Heartbeat Spring 2024

Midland Met set to open in October 2024

In a landmark moment for the community, the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital is set to open in Smethwick this yeardelivering healthcare to the people of Sandwell, Ladywood and Perry Barr in an ultra-modern setting.

Supporting colleagues to move to Midland Met

Your questions answered

What's at Midland Met Pages 16-17

Meet your move champions

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

Rachel talks about...our road to successfully opening

Midland Met

Rachel Barlow, Managing Director MMUH Programme Company

HELLO FROM RACHEL

Welcome to our spring edition of Heartbeat, now being produced quarterly.

In this special edition, we are thrilled to bring you an exclusive glimpse into the work happening across Sandwell and West Birmingham to bring Midland Met to life.

From beginning our CQC registration process to meeting your move champions, our dedicated coverage delves deep into the fantastic work shaping the future of healthcare at SWB.

Enjoy J

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swbh.comms@nhs.net

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In October 2024, we will open Midland Metropolitan University Hospital (MMUH) in Smethwick. As a member of SWB, you will be part of one of the biggest hospitals to open in the UK in the past ten years.

I’m delighted that construction is complete, and Balfour Beatty, our construction partner, is finishing the complex technical commissioning. In early March, the Trust Board met in public and as part of our programme governance, accepted the critical path to open MMUH to patient services in October 2024. This is a huge milestone that colleagues and partners, past and present, should be proud of.

Looking forward:

• Building handover (Planned contract completion) is scheduled for 1 June 2024. Full activation follows and includes the Trust completing clinical scenario stress testing, installing all equipment and provisions loaded into the building and staff safely inducted.

• Patient Day One will occur in October 2024. The total move plan will be over six weeks, and patient moves will happen over three days. Sandwell patient services will move first, then five weeks later, City patient services will move in two phases - maternity and neonatal patients and adult patient services. Midland Met will be fully operational by December 2024.

The Trust is now getting operationally ready to move safely into MMUH. One of our most significant programme risks that needs continued focus is reducing the length of stay. MMUH has been a catalyst for change, including new and enhanced patient pathways in Place and the hospital environment. Key pathway transformations include Frailty Same Day Emergency Care and Virtual Ward, Same Day Emergency Care, Ambulatory Heart Failure, Falls and Respiratory Virtual Ward. There has been some good progress in implementing these that will further mature over the summer. Over winter 2023, we saw a significant length of stay increase in medicine, which needs to be reversed to fit into the MMUH acute bed base. It informed a focus on recruitment to substantive consultant posts, improved information data sets for clinicians and operational managers to manage clinical processes and pathways effectively, as well as standardising the rhythm of the day to reduce avoidable time in the hospital for patients.

The clinical and clinical support teams are preparing to practice safe and effective patient care in MMUH. The clinical support teams are preparing systems and associated support infrastructure onsite during the Trust activation period. It includes completing the testing of the live IT and phone infrastructure, commissioning over 600 security CCTV cameras, our logistics team testing the automated guided vehicles that will transport stock, waste and catering around the building and Soft FM services practising clinical support processes, such as food distribution and cleaning.

From a people perspective, Management of Change will finish in April; thank you to everyone who’s worked on this. We have appointed 70 move and 80 induction champions who are preparing the details of our move and induction plans. In June, we will have a mock move week, and in July, we start staff induction and familiarisation at MMUH.

In April, we will confirm all future department locations on the retained estate and be clear about the facilities and ways of working in the non-clinical administration space as well as our meeting and learning facilities.

As teams and departments get ready to move, managers will be responsible for Operational Readiness. This checklist is reviewed monthly. Activities in the next three months include final sign-off of the standard operating procedures and documentation of the patient pathways. Nearer to the move, Operational Readiness will centre on new department cost centres, rotational working cross site for multi-site services and the completion of consultant job plans.

The Operational Readiness of our teams will inform part of a safety case that I will take to the Trust Board in August to recommend our readiness to move. This will initiate an intensive 100 day countdown to move patient services into MMUH from October.

This is a whistlestop of the critical path ahead but one I thought important to share with you. Getting us safely into Midland Met is a team effort, and I ask you all to get involved in what is needed to get us through the final stages. This year, we will open a much-needed new hospital, which our patients, people and local population deserve.

Thank you for your continued efforts.

Rachel

Supporting colleagues to make the move to Midland Met

As the opening of Midland Metropolitan University Hospital (MMUH) draws closer, we have launched the biggest phase of our management of change programme. With our new hospital gearing up to welcome patients later this year, over 3600 colleagues are currently being consulted with about moving to our new acute hospital in Smethwick.

To ensure a smooth transition, a formal consultation period has begun from 27 February for a period of 90 days to cover the change of base to people’s roles. This period marks a crucial phase in exploring how the move may impact on colleagues, addressing role adjustments and equipping colleagues with the necessary resources to thrive at Midland Met.

Connecting you with support: We are committed to supporting colleagues through this period of change. To help do that, we have a wealth of resources available on Connect. Dedicated Midland Met pages provide the consultation documentation, updates on drop-in sessions, ways to access support, manager training sessions, FAQs, and a video addressing some of your most asked questions.

Open channels of communication:

If you have any concerns or queries about the move to Midland Met, please speak with your manager in the first instance. They can provide guidance, direct you to relevant information, or arrange individual consultation meetings tailored to your needs.

The management of change team is also accessible via email or via in person and online drop-in sessions. The team will be visiting Sandwell and City and hosting online sessions to ensure no change related question goes unanswered and you can find out when and where on Connect.

Your trade union representative also stands ready to lend support and guidance should you require it. You can find the contact details for trade unions on connect by searching for

connect2.swbh.nhs.uk/trade-unions or via email at swbh.unioncollective@nhs.net

Empowering you to move forward

Please use this consultation period to its fullest extent, familiarising yourself with the consultation documentation and available resources.

At the conclusion of the consultation period, you will receive formal confirmation of the outcome of the consultation.

Stay Connected, Stay Informed:

For updates, resources, and support throughout the transition period, be sure to check Connect and stay connected with your colleagues. These are some of the additional ways you can seek support:



Consider contacting your move champion or induction lead if you have any questions about our move to Midland Met and what it will involve. 





Staff networks may be able to help provide valuable perspectives.

If you’re a manager, take advantage of any training sessions or workshops offered as part of the change initiative. These resources can equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to adapt effectively.

The occupational health and wellbeing team provides highly experienced, qualified professionals to assist and guide you in managing your health and wellbeing. 

HR support is available to provide guidance, answer your questions and offer support tailored to your specific needs.

Management of Change

Midland Met – Your Questions Answered

CORPORATE AND GENERAL NEWS

As the opening of Midland Met is firmly on the horizon in 2024, we’re answering some of your most pressing questions to ensure that the transition to our new hospital is as seamless as possible.

Will we need a different car park pass for Midland Met?

Our trusted car park provider, Q-Park, continues to serve Midland Met. Colleagues can use their existing passes to access the parking facilities at our new hospital.

How do I access the ward area and what staff facilities are there?

Easy access to wards or departments is facilitated through both public and clinical entrances. For your convenience, changing facilities with showers and dedicated staff restrooms are strategically placed throughout the hospital, offering shared facilities for several wards and departments.

Will we have staff kitchen facilities?

There will be beverage areas in all staff rooms with at least one per level in Midland Met. These areas will have a hot water supply, fridge, and microwave available. They’ll be the ideal place to grab a tea or coffee while you are on shift.

How will I get there?

We are currently in discussions with Transport for West Midlands to discuss the bus services that will serve the site. Additionally, a dedicated staff shuttle bus will interconnect Sandwell, City, and Midland Met, ensuring a hasslefree commute between sites during your work day as you do now.

Is there enough staff parking?

Midland Met boasts 1600 parking spots, divided between 1200 staff parking spaces and 400 designated for patients and visitors. Staff parking is equipped with 51 specially allocated disabled parking bays and 30 charging bays for electric vehicles. For the eco-conscious, there are bike stores available, accompanied by convenient changing rooms and showers throughout the hospital.

Where can I work from at Midland Met?

Midland Met embraces modern working practices with approximately 230 agile working desks distributed across 12 agile working spaces. Colleagues will be able to book these spaces as needed. Complementing this are 17 bookable seminar rooms and an education centre equipped with conference room facilities, providing an array of options for productive and collaborative work.

How many theatres are there?

Our impressive surgical facilities include 11 operating theatres in the operating department and two more in the maternity unit/delivery suite. In total, Midland Met has 13 operating theatres. There will also be continued access to operating theatres in the Birmingham Midland Eye Centre, BTC, and Sandwell for day cases.

Will I have my own locker?

There will be lockers in all male and female changing rooms. Lockers will be allocated per shift and once you have finished your shift, the locker must be emptied and left available for someone else to use.

How will the move process work?

