Connect Issue 2 - November/December 2019

connect

November/December 2019

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Dialysis at home Southend launches new home dialysis service.

And the winners are...

Awards presented to Mid Essex and Southend staff.

Men’s health

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It’s a well-known fact that men are statistically less likely to open up about their health problems than women. This issue could help save you, your brother, son, dad or granddad.

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Clinical reconfiguration We’ve been busy with the first wave of improvements for our patients.

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Top of the Pops

Who does superfan Mia have in her ears?

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In this issue we raise awareness of the importance of men’s health by showcasing some of the diverse ways that our hospitals are helping to improve and save lives.

We also feature some of our recent fundraising efforts by patients from across our three sites who want to give back for the care they have received.

If you haven’t completed our staff survey yet, please do so, so we can translate your views into tangible improvements to your working environment. Happy staff provide better patient care, plus the survey is a really effective way for us as a leadership team to be able to listen to you.

Please enjoy the festive period and I look forward to seeing you in the New Year.

Patient care

Self-dialysing at home improves renal patients’ lives Long hospital visits and waits are a thing of the past for a group of renal patients at Southend Hospital, with the launch of a new home haemodialysis service.

Our flu campaign is well underway across our hospital sites.

Thank you for protecting yourself, our patients and your families by having the vaccination early.

Haemodialysis is a treatment for end-stage renal failure that uses a machine to filter blood through an artificial kidney so excess fluid and waste products can be removed from the body. Traditionally patients visit the hospital three times weekly, at times and dates set by the unit. They have to stick to a strict diet and fluid restriction, and face constant tiredness.

Now with committed home therapies staff and an allocated training room, staff are inspiring confidence in patients to dialyse in the comfort of their own homes, and improve their lives.

Elaine Barradas, home therapies sister, said: “We empower patients to look after themselves independently and fit their dialysis around their own lifestyle. This allows them much more flexibility in their life and avoids constant travelling to hospital. They’re not clinically trained, so it is quite an undertaking. They have to learn to line and prime a dialysis machine, put their own access in and do their own drugs.”

The first home haemodialysis patient

Flu, protecting you and your patients too

started dialysing at home in March and the team are just starting training patient number seven to go home.

Kevin Daintree, from Westcliff-on-Sea, is one of those already dialysing at home.

Kevin said: “Doing it at home allows you to fit your dialysis around the things that you want to do. I’m in a couple of music groups, making it much easier for me to be at rehearsals and do gigs locally and around the country.

“Doing dialysis at home also connects you a little bit more with the family; it’s a huge benefit to be able to have more quality time with your loved ones.”

Our peer vaccinators and all our teams have been working hard over the last few weeks to reach our targets.

Here is a snapshot of how well we’re doing

Trust

Total %

Southend 1,385 30 Mid Essex 1,470

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Basildon 2,003 48 Results as of 1 November 2019

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Remember, remember, the month of Movember November is men’s health month and we want to showcase the innovative services which are dedicated to men across our three hospitals.

Men dying too young Mental health in men continues to be a taboo subject, with many men suffering in silence when they experience feelings of sadness, loneliness or anxiety.

NHS England is giving greater priority and scrutiny to mental health services than ever before. The Mental Health Taskforce, developed in the Five Year Forward View, sets out a clear commitment to driving an equal response across mental and physical health.

Globally a man dies by suicide every minute. In the UK, 76% of suicides are committed by men and suicide is the biggest cause of death for men under 35. By 2030, the charity aims to reduce the number of men dying prematurely by 25%.

Prostate cancer Dr Jay Menon, consultant vascular and general surgeon at Basildon, said: “I have colleagues who’ve have had successful treatment for prostate cancer and are back to full time work, thanks to early diagnosis and treatment. Current statistics show that 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.

“I support Prostate Cancer UK, so anything that helps raise awareness is great. Currently, one man dies every 45 minutes from prostate cancer, that’s more than 11,500 men every year.”

Screening spots ‘ticking time bomb’ Since 2013 Southend University Hospital has been running a hugely successful screening programme for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).

