Heartbeat Christmas 2023

December 2023

Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust

The pulse of community health, Leasowes, Rowley Regis, City Hospital, Sandwell General and the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital

Issue 172

Deck the Wards: Christmas comes to SWB

Pages 12-13

Happy Christmas to all of our SWB Family

A 5,000 mile journey to SWB Page 3

Find out more about our retained estate plans Page 6

Celebrating the success of our apprentices Page 14

Put a smile on a child's face this Christmas Page 24

Lesley talks about...the importance of family Lesley Writtle, Deputy Chair

HELLO FROM THE CHAIR Welcome to the final edition of Heartbeat for 2023.

There is something very special about SWB at Christmas - just turn to pages 10 and 11 to find out why!

We hope you enjoy a wonderful Christmas with your loved ones and we wish you a very happy and very exciting 2024.

Enjoy J

I recently went to meet Poppy Bhachu who works in the physio department based at Sandwell. I had gone along to look at the work she has done in organising a staff rest room. Poppy had managed to find some funding from the Trust for paint, new seating, blinds and cupboards.

It was clear that Poppy had spent a lot of time ensuring that her colleagues are looked after at work, including celebrating birthdays and memorable events – great work Poppy!

On the day I visited Poppy, Ryan Masih from the communications department came with me. He has only just joined the Trust so it was a great opportunity to meet with him.

The three of us reflected on our time in the NHS and our training and education. We were all of the same mind, that we would not have achieved what we have without our families.

Contact us

For many of us it can range from helping us get to work for those out of hours shifts, helping with child care and encouraging us when times are tough. Parents and family

Communications Team Ext 5303 swbh.comms@nhs.net C ommunications Department Ground Floor, Trinity House Sandwell Hospital

Published by Communications Team Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust

Designed by Medical Illustration, Graphics Team Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust

Submit an idea If you’d like to submit an idea for an article, contact the communications team Ext 5303 swbh.comms@nhs.net

Stay updated We send out a Communications Bulletin via email every day and you can now read Heartbeat articles throughout the month on Connect.

Don't forget you can follow us on: Lesley and Poppy Bhachu

@swbhnhs

are our hidden heroes, there to support and guide us in our lives.

We also have another family at work, it is really important to work in a good team, working together day to day to overcome our challenges, our careers are long and demanding, so it is important that we cherish and support our colleagues.

So for me and Poppy who have worked for many years, we value the role our families (home and work) have played in our careers.

For Ryan embarking on his journey with his new NHS career and family he really wants to feel part of something special - and I am sure that he will soon feel part of our SWB family.

Finally, it’s poignant that I am writing about the importance of family with Christmas just around the corner. It is a time where we can relax and enjoy the company of the loved ones in our lives.

Thank you for all your incredible work during 2023, please do try and ensure you have some downtime with your families as 2024 is shaping up to be a wonderfully exciting year for our SWB Family.

A 5,000 mile journey into employment They’ve travelled nearly 5,000 miles from Mumbai to the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital – in the hope that their dreams of working for the NHS would become a reality.

And now husband and wife team Murtaza and Lamiya Zaveri have done just that – both landing a job at the Trust with the help of The Learning Works, our service which supports local people looking to move into the world of work or a career change.

Sharing their journey into employment, Pharmacy Support Officer, Murtaza said: “We moved to Unett Street earlier this year and exactly opposite the house is The Learning Works. We also have a bird’s eye view of Midland Met.

child and didn’t have any family here to help us out.

“But it was a silver lining for us when we came into contact with The Learning Works.”

Curious about the service, Lamiya decided to head over to the building to find out more about what they did, and she was delighted to discover they could offer both of them support.

Murtaza added: “They helped to filter the relevant jobs for us, filtering them and giving us guidance on what would fit our skills. Once we’d worked out those we were applying for, the team supported us in writing an application, explaining what sort of information was needed.

“This led onto interviews and again the team were on hand to help us. They organised mock interviews which were of great benefit to us.”

“Of course, we’d heard of the world-renowned NHS and it was somewhere we’d hope to work The support received paid off and Murtaza is when we came to the UK. enjoying his new role, whilst wife Lamiya is thriving as a care navigator at the Your Health “So, it was by a stroke of luck that we moved Partnership (YHP) GP practice Whiteheath into a street near the organisation and were Medical Centre. supported by staff from the Learning Works.

Lamiya, who is a trained chocolatier and ran a “I found it difficult to get help when we moved successful business in India, added: “The work here especially as the application process is so is really interesting and I’m able to really engage different to India. At first, it was a vast and with patients and offer them the support they stormy journey for us because we have a small need. My colleagues have welcomed me into

CORPORATE AND GENERAL NEWS the SWB family and I’ve never felt left out. They’ve shown me true kindness and compassion and are always on hand to answer my questions.

“It’s a really enjoyable job and I have The Learning Works to thank for this. Ultimately it would be a dream for me to progress in my career within the organisation and one day work at the Midland Met when it opens.”

Emma Dalton, Widening Participation Projects Manager, said: “Lamiya and Murtaza’s journey into employment into the Trust has been amazing to watch and support.

“The Learning Works is here to provide opportunities to those who may not always have access to it and we’re so proud to have assisted both of them.

“But their journey hasn’t ended. We will continue to work with them and assist when and where they need it, whether that’s progressing in their career here at the Trust, or developing their training skills.”

Murtaza and Lamiya in their street which is overlooked by the Midland Met

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A bundle of Joy: Long serving employee looks ahead to MMUH her nominated for the prestigious Nursing Times Awards in 2018, finishing runner-up in the category of Nurser Leader of the Year.

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She is equally as proud of furthering her own education by completing her degree programme.

Can working life begin again at 40?

Joy Walker may be marking an incredible four decades working within the NHS – but is relishing new challenges ahead with the opening of the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital in 2024.

Having managed no fewer than nine different wards at SWB, and now serving as senior sister on D11, Joy is ready for the next step – and fifth decade - of her dedicated career, with the move to the new hospital.

“I’m very much looking forward to the move as I believe MMUH will mean we can better look after our patients and the local population we serve,” she said.

“I hope my experiences throughout the last 40 years will be beneficial to the Trust in its move to the MMUH, as I believe we all need to pull together to make the transition to the hospital as smooth as possible.

“I might be the engine of the vehicle, but I have no power without my team who are the wheels of the vehicle propelling the car forward to make a positive change. So they are equally as important to the move.”

But of course, 40 years in the NHS has brought with it many different and challenging trials and tribulations, and perhaps none more so than when the Covid pandemic arrived in 2020.

Joy Walker

“COVID-19 brought us all unprecedented times, but it made me stronger and built up a new resilience in me and my team which I think only makes us better equipped for the move to MMUH,” Joy explains.

So, what then of the last four decades and Joy’s extensive CV built up with the NHS?

“I must also add that the Trust looked after the staff so well during that time.”

She joined the Hospital of St Cross in Rugby back in 1983, then moving to SWB in 1996, since when she has managed an array of medical wards as follows - D7, D11, D12, D16, D18, D26, D28, D29 and D46.

