Issuu

IN THIS ISSUE P.4 P.8 P.13 P.16

Pam’s Past Times Community What’s On Funding opportunities Do you recognise anyone?

Calling Southmead Residents From the North Bristol Trust - NHS Team

By Suzanne Daggar EDITOR On Thursday 5th July 2018 the NHS turns 70 and we’re all invited to Southmead Hospital to celebrate by sharing stories, and tea and cake, in the atrium of the Brunel building. We are also invited to celebrate with tea parties at our own venues so do let The Mead know if you’re planning one so we can put it in our next issue. Our community has a special relationship with the hospital because members of our families not only have a long history of working there, but have watched as it’s grown on our doorstep from a 64 bed workhouse to the 800 bed workhorse it is today. The Foundation Stone for the Barton Regis Union Workhouse was laid in 1900. It then became a military hospital in the First World War, and in 1924 was named the ‘Southmead Infirmary’ as it began to expand across the tiny area next to it called Southmead. Later it became known as Southmead Hospital.

The name was retained for the current brand new hospital after a public vote in 2013; ‘Southmead’ won over other titles such as ‘Bristol Brunel’. There’s lots going on to celebrate the NHS in July - events will be listed in our What’s On pages. This special edition of The Mead wishes the NHS an up-coming Happy Birthday, but also reminds us that our links with our namesake hospital began well before 1948. Thank you to everyone who has sent in wonderful memories and anecdotes this month, the Hospital would love to receive more so please dig deep for your gems to share. Do you recognise this little patient? Read her story on page 2.

Are you a former member of NBT staff, or did your relatives work here back at the foundation of the NHS? Are you one of several generations who have worked in our hospitals? Were you the first person to undergo an innovative procedure under our care, or were you in the operating theatre when a surgeon carried out a world first? Were you born at one of our hospitals around the same time as the NHS was born; are you also preparing to celebrate your 70th birthday this year? Whatever your connection to the NHS or its 70th birthday, we are keen to hear your stories and experiences and see any memorabilia you have. For the the birthday week we are planning to run a display in the Brunel building at Southmead Hospital; if you have old photographs of our sites, staff or services, or if you have medical equipment, uniforms or any other kit from past decades please get in touch. We are working with the Southmead Development Trust at Greenway to collect your items so do phone there on 0117 950 3335 and ask for the SDTNHS Celebration team, or contact us direct via email: NHS70@nbt.nhs.uk or phone 0117 414 3840. Thank you.

THE MEAD 2

SOUTHMEAD HOSPITAL SAVED ME IN 1934 By Marion Garland SOUTHMEAD RESIDENT

When my grandparentsâ€™ house was condemned in the early 30s they were offered a council house in Southmead or Knowle West. They decided to choose Southmead as there was a hospital and my grandfather had heart problems. After moving to Eastleigh Road my grandfather did have a slight heart attack and he was admitted to the hospital for a short time. When I was about three years old I was sent to Southmead Hospital with double pneumonia and it was touch and go whether I would pull through. But with good nursing and treatment I am here today. My Grandmother took me to have my picture taken (shown here) shortly after my recovery. How things have changed from then to now. Nurses wore blue dresses and starched white aprons and a white starched cap. If they left the ward they had to wear their navy-blue cloak with a hood. Matron ruled the nurses and the wards. Visitors sitting on beds was not allowed. Today nurses seem to be able to go outside wearing the same clothes as they do on the wards. Over the last seventy years some things have changed for the good and some not so good. Thanks to Southmead Hospital Marion is the picture of health here in 1934, and in 2018! However, Pneumonia was one of the biggest killer diseases in the 1930s and in 1933 took the lives of nearly 11,000 children aged 5 and under. On the right is a warning poster from the time.