Cliff White had his scan over the summer, those ten minutes it took to have the scan saved his life. He was admitted straight away and later that week had an operation to remove two AAAs. He’s now fit and well, and back as a volunteer at Southend Hospital. Cliff said: “I felt fine, there were no symptoms, but I was a ticking time bomb, so without my scan I’d have only had six or 12 months before it burst and most likely died. When I spoke to the consultant he said that day was the luckiest day of my life, he was right.”

AAA is a bulge or swelling in the abdominal section of the aorta, the main blood vessel that runs from the heart down through the chest and tummy. AAAs account for 6,000 deaths in England and Wales every year. Screenings are offered to all men during the year in which they turn 65 years of age and this service is delivered at 20 sites right across Essex, mainly in GP surgeries and community hospitals.

Any men who turned 65 prior to 2013 and have not received screening can self refer by calling 01702 385559, ensuring they quote their NHS number.

Check yourself Testicular cancer accounts for just 1% of all male cancer cases in the UK, but is most common in the 30-34 age group. Giving yourself a quick once-over could be a life-saver.

Jo Shingler, consultant nurse and co-clinical lead for urology at Broomfield Hospital, explained what men should look out for.

“You need to examine both of the testes individually. Have a good feel and look for any lumps and bumps that are new, or any collection of fluid if one of the testes or the scrotal area is larger one side than the other.

“Men are getting better at getting checked out. They talk with their friends down the pub or out on the golf course and that will often prompt someone to come and see us.

“If you do feel anything new, go to your GP. It could be a cyst, or nothing, but if it is something more sinister, intervention might be warranted.”

Jo with some of her demonstration models

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Staff awards - Southend

Winners

Our Hospital Heroes With over 120 nominees and guests attending – and applauding – the annual Hospital Heroes Awards saw nominees and guests in seventh heaven.

There were 22 nominees in total across eight categories, made up of dedicated staff from both the front line and behind the scenes of Southend Hospital. They were celebrated for their achievements in helping to improve the lives of patients.

The Patients’ Choice Award was voted for by the public and Echo and Southend Standard readers.

Bereavement midwife Amanda

Cushing’s win was made all the more fitting as the award happened during Baby Loss Awareness Week.

Amanda said: “It means a lot to me, because the families that nominated me have been through very difficult times.

I’ll always cherish it and what it stands for.”

Yvonne Blücher, managing director of Southend University Hospital, said: “The nominations were really impressive and we found it incredibly tough to decide on the shortlists for each category.

“There were many life-changing and life-saving examples of how staff have provided exceptional care to our most vulnerable patients.”

Innovation Implantable Loop Recorder Service Care With Compassion Wendy Warner Palliative care joint clinical lead nurse Unsung Hero Louise McIver Equality, inclusion and diversity manager Managing Director’s Professional and Accountable Award Sarah Ecclestone Practice development nurse Working Together Dr Strickland and the Gastro Ward team Employee of the Year Dr Andras Gal Orthopaedic speciality doctor Chairman’s Outstanding Achievement Award Elaine Barradas Home therapies sister Patients’ Choice Amanda Cushing Bereavement midwife

Staff welfare

Guardians help staff speak up in confidence When staff at our hospitals see or hear something they think might be unsafe or dangerous, or they have issues at their workplace, they can sometimes find it difficult to speak up We have Freedom to Speak Up Guardians in place at our three trusts, who help and encourage staff to raise concerns. The Guardian Service is another option for staff.

June-Anne Murray, Ashley Brooks and Patricia Simmons

June-Anne Murray heads up The Guardian Service at Southend Hospital.

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Staff awards - Mid Essex

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Winners:

And the OSCAs go to...

Outstanding Service Cathy Newman Healthcare support worker Improving Patient Experience Tabitha Stuthridge Specialist bereavement midwife Hospital Hero Nicola White Healthcare support worker Efficiency and Effectiveness Integrated discharge team Service Development and Innovation Frailty unit

The exceptional work of Mid Essex staff was celebrated at the annual Outstanding Care and Service Awards (OSCAs).

The black-tie event, held at Stock Brook Manor, saw trophies awarded across ten categories including Hospital Hero - which was voted for by patients and members of the public – and Outstanding Service.