When it comes to what advice she might give to her younger self were she setting out on such a lengthy career, Joy’s response is simple.

Her many roles within the Trust have included ward sister in the Orthopaedic Pre-admission Clinic and discharge lounge co-ordinator at Sandwell, as well as acting matron and ward manager.

Her diligence and dedication to her role saw

“Wear your uniform with pride, no matter the situation or circumstance, and treat every patient how you would wish to be treated or how you would want your friends and family to be treated.”

Many congratulations Joy on such a fantastic career – with many more years to come!

Simplifying sustainability at SWB The climate emergency is a health crisis that affects all of us.

On high pollution days, we will see more patients admitted to our sites with asthma attacks and strokes. We regularly see flooding of our roads, impacting our ability to get to work, ambulances being able to travel to emergency calls, and for our community staff to reach their patients. We can expect greater demands on our services unless we play our part in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and moving towards net zero.

Clare Nash, Head of Clinical Products Management, is empowering teams across SWB and the wider NHS to make more sustainable and informed choices with an innovative tool she has developed to reduce the environmental impact clinical products have on the planet.

Clare explained: “Approximately 62 per cent of the carbon footprint comes from the products we use to care for patients, so by choosing greener solutions,

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including reducing use or moving to reusables, we can all contribute to the SWB green plan of reducing emissions.

“There are 788,638 nurses, midwives, and nursing associates registered on the permanent register of the Nursing and Midwifery Council. As the most trusted profession, we can significantly influence the products we use and how we deliver care.

“Many colleagues have yet to recognise the correlation between the declining health of our planet and our population. I am aiming to raise awareness about this issue and create a sense of urgency to modify behaviours both at work and at home. It is worth noting that approximately five per cent of emissions in the UK come from delivering healthcare.”

carbon footprint by about four-fifths. I take advantage of all opportunities to speak with people about innovative solutions like this and share how we can all work together to achieve even more green and sustainable outcomes.”

Fran Silcocks, Head of Sustainability, added: “We encourage colleagues to get involved in supporting 'green' initiatives so that we can all work towards more resource efficient and cost-efficient ways of working.

Everyone is welcome to get involved in our Green Impact staff engagement programme where you can earn rewards, recognition and contribute towards making a positive impact.”

To discuss ideas for moving to reusables, reducing the use of clinical products, to request a department visit or to find out more about Green Impact, please contact clare.nash@nhs.net or francesca.silcocks@nhs.net.

Clare continued: “I recently shared my work on a national webinar focused on the tool I have developed. An example of the change I discussed is a reusable tourniquet For more information visit https://www. we implemented, saving around £42,000, england.nhs.uk/greenernhs/a-net-zeroreducing waste generated, and reducing the nhs/

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My part in Midland Met

Marc Ros Cisa, Clinical Change Manager How long have you been at SWB and what is your current role?

The biggest benefit that Midland Met will bring in your opinion is...

I have worked at SWB for almost two years, previously in the clinical nurse practitioners’ team and now as a clinical change manager.

Innovation. Our new hospital will have a single emergency department equipped with larger assessment units and modern technology to improve the patient experience. The innovative approaches will also positively impact our colleagues, so I'm ready to move in 2024.

What part does your role contribute to the Midland Met project?

Have you been on a site tour?

Yes, and I loved it! I visited Midland Met and found it spacious, with logically located departments. The Winter Garden is beautiful, and the space will make a positive difference for colleagues and the communities we serve.

I am a clinical change manager who works in partnership with Dionne Mullings. Our primary objective is to standardise work processes across the Trust to provide the best possible care to our patients and their families.

To achieve this, we collaborate closely with various ward personnel, including nursing staff, healthcare assistants, doctors, physiotherapists, discharge coordinators, and matrons. We're working to transition to Midland Met with a new rhythm of the day and high-quality ward and board rounds. We are confident that this will positively impact the level of care we provide to our patients and their families at Midland Met. How are you preparing for the opening of Midland Met in your team?

We are very enthusiastic about moving to Midland Met. As clinical change managers, we are going into the wards and speaking with colleagues to see what we need to change to make their work easier.

We are addressing any doubts and queries about the new hospital. Plus, we’re encouraging teams that haven’t visited Midland Met to do that, so they are familiar with their areas before moving.

In what ways will our new hospital help to shape your role for the better?

My priority is to ensure that patients receive the best possible care and that we continue to be innovative in our approach to patient care.

To support this, we are currently implementing changes that will enable us to achieve our goals related to the fundamentals of care and hospital standardisation when we move into Midland Met. By improving our care processes before we relocate, we will be able to experience the benefits of these changes right from the start when our new acute hospital opens.

Marc Ros Cisa

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SWB unveils ambitious plans for retained estate In a candid discussion with Warren Grigg, the Director of Estates Development, the spotlight shifted from the much-talkedabout Midland Metropolitan University Hospital to the equally important retained estates programme. Warren took us on a journey through the extensive works planned and underway, promising a future that seamlessly integrates cutting-edge facilities where we can deliver top-tier clinical services.

“Everything is planned in our estate strategy document. This comprehensive plan spans short, medium, and long-term objectives, strategically aligning with the evolving landscape of clinical services.”

Standing on the second floor of City Hospital in a building standing on land already sold to Homes England, he continued: ”This seemingly routine transaction sets the stage for a grand shift. Many of our colleagues will soon find themselves at Midland Met, Sandwell, or other Sharing his insight, Warren explains: “Amidst locations within the City site. The relocation the hustle and bustle surrounding Midland of crucial teams like fractures and imaging Met, we must turn our attention to the showcased the success of these bold moves in heartbeat of our healthcare infrastructure – the enhancing operational efficiency. retained estate – the buildings where most of our outpatient and elective care will take “Going forward there are plans that outline place. The meticulously planned and strategic a series of strategic reconfigurations on both initiatives in progress that will carry the burden City and Sandwell sites. From the creation of ongoing care when patients are discharged of a Pharmacy Hub to a soft FM Hub, each from Midland Met or those being treated for long-term conditions.

City Hospital retained estate and housing plan

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step underscores the team's commitment to ensuring a seamless transition for those not moving to other sites.”

Leasowes and Rowley Regis continue to feature in our future plans, with the resurrection of the Halcyon at Leasowes to serve as a Maternity Services hub.

A significant investment of £12 million in Net Zero sustainability works are taking place at Sandwell.

From cutting edge low-carbon heating technology to a facelift for the ward block, these works promise not just a modern appearance but also an environmentally conscious approach as well.

To find out what else is in store for our retained estate watch a video update from Warren here - https://youtu.be/RHjHwYj5dP8

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Induction leads the way to Midland Met The proverbial countdown has begun, and to guarantee a smooth move to our new acute hospital, we've enlisted an army of dedicated induction leads from across the Trust to support each of our teams in the move to Midland Met. As the anticipation builds for the grand opening of our state-of-the-art facility, our induction leads are the unsung heroes, steering Our team of induction leads are ready colleagues through the induction process. They to support their colleagues to get set for are there to help ensure everyone completes Midland Met both general and role- specific inductions, keeping everyone well-informed about the move, from booking site tours to attending consolidating acute emergency and inpatient them. services into one single-site acute hospital.