Little survivor: Marion age 3

THE MEAD 3

By Karen White CHILDREN’S EDITOR

Southmead Rocks! I mean we all know this, but I am talking about actual rocks that people are painting and decorating before hiding them all over Bristol. As the Hospital is turning 70 we want to be part of the party so some residents, both children and adults, are celebrating by taking part in Bristol Rocks and hiding some lovely messages all over the hospital and the grounds for people to find. Local resident Amélie age 10 (below) is a lover of Bristol Rocks so I shall let her tell you more . . . “Bristol rocks is where you paint your own lovely rock and then hide them around your local area, either in parks, woods, on walls, in a tree and many more creative places you can think of. You can even find the rocks in all types of mysterious places like rivers or streams! The age of people taking part are toddlers to grown-ups, it’s not just kids who like painting and hiding, it’s grown-ups too. The Bristol Rocks thing has been going on for around a year now, and all kids have been having sooooo much fun”. The idea is simple but brilliant, and there are lots of images on the Facebook page, ‘Bristol Rocks’ for inspiration. You can make them as

simple or as complex as you like, some people paint masterpieces, others use marker pens to write messages and draw pictures and, as Amélie said, it is something that everyone can take part in. If you’d like to have a go then please let us see what beauties you send out. There are rocks

that have been found then taken on holiday so Bristol Rocks have visited the world. Maybe you could join us and send a big happy birthday to the Hospital? And don’t forget next time you are out and about keep your eyes peeled,because you never know what you may find. Contact: karen@themead.org

THE MEAD 4

By Pam Fowler SOUTHMEAD RESIDENT

I have many memories of Southmead Hospital, my first was when I was admitted to have my tonsils out. This was in July 1947. I was 11 years old. I was put to bed in a prefabricated building which later became John Milton Ward. There were several other children who were also having tonsil operations, we were wheeled to the main building and upstairs in the lift to the operating theatres. I remember being asked to count down from 10 when given the anaesthetic

The 1947 hit that won Pam two shillings!

and the next thing I knew was being in recovery with other children who were moaning, I probably was too. The porter was a cheery chappy who said, “come on, the first to sing gets two shillings!” which was a lot of money. Needless to say, I gave a very woozy rendition of “she’s too fat for me”, and I got my two shillings!

allowed in, and as my Mum and Dad were desperate to see my son they came up at feeding time and I held him up to the window, my Mum cried.

Pam back ‘in the day’

I went on to work at the hospital four separate times, at one time my Mother, my Sister, and I all worked there together. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there, especially working on E Ward for two Back on the ward the nurses were years with Mr Ricketts the Staff Nurse. running around with buckets (zinc I was an orderly but you had to put ones then, no plastic!) as it was your hand to lots of other duties as Mr pouring with rain and it was coming through the leaky roof. Nobody could Ricketts was a hard task master but I was very fond of him - firm but fair! eat anything apart from Walls’ icecream, delicious! I went on to have my first and my third child at Southmead (the second was born at home). My first was born on K Ward in 1956, one of the last births there as they had opened the new maternity wing separate from the main hospital. Only Dads were

Pam’s Mum was Winifred Dance (pictured below), Storeswoman; above is her ID card from 1974.

Do you know anyone in this photo of the Hospital Domestic Team? It was taken more than 50 years ago at the Domestic Superintendent’s leaving presentation.

THE MEAD 5 New doctors were also known to get things wrong. When a patient suffered from a cardiac arrest we were alerted by our bleeps as to which ward to attend. One night I left the Admissions office to attend a ward and came I have also seen many across a young doctor frantically changes over the years: asking where Arthur Roger ward was basic VDUs to high tech located. Now the old Southmead computers systems; the wards were all known by letters of the old hospital pulled down alphabet – C, D, E and so on - and she and the new Brunel mistakenly had heard Arthur Roger building rising from the ward when it was actually “Go to R for ashes; and the Roger ward!” modernising of patient A & E also had its fair share of records. I experienced incidents, some of which I could not many sad, funny and put in this magazine. One which stood unforgettable moments out in my mind was when a patient in my capacity as Health was brought in by ambulance face Sue (on the right) was Health Records Manager Records Manager and if I down on the stretcher with a blanket had time and the talent covering something protruding from could probably write a book. Here are By Sue Hare his posterior area. It turned out that a few short stories. SOUTHMEAD RESIDENT he had an aerial stuck. The ambulance One of my staff had an appointment men were laughing so much that they I worked for Southmead Hospital for with a gynaecologist first thing in the almost dropped him. Perhaps his thirty years, first part-time and then morning and would arrive to work a reception was poor! full. Though, saying full-time is a bit of little late. She arrived, as promised, a misnomer as sometimes it was 60 somewhat flustered and embarrassed. hours or more a week! Having been Apparently, she had showered that diagnosed with cancer, I still spend many hours in NHS hospitals, this time morning, sprayed deodorant with what she thought was a ‘feminine as a patient. spray’ and went for her appointment. Why did I love working in the NHS? I Upon having her examination the personally wanted to help people in consultant said to her, “Why Mrs whatever capacity I could and when Smith, you really shouldn’t have gone you get involved with patients and to so much trouble for me!” Not staff it's a wonderful thing. Yes, it knowing to what he was referring to could be stressful, and as the old she proceeded to get dressed. Pulling cliché says I was ‘overworked and up her knickers she noticed that there underpaid’ – but it was fulfilling. My was pink glitter all over them. She had staff were like my second family and I mistakenly used her daughter’s hair was very sad when I retired. glitter spray all over her private bits! Do you recognise any of the Medical Records staff or the patient on the right? If so, please get in touch.

