Your Hospital Spring 2015 by i•creation

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Issue 2 Spring 2015

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Your

The Royal Wolverhampton

Hospital News from The

Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust

More than just a magazine s bring these page to life with our . amazing new app See page three

Equipment moves in to ÂŁ38m urgent care centre See page seven

Patients give positive feedback at Cannock Chase Hospital See centre pages

ÂŁ3.5m hi-tech suite boosts care

at Cannock Chase Use your mobile to trigger interactive bonus video content

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Future services take shape as investments and changes are bearing fruit By RWT Chief Executive

DAVID LOUGHTON WELCOME again to Your Hospital magazine, keeping you in touch with the very latest developments at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust. As you will be aware, this is an important time for the Trust as we continue to ensure the smooth transition of healthcare services from the County Hospital and Cannock Chase Hospital. It means we are investing in new facilities and looking at the way we deliver services most effectively. So far the changes we have implemented have gone well and the feedback we have received from patients, organisations and the local authority in Cannock has been very positive. A major development has seen a pioneering endoscopy suite open at Cannock Chase Hospital. This has cost £3.5 million and is part of a significant £27 million investment over the next five years. Another vital change has seen the Trust take over the running of the Minor Injuries Unit at Cannock Hospital. Over the next few months, other services such as orthopaedics, rheumatology and dermatology will also transfer and paediatric services will transfer to New Cross later this month. We will be keeping people informed every step of the way. In terms of other major investment, you will also be able to read about progress on our £38 million Emergency Centre at New Cross Hospital. This is really taking shape now and when completed will bring the Emergency Department and Urgent Care Centre under one roof. Despite all the changes that are taking place our overriding priority is always to ensure the best possible treatment for patients and, I believe, everyone has a part to play in making this happen. The choice of where to have a range of treatments and elective surgeries is much wider now and I would urge people to think carefully and make the sensible choice for themselves and for the NHS too. It is really important that we all pull in the same direction. I hope you enjoy reading about these important developments. COVER PHOTO: Endoscopy Sister Maxine Riddell explains the procedure to patient Horace Jones. See main feature on centre pages.

Trust Chief Executive David Loughton presents the Leadership Award to Helen Ford of the Special Care Dental Service.

HE best of the best have been honoured at the 11th annual Royal Awards – staged to shine a spotlight on staff from across The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust who have gone the extra mile.

Royal awards recognise

STAFF DEDICATION

More than 250 nominations were received before awards were handed out at Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Molineux Stadium. Winners ranged from housekeeping and administration staff to midwives, nurses, doctors, pharmacists and support workers, with everyone receiving a specially commissioned award and certificate. Louise Nickell, Head of Education, said: “The stories of courage, compassion and care were amazing and we all felt a real sense of pride in our colleagues. Planning has already started for next year’s event.” This year’s award winners were: Leadership: Principal Dental Nurse/Business Manager Helen Ford (Special Care Dental Service). Partnership Working: Matron Sharon Fletcher (Theatres). Outstanding Contribution to the Patient Experience: Gastroenterology Team, Deanesly Ward Manager Elaine Wylde, Emergency Department Nursing Team. Clinical Leadership: Colorectal Clinical Nurse Specialist Nicola Payton, Radiotherapy Operations Manager Heather Harrison. Improving the Patient and Staff

Left to right: Sharon Fletcher (Partnership Working), Nicola Payton (Clinical Leadership), Holly Butler (Compassionate Care), Elaine Wilde (Patient Experience) and Andrew Plaza (Customer Care). More photographs are at www.royalwolverhamptonhospitals.nhs.uk

Experience: Superintendent Radiographer Margaret Wells. Patient Safety Award: Haifa Chutoo. Compassionate Care: Anatomical Pathology Technologist Polly Butler (Mortuary Services), Upper Gastrointestinal Nurse Specialist Victoria Oldman (Ward B7). Customer Care: Charge Nurse Andrew Plaza (Appleby Suite). Lifetime Achievement: Healthcare Assistant Margaret Weatherill (Ward C22), Care of the Elderly Consultant Ken Fotherby, Cardiology Consultant Michael Cusack, Urology Consultant Brian Waymont. Enhancing the Patient Experience:

The Gastroenterology Team who won the award for Contribution to Patient Experience.