This includes bringing our two emergency Our upcoming hospital promises top-notch, departments together as a unified force. It's purpose-built facilities for clinical teams,

crucial that when colleagues move to Midland Met, they seamlessly adapt to their new work environment, working safely and efficiently, and this can only be achieved by good quality induction.

Recently, our induction leads got together for drop-in sessions, where they snagged their badges, collateral and posters to jazz up their Midland Met corners.

Holly Burns, Project Support for Midland Met Induction, said: “These sessions mark a crucial milestone in our induction planning. We're collaborating closely with our induction leads to ensure they're well-equipped to support their colleagues. I'm confident that our teamwork will make the induction to Midland Met a seamless experience for everyone.”

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Healthcare Relocations supporting our move to Midland Met

The Healthcare Relocations team with colleagues from maternity Excitement is building as we gear up for the big move to Midland Met, and our recent collaboration with the incredible team from Health Care Relocations (HCR) is adding even more momentum to the anticipation! Flying in from Canada, these experts in healthcare relocations joined us to guide us through every step of the process.

Jayne Dunn, our Director of Commissioning and Equipping, shared her enthusiasm: “HCR is not just helping us plan; they are here to make our move to Midland Met exceptional. With their exclusive focus on healthcare clients, they understand the importance of our move. Their mission is clear – maintain patient quality care throughout transition, minimise operational downtime and mitigate risk."

Having successfully relocated over 500 healthcare facilities worldwide, HCR's return to our Trust is a testament to their unmatched expertise. Our colleagues had the fantastic opportunity to engage with them, sharing insights, reviewing plans, and actively participating in the preparations for our move next year.

How are they achieving this? HCR is collaborating closely with our hospital teams, employing well-tested plans and processes tailored to our needs. Ensuring the safety of emergency services during the move is a top priority, with plans in place, including a nurse escort for each patient transfer to elevate the standard of care.

To ensure a seamless transition, we've established three patient transfer working groups, each dedicated to a specific move day. Chaired by Dr. Sarb Clare, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, these groups include dedicated professionals working tirelessly to orchestrate the move with precision. Our high-level move plan spans five weeks, with three patient transfer days, and progress is solid as we move closer to the grand opening of Midland Met next year.

As we continue to work with HCR, our Patient Transfer Working Groups, and Midland Met Move Champions, the next two months promise to be filled with meticulous planning, ensuring the safe movement of equipment, furnishing and ultimately patients, to the Midland Met.

Rediscover the joy of reading Launching a new reading initiative to encourage colleagues to come together in their joy of literature, Trust Library Services is encouraging anyone with a love of the written word to join in and share their appreciation of a set text. There is no homework involved, just an organised meeting led by a trained Reader Leader who encourages the group to discuss the text and share their lived experiences.

Head of External Communications, Vanya Rogers led a session earlier in the month and she explained: “I thoroughly enjoyed having the opportunity to share a piece of prose with the group. Following six weeks of training by

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the Reader organisation, I felt transported back to my university days of studying literature, and meeting for a study group. Only this occasion was even better as I met new colleagues, and we connected over the prose that I had chosen – The Iceberg by Tove Jansson (creator of the popular children’s characters – the Moomins).

“It sounds unbelievable but in that piece of text memories were awoken for all of us as we recalled and recounted the childhood, teenage and adult memories that were unlocked, sometimes just with one image from the text.

From walking along a decidedly dangerous narrow railing over sheer drop, to the memory of a child pleasantly lost in a field of high crops

swaying in the breeze, the reading group experience was magical in where it was able to take us.

“The experience is made by sharing, and leaves you with a rich seam of thoughts to explore – long after the session has ended. I would urge anyone to go along and give it a go. No preparation is necessary, just attend with an open mind and the willingness to share your thoughts.”

The next session is on Thursday 25 January 12.30-1.30pm in the Education Centre at Sandwell. Call Library Services for more information – 0121 507 3587.

SWB welcomes students to careers event CORPORATE AND GENERAL NEWS and midwifery, Allied Health Professionals, apprenticeships, business administration, IT, portering and security, and ward services.

“The enthusiasm and engagement with the students were very positive and thought provoking - I could feel the buzz throughout the day. I’m looking forward to arranging future events like this.”

The team had lots of encouraging feedback from students, including Harpreet Sidhu from Sandwell Academy, who said: “I really enjoyed the day where I had a one-on-one discussion with a junior doctor who gave me advice on following my aspirations to study medicine.

“I would be interested in volunteering and undertaking work experience with the Trust off the back of the event.”

Students gather at Sandwell Hospital for careers event More than 120 youngsters visited the Trust to find out more about careers in the NHS. The students, from schools and colleges across the area, were invited to the Insight into NHS Careers event organised by the Widening Participation Apprenticeship Team.

Nikki Smith, Work Experience and School

Engagement Lead, said: “There was an amazing turnout of students wanting to learn more about the careers we have on offer here at the Trust and the journey of getting into those roles.

“We had teams from across the Trust join us in our careers marketplace and expert panels.

These included experts from medicine, nursing

Maxine Griffiths, Widening Participation Manager and Apprenticeship Lead at the Trust, added: “I was blown away by the number of attendees, especially as it was during half-term week. Their enthusiasm to learn more about what their futures could look like was evident and I am very grateful for the amazing support we received from our colleagues to host such a brilliant and worthwhile event.”

Student Harpreet Sidhu receiving her prize

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Chaplaincy team keen to keep on improving after winning award The multi-faith chaplaincy team were both proud and honoured as they were recognised for their compassion, kindness and selflessness at this year’s Star Awards.

call 24 hours a day and will offer a safe space to listen without judgement whether via bedside care on their ward rounds or visiting patients and families in their homes or communities.

Being named the non-clinical team of the year is potentially the first award the team have ever received, but an accolade for which they are both extremely grateful and determined to use as a “jumping board” to help and support even more people in the future.

Religious services and prayers are conducted at the chaplaincy’s spiritual care centres and prayer rooms which can also be used for quiet time and meditation.

Being named the non-clinical team of the year is potentially the first award the team have ever received, but an accolade for which they are both extremely grateful and determined to use as a “jumping board” to help and support even more people in the future.

“It is a proud moment for the team – we were all really honoured, and it was a wonderful night,” said Interim Lead Chaplain, Rev Eddie Briones.

“We need to celebrate success whether big or small - it is our booster especially in the work that we do but is also only made possible by those who have led and served before us, and all chaplains in whatever capacity they have worked.

“Given such a recognition is such a big help in raising our profile and making people aware of what we do and how they can benefit – our patients, families and colleagues are our witnesses to this.

“However, winning this award is also a platform of challenge to keep on moving and improving the service that we deliver.

