Look February 2014

WE RAMPED UP THE RED TO HIGHLIGHT HEART DISEASE READ MORE ON PAGE 3

WEDDING PLANNERS PAR EXCELLENCE READ MORE ON PAGE 4

FEBRUARY2014

For Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust staff and volunteers

SARAH’S OUR CARING AMBASSADOR Remember the summer of 2012 when Team GB kept scudding up the medals table, the country was full of energy and it seemed everyone was happy?

Sarah said: “I feel very honoured to have been made a Care Maker. It involves sharing best practice and promoting the 6 c’s to influence a positive change in healthcare.

The NHS is trying to capture the enthusiastic and friendly spirit of the London 2012 Games Makers as they create a network of National Care Makers. And our own Sarah Haines has been appointed to drive forward that quest.

“The role fits in perfectly with the philosophy of caring for people with learning disabilities in an acute setting; increasing awareness of the 6 c’s will benefit all our patients.”

As one of NHS England’s Care Makers, Sarah – our learning disabilities nurse - is now Southend‘s ambassador for the ‘six c’s’ – care, compassion, competence, communication, courage and commitment.

The principles of the National Care Maker Network are: • To reflect the whole of the NHS – individuals from all parts of England and all care settings.

• To inspire young people – with representatives from student and first year nurses and midwives.

• A shared purpose – to transform the NHS culture in nursing, midwifery and care staff.

• Creativity – using social media and social movement expertise.

• Diversity – ensuring representation from different ethnicities, backgrounds and opinions.

• To provide an amazing opportunity for individuals who will be exposed to a wide variety of experiences, activities and people across the NHS.

The boulevards of Paris?

The backstreets of downtown Mumbai? The foothills of the Andes?

The heady alleys of the Marrakech souks? The Australian outback?

Jackie Devkota, staff nurse in post-op, could be anywhere she wants to be as she grinds those pedals to help in our latest fundraising venture. Read all about it on page 6.

02 Visit www.southend.nhs.uk | Call 01702 435555

EVERYBODY MATTERS Continuing our new feature on colleagues from around the Trust, this month we have a quick chat with Eric Foggitt, speech and language therapist team lead.

NEW FACES IN THE GOVERNANCE TEAM Headed up by Sue Hardy, chief nurse, and Denise Flowers, associate director of governance, the governance team ensures patient safety is at the heart of everything we do. The large group covers a wide spectrum of areas including: risk, clinical governance, legal services, complaints, PALS, bereavement, compliance and information security.

New members have joined recently to ensure the team caters for the present needs of the hospital. Emma Stock, head of risk and information governance, originally trained here as a nurse, then went on to work for the PCT and Basildon Hospital.

Emma is really enthusiastic about returning to Southend. She said: “I’m looking forward to making a contribution to the excellent work that already exists here.”

Tracey Kalp has been promoted to information governance co-ordinator, having initially joined the Trust in February 2012 as the data quality co-ordinator.

She brings a wealth of expertise to her new role.

Laura Pieske, legal services manager, recently joined the legal services department. She aims to expand services currently provided by the team with an emphasis on staff support and learning.

James Trenoweth started his career in medical records and has begun a secondment working in the governance team as

a policy, clinical records and patient information database administrator.

IMPORTANT INCIDENT REPORTING Patient safety should be at the heart of any NHS organisation.

All patients need to be treated with dignity and compassion, every time. To provide excellent care it’s essential to have systems in place for staff to report situations where patients have or could have been harmed.

A patient safety incident is any unintended or unexpected event which could have or did lead to harm. Emma Stock said: “It’s really important that all incidents and near misses are reported as it helps us improve and demonstrate our commitment to patient safety.”

How to report a patient safety incident: • DATIX • the business unit governance lead • Confidential incident helpline - ext 8113 For more information, further training, advice and support please contact the governance team directly on ext 5626.

Report incidents quickly so assurances can be put in place to prevent similar occurrences and to ensure lessons are learned.

Tell us a bit about your role.

I lead a team of six speech and language therapists, working across the wards and in the stroke unit to provide assessment, advice, support and therapy to people with swallowing and speech and language problems. We are currently in the middle of an ambitious training programme for all nurses in the hospital.

What do you like about the job?

It is very worthwhile, interesting and endlessly challenging – and I have a great team to work with.

What are you most proud of?

Being the father of two fine young men and one fine young woman.

If you could be granted one wish, what would it be?