We are working with Health Care Relocation Ltd, (HCR), a specialist partner, who are experienced in moving healthcare facilities across the world to develop our move plans.

HCR have over 30 years’ experience and have supported over 500 hospitals internationally. We are planning a five week move period with:

• Week one: Sandwell acute services moving into Midland Met.

• Weeks two – four: A stabilisation period.

• Week five: City services moving to Midland Met.

Wellbeing starts with being well-fed!

This year we’ll be popping on pristine aprons and switching on the ovens at Midland Met ready to feed all of our incredible colleagues, patients and visitors. Along with all of the clinical innovation and improvements in the new hospital, we’ve also had the opportunity to spark some culinary improvements for all of you, to keep you well fed.

We know you work hard, and caring for poorly patients is incredibly demanding, so when you get a moment to yourself and you want to grab a bite to eat or a quick coffee, you want the experience to be as smooth and seamless as possible. So, we've designed our culinary experience with you in mind.

Say farewell to the days of long queues in the corridors as patients wander past and waiting at the till whilst your dinner goes cold. Midland Met is introducing a revolutionary approach to payment – queue busters in the level five restaurant! These friendly staff members equipped with handheld payment terminals will ensure that the restaurant flows seamlessly, allowing you to pay swiftly and get back to what matters most.

Let's dive into the heart of the catering adventure at the ground floor coffee shop. With a spectacular view overlooking the green at the front of the hospital, this space is more than a pit stop. It's a welcome break to stock up on hot and cold beverages, meals and snacks. Choose whether you want to sit and relax inside or take a seat under the canopy enjoying the view. As you enter or exit the hospital, this is your place to go to grab a coffee or a snack on the go.

On Level two, a cozy coffee shop awaits you and the patients waiting to be seen in ED. Serving an array of hot and cold beverages and snacks, amid the comforting aroma of coffee, create the perfect escape from a bustling

department whether you’re a colleague, patient or visitor.

Level five is where the real transformation takes place. Beyond being a haven for patients, colleagues and visitors, this floor houses the Winter Garden restaurant – a carefully designed space to support all. Located centrally for ease of access, it's not just a place to eat, it's a retreat. A welcoming covered area within the Winter Garden at the centre of the building, houses a well-equipped restaurant serving hot and cold meals, snacks, self-service salad and Crumbles deli bar with a selection of sandwiches and rolls made to your specific requirements. It's your oasis on the fifth floor – a space where you can catch a break and unwind.

You will also find a Costa coffee shop on level five, offering hot and cold beverages and graband-go snack options.

The Winter Garden restaurant is set to become a vital hub for everyone working, visiting or being treated at Midland Met. It's not just about serving meals, it's about creating a space

CORPORATE AND GENERAL

where you can replenish your energy, connect with colleagues, share a bite to eat with colleagues or simply find a moment of peace amid your busy day.

And it doesn’t stop there. The new hospital also boasts an innovative approach to catering for inpatients. Out go the clattering catering trolleys weaving across the car park and in come regeneration kitchens. These kitchens, located throughout the new hospital, will ensure our patients are treated to fresh and delicious meals, reaching each of their bedsides at the perfect temperature.

Sharing her thoughts, Jane Owen, Head of Catering Services said: “We are extremely fortunate to have fantastic new facilities to enable us to provide an outstanding meal experience for both our patients and staff, using modern equipment in an amazing environment. We are very much looking forward to moving into Midland Met and showcasing the wonderful food we produce for our patients and colleagues.”

The Winter Garden restaurant on level five.

The food service station in the winter garden restaurant

Travelling sustainably to our new hospital

When Midland Met opens, sustainable ways of travelling to the site will be on the agenda to reduce our overall impact on the environment in line with our Green Strategic plan.

The Trust will continue to offer support options for those who can cycle, take public transport, car share, walk or drive using low emission vehicles to work.

Bike stores will also be located at Midland Met on the same floor as the car park.

Meanwhile, bus routes around the area are being reviewed by Transport for West Midlands, and there will be two bus stops directly outside the main entrance.

Those wishing to travel by train can head to Rolfe Street station which is within walking distance of the hospital.

Shuttle buses will run between Sandwell, Midland Met and City, on a regular basis. Timetables are being worked on to ensure this works conveniently for those who need to travel between sites and do not either wish to drive or have access to a car.

And the 1,200-space car park will include 30 electric vehicle charging points, with those

who are based at Sandwell and City sites, able to access the multi-storey car parks.

Here are some of the savings colleagues can make if they choose to travel sustainably:

Cycle to Work scheme: Save up to 42 per cent in Tax and National Insurance when acquiring a new bike and cycling accessories through salary sacrifice. Visit swbhbenefits.co.uk

Dr Bike sessions: Free on-site bike checks for colleagues.

Bus Travel: We are working with National Express West Midlands to provide discounted travel for our colleagues. You can order and renew your bus pass online. You can access your bus travel benefits here: https://nxbusportal2.co.uk/nhs/

All new starters will have access to four weeks free bus travel on National Express buses.

Car sharing: is a great way to reduce driving costs, help reduce pollution and take more cars off the road. We have a dedicated car sharing app called Kinto that connects colleagues who share the same route to/from work. There is also a cycling and walking buddying up element for those who want to share cycling and/or walking journeys. To get started, imply download the Kinto app here: https://info.kinto-join.co.uk/swbh-nhs/ and join the SWB NHS network communities depending on which site(s) you travel to.

Driving: If you have to drive to site, try and do so using a low emission vehicle or by car sharing with colleagues. We offer a lease car salary sacrifice scheme –visit https://swbh.hapibenefits.com/ to see if you can pick up a new, low emissions and/or fuel- efficient vehicle.

The Winter Garden is more than just a place to meet. It will not only be an inviting place for staff, patients and visitors to meet and relax, but it will also be the main welcome point housing a contemporary art gallery.

Visitors will be able to find their way around with the help of clear signs, volunteers and wayfinding from this location.

Secretary of State impressed by Midland Met

The Midland Metropolitan University Hospital, set to open this year, recently hosted a visit from the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Victoria Atkins. Joined by Chief Executive Richard Beeken, Managing Director (MMUH Programme Company) Rachel Barlow, and West Midlands Mayor Andy Street, the Minister was keen to see the progress at our new hospital under construction in Smethwick.

Commencing the tour, the Minister joined construction workers on site by donning the customary hard hat and high visibility jacket before making her way into the hospital. Starting in the heart of the new hospital, the Minister had the opportunity to explore the fifth-floor Winter Garden, a space designed to maximise natural light whilst providing a covered therapeutic space away from clinical care.

Moving through the hospital, the Minister explored the midwife-led birthing suites, an essential component of the hospital's services for expectant mothers. Here, Victoria Atkins witnessed the facilities that will soon be available to mothers during one of the most significant moments of their lives. The commitment to providing a safe and supportive environment for childbirth reflects the hospital's dedication to comprehensive patient-centred care.

The visit culminated with a tour of the paediatric emergency department, a purposebuilt space designed to support the youngest patients in need of acute and emergency care. Positioned away from the noise and

disturbances of a busy city centre emergency department, this specialised area aims to provide a calm and child friendly environment. The Minister acknowledged the thoughtful design ensuring that even the youngest members of our community receive the best possible care.

Standing on the observation deck overlooking the hospital site, Secretary of State, Victoria Atkins remarked: “Here we are in front of this jewel of a new hospital that will be serving 750,000 people to give the most modern and cutting-edge care that they need. We're just seeing it a few months before it's going to open. It is going incredibly well, but it's a real

credit to everybody involved in bringing this together.”

The Minister highlighted the dual nature of the hospital, stating: “It's a really exciting building. If you walk around the new hospital, you will see that not only does it have the most up-to-date medical facilities, but it is also a welcoming and therapeutic place for people to recover. Spending time in the hospital is incredibly difficult, very distressing. And for most people, they want to get out of the hospital as quickly as they possibly can. This hospital is absolutely built around helping people get home as soon as possible.”

From model to reality, Secretary of State Victoria Atkins observing the model of Midland Met.

Chief Executive Richard Beeken and Managing Director (MMUH programme) Rachel Barlow with Secretary of State Victoria Atkins and West Midlands Mayor Andy Street.

What I’m looking forward

Michael Samy – DoctorAMU

“I am eagerly anticipating the move to Midland Met and the prospect of embracing new modern facilities for junior doctors, especially having all our specialties under one roof, that will bring a positive change”.

Sandra Martin - MidwifeAntenatal Clinic.

“This move represents a fresh start and an exciting new chapter in caring for all new residents in our area. Every contact counts and my team and I are enthusiastic about the positive impact we can make for the future.”

Sarah Harris - Maternity Support Worker and Norma Palmer – Midwife - Maternity

“The promise of more staff and a brand-new environment marks a new beginning for the future, and we are genuinely optimistic about the positive developments on the horizon.”