THE MEAD 6

THE MEAD 7

Somebody Believes In Us Bristol Ageing Better have awarded us a grant in support of our creative writers group. Our small but perfectly formed group has struggled meeting in the noise cafĂŠ, now we can hire room space of our own. I am so proud of the women who have set aside inhibitions and self doubt and are now, some for the first time, writing with creativity and all of the knowledge maturity and life experience can bring. For some it has taken a leap of faith and a large measure of humour,why don't you join us? You would be most welcome . Kathleen Horseman

next meeting Tuesday 26th June 11 am - 1 pm at Southmead Library

WHAT’S ON IN THE COMMUNITY JUNE 2018 12.00 13.00 17.00 10.30 13.00 10.30 13.30 09.15 09.30 09.30 10.00 10.30 10.30 10.30 11.30 13.30 14.00 17.00 17.00 17.30 18.00 18.00 19.00 19.00 19.00 09.15 09.20 09.30 09.30 10.00 10.30 10.30 10.30 11.00 11.00 12.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 17.30 18.00 18.30 19.00 19.15 19.30 09.15 09.30 09.30 10.00 10.00 10.30 10.30 10.30 11.00 11.15 11.15 11.45 13.00 13.30 14.00 14.00 15.30 16.15 17.00 17.00 17.30 17.30 18.00 18.00 18.15 18.30 18.30 19.00

MONTHLY & SPECIAL EVENTS Over 50s Forum & Lunch Sci Fi Reading Group SCC K-Klub Bike Minded Group Cycle Ride Team Southmead Bring & Share Lunch Travelling Kitchen Workshop BookChat Reading Group MONDAY weekly STRONG by Zumba Baby & Toddler Group Slimming World Activities for 60+ Three Trees Skittles Forever Active Coffee Morning Exercise to Music 60+ Art & Sensory Staying Steady Wicketz ages 8-11 OPEN & all welcome Slimming World Aadra Kalaa Dance Circuits Cycle Burn Southmead Girls Group Badminton Club TUESDAY weekly Piloexercise Westbury Walkers Line Dancing Debt Advice by Appt Activities for 60+ Creative Writers Group Art Group Bristol Credit Union (til 14.30) Tai Chi Southmead Library & Story Time 11.30 GC Lunch Club (eat at 13.00) Ladies Club Staying Steady SCC Bingo Slimming World Insane X (High Intensity) Zumba Boxercise SCC Bingo Make Things with String WEDNESDAY weekly STRONG by Zumba C of E Communion Job Club (til 11.30) Southmead History Group Activities for 60+ Southmead Young Mums SCC Coffee Morning & Bingo Better Breathing Southmead Library Baby Bounce Art Club on the Mezzanine Floor Lunchtime Pilates Stop Smoking Advisor SCC Sensory Session Southmead Shared Reading SCC Tai Chi Reach After School Club Distraction Dance Printmaking for 11 - 16s Music Course for 11-16s Bristol Keralites Association Greenway Pool Club Girls Brigade - 3rd Bristol Legs, Bums & Tums BS10 Community Bingo LPW Friendship (ages 13-24) Christ Embassy Group Southmead Men’s Shed