Health and fitness to keep cycling and playing cricket until I’m 80.

Tell us something that not many people know about you.

I speak French, Greek, Dutch and a bit of Italian – and I lived on a houseboat for 10 of my childhood years (in this country and on the Eric Foggitt Seine in France).

If you would like to be featured in a future edition of Look , please email communications @sou thend.nhs.uk

tters. a M y d o b y Ever Counts. g in h t y r e v E ponsible. s e R ’s e n o Ever y

Visit www.southend.nhs.uk | Call 01702 435555 03

WE RAMPED UP THE RED – TO HIGHLIGHT HEART DISEASE You can always rely on staff in the heart and chest clinic to join in ‘wholeheartedly’ with promotions, fundraisers or awareness days. So the British Heart Foundation’s call earlier this month to ‘ramp up the red’ fired their imaginations big time.

As always, their chosen method of getting their message across and raising some extra funds for the department was mega-energetic: a sponsored space hop which continued throughout the day.

Nikki Baines, principal clinical physiologist, said: “We like to get involved in these events as, besides raising awareness, they’re also great for team building.”

Staff also sold off red cakes and snacks and raffled a handsome red heart cake. Half the money raised will go to the BHF and half to the department to buy a 3D transoesophageal echo (TOE) probe which gives doctors clear images of the heart and its blood vessels and can pinpoint areas of muscle which aren’t contracting well because of poor blood flow or injury.

They also had plenty of literature to hand out to patients and visitors.

Consultant cardiologist Dr Azhar Khokar, stressed: “We need to raise awareness of how to recognise heart disease. Too often it is confused with indigestion.

People need to recognise the symptoms and call for help early.”

Crucially, symptoms can be different for men and women – causing them to wait before seeking treatment.

Azhar said women should watch out for the following atypical symptoms: • • • • • • •

Pain or a feeling of squeezing or fullness in the chest, arms, upper back, neck or jaw Stomach pain or abdominal pressure ‘like an elephant sitting on the stomach’ Shortness of breath and feeling of suffocation Sweating Fatigue, even when there is no apparent reason Unexplained nausea or vomiting Light-headedness or dizziness

Azhar added that, although risk factors like high cholesterol, high blood pressure and obesity are common in both sexes, some factors play a bigger role in heart disease in women.

These include: •

• • •

Metabolic syndrome – a combination of fat around the abdomen, high BP, high blood sugar and high trigylcerides Mental stress and depression Smoking Low levels of oestrogen after menopause We are lucky in this corner of the country as Southend GPs have been among the leaders in carrying out a special blood test – brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) – which is excellent at ruling out heart failure.

Dr Azhar K hokar

He also dispelled the myth that heart disease is predominantly a disease of older men: “Four times as many women die of heart disease than breast cancer.

And the risk of heart disease increases once women reach menopause.”

Azhar said:”Other parts of the country are only just now catching up. If the test is positive we automatically arrange an echocardiogram (ECG) and any necessary further investigations.

“Patients really are in safe hands – as long as they act quickly.”

Fun and games in the heart and chest clinic

04 Visit www.southend.nhs.uk | Call 01702 435555

ANDREA AND TEAM – WEDDING PLANNERS PAR EXCELLENCE Over the winter, Trevor has frequently stayed late to sort out glitches with heating and plumbing.

When he recently identified a hot water supply problem which could not be sorted during normal hours, he worked through the night to restore the supply to a ward.

His nomination describes him as ‘totally customer focussed’, regardless of who he is dealing with.

Heroes is really not too strong a word for Bedwell ward manager,

Andrea Turner and her team.

With less than an hour’s notice, they pulled out all the stops to lay on a wedding ceremony for a dying patient.

Thanks to their care and determination, the poignant event went ahead with a wedding breakfast, cake and decorations.

Sadly, the patient died two days later, but his wife wrote to Andrea and her staff to tell them what a huge difference they had made and to thank them for their efforts.

The impromptu ceremony has spurred them into creating a ‘wedding box’ – containing decorations, wine and flowers to ensure they are prepared for any future short-notice wedding.

Oncology matron, Petra Rosier, who nominated the team for our monthly Hospital Heroes award, said: “We only get one opportunity to support patients and their families when they are dying and we want to get it right. Andrea and the Bedwell nursing team are constantly looking at ways to

make the experience as positive as possible by supporting the physical, psychological and social needs of patients and their families.”