Winners included bereavement midwife Tabitha Stuthridge, the frailty team for the innovative work with frail and elderly patients, and healthcare assistant Nicola White who lit up Broomfield Hospital pink and blue to raise awareness around baby loss.

Eight longserving members of staff were honoured for having completed 25 years with the Trust, and there was also a presentation to mark the fundraising of former Chelmsford mayor Yvonne Spence.

Managing director Jane Farrell, who hosted the award ceremony, said: “We see many patients coming through our doors on a daily basis, and the proof of the care we are providing was shown by the standard of nominations at these awards. Individual members of staff and clinical teams were recognised for doing something special that was above and beyond the expected level of care.”

She said: “Sometimes it just helps to talk an issue through with someone who is unconnected to your workplace. Our Guardians are available 24/7 and are external to the hospitals and will provide guidance and support in a strictly confidential, non-judgemental manner.”

Guardians will first speak with staff on the phone and offer to meet and discuss in more detail if necessary.

They support the staff member, helping them to decide on a course of action. If the issue is related to patient safety, Guardians have a duty to escalate it immediately.

Living our Values Sue Smolen Senior research nurse Volunteer of the Year Mary Hirst Director of Nursing’s award Justine Wren Matron for medicine Medical Director’s award Laura Harding Consultant ENT lead clinician Managing Director’s award Jo Francis Clinical director for musculoskeletal services Long service awards: Ruth Eve, Dawn Garner, Kim Hunnikin, Carol McCartney, Amanda Mitchell, Colin Partington, Chrissie Reed, Carole Watts

Patricia Simmons, Speak up Guardian for Mid Essex, said: “Some staff prefer not to give a name when they first contact me, but as they gain confidence in the service they become more open.

What is most important is that all staff, regardless of banding, can raise issues or concerns that can be dealt with.”

Ashley Brooks, the Speak up Guardian for Basildon, said: “I never underestimate how much courage it takes a member of staff to come forward. My role as Guardian is to create a safe space for that concern to be listened to whilst keeping confidence and integrity.”

You can contact June-Anne on 0333 001 5125, Patricia on 0333 577 5799 or Ashley on 0333 230 9299 or e-mail: contact@theguardianservice.co.uk

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Picture: Siemens Healthineers

Clinical reconfiguration: improving

Staff across our hospitals group have been making preparations to consolidate vascular, orthopaedic and interventional radiology services at specialist hubs, in the first wave of improvements for our patients this winter.

The IR hub will feature the new ARTIS pheno suite, providing new state-ofthe-art digital equipment for immediate assessment of our patients, whatever their condition or positioning requirement

During October, domestic staff, nurses and porters rolled up their sleeves and moved wards at Basildon Hospital to make way for extra winter beds and, crucially, to prepare for our new vascular ward. The new ward space will give us extra capacity to centralise emergency vascular surgery

In the news

Sienna first to graduate with BA(by) honours Sienna Hartill, aged just 10 weeks, was the first intensive care baby at Southend University Hospital to have a very special going home graduation ceremony – complete with minigraduation cap.

Graduation ceremonies on Neonatal Intensive Care Units are popular in America, so the Neonatal Unit at Southend wanted to bring this idea to the UK. It was the idea of neonatal practice educator, Vicky Thompson.

She said: “The nursing staff build relationships with the babies and their parents and we wanted to find a way to celebrate the difficult and long journey that they have been through.

“Leaving the neonatal unit after a long period of time is both an exciting and apprehensive time for the parents.

This is our way of acknowledging that transition and the impact the families have made on everyone here” Sienna’s mum and dad, Gemma Elliott and Craig Hartill,were thrilled to be the first recipients of this

l-r: Dr Raj Gupta, Vicky Thompson, Gemma Elliott, Sienna Hartill and Craig Hartill special award. Members of the Neonatal Unit, including nurses and consultants, flanked the threesome and gave them a round of applause as they left.

All babies born before 34 weeks gestation, with a stay of 2 weeks or more, will join the unit’s graduation wall of fame. Like Sienna, they’ll take home a graduation cap signed by all of the nurses to remember their big day. The story gained national coverage, including Anglia News and Good Morning Britain.