Did you know?

Patient Safety Award winner Haifa Chutoo.

Helen Spooner/Renal Haemodialysis Unit, Emergency Department Sister Rachel Instone. Support to International Recruitment: Nurse Educator Mark Williams (Nurse Education Department). Chief Nurse Award: Independent Domestic Violence Advisor Jennie Stensland. Outstanding Contribution to Patient Environment: Appleby Suite Domestic Team. Patient Experience: Domestic Christine Rea (Ward A7). Service Improvement: Stuart Hutchinson, Funmi Glover and the Health Integration Team, Medical Devices Coordinator Linda Reaney (Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering). Patient and Staff Experience: Gastroenterology Ward Receptionist Susan Quarry, Paediatric Outpatients Reception Team. Team Working: Care of the Elderly Consultants. Public Award: Healthcare Assistant Jane Scragg (Outpatients Department). Midwife Award: Midwife Charlotte Leo (Maternity Department). Safehands Award: Environmental Cleaner Steven Gregory (Critical Care Unit). Safehands Certificate: Michael Lucas, Sophia Witkowski.

On average 12,500 people use the Outpatients Department services at New Cross hospital every day.

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Welcome to RWT Augmented Reality (AR) 1

Download the RWT AR app from the App Store (Apple) or Google Play (Android).

Open the app with a simple tap.

SPRING 2015

Point your device at the photos where you see the AR content logo pictured below – and wait for the surprise. Double tap for a full-screen.

Your Hospital

SCAN PHOTO FOR VIDEO Augmented reality services by

Amazing app will deliver info to

PHONES & TABLETS HE Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust is the first in the UK to use an exciting new technology by delivering information to staff and patients’ mobile phones or tablets.

Patients urged to join health research drive

A new free app means people can find out more about services at the Trust, just by pointing their mobile device at triggers placed throughout the hospital sites. There are also five triggers placed in this special magazine. All readers have to do is follow the instructions at the foot of this page, download the RWT AR app from the App Store or Google Play and point it at the photo or logo wherever they see the symbol shown at the bottom left of this picture. The app recognises the photograph and launches rich content including video, AR YOU READY FOR AUGMENTED REALITY? downloads and opportunities Band 6 Sister Maxine Riddell uses the new app to do lots of different things SCAN PHOTO to find out the latest news about the Trust. using interactive buttons on the FOR VIDEO touch screen. It uses a technology called our locations but look out for more AR launched this app to enable them to do Augmented Reality, which is being used just that. People turning up at A&E or the content around our hospitals and all over the world by big retailers, community sites as we develop the service maternity hospital or the Cannock Chase manufacturers, and in education. and the technology improves.” site can find out more about what’s on RWT Head of Communications ● Augmented Reality content is dotted offer there just by pointing their phone at Richard Radcliffe said: “We know a throughout this magazine. Some our special posters. growing number of our patients want to photographs will launch videos and “It’s easy to use. They don’t even have keep up to date with the products and interactive buttons via the RWT AR app. to search. And once someone has services they use downloaded the app we can keep in touch And anyone who wants to visit the Trust through their mobile website, Facebook page or Twitter feed, with them when we need to with free devices. So we’ve without searching, just needs to download messages, like the headlines you might the app and scan the main photograph on receive from a news app. our front cover. It’s magic! “We’ve launched the app at some of

PEOPLE are being encouraged to take part in clinical research to drive forward and develop new treatments for NHS patients. May 20 is International Clinical Trials Day when patients and their carers are being encouraged to ask their clinician about taking part in research. It is part of a co-ordinated approach to research which has seen The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust take a leading role. From April last year, the Trust has hosted the West Midlands branch of the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) network – one of 15 Trusts UK-wide to have the status. In the role, the Trust helps to deliver funding each year to support the delivery of clinical research studies in the region and effectively delivers research in Trusts, primary care organisations and through other qualified NHS providers. The money helps to pay for hospitals and surgeries to pay for research nurses, scans, x-rays and other costs associated with carrying out clinical research in the NHS. Kate Middlemiss, West Midlands LCRN Lead, said: “Research is vitally important to the NHS as it provides evidence about what works and how we can best use our resources to provide better treatment to patients across all areas of medicine. “In 2013/14, over 70,000 people took part in clinical research in the West Midlands, including over 3000 at Royal Wolverhampton and we really want to encourage people to ask their doctor about suitable trials which they might be able to be part of.” ● For more details about research and how to get involved, visit the website www.crn.nihr.ac.uk/wmidlands

Nurse visits help give children the best start in life

Katie Willitts of the Family Nurse Partnership with some of the equipment used to help new mums.