Susan Jones - Senior Health Care Assistant, Juliette Hendricks - Staff Nurse and Elaine Lemont - Staff NurseDischarge Lounge

“We as a team are excited for the new hospital, embracing better working conditions and new facilities is a progressive step for our team. Cleaner and safer areas to work creating an optimistic environment.”

Michael Brennan – MatronEmergency Department

“The idea of having all specialties under one roof is not just convenient but opens doors for providing comprehensive care and support for our patients. I am genuinely looking forward to the positive impact this change will have”.

John Bleasdale - Consultant ICU Anaesthetics - Critical Care Department

“Anticipating better opportunities, more spaces for our patients, and an improved working environment collectively shaping a positive transformation in patient care.”

Samiya Akhter - Staff NurseMedical Infusion Suite

“A fresh start for the team, with better equipment and an improved and more integrated service. I am looking forward to changes that will enhance our ability to provide quality care.”

Mirela Bahushi - Catering Services

“I’m enthusiastically looking forward to the move to Midland Met, it offers more spacious surroundings and a chance to contribute to a more diverse community. The journey ahead is filled with hope and adventure.”

forward to at Midland Met

Eddie Briones – Chaplain

“We are looking forward to providing excellent spiritual care in the region through the maximum use of a world-class space at Midland Met. As a team, we are looking forward to delivering an improved service to everyone by building respectful connections with our patients and their families, staff and the wider community."

Alex Beaumont – Emergency Nurse Practitioner

“Our emergency department will be at the heart of Midland Met, with cutting edge technology and twoway nursing call systems our patients will be able to recover and return home or be directed to community services swiftly.”

Critical Care - Nokuthula Sileya - Sister/Nurse in Charge

“I am looking forward to Midland Met as it will give our department the opportunity to work together as a team, under one roof. The advancements in technology will help improve the lives of our patients by continuing to deliver good quality care.”

Priya Kailey - Senior Theatre Practitioner

“I am looking forward to working in a state-of-the-art environment with new and exciting challenges. The team coming together from all sites to allow us to perform both elective and emergency operations for our patients.”

Jade Bissell – Paediatric Discharge Planner

“I am looking forward to the paediatric department coming together in one department to work together and to treat our poorly children.”

Dr Deepthy Madhavan –Consultant Geriatrician

“I am looking forward to having all the service areas together to improve and streamline patient flow between departments, not just for our benefit, but for our patients. For care of the elderly department to have prominence in Midland Met starting from front door all the way into community to improve the care of frail older patients.”

Nicola Gibson - Porter

“I am looking forward to moving to Midland Met as being able to have all our services in one space will allow for patients to be transported from A to B with ease.”

Martin Sadler – Executive Director of IT and Digital

“We have been working over the past few years to create stronger links between medical devices and the IT department. Midland Met allows us a great opportunity to continue to innovate and to introduce new technology to support staff and improving patient care."

Getting to know SWB

City Hospital will be redeveloped and new homes will be built on the site by Homes England. It will retain these services:

• Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre including eye emergency department

• Birmingham Treatment Centre

• Skin Centre

• Outpatient services

• Diagnostics

• Day surgery

• Pharmacy hub

Rowley Regis Hospital provides comprehensive community services:

• Outpatient services

• Diagnostics

• Community intermediate care beds

• Primary care community

• Urgent community response

• Day treatment

COMMUNITY SERVICES

Midland Metropolitan University Hospital

Our new hospital is poised of acute and emergency care when it opens in 2024. It will

• Adult and Children’s Emergency

• Emergency/elective surgery

• Surgical and Medical Same Care

• Haematology, Orthopaedic, Gastroenterology and

• Maternity services including

• Emergency Gynaecology Pregnancy Unit

• Children’s Units

• Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia

• Cardiology Services

• Pathology Lab

• Physiology department

• Education Centre and

• Urgent Treatment Centre

ICARES, District Nursing, ESD Stroke Team, School Nursing, Health Visiting, Specialist Nursing Health Services, Community Rehabilitation Teams, Case Management Team, Foot Health, Clinics, Hand Therapy Service, Specialist Diabetes Service, Community Paediatric Nursing, Clinic, virtual wards & other primary care services.

Metropolitan Hospital poised to become the centre care at SWB when it will include:

Emergency Departments surgery Same Day Emergency Orthopaedic, Stroke, Toxicology wards including Serenity Gynaecology and Emergency

Thalassaemia department department Learning Campus Centre

Sandwell Treatment Centre will offer GP led urgent, but not emergency care, including:

• Sandwell Urgent Treatment Centre

• Primary care GP services

• Outpatient services

• Diagnostics

• Day surgery and treatment

• Children’s Outpatients

• Education Centre

• Clinical research facility

• Pharmacy

Leasowes Intermediate Care

Centre offers short-term, individual and holistic rehabilitation programmes to help people improve their independence with everyday tasks such as washing, dressing, walking and eating.

• Community intermediate care beds

Nursing Teams (Continence, Heart Failure, Diabetes, Falls), Sexual Health, Admissions Avoidance Team, Home Accident Prevention, MSK Nursing, Specialist Nursing & Therapy Teams, Respiratory Team, HIV

READY SET GO

January 24

• Departmental move plan approved

• Activation period plan approved

• Trustwide Estate comms plan launched

• Pharmacy End-to-End solution - drugs cabinet order authorisation

• Registration work commences with CQC

• Strategic benefits oversight governance established

READY SET GO

READY SET GO

February

Key decisions

• Notify third party installers end of March

• Self-assessment of infrastructure (IPA) gateway - readiness readiness gateway takes

• Logistics project assurance

• Clinical scenario testing

• Urgent Treatment Centre agreed

• Internal review of our Government benchmarks

• Establish critical provider executive oversight group

• Clinical Group Operational Involves checking and preparing service models and workforce Operational readiness

• Corporate Directorate Operational Readiness Away

Getting the building and colleagues ready i.e. testing workflows, equipment and

April 24

• Management of Change completed

• Logistics activation starts on site at Midland Met

• Trust Leaders Conference - Midland Met focus

May 24

October 24

• Patient moves with HCR start and MMUH opening

• Planned completion and building handover

• Facilities management onsite at Midland Met

• Corporate Directorate Operational Readiness Away Day

June 24

• IPA Gate 4 - readiness for service

• Third party service readiness review against Government benchmark

Key decisions Operational readiness

• Post handover estates work completed Onsite clinical scenario testing

• Mock patient move week

• Clinical Group Operational Readiness Away Day

Involves transitioning patients clinical services, and finally,

November 24

• Patient moves with HCR finish

• Post 100 days activated

December 24

Post one hundred

• Disconnection of vacant building at City site

February 24

• Soft activation starts preparing the building and infrastructure, workforce prior to handover

March 24

installers to come on site at the infrastructure project authority readiness for service operational takes place assurance review takes place testing proposal for approval Centre service model to be our service readiness against benchmarks provider and commissioner group Operational Readiness Away Day

readiness and key activities

July 24

decisions

readiness and key activities

the opening of Midland Met decisions

• Trust Board to agree move plan

• Trust to accept assurance on workforce

• Accept recommendation to commence soft activation - 28 March 2024.

• Be informed of conditions of the anticipated planned contract completion.

• Accept recommendation of the move plan

• Accept recommendation of a move date critical path for October 2024.

• All SOPs signed off

ready for the start of clinical service provision and operational processes/clinical systems patients to the new site, the ramp up of

August 24

Pre one hundred days

• Trust Board receive safety case and approve decision to move in October

September 24

• CQC readiness assessment for registration

• Staff induction

• Onsite clinical scenario testing

• Trust Board receive safety case and approve decision to move

• MMUH Programme Company Away Day

• Staff induction

• 100 per cent operationally ready

• Staff induction

January 25

• Post 100 days - lesson learned assessment

February 25

March 25

MMUH Programme Company closes

Midland Met Hubs take centre stage at City and Sandwell

In a significant leap towards enhancing colleague and community engagement and awareness about Midland Metropolitan University Hospital, two new Midland Met Hubs are now in place at City and Sandwell Hospitals.

These hubs serve as focal points for interactions with patients, colleagues and visitors showcasing our new acute hospital. With visuals and facts on display, these hubs aim to foster a sense of anticipation and involvement as we gear up for one of the most memorable years in our history at SWB.

The unveiling of Midland Met Hubs in public and prominent areas demonstrates our commitment to transparent communication.

By bringing the essence of the new hospital to our existing sites, the hubs bridge the gap between the present and the future, ensuring that patients, visitors, and colleagues are wellinformed about the upcoming changes to how we will deliver care across all our sites.

Our hubs will have our fabulous team of volunteers on hand to support general discussions around Midland Met. These friendly faces will be familiar to many and will be available to share materials and answer questions about our new hospital.