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patient care at Basildon, providing a better experience and better outcomes for patients across mid and south Essex.

Vijay Ghadvi, clinical lead for vascular services, said: “The opportunity for patients is phenomenal. They will be able to come to a single site where they will receive comprehensive care under one roof, with input from all specialities, clinical, nursing and allied health professionals. It’s also a great opportunity for staff to develop their aspirations and education, and network with colleagues in our local, regional and national health environment.”

Final preparations are also being made at Braintree Community Hospital, so we will be ready to welcome patients from Southend and Basildon who are waiting for elective hip or knee surgery and choose to have their operations there. Southend Hospital is prepared to receive Basildon patients who need specialist inpatient spinal surgery.

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Public health awareness

World AIDS Day: There’s still work to do in fighting HIV ignorance says consultant World AIDS Day, on Sunday 1 December, is an opportunity to show support for people living with HIV and to educate about the scientific advances that have been made in treating the virus.

Over 101,000 people in the UK have HIV, but 97% of those receiving care are not infectious thanks to antiretroviral medication.

The U=U (undetectable equals untransmittable) campaign was launched to publicise this fact.

Greg Packer, clinical director for musculoskeletal services, said: “For most patients, nothing much will change, we want to keep as much care as possible local. But for certain specialist procedures, and to help reduce the amount of time some patients are waiting for planned operations, we are consolidating some services at Southend and Braintree.”

Final plans are also underway for our emergency interventional radiology (IR) services. A seven day, 9am 5pm service is currently offered and rotates across sites at the weekend. The new IR hub will deliver a seven day outof-hours emergency service hosted at Basildon Hospital.

The in-hours 9am - 5pm IR service will remain locally at each site.

Patients will also benefit from improved patient safety and will be able to receive their results quicker as reporting of MRI, CT and plain film radiography will increasingly be performed in-house.

Dr Qaiser Malik, clinical director for interventional radiology services, said: “What many people may not realise is that until now we have had no formalised out-ofhours service for our MSE patients.

“This means patients having to be transferred to Queen’s or London hospitals for an emergency service – or wait until Monday, increasing the time they stay on wards without progressing treatment. Our new hub, with its new equipment and technology, immediately speeds up the process for patients, it will reduce delays and get them back home quicker.”

All of these changes are the result of the hard work and passion of the clinical, nursing and operational teams responsible for those services, and the launch of these new centralised services represents the completion of the first phase of work to design new, sustainable, high-quality care for the people of mid and south Essex.

In 2018, we treated 858 patients with HIV across the MSE group. Over two-thirds of patients caught the virus through heterosexual sex and 45% were female.

Dr Huw Price is a consultant at Broomfield Hospital’s Coelho Clinic and he says more needs to be done to fight the stigma of HIV. “Somebody who is on effective treatment cannot transmit the virus but there is still a lot of ignorance out there.

“Many people living with HIV do not disclose their diagnosis to anyone and they fear their diagnosis being disclosed. Unfortunately surveys have found that when people with HIV experience stigma, it’s quite frequently from healthcare staff, so there’s still work to do.”

Dr Price is hopeful that the recent announcement that former Wales rugby captain Gareth Thomas has HIV will spring a shift in attitudes.

“The Gareth Thomas story is huge in terms of dispelling stigma. Last World AIDS Day, MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle revealed that he is HIV positive and that was a very significant event.

“At our clinic we see men and woman of all ages, sexualities and backgrounds. HIV doesn’t discriminate.”

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Fundraising round-up Help our elderly patients this Christmas Our three hospital charities do an amazing amount of work all year round, but the run-up to Christmas is without doubt the most active part of the year for the sheer numbers of donations of gifts from individuals, groups and companies.

children, but we are also asking people to think about the needs of other groups this year, such as the elderly patients on wards.

Much of the focus at Christmas is on children who are on the wards, but this year the hospital charities are asking people to think about other groups over the Christmas period as well.

“I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank every single person who has donated time, money, volunteered or helped fundraise for our charities last year, it really does make a huge difference to the lives of our patients.”