Fri 1st June, Southmead Comm Centre Fri 1st June, Southmead Library Mon 4th June, Southmead Comm Centre Tues 5th June, from Greenway Centre Thurs 7th June, Pen Park Sports Ground Fri 8th June, at Greenway Centre Friday 8th June, Southmead Library Greenway Centre St Stephen’s Church Southmead Community Centre Westbury Fields Southmead Community Centre Greenway Centre Pentecostal Church New Brunswick URC Southmead Community Centre Greenway Centre Bristol Free School Southmead Youth Centre Southmead Community Centre New Brunswick URC Greenway Centre Greenway Centre St Stephen’s Church Greenway Centre Greenway Centre Meet in W-o-T Southmead Community Centre NBAC at Greenway GP Surgery Westbury Fields Cafe, Greenway Centre St Stephen’s Church SCART Shop Greenway Centre OPEN Southmead Community Centre Southmead Community Centre Greenway Centre Southmead Community Centre Southmead Community Centre Greenway Centre Greenway Centre Greenway Centre Southmead Community Centre St Stephen’s Church Greenway Centre St Stephen’s Church SCART shop New Brunswick URC Westbury Fields The Meeting Rooms Southmead Community Centre Greenway Centre OPEN Southmead Library (under 2s) Southmead Library (adults) Greenway Centre SCART Shop Southmead Community Centre Southmead Library Southmead Community Centre Greenway Centre Southmead Community Centre Greenway Centre Greenway Centre Southmead Community Centre Greenway Centre New Brunswick URC Greenway Centre The Woodnook Southmead Youth Centre Southmead Community Centre St Stephen’s Church

19.00 18.00 14.00 14.00 15.00 11.00 12.00 11.00 19.00 19.00 19.30 09.15 09.15 09.45 10.00 10.00 10.30 10.30 10.30 12.00 13.30 13.30 13.30 13.30 16.30 17.00 17.00 18.00 18.00 19.00 19.00 19.00 19.15 19.30 09.00 09.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.30 10.30 10.30 10.30 11.00 13.00 14.00 15.30 16.15 18.00 09.00 09.00 09.30 10.00 11.00 11.30 12.00 14.00 15.00 15.00 09.00 09.00 10.00 10.00 10.30 10.30 10.45 11.00 14.00 18.00 18.30 19.30

MONTHLY & SPECIAL EVENTS Abbie’s Pony Prom BS10 Parks & Planning Mtg WECIL’S Singing & Music Group Viewing: Regeneration Plans Travelling Kitchen Picnic Thru Time Team Southmead Mtg WECIL’S Mealtime Meet-up SOUTHMEAD FESTIVAL 2018 Weds cont . . . Core & Stretch North Bristol Wellbeing Choir SCC Sequence Dance THURSDAY weekly Women’s Fitness Cubatone Imps Toddler Group Brandon Trust Music Group Activities for 60+ Forever Active Bristol Credit Union SCC Knit & Natter Chill & Chat Harmony Bingo SCC Sensory Session SCC Harmony Bingo Gardening Group Youth Fitness Precision Dance Bristol Alexander School Insane X (high intensity) Aadra Kalaa Dance Skip Box Westbury Art Club Support for Mental Wellbeing SCC Bingo Precision Dance FRIDAY weekly Bristol Alexander School Cubatone Advice & Info Better Breathing Activities for 60+ Knit & Natter Three Treees Walking Basketball Silvacare Skittles Bristol Credit Union Tai Chi Southmead Library Staying Steady Code Club 8-12 years, please book Distraction Dance Pilates SATURDAY weekly Bristol Alexander School Fitness & Events Forever Active Southmead Somali Association Southmead Library Circuits Junior Art Club Saturday Stitch Music Club on 3rd & 4th Saturdays Chess Club on 1st Saturday SUNDAY weekly Fitness & Events Catholic Mass C of E Service Southmead Somali Association Christ Embassy Group Community Church Service Baptist Church Service United Reformed Service Senegambian Cultural Group Bingo Pentecostal Church Service Irish Dancing