The hubs will also be a platform for colleague interaction and a space where we host drop-in sessions throughout 2024. These sessions will serve various purposes, such as supporting the upcoming Management of Change conversations and discussions around our staff induction and familiarisation programme. More information will be provided via staff communications and Connect about opening times and drop-in sessions shortly, so keep a look out.

Rachel Barlow, Managing Director, said:

“Our Midland Met Hubs represent a crucial opportunity for us to engage with people in a new way. These new hubs will help us to generate excitement around our new hospital, but more than that, allow us to have

meaningful conversations with colleagues, visitors, and patients.

“We are being transparent about the changes we are making, and we hope that colleagues, in particular, will benefit from these hubs as it will allow us to connect on a personal level, provide answers to their questions and even give them the opportunity to collect materials to display in their own departmental Midland Met areas.

“Our goal is to successfully and safely open Midland Met later this year and for the seamless integration of Midland Met into our Trust and the lives of the people it will serve. As 2024 unfolds, these hubs will play a pivotal role in fostering a sense of shared responsibility and enthusiasm for the future of healthcare at SWB and beyond. Midland Met is #morethanahospital, and I’m honoured to share this journey with so many talented people across our organisation and beyond."

My part in Midland Met

Dionne Mullings, Clinical Change Manager

The successful opening of Midland Metropolitan University Hospital relies on many people, teams and stakeholders. Once open, it will have a far-reaching impact – not only on those we care for but also on colleagues and our community in terms of regeneration, jobs, housing, charitable endeavours and so much more.

Getting us to Midland Met is a team effort. We all have a part to play in making it #morethanahospital!

How long have you been at SWB and what is your current role?

I have had a fantastic career since joining SWB in March 2012. I started as a community midwife, completed a 12-month preceptorship, and gained experience across all areas of maternity. I've been a clinical educator and community manager and later transitioned to a service manager role within community medicine (PCCT).

I'm now a clinical change manager with the Midland Met Project Group. My job involves working closely with clinical teams to standardise hospital procedures and to ensure a smooth transition to our new acute hospital.

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

My role is to standardise the operational aspects of the wards, improve patient care and their stay, and promote the wellbeing of the clinical teams. I also support the socialisation of the Midland Met move to our communities and colleagues, and I'm actively involved with the work around our staff induction. We will roll out a new Rhythm of the Day and Ward and Board Rounds. These initiatives are pivotal to the patient experience, and ultimately, we aim to facilitate a smooth transition to Midland Met and provide highquality patient care.

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

With my role supporting and implementing organisational change, there will be great opportunities to build on the innovation and new technologies that will be part of the dayto-day running of the hospital.

New technology, spacious, contemporary work areas and the development and transformation of patient pathways will enable teams to give

outstanding and quality care from referral through to discharge and beyond.

The biggest benefit that Midland Met will bring in your opinion is... Innovation and the standardisation of services for both patients, colleagues and stakeholders.

Have you been on a site tour?

I have seen the impressive facilities at Midland Met, and I'm blown away by what I saw. The building is easily accessible from the car

park, and departments are close to each other, allowing teams to deliver their services seamlessly.

Throughout the new hospital, designated areas for colleagues to relax and take a break are available. The Winter Garden promotes wellbeing as it's a non-clinical floor for people to step away from work and enjoy a drink or a walk around the hospital outside in the fresh air. It’s a fantastic building and I can’t wait for colleagues to start working there and enjoying the benefits of working in a new, purpose-built hospital.

Dionne Mullings, Clinical Change Manager

Level 8 - Surgery wards A8 and B8, Medicine – Gastroenterology/Toxicology

Level 7 - Trauma ward - A7, Medicine ward - B7, Medicine

Level 6 - Gynaecology ward - A6, including Emergency Gynaecology Emergency Pregnancy Assessment Unit - B6 ward, Orthopaedic - C6 ward, Stroke and TIA Clinic.

Level 5 - Welcome Centre, Winter Garden, restaurant, coffee Spiritual Care Centre, bereavement office and external

Level 9 - Medicine - Acute Elderly wards A9 and B9. and travel to level 5 via shuttle lifts before continuing

Level 4 - Children’s Unit including E4 ward, D4 ward, Children’s People’s Clinic, Pathology Laboratories, Maternity Doctor Common Room, Pathology, Pharmacy, Medical

Level 3 - Operating Theatre Department, Intensive Care Unit, Respiratory ward - C3, Neonatal Unit, Maternity Birthing

Level 2 - Emergency Department, Security, SAU, Surgical Same Emergency lift to level 3 operating theatres and Intensive entrance including lift to birthing units.

Level 1 - Staff car parking only.

Level 0 - Public and staff car parking. Coffee shop, Mortuary, Soft Facilities Management (catering / housekeeping / logistics / home of the

Gynaecology Assessment Unit and ward, Haematology and Elective and Acute Elderly ward - C7. Gastroenterology/Toxicology - C8.

YoureasyguidetoMidlandMet

coffee shop, Education Centre, art gallery, retail spaces, external terrace area. The public enter the building

continuing on to their destination wards and departments.

Children’s Assessment Unit, Children’s Day Unit, Children’s and Younger Maternity wards - A4 / C4, Medical Illustration, Medical Student and Medical Engineering, Urodynamics, Physiology Department.

Unit, Medical Day Case Unit, Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Unit, Birthing Units, Antenatal Clinic, Antenatal Day Unit.

Same Day Emergency Care, Medical Same Day Emergency Care, Intensive Care Unit, Imaging, AMU, Cardiology Services, Maternity

Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust

Near Neighbours – Bringing communities closer together

Fostering strong connections with the local community, actively engaging in open dialogue and involving your nearest neighbours is crucial when proposing any planned changes. And none more so when those changes affect travel, transport and parking surrounding one of the largest acute hospital developments in the West Midlands – The Midland Metropolitan University Hospital.

Throughout the development, SWB has actively involved the community with updates about Midland Met, but as we draw closer to completion and opening, information sharing has moved on from clinical discussions to in depth conversations regarding travel, transport and parking.

In November 2023, the Trust hit the road again to speak with our communities. The Trust’s senior management team actively supported these sessions and updated over 65 people on the progress made so far. Partners from West Midlands Police, Birmingham City Council, Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, West Midlands Combined Authority and Transport for West Midlands joined the sessions to enable us to have productive and informed discussions.

During the meetings, there were updates provided about parking, job opportunities, and community access to the public spaces within and outside the building.

Jayne Salter-Scott, Head of Community Engagement, said: “The Trust and its partners enjoyed sitting down and talking with members of our community and reaffirmed our commitment to continue to collaborate closely with residents, businesses, the community, and voluntary organisations in the run up to the opening of Midland Met.

“Attendees raised questions about parking on nearby streets, congestion, job opportunities, and community access to the public spaces within and outside the building. In response to the discussions, Sandwell Council committed to follow up with three community site visits to assess what can be put in place to address any issues and Tony McGovern, Director of Regeneration and Growth for Sandwell Council, explained how baseline travel surveys will be rolled out and how they will be assessed after the opening of Midland Met.

We informed attendees that Transport for West Midlands is working on a proposal to review bus routes to help people to access the hospital using public transport. We also

discussed the on-site parking facilities.

“Sandwell Council representatives confirmed investment in the area through Government Levelling Up monies, which includes £18 million for the Grove Lane Regeneration Corridor and £13 million for the Learning Campus at Midland Met. This will serve as a community hub for learning, training, and vocational education and it will play a vital role in developing the next generation of healthcare professionals, providing over 1200 new learning opportunities a year when it opens in 2025.

“Overall, there was significant interest and enthusiasm from our near neighbours looking forward to Midland Met opening in 2024.”

Rachel Barlow, Managing Director, echoed these sentiments and added: “We were privileged to meet members of our community. Responding to feedback from previous events about improving transport and connectivity locally, we also invited leads from the local police, Sandwell Council, Birmingham City Council and Transport for West Midlands. It provided a very productive listening and engagement opportunity, which will help inform future transport plans and experiences.”

Members of our senior leadership team and partners met with members of the community to continue the conversation around Midland Met

On the road to Midland Met

As the wheels of the Midland Met Mobile, our community engagement bus, spin through the neighbourhoods of Sandwell and West Birmingham, it carries the promise of a new modern hospital, and our engagement team is on a mission to connect with people who live locally and use our services

Our vibrant bus is on the road, and the team use it to share updates about our new acute hospital opening in Smethwick. Armed with leaflets, brochures and goodies, the team is engaging with the public about the changes coming their way – the consolidation of services, the closure of City and Sandwell emergency departments, the changes to our retained estate and the grand opening of Midland Met later this year.

The Midland Met Mobile provides a vital link between the Trust and the people it serves. Our communities have welcomed the bus, pouring in with questions,

concerns, and a genuine desire to be part of this transformative journey.

Jayne Salter-Scott, Head of Community Engagement, said: “Having our bus out in the community has made a positive impact in helping us to tell the story of Midland Met and the changes to our services across our entire estate. Importantly, it allows us to have direct and open conversations with the public.”