PARENTS and young children in Wolverhampton are benefiting from the pioneering Family Nurse Partnership Programme. It aims to keep young children healthy and well by focusing on first-time mums, aged 20 or under. The same nurse works with a family from early pregnancy up until the child is two years old. Katy Willitts, Family Nurse Partnership Supervisor, based at the Gem Centre, said: “Every mother, 20 or younger, who has their first child is automatically eligible to be part of

Did you know?

this scheme. Working closely with a nurse in this way is leading to many benefits for the parents and children both in terms of health and socially. “This in turn can have an impact on their future development – including educational achievement and long-term prospects.” Research trials carried out into the programme show that other short and long-term benefits include: ■ Reduction in smoking during pregnancy ■ Greater intervals between pregnancies and

fewer subsequent births ■ Fewer accidents ■ Reductions in child abuse and neglect ■ Better language development in children ■ Increases in employment ■ Greater involvement of fathers. More than 40 clients are already enrolled on the scheme in Wolverhampton and the first “Family Nurse” baby has just been born. For more details contact the team on 01902 446288.

There were 4,121 babies born at the Trust’s maternity unit from April 2014 to March 2015.

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SPRING 2015

Jodie Winfield, Nurse Manager for the Trust’s Infection Prevention Control, explains how everyone can play their part in maintaining its enviable record...

Lead Epilepsy Nurse Phil Tittensor with patient Louise Allsopp at the Colliery GP Practice, Cannock.

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Popular specialist nurse gives award-winning epilepsy care THOUSANDS of epilepsy patients are benefitting from award-winning services being provided by Lead Epilepsy Nurse Phil Tittensor. The first nurse in his specialist discipline to be employed by the Trust, Phil runs community-based counselling and medication monitoring clinics for just under 1,100 adult patients from the Cannock and Rugeley areas. He stages sessions at Cannock Chase Hospital, The Colliery GP practice and Heath Hayes Health Centre as well as Springfields Health & Wellbeing Centre in Rugeley. He also

provides the same services to another 1,100 adults in the Stafford area. Phil said:“Continuity of care for my patients is very important and I adopt a counselling approach – non-uniform, no desks and no barriers. I’m happy to see patients from Wolverhampton who are referred by their GP or consultant.” His service was named Best in Staffordshire by the Neurological Alliance – a national patient organisation. To contact Phil, email phil.tittensor@nhs.net or call 07887 450132.

Staff Nurses Elaine Kent, left, and Carla Yeomans, at work in the new endoscopy ward at Cannock Chase Hospital.

state of-the-art endoscopy suite has opened at Cannock Chase Hospital as part of a £27 million investment in planned services over the next five years.

The brand new facility – which has cost £3.5 million – is one of a number of projects which will enhance the range of surgical procedures on offer at the site and lead to new operating theatres and refurbished wards. Eight endoscopy sessions are run each week by four consultants and an Endoscopy Nurse Practitioner. The sessions provide services

GUIDED TOUR... scan this photo using your RWT AR app and Integration Programme Director Sultan Mahmud will give you the latest news on Cannock Chase Hospital.

Positive public feedback as £27 million

investment boosts services including colonoscopies, gastroscopies and flexible sigmoidoscopies for conditions like bowel cancer, colitis, stomach cancer and dyspepsia. Additionally, nine consultant led

New tests assess heart and lung patients’fitness to take to skies FITNESS to fly tests for people with lung or cardiac disease are now being carried out at New Cross Hospital’s Respiratory Centre. The breathing assessment evaluates their suitability to safely use commercial flights without any additional oxygen. A private patient charge of £85 is levied because the test has little diagnostic value for doctors and is often carried out at the request of insurers and airlines. Patients can be in the department for up to 90 minutes as they undergo the test which simulates a plane cruising at 8,000 feet. It involves them breathing a gas mixture containing 15 per cent oxygen. Blood samples may be taken and finger probes attached to monitor heart rate and oxygen levels. Peter Moxon, Lead Respiratory Physiologist/Service Manager, said:“Our fitness to fly service gives patients with chronic respiratory or cardiac disease and low oxygen levels at rest peace of mind as they plan their flights.” ● To book a test, call the Respiratory Centre on 01902 695061.