THE MEAD 8 - 9

Sat 9th June, BAWA, Southmead Road Mon 11th June, Henbury Comm Assoc Tues 12th June, Greenway Centre - 19.00, Thurs 14th June, Greenway Thurs 14th June, Greenway Cafe Tues 26th June , Southmead Lib Tues 26th June, Greenway Cafe Saturday 14th July, Greenway Centre Greenway Centre Greenway Centre Southmead Community Centre Greenway Centre Southmead Community Centre Greenway Centre Southmead Community Centre Westbury Fields Greenway Centre SCART Shop The Meeting Rooms Bethany Baptist Church Southmead Community Centre Southmead Community Centre Southmead Community Centre Greenway Centre Greenway Centre Southmead Community Centre Southmead Community Centre Greenway Centre New Brunswick URC Greenway Centre Greenway Centre Greenway Centre Southmead Community Centre Southmead Community Centre Southmead Community Centre Greenway Centre SCART Shop Greenway Centre Westbury Fields Greenway Centre Southmead Community Centre Southmead Community Centre SCART Shop Southmead Community Centre OPEN Greenway Centre Southmead Library Southmead Community Centre Greenway Centre Southmead Community Centre Greenway Centre Greenway Centre Southmead Community Centre OPEN Greenway Centre Southmead Library (children) Southmead Library (adults) Southmead Library (children) Southmead Library (children) Greenway Centre St Vincent’s Church St Stephen’s Church Southmead Community Centre Southmead Community Centre Greenway Centre Bethany Baptist Church New Brunswick URC Southmead Community Centre Southmead Community Centre Pentecostal Holiness Church Southmead Community Centre

THE MEAD 8 - 9

THE MEAD 10

By Clarie Miles SOUTHMEAD RESIDENT

14 years ago, my first job in Bristol was as a Healthcare Assistant at Avonmead Ward in Southmead Hospital. This was an Elderly Mental Infirm (EMI) ward which cared for patients with dementia as well as patients with other difficulties such as depression. I enjoyed singing old songs with our patients and listening to their stories of Bristol during the war. When the ceiling fell in on Leigh Ward down at Barrow Gurney in 2005, Dorian Day Hospital at Southmead was converted overnight to take the patients. I worked there whilst the patients and the staff settled into very unfamiliar surroundings. Later as a mental health support worker in North Bristol I often visited Mason, Clifton and Weston wards, taking my patients out to the old hospital canteen or the coffee shop during their stay. Now I work for the new Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) service, which means I see people with depression and anxiety after they first go to their doctor. This service delivers cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and other therapies like mindfulness. These are really effective in changing peoplesâ€™ lives by giving tools and techniques

which help people manage their mood. Whilst I now work in Yate, some of my colleagues at Bristol Wellbeing Therapies (IAPT) are based in Southmead Hospital.

helping people deal with everything from Anger to Worry - and some of them are in the Dorian Day Hospital at Southmead which was converted for yet another new use!

I think one of the big changes in mental health care over the past decade has been how easy it has become to access talking therapies rather than just medication. For example, you can telephone Bristol Wellbeing Therapies without needing to see your doctor first. You can also sign up to their service online and book straight on to a course. They run loads of courses

With such a focus on mental health now in the media and the news i'm really excited to see what changes the next decade brings for the health service and for Southmead.

Bristol Wellbeing Therapies tel: 0117 982 3209 online: www.iapt-bristol.awp.nhs.uk

THE MEAD 11

FROM NORTH BRISTOL ADVICE CENTRE

Did you know that there are 1.2 million older people in England who are chronically lonely? In Bristol, up to 10% of people aged over 50 feel socially isolated, and 15% of people aged 75 and over say they never talk to family or friends. One North Bristol woman decided to do something about it. Karen Patchell, a mum from Horfield, found out about a new project tackling social isolation among older people, “I saw the advertisement for Community Navigator volunteers as the cold dark winter months were drawing in,” says Karen. “I was really moved to want to lend support to older people living in the community. With my young family now growing up it seemed like a good time to return to voluntary work.” Community Navigators Bristol is a free signposting and support service for people over 50 who are feeling isolated. Friendly, trained ‘navigators’ make contact with older people, get to know them and share information on different things that are happening where they live to help them connect with their community. The service is run by a partnership of trusted local organisations including North Bristol Advice Centre and Southmead Development Trust. “It is shocking to learn that for many people going for days without contact is the norm” says Karen. In addition to helping people link up with local groups or rekindle old hobbies, Karen’s role also involves helping clients overcome barriers to getting out (this includes safety, transport or money worries) by connecting them with other community and health services. She will even go along with them when they try something new for the first time if they are feeling shy or lack confidence. “As a volunteer I am so well supported by the wonderful team at North Bristol Advice Centre,” says Karen. “Training opportunities are plentiful and we are

given the very best support to deliver the very best of services. Even if, like me, you only have a few hours available each week this can make all the difference.” To help raise awareness The Marmalade Trust have launched Loneliness Awareness Week from 18th to 24th June. The aim is to make loneliness everyone’s business and generate positive action to help combat it. It could be something simple such as smiling at a stranger or calling a friend you haven’t seen in awhile. Visit their website for ideas about how to get involved: marmaladetrust.org Like Karen, if you can spare a few hours a week, consider becoming a Community Navigator volunteer. If you have good communication skills, a friendly manner and would like to help isolated older people in our community, get in touch to find out more. To find out more about Community Navigators in North Bristol contact Laura on 0117 951 5751, email laura.t@northbristoladvice.org.uk and visit our website www.communitynavigators.org.uk