Lucy Thomas-Clayton, director of charities & voluntary services, said: “Of course we always welcome the hugely generous donations to

“Contact your dedicated local hospital charity team to see how you can brighten someone’s Christmas this year.

colouring books, pencils, DVD’s, large puzzles, age appropriate music CD’s and chocolates.

There is no need to wrap your gift, but a gift bag with your items loose inside is much appreciated.

Suggested gift ideas for elderly patients include: toiletries, socks,

Brandon is a fundraising superstar!

Brandon Wildman-Tutt, 8, from Basildon, has saved up his coins for a better cause, as he raises and donates money for children at Basildon Hospital.

Brandon visited Basildon Hospital on Monday 21 October, with mum Shirelle to donate his pocket money to The Polly Parrot Appeal, a children’s charity.

The Polly Parrot Appeal raises funds for the children’s wards at Basildon Hospital including the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and children’s oncology.

Money raised from the appeal is spent on decoration, distraction equipment, sensory equipment, toys, child-friendly furniture, TVs and other electronic gadgets.

Brandon said: “I thought it was a good idea to raise money for children in the hospital and donate to a hospital where I was born, if I can raise enough.”

Shirelle, Brandon’s mum encouraged his charity saving efforts and said: “I bought him a tin money box and he immediately started putting any loose change into it. When it was full, he said he wanted to donate to hospital which I thought was a lovely gesture.”

Clair Grayston, fundraising officer at Basildon Hospital, said: “It’s lovely meeting such a kind hearted young boy who has thought about other children like himself.”

Brandon wants to beat his current amount and save more money next year.

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Firewalk raises a scorching £15,000 There may have been a chill in the air on Sunday 6 October, but 54 brave souls kept warm by walking across hot coals in Southend’s Priory Park, raising money for over 30 areas of Southend University Hospital.

have thought his feet were hot enough after that distance!

And a group of 11 from Railscape, a rail industry services firm with a head office in Rayleigh were on the right track raising over £3,500.

This was the first time the hospital charity has run the event, and the turn-out was flaming brilliant.

Laura Mason, events and corporate relations manager for Southend Hospital Charity, who also crossed the flames, said: “It’s great that our first ever charity firewalk has been such a roaring success, it’s really captured people’s imaginations and inspired them to raise money for the ward or department of their

Radio Essex kindly sponsored the event and breakfast show presenters Abbie Norbury, Chris Brooks and Jamie Boyd Ratcliff stepped out of the comfort of the studio over the 15-20 feet of hot coals – after lighting the flames. choice by doing something a little bit different.”

Westcliff’s Dean Ovel (pictured), did his walk after completing a 28 mile ultra-marathon – one would

Everyone’s feet were in safe hands though as the event was organised by Guinness World Record Holder, Scott Bell, whose company UK Firewalk managed the event.

Patient Jacqui raises over £4,000 after ‘brilliant’ care Breast reconstruction patient Jacqui Taylor raised £4,330 for Broomfield and Southend hospitals’ breast teams to thank them for their care.

Jacqui was diagnosed with breast cancer after a routine mammogram at Southend Hospital in July 2018 and underwent surgery at Broomfield Hospital’s St Andrew’s Centre.

Jacqui held a fundraising afternoon at the Carousel children’s nursery and pre-school she owns in Billericay where people enjoyed afternoon tea, bought preloved jewellery, had their nails done and had their fortunes read. Her fantastic donation will be split between Southend’s Breast Unit and Broomfield’s Breast Reconstruction Awareness group.

Jacqui said. “It’s such a shock to be given a diagnosis like that but everyone was so kind, so considerate and so informative – all the consultants as well as the breast care nurses – they are brilliant. They calm you down and really give you the understandable version of what the consultant has given you.

“They were really brilliant. The whole process was done with such a level of care, I felt really well cared for. Although I was scared, every step of the way, everyone was so good, so reassuring.

“At Broomfield, I had both a mastectomy and reconstruction at the same time, with surgeon Mary Morgan. Everyone, from the woman who brought the food round in the morning to the nurses who took your temperature in the middle of the night, to the consultants – they were all so fabulous.

“I was given the all-clear at the end of last year and at the beginning of this year. Once I started to feel more like my normal self, I really wanted to give something back and show my appreciation.”