But the journey is far from over. As the bus pulls into sites across our Trust, it's time for colleagues to jump on board. The bus has already been to Sandwell Hospital, and City Hospital, inviting colleagues to join the conversation and ask questions.

So, whether you are a nurse, a doctor, an administrator, or an HCA, mark your calendars, as we would love to see you on the day.

Join us on the road to Midland Met - it’s your community, your hospital.

Bringing Hope to Midland Met

When sculptor Jacob Chandler's father was admitted to City Hospital during the pandemic for a heart attack, he was terrified that he would not survive. But thanks to lifesaving surgery by Dr. Leong Lee followed by excellent care from the critical care team, his father is fighting fit today.

As a thank you to medics Jacob, best known for his iconic Commonwealth Games model of a bladed athlete, decided to create a unique sculpture called ‘Hope’ to honour the healthcare heroes who saved his father's life.

Jacob's inspiring artwork will be seen by all those who enter Midland Metropolitan University Hospital. It will stand as a symbol of gratitude for the tireless efforts of our

remarkable colleagues who have dedicated their lives to saving others.

Jacob recently visited Midland Met to scope out the area where his newest sculpture will be installed. “The sculpture will be of a figure holding out her arm, referencing the image of the Lady with the Lamp, and with her head held high to face the fray,” Jacob said.

Looking at exactly where Hope will stand Jacob remarked: “This is the first time I’ve been back on site in two years and seeing where Hope will be displayed makes this project all the more real.

“I am delighted to be able to give a little back to support those brave medics who worked so heroically throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. So many of us continue to be indebted to them for their care and dedication.”

Colleagues outside the MMUH bus at Sandwell Hospital

Jacob Chandler is creating a unique sculpture that will sit at the entrance to Midland Met.

OpeningOctober2024

Midland Met will be our acute hospital and includes:

Purpose-built emergency department with co-located imaging and diagnostic services.

Dedicated children’s emergency department and assessment unit.

736 beds with 50 per cent in en-suite single rooms.

13 operating theatres.

Midwife led birth unit, delivery suite, two maternity wards, neonatal unit and antenatal services.

Regional sickle cell and thalassaemia centre.

Midland Met corporate away day ignites collaborative spirit

On a bustling, wet and windy Monday, corporate teams gathered at West Bromwich Albion Football Club to focus on the collective effort needed to bring our new hospital to life. The event provided a unique opportunity for cross-functional collaboration, idea sharing and strategic planning.

Teams represented included governance and security to portering, logistics, HR, and communications among others. Everyone joined together to listen to the latest updates and had an opportunity to contribute their expertise and perspectives, emphasising everyone’s pivotal roles in the successful launch of Midland Met, set to open later this year.

The day began with teams sharing their ideas, visions and strategies. Senior leaders including Rachel Barlow, Managing Director and Liam Kennedy, Midland Met Delivery Director, provided their perspectives on where we are in the programme and what is required to get us to the finish line. Discussions delved into corporate readiness exploring what it truly entails. Dani Joseph, MMUH Associate Delivery Director, shared

a detailed view of how the team have been planning and tracking progress across the entire programme and highlighted the commitment of teams to supporting this approach across the organisation.

Logistics took centre stage as a crucial aspect of the away day, with updates on the intricate planning that is underway for a project of this magnitude. Partnering with DHL, a globally recognised logistics partner, the team is innovating and finding ways to deliver cutting-edge technology and processes to streamline and support safer

patient care. This partnership underscores our commitment to opening a hospital that meets the highest standards and brings best practices into everything we do.

In the spirit of collaboration, the latest Midland Met corporate away day set the stage for our final stretch of preparations throughout 2024, ensuring that every aspect of our operations aligns seamlessly for when we open our doors to patients.

With a renewed focus, refined plans and strengthened networks, the journey towards Midland Met continues.

Midland Met provides a dementia-friendly environment.

Colours and clear bed numbers will help patients identify where they are. Layouts of wards will be the same, with each group of four beds within a ward having a different colour theme.

Pictorial signs will be in place on bathroom doors, and all bed spaces have an external view or look onto one of our courtyards.

Managing Director, Rachel Barlow alongside colleagues sharing ideas about the work being undertaken to open Midland Met.

Meet our Midland Met Move Champions

2024 is going to be a momentous year for SWB.

To ensure everyone understands what is happening locally, we have enrolled the support of our Midland Met Move Champions – trusted team members guiding their teams through this career highlight as we move into our new hospital. Relocating two emergency departments into one, along with countless other services, is a monumental task that demands precision, dedication, and the expertise of our colleagues. That's where our move champions step in, each one assigned to support in their areas. These individuals are committed to helping teams to feel comfortable and confident about our move to Midland Met.

In collaboration with Health Care Relocations (HCR), our move champions have been equipped with the tools and resources to help navigate this intricate process. Supported by the commissioning team and with the expertise of our local experts, this creates a dynamic partnership to help us successfully move into Midland Met.

Our move champions are more than facilitators – their knowledge and familiarity with the unique needs of their teams make them ideally placed to guide colleagues on this journey. Whether it's coordinating with staff or addressing any concerns about the move process, our move champions will be on hand every step of the way.

Jayne Dunn, Director of Commissioning and Equipping, remarked: “Our move champions provide an invaluable link

between lots of clinical and operational teams, bridging gaps and helping us to communicate important messages and changes with colleagues. Their proactive approach plays a pivotal role in supporting teams and providing a point of contact as we move forward with our detailed move planning.”

To find out who your move champion is visit Connect - https://connect2.swbh. nhs.uk/mmuh/move-champions/

Dean Farrington Critical Care

Eddie Briones Faith representative

Jennifer Caradine - Integrated Discharge Hub and Therapies

Lucy Sanson Elderly Care

Jas Dulai and Suneeta Singh Paediatrics

Keeping Midland Met connected

Ever wondered why the moment you step into a hospital your brand-new phone suddenly falls silent, your signal bar dwindles, and you quickly find yourself disconnected from the digital world? You’re not alone, unbeknown to most, hospitals are some of the most difficult buildings to get a steady signal, the same lead-lined walls that protect us from imaging equipment and the miles of ducting, cabling and pipes serving the building do an exceptional job of unfortunately also blocking cell signals.

Whilst in most buildings, this would be a slight inconvenience, but in the fast-paced world of healthcare, where communication is vital for patient care and operational efficiency, mobile phones have become an indispensable tool for staff, patients and visitors. Wards rely on mobile phones for managing patient flow, escalating issues, and maintaining business continuity. Patient experience is directly influenced by the accessibility of mobile phone coverage. Patients who suddenly find themselves in our care want to be able to contact their family and stay in touch, parents of newborns want to be able to announce their new arrival and in those unfortunate cases where patients pass away, families need to remain connected.

infrastructure. The new system will guarantee that colleagues, visitors and patients will be able to use their mobile phone to stay connected when they need it most.

“We’ve been working with Freshwave to design and implement the new system and we’re grateful of the support we’ve received from Balfour Beatty and Gleeds who have allowed us access to install the equipment during their construction works.”

The success of this approach is evident in hospitals like the Grange Hospital in Cwmbran, Wales, where a DAS has been successfully implemented. Visited by the Midland Met project team in February 2022, the Grange Hospital highlights the effectiveness and impact of ensuring a steady, stable mobile phone signal in hospitals.

The proposed solution? Implementing a Distributed Antenna System (DAS) within the hospital. This forward-thinking approach ensures that staff, visitors, and patients can make and receive calls reliably, bringing a stable connection directly in to the building and then distributing a cell signal throughout the site.

FAQs

Will I have to pay to use this?

There is no charge to the end user for this system. Users will seamlessly transfer on to the system as they enter the Midland Met and their phone connects to the nearby antenna.

What networks are available?

Recognising the importance of seamless mobile coverage, the New Hospitals Programme now includes a recommendation for future hospitals to include an indoor mobile coverage solution as part of their digital foundations. Part of the Midland Met development included a full survey of the site to determine cell signals, quickly determining that simply relying on nearby masts would be inadequate and a solution was required.

This tried and tested technology, proven in various high-density venues such as corporate offices, hotels, and stadiums, offers a high-quality, reliable solution. Compatible with 2G, 3G, 4G, and futureproofed for 5G the system supports multiple carriers.

Commenting on the new system, IT Project Manager, Richard Shinn said: “To some this may seem like a simple technical upgrade but it's a strategic move to enhance patient care, streamline operations, and future-proof the hospital's connectivity

Clinical hazard reporting

An important element of Midland Met readiness is ensuring we are clinically safe to move.

A Midland Met Clinical Safety Group is in place to review all aspects of clinical safety

including reviewing clinical hazards. The team of experts review any potential source of patient harm that may occur due to a service change within Midland Met or across our retained estates.