“We cannot rest on our laurels but make this a jumping board for greater things.”

The portfolio of work covered by the chaplaincy team is extremely important and wide-ranging, fulfilling their role as the spiritual care practitioners of SWB responsible for the provision of spiritual, religious and pastoral care to patients, families and other stakeholders.

Supporting people of all faiths or of no faith, the team are on

Support can be provided for requests from patients, families and staff for prayers, blessings, funeral ministry, memorials, weddings and other rituals or sacraments.

“Our primary customers are our patients and their families,” added Rev Briones.

“It is so important but also a privilege to be invited by them into their own space especially in end-of-life cases.

“When supported, these acts of kindness will never be forgotten, and it leaves a high regard not just for chaplains but the whole Trust.

“Staff morale is also important, and we are here to support our colleagues.

“Some of those we meet need just a simple, ‘hello, how are you?’, to change their mood and lift their spirits while others may open up on personal and confidential matters that they don’t wish to share with others.

“We partner with everyone in building a community which is compassionate to everybody and portray an equitable, diverse and inclusive team as reflected in the way we relate to our stakeholders.

“The night we won the Star Awards, it felt like the stars were not just up in the skies,” he concluded.

“We are stars who shine brightly, and everyone is a star and has a light to share.

“Please shine the light wherever you can, especially in a world and a time where there is so much darkness.”

Star Award winner Janice ‘privileged’ to work at SWB Janice Nelson’s career in the NHS now spans almost 40 years, but she is loving her work as much as ever and is continuing to blaze a trail in a pioneering and innovative role within SWB. Janice deservedly received the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award at this year’s Star Awards, hot on the heels of a ‘Making a Difference’ award from the Royal College of Nurses in 2022.

“I was really happy, shocked and very honoured to receive the Star Award,” she admits.

“It validates all the great work that the Procurement Team and myself are carrying out.

“It is success which reflects the great and innovative way which our team is focusing on our objective and I would like to thank all of the procurement team within the Black Country Alliance (BCA) a partnerships between SWB and The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, for their support in realising this objective.

“The success of this programme has been achieved by the commitment and contribution of the team.”

As a clinical procurement specialist, it was two years ago that Janice took on the role of procurement equality, diversity and inclusion lead, believed to be the first of its kind in the country.

As such, she had a blank sheet of paper in setting out and then implementing an EDI procurement strategy setting the aims, outcomes and key metrics for the next three years.

As a result, the team are delivering improved EDI and social value outcomes, and increasing BAME (Black and Minority Ethnic) opportunity to access NHS spend.

The development of the strategy was a response to a low TIDE (Talent, Inclusion, Diversity & Equality) score, an accreditation run by ENEI (Employers Network for Equality & Inclusion).

The score in 2020/21 was 13%, but after developing a programme to address gaps in procurement strategy and processes, and a significant improvement in performance now sees that figure as over 50%.

“This is a unique programme and we have been recognised in the BCA as the only two NHS trusts that are delivering these plans within the region and nationally,” says Janice.

“This is an important procurement function and simply means that we are delivering on our public sector equality duties.

“We now include EDI in procurement wherever possible in engagement with suppliers and other NHS organisations.

“It is pivotal and an integral commitment to delivering our social value and sustainability strategy.

“The initiative of implementing the TIDE standard into our procurement strategy was driven to improve equality, diversity and inclusion into the procurement process.

“To achieve this, we have committed ourselves to the principles of fairness and valuing diversity for our SMEs (Small, Medium Enterprises) by ensuring improved access to our Trust’s procurement opportunities whilst understanding the perceived barriers that they face.”

The three-year EDI strategy has been developed and adapted by both Trust’s boards and the objective to agree, prioritise and implement EDI within the BCA procurement strategy has its ultimate aim of the BCA becoming a reference and flagship Trust.

Whilst Janice hails the sense of teamwork and shared vision between the whole team, it is clear her own leadership has had a pivotal influence, with the Royal College of Nurses last year referring to her ‘unique, specialist role which seeks to address inequality encountered by BAME partners.’

It is just the latest stage of a successful career within health for which the seeds were sown when joining the St John Ambulance at the age of just 14.

“That was what inspired me to consider a career in health,” Janice recalls.

“Following this I went on to complete my training in nursing, midwifery and health visiting with a career now spanning nearly 40 years in the NHS. “I have worked for SWB for nearly ten years and have enjoyed my roles in immunisation team, Family Nurse Partnership and the transformation team.

“My current role is as a clinical procurement specialist and I am fortunate to combine my project management skills alongside my clinical experience, adding value to this role.

“I love my role as a clinical procurement nurse, and I consider myself privileged to work with such a great procurement team.”

Christmas comes to SWB CORPORATE AND GENERAL NEWS

Sarbjit and Gin Hunjan gifting presents to the children Teacher Sarbjit and her husband Gin recently brought over 50 colouring books and pencils to the children. Being a teacher herself, she knew how much the children would love to colour and most importantly take their mind off being in a hospital environment.

WBA Visit - children ward West Bromwich Albion star players, Jed Wallace, Conor Townsend, Adam Reach and Kyle Bartley visited our children’s wards to donate specially selected gifts and bring joy to our young patients faces.

Among those who received a gift was Cairo, aged nine, who was pleased to meet the players.

He said: “I feel really happy, and I feel really blessed. I’ve met my favourite player.”

The visit was organised in conjunction with Your Trust Charity and West Bromwich Albion.

Conor Townsend said: “It’s lovely to see the kids at Christmas, that are unfortunate to be in here. Seeing their faces light up when we come in, it’s rewarding for us to come here and give them this moment.”

Sarbjit and her husband Gin Hunjan pictured here with Jo Maher Play Therapist

Christmas Jumper Competition We love seeing staff across the trust in their festive jumpers, from the discrete to the wackiest jumpers. Congratulations to the Pharmacy team at City Hospital for winning this year’s competition.

Here Adam Reach and Jed Wallace from West Bromwich Albion visiting children on the ward Winner of this year’s Christmas Jumper Competition – Pharmacy Team at City!

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Littleton Lodge Care Home visiting the children ward to give Christmas gifts The children had a surprise visit from Santa! Thanks to the staff at Littleton Lodge, the children were able to meet Santa, receive gifts and tell him how good they’ve been this year!

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Donation of Christmas Pyjamas Children’s Hospital Pyjamas recently visited the children’s ward to donate pyjamas for our children in hospital this Christmas.

Staff from Littleton Lodge with Santa and the play therapy team

Spectre - Busy Bee - visiting the children's wards Spectre, a community interest company, recently ran a Christmas decoration session with our children. The afternoon was full of lots of creativity and sparkle, where the children were able to take time away from their beds and create a Christmas decoration for themselves.