Did you know?

Your Hospital

JUST THE TICKET... patient Tina Steadman from Cannock jumps on the free service to New Cross Hospital.

outpatient clinics and three specialist nurse clinics provide an Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Deficiency Anaemia service. The changes will benefit patients from Cannock, Wolverhampton and the surrounding areas – and complement the high quality care provided at New Cross Hospital. It will enhance patient experience and, in many cases, give people more choice over when and where to have their treatment. Another change has seen the Trust take over the running of the Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) at Cannock Chase Hospital in March. Other services to be provided at Cannock include orthopaedics, rheumatology and dermatology. The transfer of these from New Cross Hospital started earlier this year and will be completed later in 2015. In the case of orthopaedics, 13 beds have already been opened at

Cannock’s Hilton Main ward in order to support additional activity. It is also proposed to expand elective orthopaedic services at Cannock by building two new theatres at the hospital by November 2015. Maternity and gynaecology services have been extended to include Cannock and Perton and general surgery will be transferred late in 2015. Urology (including bladder and kidney treatment) will start to move in early 2016. The Trust’s Integration Programme Director Sultan Mahmud said: “So far the service transfer has gone to plan and met our expectations. “We have received very positive feedback from local communities, patients and the local authorities in Wolverhampton and Cannock. “At every stage we have very much looked to embed ourselves within the local community and provide a better experience for all patients.”

Rheumatology day unit Sister Alexander Nixon talks to patient Janet Wallett from Aldridge.

A free bus service – the X68 – which links the two hospital sites in Wolverhampton and Cannock is also receiving a good response.

It is free of charge to travel for NHS patients with an appointment, Trust staff with an ID badge, children up to five years old and people over 60 who are carrying an ID card.

Patient Advice and Liaison Services (PALS) provide information, advice and support to help patients, families and their carers. Telephone 01902 695362.

How long have you worked in the NHS and what was your background leading up to this role? I have worked in the NHS since 2001 – initially within Adult Community Services in Wolverhampton as a Community Staff Nurse. My interest and passion for infection prevention was developed at this early stage in my career. I joined the Wolverhampton City Primary Care Trust Infection Prevention Team in 2008, transferring to The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust in 2011, where I have held a number of roles during that time. Since then I have led important projects like mass MRSA screening of care home residents, raising infection prevention standards in care homes, general practice and NHS dental practices in the city, and managing and developing the Surgical Site Infection Team and several high profile infection prevention campaigns. What does your role involve? Planning and delivering an effective infection prevention service across the entire Wolverhampton Health Economy. That means RWT’s inpatient facilities (New Cross, West Park and Cannock Hospitals) and contracted GP’s, dentists, care homes and sheltered housing accommodation. Alongside, the Infection Prevention Team, I also operationally manage the Intravenous Resource Team, Surgical Site Infection Surveillance Team and community Continence Care Service. It involves production of an annual work programme for infection prevention and continence, and ensuring progress by executing plans and directing staff on how to deliver, achieve and evaluate. I monitor and report on progress against this annual plan. I’m also responsible for the implementation of national guidance and for making sure the Trust meets legal requirements on infection prevention. Day-to-day running of the service is also my responsibility, organising a timely response to unplanned priorities such as outbreak and incident management. The team’s number one priority is ensuring patient safety and quality of care delivery, regardless of where healthcare is being delivered or received in Wolverhampton. We aim to ensure that patients receive healthcare in a clean and safe environment by suitably trained members of staff. What are the main steps the Trust takes to combat infection prevention? Staff working at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust must be suitably trained in infection prevention. Staff are also trained in antimicrobial prescribing where appropriate. Places where we deliver healthcare must be clean and safe at all times, and we are constantly checking to make sure. What are the main infection