All four of the main mobile network operators (EE, Vodaphone, O2 & EE) will be available as well as each of the virtual networks that operate on their systems (Sky, Virgin, GiffGaff, Lyca, Tesco etc.)

Where will the system be available?

The antennas are distributed throughout the Midland Met to ensure that there is even and uninterrupted coverage throughout the site in both clinical and non-clinical areas.

Everyone is encouraged to report any potential clinical hazards by completing the short form online.

Visit Connect and search for clinical hazard reporting to find out more.

Richard Shinn, IT Project Manager and Diego Herrera Senior Project Manager at Freshwave standing in one of the node rooms

Saying goodbye to City with Rob Kemp

City Hospital holds a special place in the hearts of many people. That is why we're proud to be working with our decommissioning team to carefully decommission and preserve parts of our history, ensuring that the legacy of this remarkable hospital lives on.

It’s easy to see that City Hospital, a Victorian-era building, has served its purpose well. To help us pack up our rich history and decommission our site safely, Rob Kemp, Decommissioning Team Leader, shared how he has been helping to wind down the City Hospital site as part of our retained estate plans.

As we made our way around City Hospital, looking at areas that have been decommissioned so far, Rob explained: “We have been clearing out buildings for quite a while now, and so far, we’ve decommissioned areas such as nuclear medicine, Arden House, the Anne Gibson rooms, Ascot House and the poisons unit, to name but a few places.

“City Hospital is a sprawling site that we've extended over the years, and so we find no two days are ever the same when we start to clean out areas. We put things we find into categories – re-use, rehome and remove. Using this method, we’ve saved some items of historical value that tell the story of our Trust. These include chairs, signage, old medical devices, medicine bottles and notes from training nurses in the 1940s. We’ve also found plans

and pictures of City Hospital when it was Birmingham Workhouse.”

Decommissioning is not all about finding memorabilia and clearing out areas. It’s essential to safely close parts of our sites so that we can reconfigure them to fit in with our retained estate plans. “An important aspect of decommissioning is data protection. When going through paperwork we sometimes find sensitive or personal information that must be handled properly,” Rob highlighted as we walked through the decommissioned Anne Gibson rooms.

When asked what the best three items the team have saved to help preserve the history of City Hospital, Rob beamed: “It has to be a weighing chair from the early 1930s, the Bells that are from the workhouse and the chair from there dated 1850.”

So, as we concluded our tour of City Hospital, Rob reflected on his time here at SWB and explained: “I have worked for the Trust for over 21 years and started in the transport department. I’ve worked in the waste team and the decommissioning team too.

“I have loved every day working for the Trust, and when I got the chance to move to the decommissioning team, I jumped at it. I thought I will be the person to turn the lights at City Hospital off for the last time ever, and that will be a moment to cherish for me.

“The buildings have fulfilled their purpose since 1850. It is an honour to assist the Trust in beginning a new chapter in its history with the closing of City Hospital and the opening of Midland Met. It will ensure that people now and, in the future, have access to the best medical care available in their area, and I am proud to have played my part.”

Rob Kemp outside Arden House which has been decommissioned

Inside Arden House

Anne Gibson Committee Room

Corridor inside Anne Gibson rooms

Arden House signage

Celebrating the history of City Hospital

As we draw closer to bidding farewell to City Hospital and moving into the Midland Met, it's only fitting to take a moment to appreciate the rich history that has shaped this institution over the past 130 years. From its humble beginnings in 1887 to the modern medical facility it is today, City Hospital has been a pillar of healthcare in West Birmingham.

In the late 19th century, the foundations of an infirmary for the Birmingham Union Workhouse were laid, and, in 1889, City Hospital officially opened its doors. Designed by W.H. Ward, the infirmary adopted the revolutionary principles championed by Florence Nightingale, emphasising the care of non-infectious sick individuals. A quarter-mile long corridor connected nine pavilions, with open-air bridges allowing air circulation – a progressive approach in its time. Even Queen Victoria recognised the significance of this institution, gifting two volumes of books to launch a hospital library.

Over the years, City Hospital evolved with the times. X-ray facilities were introduced in 1912, and, by 1920, it became a District General Hospital, exclusively funded by the City Council. The hospital's commitment to medical advancement continued with the introduction of obstetrics in 1922 and the inauguration of a deep X-ray department in 1925 by Mr. Neville Chamberlain, Minister of Health.

During the tumultuous periods of World War I and World War II, City Hospital played a crucial role. It treated over 54,000 military personnel during the First World War and transformed its maternity block into a casualty clearing facility for war-related casualties in the Second World War.

The post-war era marked the establishment of the National Health Service (NHS) on July 5, 1948, bringing City Hospital under the management of the Regional Hospital Board. The hospital flourished with milestones such as the opening of the

first specialist diabetic clinic in 1950, the founding of Birmingham Hospital Radio in 1952, and the establishment of the Olga Snowden School of Nursing in 1959.

The 1960s witnessed significant expansions, including the construction of the Sheldon Block of wards and the opening of a postgraduate centre for medical students. The 1970s and 1980s saw the introduction of new departments, such as pathology and child assessment units, and the development of specialised facilities like the Birmingham Eye Hospital.

In the 21st century, City Hospital continued to modernise with the opening of the Birmingham Midland Eye Centre in 1996 and the Birmingham Treatment Centre in 2005 reflecting the Trust’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art healthcare.

But City Hospital's legacy won't be forgotten. The site's history will live on in the proposed 'City Hospital West' development. Homes England plans to transform the land we vacate into a vibrant community featuring high-quality homes, retaining the iconic infirmary front range building for conversion into apartments. The plans ensure the new community development integrates with the Trust's retained estate, creating a harmonious balance between the new neighbourhood and ongoing healthcare uses.

The enduring dedication and the unwavering commitment to healthcare will form the foundation on which our future at Midland Metropolitan University Hospital will be built on.

The legacy lives on.

Old Nurses Home Block, City Hospital

Ward A6, City Hospital

A glimpse into our history at City Hospital.

Transforming SWB one site at a time

RETAINED ESTATE

The opening of Midland Met later this year will mark a major milestone in our history at SWB. It will see the consolidation of our acute services and our remaining estate being used differently.

We are committed to enhancing the facilities for our colleagues who will continue working across all our sites. So, with that in mind, we recently chatted with Vijay Droch, Estates Capital Projects Manager, to discover more about the fantastic work he’s doing across our retained estate.

QDescribe the retained estate projects you’ve been a part of

AHow long have you worked at SWB and what is your role?

I joined the Trust six years ago, and it has been an exciting journey so far. My role has enabled me to assist in delivering the annual capital programme across our various sites, collaborating with clinical and nonclinical teams.

From commissioning to construction, I have overseen projects from start to completion, ensuring we meet all statutory, technical and compliance requirements. Through my work, I've been able to help create spaces that enable our teams to deliver the highest quality care possible to our patients.

I have delivered several projects, the majority across Sandwell, ranging from a new research and development hub (OPD 2) to the creation of a new woman’s health unit (OPD 6), and the construction of a new three storey primary care facility on the Sandwell Site - Lyndon Primary Care.

Most recently, I was involved in the new Same Day Emergency Care Facility (SDEC) at Sandwell. This much needed facility

How does your role contribute to the retained estate project?

As part of my role, I focus on planning and executing various projects that are part of our retained estate. These projects aim to enhance different areas of our existing sites, such as at City Hospital.

The capital projects team plays a crucial role in helping the Trust achieve its strategic objectives. We are working on reducing our carbon footprint by implementing sustainable technologies and building fabric improvements. These initiatives create a positive environment for our colleagues, visitors, and patients. For instance, upgrading insulation and

helps to reduce the pressure on our busy A&E whilst providing a pathway to assess and discharge patients more efficiently based on their clinical needs.

I’m currently focusing on delivery of projects at City due to commence which includes a new pharmacy hub on the ground floor of Sheldon block and a new centralised home for our soft facilities function.

There continues to be a positive drive to invest into and deliver improvements across our retained estate. These changes will enhance the working areas for colleagues and improve the patient experience outside of our new hospital at Midland Met.

replacing windows at Sandwell Hospital has benefitted colleagues and patients. We have already begun and will continue to restructure our existing sites. For example, some parts of City Hospital will remain, such as the Sheldon Block, and other areas will become new homes as Homes England will be redeveloping the land, providing housing for the community.

Separating our site and services presents a logistical challenge and it is a significant engineering undertaking involving years of planning. Our goal is to do so with the least disruption to clinical and operational services.

As we move forward, we are excited about the positive impact these changes will have on our patients and colleagues, and we remain committed to enabling the Trust to provide the best possible care across all sites.

Vijay outside SDEC

Transforming the Trust: Our Green Strategic Plan

As the wider NHS takes the lead globally in committing to a net-zero health system, our Trust is hard at work aligning with the Greener NHS National Ambition to pave the way for a more sustainable future, and our plans are detailed in ‘Our Green Strategic Plan’.