Jo Maher and Beena Parmar, Play Therapists pictured here with the sacks of pyjamas

Queen Camilla at Clarence House Oscar-Ray Rogers and Epilepsy Transition Nurse Specialist Nurse, Louise Fisher were cordially invited by Queen Camilla to decorate the Christmas Tree at Clarence House courtesy of Roald Dahl Marvellous Children’s Charity

The staff from Spectre, creating Christmas decorations with the children

Oscar- Ray Rogers, mum and Louise Fisher pictured here meeting Queen Camilla at Clarence House

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Embracing success: Our apprentices' journey to completion CORPORATE AND GENERAL NEWS

The learners felt that undertaking an apprenticeship not only gave them the on-thejob experience but also the qualifications that were required for the role they are undertaking

and to aid their career progression. One said: “Without the support and help from the apprenticeship team I would never have imagined I could ever achieve this milestone!”

Celebration filled the air as our apprentices proudly received their certificates, signifying the triumphant end of their apprenticeship training programme journey. This ceremony marked not just the acquisition of skills but the determination that impacted their growth.

This celebration of achievement event featured presentations for any colleagues who have achieved their apprenticeship award over the last two years. The apprenticeship team always used to run this event annually, but this was the first one since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The awards celebrated the achievements of staff, with 115 people invited to collect an award. These milestones are key to developing our existing staff to enhance their career pathways. Also, apprenticeships at SWB offers employment, and investment in education and training opportunities to our local community, attracting local people to come and work for us.

Our apprenticeship team

Maxine Griffiths, Widening Participation Manager/Apprenticeship Lead said: “By developing existing staff and new staff is investing in our future long-term workforce for the Trust.

“The apprenticeship awards are the highlight of our work, showcasing the achievements of all our apprentices and the hard work of our team to ensure we get the best results for our learners.

“I couldn’t be prouder of all the team and the learners who work with us to achieve the amazing results that they do. They are a credit to SWB!” Apprentices with their completion certificates

Congratulations all our our award winners

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Shout out has been a regular feature in Heartbeat and it is fantastic to see colleagues regularly taking the time to give positive feedback to each other.

To nominate a colleague, visit connect2. swbh.nhs.uk/communications/shout-out/, or search 'shout out' on Connect and fill in the form.

CORPORATE AND GENERAL NEWS

To – Jessica Nicholls

To – Elective Theatres Theatre 3 and 4

To – Maureen Bowen

Jess the past week you have been amazing running the Upper GI Cancer CNS team, you have dealt with some really challenging situations , managing to support both physically and emotionally some complex cancer patients. Throughout you have maintained your professionalism and kept your own personal issues in check. Well done Jess, so proud of you.

Excellent demonstration of dedication, work ethics, co-ordination , hard work and problem solving in making the 4 joint list possible

Thank you Maureen for staying late and supporting us when we are short staffed.

We really appreciate your flexibility!

Kind regards, Erin and Sofia

From – Vishal Paringe

From – Erin Murphy

To – Charnjit Tinsa

To – Pete Godman

Charn has not missed a single KPI (Key Performance Indicator) visit over the last 2 quarters of the financial year. At times of low staffing and increased workload this is really good to see. Well done!

Went above and beyond managing a very busy A/E department. we as a team are very proud of him. As the Only senior on shift he managed his priorities efficiently.

Looked after his team well. so well done pete. From all your a/e team xx

From – Jo Harvey

To – Janet Downer (Maternity Support Worker)

From – Keturah Gardner

Massive shout out and Thankyou to Janet Downer for her continual support in the antenatal clinic and the additional support given to the Diabetes team Midwives, she goes the extra mile every Wednesday in our busy clinic thankyou and we appreciate you.

From – Sharon Gibbs

From – Usha Sansara

To – Clive Haslam Clive has been extremely supportive and has been going the extra mile to help the allergy team. He has gone above his means to try and get stock and exhaust all alternative before cancelling patients.

Thank you Clive!! You are a credit to SWBH

To – ACP Stephannie Oakley

From – Aman Sira

This Saturday Steph took a call from our Admin team as the caller disclosed domestic abuse. Steph was thoroughly professional as well as being very empathetic with the caller. Steph is a credit to her team.

To – Leony, Yashpal and Juwariah

From – Alise Mainwaring

To – Sandwell Post Room Thank you so much to all in the post room for helping cancer services in delivering the samosa sale information across all of the Sandwell site, we sold out within the hour, so Thank you from all the team.

From – Jayne Whistance

To – Ingrid Griffiths thank you for helping Blessy and I sort out our laptops and setting up for us. you guys where sooo kind and helpful.

From – Adeyinka Adeshina

Compliment from a specialist teacher: thank you to Ingrid for 'professionalism and “unflappability” when attending multiple meetings - some at the same time!'

From – Kay Baker

Have you got a story?

MEDICINE AND EMERGENCY CARE

We’d love to hear from you if you have…

• An event or special occasion in your department • If you work with an inspirational colleague • Does your department do something that makes a real difference to our patients?

Please get in touch if you’d like to be featured in an upcoming edition of Heartbeat!

Email swbh.comms@nhs.net to submit your story idea.

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Integrated Discharge Hub on the national radar Amy Crumpton, Clinical Lead Integrated Discharge Hub explained more about the role the hub plays and how important it is in supporting effective discharge from hospital: “The team are on hand to help you, 8am – 8pm, seven days a week. We can support you with complex discharge planning, in reach to the wards, contribute to MDTs and answer any queries you may have around the discharge.”

PRIMARY CARE, COMMUNITY AND THERAPIES Earlier this month, Sir David Behan who is a non-executive director at NHS England and chair of the joint Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England Discharge Taskforce, paid a visit to Sandwell Hospital, to learn more about the discharge hub and the work we are doing within Sandwell Health and Care Partnership – our place-based partnership.

Sir David spent time with the place senior leadership team, including representatives from SWB and Sandwell Council, before heading over to the hub to talk to some of the team. He described the model as ‘brilliant’ and he was very impressed with the how staff from health and social care work together to get the very best outcomes for people leaving hospital.

Ruth Williams, Head of Intermediate Care said: “We were absolutely

Amy’s top three tips for discharge planning Start discharge planning onadmission

•

Complete the admission checklist as a referral to the hub or call them on extension 3147

•

Always take a home first approach and the least dependent route for the person

Sir David spent time talking to staff in the Integrated Discharge Hub delighted that Sir David Behan and colleagues from both the regional and national teams came to visit us in Sandwell.

“The work of the hub is integral to helping people leave hospital in a timely way and ensure they receive the right care at the right time in the community. The visit was a chance to celebrate the good work that is taking place as well as highlight our ambitions for future development.”

Watch this video for more information on the Integrated Discharge Hub: https://youtu.be/ zuHd6uW10kU?feature=shared

Sir David Behan (middle) with colleagues from NHS England and members of our SWB family

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•

Services to be based ultra modern medical centre A new health centre named after a much-loved stalwart of Sandwell NHS has officially opened its doors in Wednesbury and will be the new home of one of our district nurse services.

years. He served as non-executive director of Sandwell and West Birmingham Clinical Commissioning Group until 2018 and was previously chair of the former Sandwell Primary Care Trust.