The team has also gone above and beyond to make visiting times less frightening for children coming in to see cancer patients. Using charitable donations, they have bought some activity sets to keep them occupied.

Maintenance craftsman, Trevor Gillman, only joined us last year but is already making a name for himself as a top-notch member of the maintenance team. He takes a proactive approach and receives great feedback from colleagues and managers. Now he has been highly commended in our honours scheme.

Last month there was an additional special commendation – for the clinical site team. The accolade recognised their 24/7 support to front-line staff in the emergency department, ensuring patients don’t spend more time there than absolutely necessary and helping us to achieve our four-hour target.

Team members have been more than willing to cover for sick colleagues and keep the service going and are praised for their hard work, dedication, professionalism and understanding of ‘what real team working is about’.

Mike Green with clinical site manager Ada m Middleton

n- exec director Mike Green, noor Gillman ev with Tr

| Call 01702 435555 05

AN OSCAR-WINNING PERFORMANCE Roll out the red carpet for learning disabilities lead nurse, Sarah Haines (see page 1), who has recently starred in an information film made specially for this special group of patients. And it is to get a West End premiere – at the House of Lords, no less.

more accessible. One of our non-executive directors, Fred Heddell, who is a trustee of the RTR Foundation explained: “The hospital has a real desire to make sure patients with learning disabilities receive the same high quality treatment as every other patient.”

The film, produced by the communications team and featuring other members of staff and the learning disabilities committee, is designed as a helpful guide to visiting outpatients. It delivers top tips to patients with learning disabilities so they know what to expect when attending an appointment and provides information on getting to the hospital (parking/public transport), what to bring, where to go and the process of seeing a nurse and consultant.

Filming the five-minute feature was ‘great fun’ for Sarah and her colleagues and now sequels are in the pipeline to steer patients with learning disabilities through A&E, attending for blood tests and having an X-ray done.

Fred, pictured here presenting the cheque to Community Learning Disabilities Champion, Matthew Riches, said: “The committee is hoping to have a whole catalogue of information films available on our website to improve services for patients with learning disabilities who can find a visit to hospital a confusing and even frightening experience.”

Funded by a grant from the Rix Thompson Rothenberg (RTR) Foundation, the film aims to make our services

RAISING CONCERNS Everyone needs to take careful note of our new ‘raising concerns at work’ policy – which repl aces the former ‘whistle-blowing’ policy.

It is aimed to protect everyone – pati ents, visitors, carers and staff – from the risk of harm. We only have to look back to a whole raft of high-profile scandals like MidStaffs to know how vital it is to spea k out when we feel something is not right.

Concerns which need to be raised with either your line manager or a lead clinician may inclu de: • abuse of patients or unsafe prac tices • breaches of codes of conduct • not following Trust policy and proc edures • conduct or performance of colle agues that affects patient safety or care • fraud or bribery • disregard of health and safety for patients and staff • deliberate attempt to hide any of the above

HR director Sandra Le Blanc said: “We recognise there can be a reluctan ce to speak out, especially where colleagu es are concerned. But it really is imperat ive that any genuine concerns about pos sible harm are raised without delay. We want staff to feel they are able to speak confidentially so that prompt action can be taken where necessary.”

Anyone not wishing to speak directly to their manager can email raisingconcerns@southend.nhs.u k or write to the raising concerns administrator in the HR department at Britannia House.

Read the policy on STAFFnet (policies/corporate policies).

06 Visit www.southend.nhs.uk | Call 01702 435555

HOW FAR CAN YOU GO? The bicycle is, as someone once said, a curious vehicle: its passenger is its engine – as this group of surgeons knew only too well after kicking off our latest fundraising appeal!

lenge, either alone or with some If you would like to take up the chal ng team on 01702 385337 energetic friends, contact the fundraisi nhs.uk or email fundraising@ southend.

To launch our Keyhole Cancer Appeal, we have organised our biggest challenge to date: Around the World in Eighty Days – by bike.

We have five static road bikes which we are taking around the county so individuals and groups can rise to the challenge to circumnavigate the globe – that’s 24,901.55 thigh-numbing miles – in just 80 days.

Inspired by Jules Verne’s classic story, we are looking to put bums in saddles and feet on pedals. Each group or team is being asked to cycle the equivalent of 60 miles – without leaving Essex!