THE MEAD 12

By Shirley Neville SOUTHMEAD RESIDENT

Our NHS service is in crisis and people are only too quick to complain about it. But our friend Wendy Jefferies, a resident at The Woodnook, knows only too well of the commitment the nursing staff give to their patients. Two years ago Wendy was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia and the outcome didn't look good. It was at an aggressive stage and a course of intensive Chemotherapy was her only hope of survival. She went on to have a stem cell transplant from her sister, a clinical trial, suffered GVHD, endless hospital stays, further chemo and treatment (too many to mention). To this day Wendy continues to receive necessary treatment and can attend

the Bristol Oncology Centre up to four times a week as an outpatient. Throughout her ordeal Wendy wanted to do something positive so she decided to raise money to help others. Wendy started by knitting woolly hats and sold them, followed by coffee mornings, running a Christmas stall and organising raffles. Wendy has raised £560 to date and her target is £1000. She is a volunteer at the BS10 bingo and also a volunteer at the recently launched Travelling Teapot.

Wendy

This is Wendy's way of giving something back to our wonderful NHS for all the care they have given her, and to say a big THANK YOU. We, her friends, would like to take this opportunity to

enhance communication between the practice staff and patients We have set a number of priority areas for our work. We aim to help By Alex Minshull the Practice support the patients and Chair, Greenway Community Practice PPG wider community in their own self-care and self-help. This The Greenway Community Practice includes having healthier Patient Participation Group (PPG) at lifestyles by providing the Greenway Community Practice information and advice has been serving the Southmead on diet and exercise, community and neighbouring areas and signposting for decades providing GP services. patients to ways in You may remember the surgery was which they can deal with voted the Best Practice in Bristol – ailments such as colds and Health Care Award Winner, and we coughs and back pain. are very pleased by this. The Patient Participation Group (PPG) is made up of volunteer patient members along with representatives from the Practice including a senior GP and the Practice Manager. The PPG aims to: provide a patient’s viewpoint of experiences and concerns; encourage the Practice to improve services; raise patient’s awareness of health matters; and

The PPG is concerned that changes to the NHS should not impact on the services that the Practice offers. We strongly protect our NHS campaign group. One of the ways the Practice and the PPG are looking to support the local community is through our Greenway Practice PPG Community Fund. Staff (and patients) at the Practice raise

say what an absolute inspiration Wendy is, you are a superstar!

money for charitable purposes and part of the money goes into our Fund. Local organisations can apply for small amounts, typically £50 - £75. For example this could be to contribute to an outing, training, or an event. The application process is simple and must be made at least 6 weeks prior to the funding being spent. Individuals cannot apply; you do not need to be a charity but must be a constituted organisation of some sort e.g. a local community group or school. Guidance and an application form can be downloaded at www.greenwaycommunitypractice.nhs.uk

or call in to the surgery for more information. We are launching the updated Community Fund at the beginning of June during PPG Awareness Week.

THE MEAD 13

By Brenda Massey COUNCILLOR FOR SOUTHMEAD

I have fond memories of Southmead Hospital as all three of my children were born there. The eldest arrived four weeks early so ended up in special care for several weeks to put on weight before he was allowed home. This included the Christmas period, it was really strange being a Mum but not having a baby at home with you. We were not allowed to have any physical contact with him for some time as the rules were much stricter then. It is so much better now with parents actively encouraged to help with the care for their baby, and that must really help with bonding. Luckily my next two arrived on time, so we didn't have a repeat of the problems!