Vital team strives to prevent infection threats to the NHS at the moment? Outbreaks of infection continue to be a challenge within healthcare. These include Norovirus and Carbapenamase Producing Organisms (CPO) which has struck elsewhere in the UK and which we have plans in place to deal with when it arrives in Wolverhampton. Clostridium difficile continues to be an ongoing challenge both in hospitals and in the community. Wolverhampton will continue on its mission to be innovative and imaginative in its response to emerging and ongoing threats in order to reduce the numbers of avoidable cases of infection seen. How can patients and visitors help to combat the spread of infections and how do you work with them? Infection prevention is everyone’s responsibility. We rely on staff, our patients, visitors to our sites and also the general public. to help us achieve the highest standards of safety, and we work with partners to publicise this message. We aim to prevent outbreak of infection by informing members of the public in a variety of ways, including awareness campaigns throughout the year and having a visible Infection Prevention Team who are on hand to support Trust staff and speak to patients and visitors when needed is integral to our success. Hand hygiene remains the highest priority in infection prevention, and we encourage staff, patients, visitors and the public to undertake hand hygiene at every appropriate opportunity. Alcohol hand gel is conveniently placed throughout our sites to support with this initiative.

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SPRING 2015

Jodie Winfield, Nurse Manager for the Trust’s Infection Prevention Control, explains how everyone can play their part in maintaining its enviable record...

Lead Epilepsy Nurse Phil Tittensor with patient Louise Allsopp at the Colliery GP Practice, Cannock.

SCAN PHOTO FOR VIDEO

Staff Nurses Elaine Kent, left, and Carla Yeomans, at work in the new endoscopy ward at Cannock Chase Hospital.

state of-the-art endoscopy suite has opened at Cannock Chase Hospital as part of a £27 million investment in planned services over the next five years.

GUIDED TOUR... scan this photo using your RWT AR app and Integration Programme Director Sultan Mahmud will give you the latest news on Cannock Chase Hospital.

Positive public feedback as £27 million

Did you know?

Your Hospital

JUST THE TICKET... patient Tina Steadman from Cannock jumps on the free service to New Cross Hospital.

Rheumatology day unit Sister Alexander Nixon talks to patient Janet Wallett from Aldridge.

A free bus service – the X68 – which links the two hospital sites in Wolverhampton and Cannock is also receiving a good response.

It is free of charge to travel for NHS patients with an appointment, Trust staff with an ID badge, children up to five years old and people over 60 who are carrying an ID card.

Patient Advice and Liaison Services (PALS) provide information, advice and support to help patients, families and their carers. Telephone 01902 695362.

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Staff Nurse Jo Butler raised £1,402.40 in a cycling spinathon to set up a rheumatology support service. She is pictured presenting a cheque to Paediatric Rheumatologists Dr Karen Davies and Dr Annabel Copeman.

Donations make huge difference to patients THE Trust’s charity raises money to make a real difference to the lives of patients, their families and the staff who care for them. Donations from patients, their families and supporters of the Trust raise hundreds of thousands of pounds a year which is put to good use around the hospitals. Previous purchases include specialist equipment; children’s books and toys and TV’s, DVD’s and other entertainment media. It could not be easier to make a donation. Call the Fundraising Coordinator Leanne Bood on (01902) 694473, visit the Trust’s website at www.royalwolverhamptonhospitals.nhs.uk/ our_services/our_charity.aspx, follow @TheRWTCharity on Twitter or look for them on Facebook.

Trust seeks nurses to join hospital teams A nursing recruitment day was staged at New Cross Hospital as The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust looked to fill vacancies in certain specialities. An annual event, the recruitment team was on hand to speak to candidates as the Trust looked to hire Band 5 trained and qualified nurses and Band 6 midwives in particular. HR Director Angela Adimora said: ”Wolverhampton is a growing trust and a very exciting place to work so we are keen to attract as many candidates as possible from the local community.” ● To check out nursing and staff vacancies visit the Trust’s website at www.royalwolverhamptonhospitals.nhs. uk and follow the current vacancies link.