The Richard Nugent Centre was officially opened at the start of December as the new modern home for the Spires Health Centre thanks to a joint development project between Sandwell Council and the NHS and will provide our organisation with two new podiatry rooms and four consulting/ treatment rooms.

Richard sadly passed away at the age of 75 in 2019, and his son Mark, and daughter Rhiannon, both attended the opening ceremony.

The NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB) worked closely with the council and Spires Health Centre to deliver the project which is designed to benefit the local community for decades to come.

It was at the request of the ICB that the new centre was named after Richard, who worked in the healthcare profession for 35

“Dad would have been honoured by the naming of this centre,” they explained.

“The project was important to him and echoes his firm belief that health outcomes are improved by community access to better local facilities.”

The new centre at Kingsbury Close includes a suite of consulting, treatment and meeting rooms as well as 32 on-site car parking spaces and an ambulance drop-off centre.

“We are pleased to be providing much-

PRIMARY CARE, COMMUNITY AND THERAPIES needed services in the heart of the Wednesbury community in a modern healthcare facility where we have a number of services based, including one of our District Nursing teams,” said Daren Fradgley, Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Integration Officer.

“This fantastic new health centre is a wonderful example of the Council and NHS working together to deliver better health facilities for residents in Wednesbury and Sandwell,” added Councillor Kerrie Carmichael, leader of Sandwell Council.

“It is also very fitting that it is named after the late Richard Nugent, celebrating his many years of service and dedication to local healthcare provision in Sandwell and the wider region.”

Partners from across the system pictured outside the new health centre

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Focus on the Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre SURGICAL SERVICES Clinicians from across the world gathered earlier this month for the annual Birmingham and Midland Eye Hospital (BMEH) Conference, which marked 200 years of the service.

Medics shared memories of the hospital, now called the Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre (BMEC), which was established in 1823, and held its first clinic in 1824 at what was then known as The Infirmary for Diseases of the Eye, in Cannon Street, Birmingham.

Organised jointly by the BMEH Alumni Association and the Academic Unit of Ophthalmology Alumni Association from the University of Birmingham, the event gave clinicians a chance to present extensive knowledge and research about ophthalmology. The chief organisers were consultants from BMEC, including Arijit Mitra, Ajai Tyagi, Fizza Mushtaq, Robert Barry, Professor Saaeha Rauz, and Emeritus Professor in Ophthalmology Phil Murray.

Arijit Mitra, Consultant Ophthalmologist with a special interest in vitreoretinal surgery and medical retina, said: “We have held this important conference since 2014, and each year it grows in numbers.

“Consultants come from all over the world to attend, with most of those having either worked or trained at BMEC. This year is particularly special

BMEC consultants, Arijit Mitra, Fizza Mushtaq and Ajai Tiyagi because we are celebrating the 200th anniversary of the hospital.

“It is an opportunity for us to share our memories and also the rich history of the facility.”

He added, “I first joined as a registrar in 2007 and then as a consultant in 2012. I decided to write a book about BMEC’s history. which was published in 2014 because there was very little out there.

“This year I’ve updated the book, and a second edition has been released in time for the anniversary.”

The book, Birmingham and Midland Eye Hospital: A Short History, details how it was

first based inside a house at 35 Cannon Street, seeing around 1,733 patients in its first year. Two more moves followed, and, in 1884, a new home was built to accommodate it further. The new fourstorey building opened in Church Street, which is now Hotel Du Vin, and the total cost of the build was estimated to be £20,000, which in today’s equivalent is around £3 million.

Patient numbers had increased to 15,000 a year by then, while around 1,200 operations were performed. The hospital quickly gained a reputation as ‘one of the finest eye hospitals in the country’.

“We were the first to import and use a slit-lamp, which is now considered to be the most basic yet most important instrument for examination of the eye,” added Arijit.

“We introduced microsurgery, cryosurgery, laser photocoagulation of the retina, and we’ve made a huge contribution to glaucoma surgery. More recently, the Eye Centre has established itself as one of the world leaders in simulation training in Ophthalmology.”

Colleagues presenting at the BMEC conference

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As well as detailing the history of BMEH, the conference shared knowledge on various topics and hosted the 31st Roper-Hall Eye Foundation Prize Medal Competition, which sees young medics detailing complex cases and their outcomes to judges. The contest is named after Michael Roper-Hall, a consultant who worked at the Birmingham and Midland Eye Hospital, as it was once known, from 1957 to 1988. Now 100 years old, the consultant was unable to be at the event, but his daughters Alison Roper-Hall and Professor Gillian Roper-Hall were on hand to present Hamza Abdou with the medal for the best presentation.

Winter Ambition: Better for you, better for our patients Last month, we launched our winter ambition – to make things better for you, and better for our patients. This came following a period of sustained pressure on our emergency services, which resulted in a critical incident.

We held two focus weeks, one at City Hospital and one at Sandwell Hospital, during which members of our improvement team were embedded into our medicine and emergency services, working alongside clinical and operational colleagues to look at what worked well and where there were opportunities for improvement.

Dave Byrne, Director of Operations for Medicine and Emergency Care explains more: “During the focus weeks, we had colleagues from the improvement team working closely with our clinical teams in ED, AMU and on the wards.

“The observed board rounds, ward rounds, handovers, admissions, and discharge planning and have provided us as a leadership team with an in-depth report, with recommendations of interventions that

MEDICINE AND EMERGENCY CARE ensuring that we can work with the pharmacy team to get this right first time and in a timely manner • Better use of the discharge lounge, particularly on a weekend they feel could help us improve.

“I was really pleased to hear that they observed excellent teamwork, not only within medicine and emergency care, but across the whole organisation. They also saw some efficient and effective ways of working, which we will be looking to learn from and implement across other areas.”

Whilst the leadership team are still reviewing the full report, some of the initial findings and areas of focus are: •

A better approach to TTOs (to take out medication) and

•

Better communication between the day and night teams

You can find out more about the discharge lounge and why it is important to helping us maintain good patient flow by watching these two videos: What is the discharge lounge: https://youtu.be/ fTbX7GFpNnI?feature=shared How the discharge lounge works and why is it important: https://youtu.be/ fwLzlunubUQ?feature=shared

Trust leads media briefing in urgent and emergency care CEO Richard Beeken took to the stage last month to host an online media briefing for journalists across the region on the subject of winter preparedness.

Speaking alongside colleagues from Black Country ICS, primary care, WMAS, Walsall, Wolverhampton, Dudley and Black Country Healthcare, Richard delivered key messages for our communities to signpost them to using health services wisely over the winter months.

With a focus on keeping people well at home and avoiding admission to hospital, Richard and colleagues focussed on the positive action people can take to look after their own health, not ignore deteriorating conditions, take vaccinations when offered and make healthy lifestyle choices. And, as not every ailment needs A&E treatment, people were urged to consider contacting their GP or local pharmacy or visiting The NHS website for advice. NHS11 online is also a good resource and trained professionals can advise when to go to A&E.

