Sir David talks about...The lost city of Tipton

Sir David Nicholson KCB CBE, Chair

Hello From The Chair

Welcome to the May edition of Heartbeat.

In the latest edition of Heartbeat, we have lots of inspiring updates to share from across SWB.

Turn to page three to find out how to how you can nominate for this year's Star Awards. We have made it easier than ever - you don't need to be on the network or even a Trust devicesimply follow the link or scan the QR code and off you go!

Discover how a blood test for ovarian cancer could save lives and learn about how we're piloting new resus training.

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Daren Fradgley, Chief Integration Officer and I recently had the delight of meeting some of the local people of Moat Farm Estate in Tipton commonly known as the lost city of Tipton.

Well, I can testify that I saw it with my own eyes it certainly isn’t lost. I came to learn that’s what they called the estate, apparently because when it became one of the first council estates to be created in the 1920s it was isolated from the rest of Tipton, with only one road in and out. The name stuck even when the area was integrated with the rest of Tipton as new housing developments sprung up around it.

Upon my arrival at the local leisure centre, I spoke about the Midland Met and how it would impact the area and was surprised when the residents I met told me they had no idea the new hospital was being built! What hospital? They asked.

We spent valuable time talking about the benefits the Midland Met would bring to the area. And it became very clear that as an organisation there is still some work to do (with local partners) to improve transport links from Tipton to Midland Met – something that I know the MMUH programme company is already looking at.

I found that what mattered most to the people of the lost city of Tipton was understanding how Midland Met would impact the services that they access on a regular basis. In essence, Sandwell Hospital will remain available for them for the majority of services including outpatients, urgent care and access to general practice.

We discussed the Trust’s plan to build a thriving town team model which places services as close to the local population as possible. This includes a strong presence at local health centres as well as retaining services on the Sandwell and Rowley sites. Residents were receptive to this approach and want to be more involved in coproducing options that would directly affect their lives.

We also went around some of the local areas and heard about the regeneration and challenges for businesses to retain a presence on the local high street.

I really enjoyed meeting the people of the lost city of Tipton and look forward to going back there again. I particularly enjoyed learning more about the activities at the local leisure centre aimed at tackling isolation and keeping people active.

I even took part in a Zumba class. Yes, I was right in the mix, taking every step to Brazilian rhythms – and I loved it! I recommend it highly if you haven’t considered it before.

Each year we host an awards ceremony to highlight and recognise those who go above and beyond within their roles and for our patients. Our 2023 awards ceremony will take place on Friday, 13 October in true Bollywood style and as always, will be the highlight of the Trust calendar.

Nominations are now open, so get thinking about those colleagues who have gone above and beyond this year, been part of something extra special or made a positive difference to the way we work or the quality of care our patients receive. Our Star Awards nominees are colleagues who consistently demonstrate our values – ambition, respect, and compassion – so have a think of people around you that showcase these values in their everyday work and make a real difference to our patients, our people, and our population.

To nominate a colleague or team, please visit https://connect2.swbh.nhs.uk/communications/star-awards/ or scan the QR code!