Community artwork will brighten hospital BUDDING artists and photographers are being given the chance to have their work take pride of place at a state-of-the-art hospital unit. Winning entrants to the “Inspired by Nature” competition will see their paintings, drawings or photos on display at the new Emergency Centre due to open at New Cross Hospital in November this year. The Trust encouraged people to submit nature-themed art, which has been shown to help promote a sense of calm for patients, to display on the walls of the new unit. Judges will pick the winners over the next few weeks and they will be announced in the summer.

Did you know?

The Trust's multi-faith chaplaincy is available 24-7 to offer advice and support to patients and families.

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SPRING 2015

£38m emergency centre will be

ONE OF BEST IN UK T

HE new £38 million Emergency Centre at New Cross Hospital continues to take shape now the building is water tight and the internal fit-out is underway.

Contractors Kier Construction have completed all roofing work and most windows have now been fitted. Internally, partitions on the three storey building are going in and mechanical and electrical equipment is being installed. The project, which sees an average of 80 construction workers on site each day, is on schedule. The state-of-the-art Emergency and Urgent Care Centre, which will bring all accident and emergency facilities on the Wolverhampton site under one roof, is due to open in November this year. It will contain a Clinical Decisions Unit for patients who require monitoring and an Outpatients Clinic. There will also be an Urgent Care Centre as well as dedicated radiology and X-Ray facilities. The top floor is to be turned into an Acute Medical Unit. Mike Goodwin, The Trust’s Project Director, said: “Work is well underway and November will see us opening a state-of-the-art Urgent and Emergency Care Centre which will be one of the best in the UK.”

SCAN PHOTO FOR VIDEO

Above: scan this photograph of Accident and Emergency Manager Andy Morgan using your RWT AR app for the latest news.

Right: Staff Nurse Christopher Glear gives some medication to patient Edgouin Ozdin.

then overseen by Dr Daryl Leung, the Trust’s Clinical Lead Geriatrician who played a key role during an 18-month project to transform New Cross into a dementia friendly hospital. When the time came to discharge her, staff offered advice and support on a suitable care home where Doris is now happy and settled. Her daughter Sheila said: “Daryl is a fantastic consultant and my mum’s care on Ward C22 was brilliant. The dementia nurses and doctors were fantastic. Dementia is long term and the staff take the time to sit and talk. They’re not just in and out, they take time to care for people.”

Did you know?

10 young people in big training boost A new scheme to help young people find careers in the health service has been rolled out at the Trust. As a result, 10 young people have started on Level 2 Apprenticeships in a variety of roles. The group started in early May and immediately commenced on a two-week induction process. The training received benefits them greatly. It provides them with the basic skills to start their working lives and helps them be effective from day one. Later, they will be based on medical, surgical and rehabilitation wards across Trust sites for a one-year period. As part of their work-based training they will deliver direct patient care under the appropriate supervision of a registered nurse and health care assistant as well as other staff members within a hospital setting. The Trust’s Education and Training Department have worked in close partnership with The Black Country NHS Apprenticeship Academy on the recruitment process for the programme. Additional Apprenticeship programmes will be advertised in the near future on the National Apprenticeship Service website. ● For further information about learning opportunities contact Judith Turner, Work Based Learning Programme Manager, on 01902 695105 or by email judithturner@nhs.net

Students spend day ‘behind the scenes’

Specialist care helps Doris,94,on her feet CONFUSION and short term memory loss made diagnosing Doris Hurd’s medical conditions slightly more difficult but the patience of specially-trained dementia aware staff at New Cross Hospital meant she was soon back on her feet. At 94, Doris had suffered a series of blows including a broken hip and the death of her husband George but, with the loving support of daughter Sheila, sons George, Ray and his partner Sue, she was still managing to live at home. That changed though when she was laid low by a series of infections and became more distressed during multiple hospital admissions. Her person-centred care was

Your Hospital

Doris Hurd, 94, enjoys a game of cards with daughter Sheila Edwards at Highcroft Hall Residential Care Home.