A&E Matron Michael Brennan being interviewed by ITV Central Black Country Urgent and Emergency Care System saw 49,233 more patients in the period November to March 22/23 when compared to the same period of 21/22.

Media from across broadcast and print attended the briefing to produce coverage, with ITV Central filming with A&E colleagues at Sandwell Hospital.

Matron Michael Brennan was interviewed The specific message for our Trust centred about life on the front line and after around increased operating hours of SDEC giving the film crew a whistlestop tour (same day emergency care) which has been of the department he reiterated the extended by five hours a day, meaning that He acknowledged that last winter was important messages of how to seek medical cover provided by senior doctors a very difficult period for all our patients alternatives to A&E and choose well. The using NHS services and for those colleagues has been hugely expanded so vital patient filmed piece made the article on *The patient does not have to be medically fit for discharge but should be on an expected or improving medical trajectory and safe at lead home. treatment decisions are made quicker. delivering care the pressures experienced ITV Central’s main news broadcast that were very real and sustained. Across the evening (23 November 2023.)

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From premature baby to compassionate caregiver WOMENS AND CHILD HEALTH In a heartwarming testament to her personal experience, Evie Hurst, a Neonatal Nurse with a unique and inspiring story, shares her journey from being a premature baby born at 26 weeks to a compassionate caregiver, dedicated to giving other newborns the best chance at life at SWB. Speaking to Heartbeat, Evie said: "My journey into neonatal nursing started with my own story. Hearing from my parents about the incredible care I received as a premature baby sparked a fire in me to give back. I owe my good health today to the nurses who looked after me.

"There's something truly amazing about helping premature babies defy the odds.

The resilience these tiny miracles show is inspiring. Every day, I get to contribute to their chance at a healthy life, just like the nurses did for me.

"The heart of neonatal nursing lies in the relationships we build. Witnessing the bonds between parents and their babies is incredibly heartwarming. The joy I see when I tell parents they can take

Evie Hurst, Neonatal Nurse their baby home – it's a dream come true for them, and it never gets old.

"Despite the triumphs, neonatal nursing comes with its share of challenges. Losing a baby is never easy. Being a premature baby myself, it hits close to home. It's a reminder of how fortunate I am and the fragility of life."

When asked about her future endeavours, she replied: "As I look ahead, I'm considering different paths. The intensive care aspect of neonatal nursing fascinates me. Whether

it's becoming an advanced neonatal nurse practitioner, or joining the neonatal transport team, I want to play a role in helping the sickest infants and supporting their families through tough times.

"I see my journey as a neonatal nurse as a way of paying forward the compassion I received. Every baby, every family, has a unique story, and being a part of their journey is a privilege. It's not just a job, it's a calling, and I wouldn't have it any other way."

Recurrent miscarriage clinic referrals Women who have suffered consecutive miscarriages can be referred to special clinic for treatment at the Trust.

Run by Mr Ayman Ewies, with support from consultant Miss Hoda Harb and two clinical nurse specialists, the clinic offers a range of investigations and a holistic approach for women who have had three miscarriages, and those under 40, who have no children and have suffered two miscarriages.

Mr Ewies said: “Suffering a miscarriage is an extremely sad experience for couples.

This clinic not only investigates why this is happening, but also offers evidence-based treatments, including progesterone therapy – there is some evidence it may help improve the chances of having a live birth - and opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research trials.”

Mr Ayman Ewies, Consultant Gynaecologist

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GPs who have patients meeting the criteria can refer into the service which was first established in 2012. It has grown since then and treats up to 100 women a year.

Women will be supported by Kuldip Manak and Julie Harris, nurses who have long experience in treating early pregnancy problems. They will be offered blood tests, ultrasound scans, and, if needed, a hysteroscopy and genetic testing.

Mr Ewies added: “Treatments will be given according to the results of tests.

For example, if a woman has sticky blood syndrome she will be referred to Dr Richard Murrin, consultant haematologist, and his team for joint care. Whilst still under our care, if a woman finds out she is expecting, she will be given progesterone therapy until she is 16 weeks pregnant. This can be provided directly by our specialist nurses without the need to go to the GP as interval to start the treatment is critical. Women under our care also are offered early scan at six weeks' gestation for reassurance once they fall pregnant again.

“Patients can speak to their GP about being referred to the service.”

Outreach project in high demand IMAGING “It was a really positive exercise and the students were really engaged asking some good questions and showing a real interest in their learning and our work.

“Some of them had heard about the training scheme that can lead to becoming a nuclear medicine physicist so it could be that we have attracted some trainees of the future to help grow the workforce.”

The keen interest of the students was perfectly illustrated in how they were so quick to volunteer to grab the available spots, filling the available places within just eight minutes.

“A bit like Glastonbury!” quipped Consultant Physicist and Head of Nuclear Medicine, Joe O’Brien.

In all seriousness there are clearly so many positive strands and outcomes from such a mutually beneficial link up, incorporating both a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and medicine) activity with Health Care Science.

Students from the University of Birmingham visiting the Nuclear Medicine Department The nuclear medicine department at City Hospital have once again opened their doors to deliver some excellent outreach by welcoming a group of students from the University of Birmingham.

The 16 undergraduates studying for a degree in physics were treated to an illuminating few hours looking at gamma camera technology and then image processing and clinical outcome.

They were able to not only pick up vital practical knowledge from watching experienced professionals at work, but also ask questions and learn more about career opportunities in medical physics and nuclear

medicine, and gain an insight into the day-today workings of the NHS. The initiative was organised by Principal Clinical Scientist, Joseph Burmiston in collaboration with Dr Anthony Price from the University of Birmingham.

“This is the second time we have welcomed students from the University of Birmingham in what we are planning to be an annual event,” said Joseph.

“It is great outreach for us as a department but also offers the students an important opportunity to have some real world experience of the theoretical knowledge they are studying on the course.

Joe added: “Any outreach which we can deliver is really valuable and it’s important to emphasise that, without such work, students will not have the practical insight into medical physics and a potential opportunity is lost.

“Building partnerships with the University in this way can only help encourage science graduates into considering a career within the health sector.”

Another feature of the collaboration was the teamwork from within the nuclear medicine brdepartment, who adapted their work schedules on the day to free up space and allow the students to make the very the most out of such an invaluable experience.

A real team effort!

Want to relax and unwind in a safe place? Visit the Wellbeing Sanctuary and enjoy a range of free treatments including a massage, meditation and relaxation hypnotherapy.

Call 0121 507 5886 to book your free session today.

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Fast forwarding into the future of breast screening IMAGING Breast screening colleagues held a special education day exploring how new technologies can help to improve the patient experience.

The team were joined by Dr Silvia Perez Rodrigo from the Cancer Centre in Madrid who shared how her organisation is using artificial intelligence (AI) in breast ultrasound, whilst Syeda Alam, Breast Imaging Programme Manager at our Trust talked about what the service has been doing to improve patient workflow.