In October 2020, the NHS set goals to address climate change and improve health for generations to come. The ‘Delivering a Net Zero Health Service’ report established targets for the healthcare sector it directly controls, including an 80 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions by 2028-2032 and achieving net zero by 2040. Net zero entails balancing any remaining emissions through offsetting initiatives, such as planting trees or using advanced technologies like carbon capture and storage.

Our Green Strategic Plan outlines a comprehensive vision to make us a leading sustainable healthcare provider. Encompassing estates and facilities, people, medicines, travel and transport, climate change adaptation, green space and biodiversity, sustainable models of care, sustainable resource use, food and nutrition, and much more besides, the plan sets the stage for transformative change.

Decarbonisation in Action

We recognise our role as a significant energy consumer, especially with many areas operating 24/7. The energy we use contributes to carbon emissions and climate change. But each of us can play a part in reducing energy wastage. Turning off lights and equipment when not needed is a simple but impactful step.

City Hospital's Energy Efficiency Plans

City Hospital is embarking on a journey to enhance energy efficiency. Currently, the estate relies on central gas-fired steam boilers with inherent high heat losses. Plans include transitioning to new gas-fired boilers with low-temperature hot water distribution, heat recovery on Air Handling Units (AHUs), solar panel installation, and a comprehensive LED lighting upgrade.

Sandwell General Hospital's Green Leap Forward

Sandwell General Hospital has secured approximately £10 million in external funding for transformative projects. These include installing a heat pump system for low-carbon heating, replacing windows, upgrading insulation, and installing energyefficient LED lighting. These initiatives are projected to save approximately 1,339 tonnes of carbon per year, a remarkable step towards our net-zero target.

Rowley Regis Hospital's Sustainable Pathway

Rowley Regis Hospital is actively pursuing energy efficiency through measures such as window replacement, integration of heat pump technology, expanding solar photovoltaic (solar powered) systems, and improving heat recovery. These initiatives aim to reduce energy consumption and make significant strides towards a more sustainable healthcare environment.

Teaming up to make a difference

Join our 'Green Impact' scheme, working collaboratively in teams to implement actions that collectively make a big difference. Throughout the year, there will be opportunities to win prizes and gain recognition for your team's efforts.

To find out more and register go to https://bit.ly/swbgreenimpact or alternatively email Francesca.silcocks@nhs.net

At SWB, we're dedicated to aligning with the greener NHS national ambition, laying the foundation for a sustainable future. The NHS has committed to a netzero health system by 2040 with an 80 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions by 2028-2032

These are some of the ways we’ll bring our ambition to life.

Utility costs

• Our current estate spans 156,511 square metres and costs us £91 per square metre on utilities. This costs us £14.2m each year.

• Midland Met will only cost £53 per square meter on utilities – a 41 per cent saving.

• Our future estate (retained and Midland Met) will be 16 per cent larger but save us on average £500k per year on utilities.

This is how we’ll improve the efficiency of our retained estate:

£10 million funding secured for:

• Installation of a heat pump system to provide low carbon heating.

Sandwell Hospital

City Hospital

Rowley Regis Hospital

• Replacement of windows on the Tower and parts of outpatients/Trinity buildings.

• Installation of roof insulation to the Tower and Trinity roofs.

• Replacement of 1,377 light fittings with new energy efficient LEDs.

• Transition to new gas-fired boilers.

• Introduction of heat recovery on air handling units.

• Comprehensive LED lighting upgrade.

• Integration of heat pump technology for improved energy efficiency.

• Expansion of solar PV systems on pitched roofs.

• The replacement of existing ventilation plant.

• Further rollout of LED lighting.

Exploring the future of healthcare at Midland Met

MEDICINE AND EMERGENCY CARE

In 2024, a new chapter is unfolding on our journey to Midland Met, and it's a story of collaboration and innovation.

As we look forward to welcoming our first patients at Midand Met later this year, this year, stakeholders and colleagues continue to visit our state-of-the-art acute hospital to help us pave the way to provide exceptional patient care when we open our doors.

In January, we welcomed our medical teams, including our endoscopy team, who saw our medical day unit, tracing their route to theatres and gaining valuable insights into the layout of the critical care unit. It will enable them to continue to work on their patient pathways, ensuring a seamless and efficient workflow that aligns with our commitment to excellence.

The maternity team embarked on their site

visit and stopped off at the antenatal day assessment unit, antenatal clinic, and labour ward, including triage. Their visit was not just a walkthrough - it was a chance to optimise patient flows and ensure that every aspect of maternal care provides comfort and support to patients and families.

We also welcomed Sarah Bone, Gareth Shaw, and Jamie Emery, who are collaborating with their medical teams to plan services and patient pathways. Their enthusiastic site visit reflects their commitment to making well-informed decisions that prioritises excellent patient care. These are just a few familiar faces from across SWB that have been on site tours to continue their planning and preparations as we get ready to open Midland Met.

As we stand on the brink of a new era at Midland Met, these visits remind us that we are building #morethanahospital.

The best is yet to come!

The collaborative shift towards a seven-day rota

As the opening of Midland Met gets ever closer, a diverse array of medical consultants, support staff, and operational teams joined together for a pivotal discussion. The focus? The seven-day shift pattern.

Under the guidance of Dr Sarb Clare, Deputy Medical Director, over 20 clinicians and operational guests attended including Dr Huma Naqvi, Dr Farooq Wandroo, Dr Vinoda Sharma, and Rachel Clarke, among many others. The meeting served as a platform to begin the comprehensive discussions and collaborative planning needed to make seven-day working equitable for all colleagues as we progress to Midland Met.

Discussions focused on medical specialty rotas within the framework of a sevenday schedule. Each specialty had the opportunity to present updates, identify potential gaps and challenges, and engage in proactive dialogue to help to mitigate risks. A theme that emerged was the importance of training within generalism to enable cross-specialty support to drive cohesion and resilience within the workforce.

Colleagues joined together to discuss seven day working as we progress towards Midland Met.

Amidst the exchange of ideas and insights, a resounding commitment to mutual support and continuous dialogue resonated throughout the room. Participants recognised the similarities between their medical services, paving the way for enhanced collaboration moving forward.

Dr Sarb Clare remarked: “This marks the beginning of an important journey - one that demands the collective input of all colleagues - medical and operational. It's heartening to witness the shared appetite

for supporting one another and ensuring equity within specialty work.”

As the event concluded, it became evident that a seven-day rota is not merely a logistical adjustment. It requires the commitment of several teams, and having these discussions now will help to pave the way for a safe and successful move to Midland Met later this year.

The endoscopy team enjoyed a tour of Midland Met.

The maternity team onsite at Midland Met

Out of hospital care is crucial to Midland Met success

You could be forgiven for assuming that colleagues in PCCT have no reason to be excited about the opening of Midland Met later this year – or that they have no particular agenda to sort before the big move – but in that you would be 100 per cent wrong.

Lydia Jones, PCCT Group Director of Operations, explained: “We are all full of anticipation for the opening of Midland Met, although many of our services physically won’t be based there nevertheless it is the major factor in our service planning, as our contribution to delivering seamless patient pathways, reduced length of stay and attendance and admission avoidance cannot be underestimated to ensure the organisation as a whole continues to provide quality services across both acute and community landscapes.

“Our focus for many months has been on developing our community service to show improvements for our patients.

We’ve already reduced length of stay by one day across 45 per cent of our discharges. Most of our patients can be safely discharged between 24 and 48 hours. The most important thing is that this is not merely through a single route. We can use routes into multiple areas for efficiency and spreading the load due to the sound relationships we have built with colleagues in social and primary care.

“Safe discharge is not just about emptying acute beds. It’s also about attendance and admission avoidance in equal measure and managing our community risk in different ways like step up into community care. Therefore, we’ve changed language, oversight and behaviours to work collaboratively with our partners to deliver improved outcomes.

“Our urgent care response services saw its highest number of patients in December 2023, over 2,000 and 1,400 within two hours. Our virtual wards team saw

PRIMARY CARE, COMMUNITY AND THERAPIES

occupancy hit above 80 per cent overall in four of the five specialities and continue to work with acute colleagues to sustain the benefits seen in virtual ward, both in safe and quality outcomes as well as length of stay.

“If we don’t get this right for colleagues in urgent and emergency care, there will be unsustainable pressure on beds in Midland Met that could have a detrimental effect to the service we are able to deliver. We all recognise the challenges that the health service faces in rising numbers of patients needing care, so thinking collaboratively and designing services that meet changing needs – such as virtual wards – is essential to the successful operation of Midland Met both immediately on opening and in the longer term.”

Our urgent care response services are playing a vital role in getting us ready for Midland Met.

Capturing Change: A radiographer's journey to Midland Met

IMAGING

Over 90 per cent of patients that come through our hospitals require diagnostic imaging of some description, making the department an essential part of our organisation, and with the installation of state-of-the-art equipment at Midland Met, it makes Imaging a very exciting place to be.