A group of school and college students from Wolverhampton were given a tour of the city’s New Cross Hospital as part of Working Well Week. The young people, aged between 16 and 20, spent a full day at the hospital, visiting departments, asking staff questions and learning a bit more about the area’s main hospital. During their visit they went to the maternity unit, the endoscopy department, the clinical skills department and also met the histopathology team – as well as enjoying lunch in the hospital restaurant. Working Well Week is part of Wolverhampton’s drive to improve opportunities, prosperity and health for residents. It is also part of the first City Conference Season which aims to raise the profile of the city, its people and the opportunities within the area. The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust Chairman Jeremy Vanes – a member of the organising committee for Working Well Week – joined the students on their visit and was delighted with their interest and affection for the hospital. He said:“Working Well Week is about a lot of things, and one of them is connecting with our local people. This tour was a way of achieving that with some of the younger members of the population. “The students asked a lot of questions and one or two expressed interest in coming to work here. It was a really good day and I thank everyone involved in organising it and the young people for coming.”

Around 9,000 people attend A and E at New Cross Hospital every month.

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Face to face with a

HEALTHY LIFE CHIEVING a healthy lifestyle could not be easier with free help for people who want to feel better.

Health Trainers from the

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Healthy Lifestyle Service offer a confidential face to face service for people over 16 who live or work in the city. They can particularly help people with long-term conditions, have existing

Walk Leader Mohinder Singh Atwal, centre, with walking group members Tej Kaur, left, and Jagrubiben Patel, on the right.

SCAN PHOTO FOR VIDEO

lifestyle risk factors or have previously been referred and want more support. Personal health plans with achievable goals are backed up with practical advice, support and encouragement and information with signposting to local services and facilities like gyms or events like healthy walking sessions. The service is planning training at the end of June for volunteers who want to lead walking for health events. Thousands of people have already benefited from lifestyle service support. One said: “I was guided to set my own goals, therefore they were achievable and I was able to fit them in with my work and home commitments.” For more information or to book a free appointment, email rwh-tr.healthylifestyle@nhs.net or call freephone 0800 073 4242 or 01902 444246. ■ To find out more about Healthy Lifestyle services and access information through your smart phone or tablet use the RWT AR app and scan the photo on the left.

Support helps Tony kick the smoking habit GARDENER and volunteer Tony Ray now feels ten times better since he quit smoking. Here, the 41-year-old tells how he broke the habit with the help of the Wolverhampton Stop Smoking Service. He said: “I wanted to stop smoking to be healthier, save money and to become a better role model for my daughter. I was prescribed patches and spray which helped me to beat the cravings. The support in the

one-to-one sessions helped me the most as I was able to express my feelings and have

my thoughts listened to. “Since stopping smoking my breathing is better, my teeth have improved, my sense of smell and taste have returned and I feel a lot less stressed. I now feel free and strong. “I would definitely recommend the Healthy Lifestyle Service to others as any support or help that is given is the right move towards a better you.” To contact the service, call 0800 073 4242.

Community Neonatal Sister Tammy Franks with new mother Jenny Anderson from Womborne with her new baby Noah.

Cannock Chase Hospital (CCH)

Telephone 01902 307999, or visit our website at www.royalwolverhamptonhospitals.nhs.uk to send general enquiries, enquire about appointment changes, contact our Patient Information Centre or to tell the Trust about your experience of services. Contact West Park Hospital on 01902 444000.

Telephone 01543 572757, or visit www.royalwolverhamptonhospitals.nhs.uk and click on the Cannock Chase Hospital button for additional information about how to get to CCH, special bus services, car parking and the CCH Outpatient Department.

Did you know?

Midwife mum goes back to help service COMMUNITY neonatal Sister Tammy Franks is returning to midwifery in a move that will boost services for mums and babies across Wolverhampton. The highly experienced 43-year-old who has been in nursing for 25 years stopped delivering children when her own daughter was born seven years ago but is now on a 15-hour a week secondment so she can return to that role. She said:“I’d always planned to return to midwifery and I’m now half way through

completing 200 clinical hours in maternity combined with a short university course. “I’m effectively a student again but I love it and I’m really excited about the more consistent care we’ll be able provide when I’m registered in August. “It’ll mean a more joined up and less disjointed service. “I’ll be able to deliver babies and also look after the post natal care of both mums and babies when I visit them at home.”

Anyone can apply to help out at the Trust as a volunteer... call 01902 694111.