Syeda said: “Educating and sharing knowledge around breast screening is extremely important to us. We regularly hold sessions to increase awareness about good practice and colleagues found real value in the information provided by Dr Rodrigo and how advanced AI is in her organisation.

“Equally she was impressed with what we as a Trust are doing to improve patient flow and was keen to take away learning from us.”

Additional training sessions were also provided by GE Healthcare to colleagues to optimise existing techniques and reporting methodology on the new Invenia ABUS machine, which is a pioneering new scanner which could potentially reduce waiting lists and

The Breast Screening team at the training day subsequently patient anxiety in symptomatic patients.

by the service as the first ABUS unit in the UK symptomatic service.

The FDA-approved ultrasound technology is a different imaging technique for evaluating dense breast tissue, providing a comprehensive view of the breast.

Syeda said: “The training sessions were informative for our staff especially in optimising and streamlining clinical technique and this equipment could be a real game changer for the service.

GE have demonstrated a 57 per cent relative increase in cancer detection for women with dense breasts, this is currently being evaluated

Your Right to be Heard Do you have something you’d like to say, or a question you’d like answered? Tell us! We will look to get a response to your issue or query from a relevant colleague for publication in Heartbeat.

Visit www.surveymonkey.com/r/yourrighttobeheard, scan the QR code, or write an email of no more than 200 words and send it to swbh.comms@nhs.net. Please note all submissions via the Survey Monkey form will be anonymous.

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“It could help us optimise our Rapid Access Clinic pathway with a view to increasing capacity.

James Fleet Interim Chief People Officer We recently welcomed James Fleet, Interim Chief People Officer to SWB.

previously Chief People Officer at Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, most recently was Chief People Officer for Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB and before that James led a national clinical workforce productivity team at Four Eyes Insight Consulting, prior to which James was a national Director for PricewaterHouseCoopers NHS HR consulting business.

James officially joined the Trust in October 2023 and is hoping to make a real impact at SWB. “In the short term I want to work with leaders, teams and individual staff across the Trust to improve staff engagement, experience and satisfaction, particularly at a time when our people are working so hard to support and deliver major organisational change for MMUH, deliver and recover services, despite winter pressures and ongoing industrial action, said James.

“I also want to work closely with and support our trade union colleagues to strengthen and embed partnership working and with our amazing Staff Networks to champion greater efforts to improve the experience and representation of diverse staff at all levels of the Trust.”

James is committed to leading work to improve performance in key areas, including improving levels of staff health, wellbeing and attendance and reducing our high levels of vacancy which negatively impacts our capacity to deliver high quality care and to support

When asked why he joined SWB specifically James said: “SWB is an ambitious and forward-thinking organisation, with a talented workforce and has the potential to be great.”

James Fleet

each other and our colleagues. In addition, he is committed to supporting SWB to embed a culture of compassionate leadership, through implementing the Trust’s own People Plan, the NHS People Promises and promoting active and dynamic Staff Networks.

James has an accomplished background both inside the NHS and further afield. He was

Wave goodbye to…

He added: “I believe the Trust has the opportunity to engage more effectively and compassionately with its people, to provide a better experience for all of our staff, attract and retain talented and diverse staff and my personal aim is to make the working lives of our staff better.”

Outside of work James enjoys spending time with his wife and two children and keen cyclist and swimmer. He is also currently in the process of completing a PhD. If you see James around SWB be sure to give a big wave and welcome him to our #SWBFamily.

Dotrice Banks Senior Health Care Assistant

Dotrice Banks, Senior Health Care Assistant, will be retiring from the SWB after 10 years and three months.

Dotrice started her career as Health Care Assistant in 2013 and later progressed to become a Senior Health Care Assistant. “I would not change anything from working for the Trust,” she says.

“My biggest challenge was when Birmingham & Midland Eye Centre were short staffed, but I worked with a great team, and we always aimed to give the best care to our patients putting them at the front of everything that we did.”

As well as her impact on patients, Dotrice has also always been a really positive influence on colleagues across SWB during her time here. She has been described by others as hardworking, patient-oriented and always ready to give an extra helping hand.

Charmaine Levy-Jackson has worked closely with Dotrice during her time at SWB. She said: “It has honestly been a pleasure working with Dot. She has always been the person you go to whether it’s work-related or personal. As for patients, she would always go the extra mile and she truly has a heart of gold. Her presence will really be missed, and I wish her all the best for the future.”

America and starting a new life ‘Across the Pond!’ She will truly be missed by everyone at the Trust, and we wish her all the very best for the future. Happy retirement, Dotrice!

When asked about any career advice she could pass on, Dotrice reflected: “With anything, make sure you love what you do and be passionate, caring, and loving.

Always put yourself in the other person’s position because you never know what will come your way. Things will not go your way every time but always be true and be able to apologise when you are wrong or have offended anyone.”

Following her retirement, Dotrice is ready to enjoy a great adventure by relocating to

Dotrice Banks at her retirement party

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Make a child’s day in time for Christmas YOUR TRUST CHARITY

@SWBHCharity To donate to the Your Trust Charity text “SWBH16 £5” to 70070 Your Trust Charity are encouraging staff to support our youngest patients over the festive period and treat them to a gift at Christmas.

Christmas is one of the most exciting times of the year for children and young people but unfortunately, many of them will spend Christmas in hospital.

To help to make their stay a more enjoyable one, Your Trust Charity have put together an Amazon wish list for any staff who may want to purchase gifts for children who will be spending Christmas in our care.

Johnny Shah, Head of Your Trust Charity

Help us bring more smiles to faces this Christmas is urging colleagues across SWB to get involved.

He said: “We really need your help to ensure children spending Christmas in our hospital have a present to unwrap on the big day.

“We picked Amazon as they have suitable goods that a member of staff can buy for a paediatric patient. We decided on an Amazon wish list specifically as means that whatever is bought will be something that is appreciated and worthwhile for the patient.”

Chris Spencer, Administration Support Officer at Your Trust Charity echoes these

thoughts and added: “It can be a nerve wracking and anxious experience for any child or young person to have to come into hospital, especially around the festive period, so if we are able to make their day a little brighter that would truly be a special thing.”

There is still time to donate! If you would like to purchase a gift please check out the Your Trust Charity Amazon wish list by visiting this link - https://www.amazon. co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/19Z20YLVPQN2D. When ordering please select the delivery for Lyndon Ground Floor so we can ensure all children get their gifts on time. For more information please email trustcharity@nhs.net.

Join Our SWB family staff only Facebook group A place for you to keep up to date with important Trust information, share good news and get to know your colleagues.

How to join Search SWB Family and click join or scan the QR code

You will be asked three simple questions to help verify your identity.

#ourSWBfamily

This year, the Medical Infusion Suite at City Hospital replaced their Christmas tree with a donation tree, which has over one hundred donations, from cookies to toothpaste. The team will be donating the items to an orphanage, a homeless charity and a women’s shelter.

Thank you to the team and for everyone who had made a donation – true compassion in action.

The Board would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.

Thank you for your hard work and dedication to making a difference to our patients, people and population.