Merry Christmas, Staff and Crew

Original Songwriters ROBERT WELLS / MEL TORME Rewritten by Andy Graves

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DEC/13

How we’re doing October 2013

Year to date

Total activity

41,493

Total activity

280,439

Activity variance

7.03%

Activity variance

7.70%

Non conveyance

15,863

Non conveyance

108,948

Non conveyance %

42.08%

Non conveyance %

42.91%

Category A [Red 1]

79.15%

Category A [Red 1]

79.11%

Category A [Red 2]

76.33%

Category A [Red 2]

76.29%

Red 19

95.45%

Red 19

95.56%

111 calls answered

67,106

111 calls answered

451,834

Number of CFR responses

1,460

Number of CFR responses

10,296

Number of PTS journeys

38,335

Number of PTS journeys

266,369

All figures are provisional.

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.

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.

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 lifethreatening 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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The Communications team is always keen to promote stories in Working Together. Please email any news, stories or comments to: communications@scas.nhs.uk

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JULY

15 JAN

DEADLINE for copy for the next issue: 15 January.

Please keep articles under 250 words.

Design Âť Ben Hennessy - ben.hennessy@scas.nhs.uk