We caught up with Superintendent Radiographer, Cheryl Dickson, to find out more about how the group are preparing for the big move later this year.

“It’s a really exciting prospect,” said Cheryl, who has worked at SWB for over 11 years.

“Midland Met will have brand new, stateof-the-art diagnostic equipment, which will really aid our departments in diagnosing patients.

“We will have four new x-ray rooms, two of which will be based in the emergency department, this is one more than we currently have within our ED at Sandwell. “The department will also have two new

CT scanners, with one operating 12 hours a day and one providing a 24/7 service and two new MRI scanners. These will support our inpatients, leaving the other MRI machines at Sandwell and Birmingham Treatment Centre dedicated to our outpatients, meaning people will get their scans quicker.

“Midland Met is a wonderful building; the

new department is bright and airy and will be a lovely place to work and to receive treatment.

“We are currently doing lots of work to prepare for the move, as you can imagine, there is lots of planning to do and looking at what equipment will be needed where. We are also starting to plan our staff induction.”

It’s not only current staff in imaging that are excited by the move to Midland Met, the move to a brand-new building, filled with the latest in diagnostic equipment has played an important role in the team’s recruitment drive.

“It’s been great for recruitment,” said Cheryl. “Over the last 12 months, we have recruited approximately 12 new band five radiographers, a role which is known as being hard to recruit to. The move to Midland Met has definitely been a great pull in attracting people to SWB.”

So how is Cheryl feeling about the move? “I can’t wait!” she said. “I am really looking forward to it. It is going to be better for our patients and the population that we serve, and being so involved in the planning has been a privilege.”

Championing theatres move to Midland Met with Kay Stokes

SURGICAL SERVICES

With 11 state-of-the-art theatres and two maternity theatres, all co-located on one floor, Midland Met promises to deliver some real improvements for both our colleagues and patients.

“Our current inpatient theatres are spread over two sites, two floors at Sandwell, and our maternity ones are in a completely different building,” said Kay Stokes, Midland Met Move Champion for theatres.

“So, to be all together, under one roof and on the same floor will be great. Whilst the maternity theatres aren’t within the main theatre suite, they are close by, so we can respond to any emergencies in obstetrics much quicker. We are also much closer to critical care, so should any patients need this level of care, they can be transferred much more easily.

“In terms of the retained estate, the thirdfloor theatres at Sandwell will remain, and pick up day case surgery only, and

the theatres at the Birmingham Treatment Centre will continue to operate how they currently do.”

Kay, who has worked in theatres at SWB for 24 years, remarked: “It’s exciting, not many people during a career in healthcare can say they were part of opening a new hospital. The building is very impressive, and it is going to be a lovely place to work. The theatres are spacious, and the corridor on the one side has windows that face outside.”

From speaking to Kay, it is clear there is lots to do to get ready to make the move to our new hospital later this year.

“My role is about getting us as prepared as we possibly can be to move. I have been working with the surgeons, anaesthetists, and theatre staff to establish what equipment we need where and at what point, and what staffing we need, particularly during the patient move days – there are so many interdependencies with other specialties, so we are all working closely together to make it as seamless as possible.

“I am also looking at our staff induction process and working to standardise processes across all our theatres. There are some variations in practice and some equipment, so the move is a great opportunity for us to look at theatres as a whole and look at ways we could work differently and more efficiently.

“There is a lot to do, and it isn’t without its challenges, however, we have some wonderful colleagues in theatres, who are passionate about creating the best possible experience and environment for our patients, and I know we will all rise to the challenges.

“Busy, but very exciting times.”

Cheryl Dickson - Superintendent Radiographer

Kay Stokes with colleagues on a site tour at Midland Met

Putting women and children first at Midland Met

When it comes to healthcare, one size definitely does not fit all. Recognising the unique needs of women and children, the new Midland Metropolitan University Hospital has gone above and beyond to ensure they receive specialised care in an environment tailored just for them.

From a children’s emergency department that truly is a safe haven, where children anxious and in pain no longer have to sit in a bustling emergency department. That's why at Midland Met, we've designed a purpose-built children’s emergency department, complete with its own walk-in entrance right next to the main emergency department entrance.

Here, children can enter and wait to be seen in a safe space specifically designed to cater to their needs. The department is bright and colourful, intentionally crafted to distract them from their injuries and ailments while providing a well-designed space for their care. They receive the same high levels of care and support services but in an environment better suited to their needs.

Even when children are being cared for on the wards, their needs are not forgotten. Our play rooms and terraces offer fully enclosed spaces overlooking our courtyard gardens. Plus, there is a space for teenagers to relax.

For expectant mothers, Midland Met offers a comprehensive range of antenatal, birthing, and postnatal services. No more panicking partners trying to navigate the hospital during sudden labour - our maternity entrance, conveniently located next to the emergency department, provides a direct entry point. A hot lift will transport mothers-to-be directly to the maternity birthing area.

In our birthing suites, mothers can take full advantage of low lighting and birthing pools in seven of our rooms, creating a more homely environment for bringing a new life into the world.

And for the most complex births we have two purpose built maternity theatres colocated within the maternity department on the third floor ensuring that mothers get the highest level of surgical care and recovery if they need it and a dedicated neonatal unit.

Midland Met is also home to a female gynaecology ward including assessment areas. This commitment to children and women's services, reflects our dedication to providing comprehensive healthcare at every stage of life.

Children’s ED cubicles.

The neonatal unit is a welcoming haven, complete with adorable name signs like Owl and Nightingale.

The labour ward reception at Midland Met.

WOMEN AND CHILD HEALTH

Midland Met begins CQC registration

As Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust (SWB) gears up for the opening of Midland Met in 2024, one crucial milestone needs to be achieved - our Care Quality Commission (CQC) registration.

The CQC, an independent regulator of health and adult social care in England, ensures that healthcare providers meet rigorous standards, assuring the public of quality and safety. The successful registration with the CQC is a regulatory requirement and a testament to our commitment to providing exceptional care at Midland Met.

Understanding the complexity of the CQC registration process, SWB has taken a proactive approach by initiating the preparations well in advance. In January, CQC inspectors visited Midland Met to familiarise themselves with the site, gaining insights into the scale of the project and meeting with members of our senior leadership team.

The assessment process will involve a comprehensive examination of the services at our new hospital and the environment in which they will take place. It will include site visits, discussions with clinical teams,

and a meticulous review of documents and data. The phased assessment is scheduled between June and August to secure registration by mid-September 2024.

Kam Dhami, Chief Governance Officer, said: “The site visit was a chance for the CQC

to see the site and begin to understand the scale of our clinical transformation, our approach to workforce preparedness and operational readiness. The tour clocked up over 10,000 steps, so a great orientation to Midland Met and a positive step forward on our journey towards opening.”

Members of our senior leadership team joined the CQC at Midland Met for a site tour to begin the registration process

Midland Metropolitan University Hospital will be our acute centre for care and includes:

• A purpose-built emergency department with co-located imaging and diagnostic services.

• A dedicated children’s emergency department and assessment unit.

• Adult and children’s wards with 50 per cent en-suite single rooms.

Richard talks about: welcoming patients to Midland Met this year!

Richard Beeken, Chief Executive

As I sit down to write this message, there can only be one focus - the opening of the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital in Smethwick later this year. This cutting-edge facility will provide essential healthcare services to the people of Sandwell, Ladywood, and Perry Barr.

At the core of our Midland Met care model is our commitment to ensuring that emergency and urgent care services are delivered promptly and effectively, seven days a week. This change will see us combine our existing emergency departments at Sandwell and City Hospitals into one emergency department.

With 13 impressive operating theatres and over 736 beds, including 50 per cent single rooms for enhanced comfort and privacy, Midland

Met will set a new standard in healthcare provision in the local area.

One of the highlights of our new hospital is the comprehensive maternity service it will offer. Expectant mothers due to give birth later this year will benefit from care in a midwifery-led birth unit or delivery suite.

The maternity facilities include two maternity wards, a neonatal unit, and antenatal services,, fostering a supportive, calming, and nurturing environment for families during this special time. Our aim is to provide a holistic and positive birthing experience, ensuring that every mother receives the highest level of care and support.

As we prepare to welcome patients, Midland Met will not only offer healthcare services in a modern and therapeutic setting but

RICHARD'S LAST WORD

also provide career opportunities to our communities and support the regeneration of the surrounding area. Our plans extend beyond the hospital's opening, with ambitious developments for our learning campus scheduled to open on the same site as Midland Met in 2025.

Opening Midland Met will undoubtedly be a career highlight for many of us. I encourage you to embrace this journey as we adapt our services and work practices. While change can be challenging, the rewards will be worth it when we welcome our colleagues and communities into Midland Met.

Our goal is to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the people we serve, and we couldn't achieve that without your continued commitment.