The first leg of the journey – where energetic members of the public joined our dynamic doctors and other staff – was covered at Lakeside shopping centre, shifting to the Royals in Southend. Other venues include London Southend Airport, Mayhem nightclub, South Essex College, the Royal Bank of Scotland, Aviva and Adventure Island on Southend’s seafront.

All money raised will go to creating our new laparoscopic (keyhole surgery) theatre suite which will deliver highresolution 3D images, enabling surgeons to perform the most complex keyhole procedures. For the first time, all the systems in the operating theatre will be under the central control of touch panels and the new equipment will be free of pipes, tubes and wiring.

Consultant surgeon and long-distance cyclist Mr Mike Dworkin – last year you’ll remember he completed the Jogle, John O’Groats to Land’s End challenge – said: “We will also be able to bring digital X-rays and body scans to the screens and record or film the operation for the benefit of patient records. It also means the surgeon can use the two-way video conferencing function for teaching purposes.”

All we ask is that you raise a minimum of £15 in sponsorship.

As an added incentive, there will be prizes for the fastest male and female riders over 60 miles and for the person or group raising the most money. So come on, get in the saddle!

“Nice bit of friendly rivalry, a really good fun day” Denise Goodman “If I had realised how competitive it was going to be I would have done some training” Sharon Barley

“A little more padding may be required for the next round” Jacky Devkota This team from post op (and their colleague David) are gluttons for punishment. Having completed one 60-mile stint on launch day – they are going back for another go! Denise said: “We just really had a fun day.

We had the ‘pit stops’ down to such a fine art - one colleague either side to strap us into the pedals at changeover. Brands Hatch’s got nothing on us!”

ie Tucker, matron, r, left to rig ht Sherr res support workeon at the , ms David Abra Mileman, Shar ssa ne Va staff nurses Jacky Devkota and Barley and Denise Goodman, sister

...FROM FREEWHEELING TO STAGGERING Football fans came down from the terraces to walk 28 miles for our stroke unit.

The ‘Stagger to the Daggers’, organised by Southend Utd’s Shrimpers Trust, covered the 28 miles from the club’s ground in Roots Hall to arch-rivals Dagenham and Redbridge.

The stalwart supporters and a local press photographer each took an estimated 49,000 steps as they followed the A127 to east London.

The Blues band with members of our stroke team

Visit www.southend.nhs.uk | Call 01702 435555 07

Farewell to...

John Lloyd, joint PAS project manager who leaves us this month. 8.30am on Sunday, December 1, 2013 is a moment he will never ever forget. It marked the culmination of years of hard work, frustration, anguish and more than a few sleepless nights.

It was the moment we pressed the switchover button to our new Medway PAS system – and everyone breathed a collective sigh of relief.

Now John is moving on – to use his experience at Southend to write a book on electronic patient records for use by other NHS trusts. He arrived here in August 2010 for three years to manage a series of different projects in our journey towards having all patient information stored electronically. His contract was extended twice, and PAS just took over.

John said: “The government has set 2018 as the target date for electronic patient information – and I am going to make my contribution by putting down everything I have learned here at Southend.

“I have never worked so hard in my life but the people have made it good.”

Dr Hamid Rokan, consultant, has retired from the Trust after working in the A&E department for over 17 years.

Hamid is hoping to spend more time indulging in his favourite hobbies – painting, sculpting and photography – as well as brushing up on his Italian and French. Medical director Neil Rothnie said: “I would like to wish him an enjoyable and healthy retirement and to thank him for all his hard work during his years of service here.”

Antoinette Walsh, acting matron for women’s and children’s services, who is leaving us after seven years’ service to work as a midwife in Canberra, Australia. Antoinette said: “I will take a lot of fond memories with me from my time here.”

Congratulations to...

Gill Donohue, lecturer practitioner from critical care, on gaining her MSc in simulation and medical education from Anglia Ruskin University. She has been helped by Prof John Kinnear and Hal – a fully-functioning mannequin which can be programmed to show symptoms of virtually any medical condition.

Gill, who has been with us for 16 years, has now been seconded to ARU one day a week to put her learning into practice.

Dr Amin Islam and Dr Pallavi Kalkur, who passed the final FRCPath exam for higher specialist training in haematology. Dr Paul Cervi, head of haematology, said: “It’s quite an achievement when the national pass rate is only 40%. I’m delighted for the two registrars, who have been rewarded for their hard work, whilst supporting a busy clinical haematology service.”