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Therapy technology

Audiology fit Ed Sheeran aid A young Ed Sheeran superfan can now have the singer in her ears 24 hours a day thanks to a personalised hearing aid from Broomfield Hospital’s paediatric audiology team.

Eight-year-old Mia Warren from Great Notley asked for a picture of the Suffolk superstar to be set into her ear moulds and was thrilled with the results.

Mia’s dad Luke said his daughter’s face lit up when she unwrapped her new hearing aid: “Mia was more excited than when she opened her Christmas presents! For Mia, having Ed Sheeran in her hearing aid makes it cool. Now kids are talking about the fact Ed Sheeran is in her mould rather than, ‘Oh, you wear a hearing aid.’

“We didn’t think having a picture of Ed in there would be possible but the staff made it happen. Mia actually passed her hearing test when she was young but we knew when she started talking that something wasn’t quite right. The second we came to see the team here (at Broomfield) it was incredible and everyone was super helpful. Mia actually looks forward to coming here.”

Mia is such an Ed Sheeran superfan that she and her family saw him twice

on his latest tour and when asked what her favourite song is, Mia said, “All of them!” Mia said that if she could talk to Ed she’d tell him she loves his songs and invite him out for a Nando’s!

Mia is just one of a number of children who have got creative and put their own stamp on their ear pieces with options to go colourful and add pictures.

Lead paediatric audiologist Emma Stead said, “We try to personalise all of the children’s hearing aids to encourage their use, but we think it’s the first time that someone has requested a celebrity.”

Retirement Fellowship

Making your retirement work for you Basildon and Thurrock branch membership secretaries Sally Willbye 01375 671190 Barbara Pratt 01268 551561

Are you, or any of your NHS colleagues, including volunteers, retiring shortly? You may be interested in finding out more about your local branch of the NHS Retirement Fellowship.

The fellowship provides social, welfare and benevolent services to NHS retirees, and in addition offers many discounted services including travel, household and car insurance and discounts on cruises.

As members of your local branch, you can join in social events, including meetings, luncheon clubs, day trips, ten pin bowling, golf and much more.

If you have a partner, they are more than welcome to come along and take advantage of all the benefits as well.

One person taking advantage of the wide range of events is Berry Kipping, a volunteer at Basildon Hospital. Berry said: “I enjoy being a member of the NHS retirement fellowship because it is very friendly. I also enjoy the activities that our branch organise and look forward to the monthly meetings.”

Vic Griffiths, national honorary vice president, said: “In your local branch you will find retirees from many disciplines, including consultants, nurses and other clinical and non-clinical staff.”

Chelmsford branch secretary Pat Clark 01376 346638 Southend branch secretary Jill Weston 01702 520724 Chairman Jenny Bailey 01702 339316 National honorary vice president Vic Griffiths 01708 228911

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World friendship

Nursing student’s successful placement in Ghana Anglian Ruskin University (ARU) nursing student, Temitope (Temi) Babajide, undertook a 21-day nursing elective placement to Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital in Takoradi in Ghana, as part of her second year.

Temi raised over £950 before travelling, using the funds to support an orphanage and purchase malaria and HIV test kits. She was also given items to donate on behalf of Basildon Hospital.

Temi (pictured, third from left) said: “Basildon provided me with sharps boxes, gloves, sanitisers, a vital observation machine, Clinell clean indicators notes and many other useful clinical items. These were beneficial when I organised free health checks for widows during a village healthcare experience.”

During her stay, she received the student nurse of the year award, in

recognition of the positive impact she had made on the staff and patients.

contribution as it helped improve their rating from ‘Requires Improvement’ to ‘Good’.

At the time of Temi’s visit, Nkwanta Hospital was undergoing an assessment similar to Basildon’s CQC inspection.

Ms Adriana Yankum, principal nursing officer at Nkwanta Hospital, said: “The entire staff and clients of our A&E department are very thankful for your support.”

The kit donation was a major

Staff and public health

Alcohol Awareness Week: 11-17 November Christmas is just around the corner and whilst it is the season of eating, drinking and being merry, overindulging can leave us feeling bloated and lethargic.

For some people, a glass of mulled wine or a snifter of sherry are a vital part of the celebrations but at times the sheer amount of alcohol flowing over the festive season can feel overwhelming.

Alcohol Awareness Week (11 – 17 November) aims to make people think about how much alcohol they are consuming.

With 24% of the population of England and Scotland drinking more than the government’s recommended low-risk guidelines of 14 units per week, alcohol is cited as a factor in 60 medical conditions including mouth, throat, stomach, liver and breast cancers, high blood pressure, cirrhosis of the liver and depression.

In England in 2017/18, there were an estimated 1.2 million hospital admissions related to alcohol consumption.

Dr David Walker, chief medical officer for our hospitals group, said: “By making small changes to our drinking behaviour we can become healthier and happier and reduce our risk for many serious health conditions.

“People may not even realise the amount of alcohol they are consuming is potentially damaging their health.

Fourteen units a week is the equivalent of six pints of beer or one and a half bottles of wine. It is not difficult to exceed this level if you have a full social diary.

“I’d encourage everyone to think in units, have alcohol-free days, and consider alcohol-free beers and wines. You can enjoy yourself without compromising your health.”

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Staff spotlight Rebecca Button Admin and clerical manager

Rebecca Button, an admin and clerical manager for musculoskeletal (MSK) in Southend, said: “I have quite a high turnover of admin staff, so the retention part and how I try and keep employees, and if I can do anything to help prevent them leaving, was of real value to me.

“Part of that tool kit was the stay interviews, which I do as soon as I can. The stay interviews idea came out of the workshop. It’s a friendly catch-up really, just allowing me to pre-empt any issues and try and nip them in the bud.

“Without it we risk losing our skills and knowledge base of established staff, so something as simple as this does have the potential to save the

Trust time and money.”

Rebecca also uses something else from the tool kit, pipeline perfect, to stay in touch with candidates throughout the recruitment process.

Sometimes it can be three months from offer letter to a new member of staff starting in their role, a period when they could very easily be offered something new or get cold feet.

The idea of the pipeline is to keep in touch and make them feel like they are part of the team already.

Rebecca said: “I touch base a lot, especially with people coming to us externally. They have my email and extension, so they can easily reach me if they have any questions.

“I want to help make the transition to their new job as smooth as possible, so they know I am there if references need chasing up and also strive to have their PC access sorted for when they step through the door.

It’s the little things that make a big difference.”

Initially, Rebecca was a bit doubtful if attending the workshop session and the tool kit was going to be so useful.

She said: “My workshop had a great mix of people attending, as there were managers at all levels, staff from admin and clinical. It was great to see how everyone adapts the tool kits to their areas and see how other people deal with similar issues, which has already proved useful to me in several scenarios.

“And now we have the tools to help us retain staff, new and existing. I’ve found it so helpful, especially as a junior manager. As someone who is still learning and still developing, it’s definitely one the benefits of filling in the staff survey.

“We asked for help and now we have it, my staff now feel supported, and so do I.”

Winners revealed for Britannia Park photo comp A staff photography competition with the theme of ‘our hospital, our community’ has had its winning photos chosen.

A judging panel, including deputy chief executive Tom Abell, looked at over 50 submissions before selecting two main winners and 20 runners-up, which will go on display at Britannia Park over the coming weeks.

The winner of £100 Amazon vouchers was Cecilia Oblenda, a healthcare assistant on the Mid Essex Frailty Ward.

Cecilia’s winning photo was taken

at Rettendon Common Garden. Cecilia said: “Photography helps me to express myself artistically. I love to travel and explore new places in order to create memorable experiences.”

Second prize of £50 Amazon vouchers went to Greg Keshishian, senior technician, radiation protection and diagnostic radiology QA at Southend Hospital.

He said: “I’ve always liked to take part in photo competitions as it gives you a subject to explore and interpret through photography.”

Connect is published by Mid and South Essex University Hospitals Group. ©2019. If you have any ideas for stories, contact your local communications team.

When the staff survey results came out last year, some of the feedback from managers was that they needed extra help to retain staff; they felt they weren’t getting the tools they needed. A retention manager’s tool kit and workshop session was established as a direct result, and is already making an impact.