Obituary Dayle Parkinson, 28th August 1954 - 25th January 2014 We are sad to announce the death of Dayle, senior dental nurse in our orthodontic department for 35 years. A muchloved member of staff who is sadly missed, Dayle had retired due to ill heath last October.

Dates for the diary March MON

3

NHS Change Day

Various events will be tak ing place in the education cen tre.

WORKER GOVERNOR ELECTIONS Interested in how the hospital works and like to have your say t when it comes to important trus r rke wo a issues? …you could be governor in the making.

This important trust role allows you to see the bigger picture. You’ll be re well informed on current and futu ng ussi plans and involved in disc topics and concerns with the board and non-executive directors.

There are currently two staff worker governor vacancies (one for the main site and one for Britannia

House) and one volunteer worker governor vacancy available. r Kay Bell, choose and book manage r, erno gov ker wor and existing said: “The role gives you the ability to represent staff and take issues forward for them. You take their concerns and become their voice.” a For more information on becoming irs cha t join tact con se plea governor, Kay Bell on ext 7198 or Liz Leigh on ext 8114. If you’re interested in standing for election, please contact Anna Milanec on ext 5681.

March THURS

13

Could you be an “intrapreneur”?

12pm to 1pm

Sita Lumsden room, education centre Discover more about making opportunities in your area of work.

Come and meet Simon Mead, chief executive officer of the Eastern Enterprise Hub. Book your pla ce on ilearn March SUN

23

Great Pier Walk

10am to 4pm

Organised by the Rotary Clu b of Leigh-on-Sea in aid of Southe nd Hospital Charitable Founda tion.

To register your interest in tak ing part, please ring 01702 385 337.

08 Visit www.southend.nhs.uk | Call 01702 435555

THE FOUR SEASONS IN PHOTOS Keen photographers have the chance of becoming Southend Hospital’s Photographer of the Year in a new competition open to all staff.

The quest to find our own behind-the-lens maestro came from Karen Kinnear, associate business unit director for theatres, critical care and anaesthetics and medical photographer Linda Murray – themselves both keen photographers. They have previously organised the popular Christmas photography competition for staff and have once again joined forces with professional photographer Lynn Tait, owner of the eponymous gallery in Leigh, who has agreed to judge the entries.

The year-long competition will take us through the seasons, starting with ‘Winter’s here’. Entries on this theme should be sent to lmurray@southend.nhs.uk and there’s no time to lose. Image size should not exceed 10MB and a maximum of two photos per person will be accepted.

Future themes will be ‘It’s springtime’, ‘Fun in the sun’ and ‘Autumn colours’, with dates to be announced nearer the time. At the end of the year, the winners of each competition will compete for the hospital’s ‘Photographer of the Year

2014’ title. Each quarter’s entries will go on display in the hospital.

Karen said: “We know there is a huge amount of photographic talent lurking around the hospital corridors and just thought it would be lovely to give it a bit of ‘exposure’.

“We are really looking forward to seeing what staff come up with throughout the year. It should provide a fascinating record of the changing seasons in all their own special glory.”

Linda added: “These days it is easy to take really good shots with mobile phones and small cameras. We are very lucky to have Lynn’s support. She is always so positive and encouraging and we know staff get a lot out of these competitions and learn a lot.”

Shoot: Karen a nd

Linda

WE’RE MAKING NEWS Staff have been making a name for themselves in the local press again. First there was porter Jon Blackmore with his massive family tree dating back to the year 519 and including a string of kings among his ancestors.

Then came deputy lab manager Kevin Oakley and his colleague Mandy Fuller with their children’s book The Adventures of Harry the Starfish - the first in a proposed series. Copies are available by emailing themerryquill@gmail.com

on the planet, designed to test all-round strength, stamina, mental grit and camaraderie’.

Rebecca Simmonds, Claire Scott, Joanne Baylis and Colin Early and Sophie Dudley are raising money to buy collapsible beds so parents can stay with their sick children on Neptune ward. You can spur them on through their trials by donating via www.justgiving.com/Neptune-Group or contacting he Fundraising Team on 01702 385337.

Six gung-ho children’s nurses made it a hat-trick as they prepare for their 12-mile obstacle course designed by British Special Forces. The Tough Mudder challenge in April involves ice pools, rope climbs, smoke tunnels and electric shock therapy and is billed as ‘probably the toughest event

Printed on 100% recycled paper with biodegradable inks.

Mandy and Kevin

T he Toug h Mud

ders