As the Chair of the Joint Health Scrutiny Committee for Bristol City Council I have recently visited Southmead Hospital. I was very impressed with many of the changes they have made recently, and one that stood out was the Purple Butterfly model. This is for when a patient is reaching the end of their life and the staff and relatives all agree that they should receive the best care they can without aggressive medical intervention. A purple butterfly image is then put on the door to their room so that all staff, from consultants to cleaners, know about the situation. Often very seriously ill patients find difficulty in eating so special measures are now in place to help them if they want something special, but outside of the normal mealtimes. There are lots of other small ways in which the staff work to make the end of life care as peaceful as possible, and I thought this was such a good way to treat patients with respect and dignity.

From Mike Steele BRISTOL DISABILITY EQUALITY FORUM

As a result of the Access for All Day last month and a further meeting, McColls have made a planning application for a new entrance, and a new shop layout has been promised. They have also promised to stop charging people to use the cash-point outside! The Bristol area manager has also completed a visit of all local Bristol branches, offered to meet with Inclusion Southmead soon, and consult with local Disabled people in future.

From NBT-NHS

The Team in scrubs (above) ‘scrub up well’ (below)

This team from Southmead Hospital won a national award for the work it has done to improve the experience of patients at the end of their lives. The team, made up of ward 9B, was named the winner of the Palliative and Hospice Care Team of the Year award at the BMJ awards in London on 10th May. The award was in recognition of their pilot work on the Purple Butterfly project to empower staff across the organisation to deliver high quality, personalised, compassionate end of life care. This project is now being rolled out across the trust in all areas. Palliative Care Lead, Dr Clare Kendall, said: “We are really thrilled to have received this award in recognition of the hard work everyone has put in to improve the experience of patients at the end of their lives. However, we have concentrated our efforts in one ward so far and there is still plenty for us to do to embed Purple Butterfly across the hospital.”

THE MEAD 14

involved went to learn about Sepsis so hopefully through Janine lives will be saved.

By Dawn Payne SOUTHMEAD RESIDENT

If I can say, Janine was treated with great respect by the ambulance team who were very sorry of the outcome, and by the doctor at Southmead who made our Goodbye peaceful.

My daughter Janine sadly passed away at Southmead Hospital on April 9th 2016. This tragedy could have been avoided if the doctor had detected Janine had Sepsis and Pneumonia when he came to visit her; she had flu like symptoms.

You once was a child of mine Now you are in the sky An extra special star Twinkling so bright, Array every single night. You are my angel, You are my star I still miss and love you. Time has gone on, But you like a little star Your memory will go on.

I was left to phone 999 a couple of days later. They were very prompt, the lady on the phone gave me instructions while waiting for them to come. They finally got Janineâ€™s little heart going only to go to A&E Southmead on a life support machine to say Goodbye. This experience will be with me the rest of my life. If Sepsis is caught in time you will survive. The doctor

My little star, shining so bright. How you turn darkness into light. You sparkle and you shine, Just like a Diamond, Glowing and beaming.

On 4th June 2018 Janine would have been 52. God bless you my little sweetheart.

Thank you for writing about Janine Dawn, she is missed by many of us in the Community. And thanks for your continual effort to help others by sharing Sepsis awareness info.

THE MEAD 15

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED For Southmead’s annual community extravaganza on Saturday 14thJuly There are many different roles & time slots available Please email volunteer@southmead.org Or telephone 0117 950 3335 and ask for Kim or Natalie

SOUTHMEAD REGENERATION: PLANS FOR THE CENTRE AREA

GARDENING AT GREENWAY

You are invited to help select the architects on: Thursday 14th June at the Greenway Centre between 2 pm and 7pm Also, Saturday 16th June outside the SCART shop on Arnside (in Library if wet) between 11 am and 2 pm Four architects have been asked to provide ‘concept plans’ for comment. This is an opportunity to view and leave comments on your preferred architect. After this we will be choosing one of the architects to work with over the summer to produce a master plan for the centre of Southmead. Also, if you are interested in being more involved in the selection process we are looking for volunteers to help assess on Friday 15th June between 9 am and 12.30 pm For more information and to volunteer please email Lindy Morgan at lindymorgan@southmead.org or telephone 0117 955 3335

In partnership with ‘Alive’ we are looking for new volunteers for our gardening group; just like our plants it’s growing and we need more help. You don’t need to know a runner bean from a baked bean, everyone is welcome to join us on Thursday afternoons, 1.30 pm to 3.30 pm in the Greenway Café’s kitchen garden. You can learn new skills, grow your own food, make friends and create some beautiful gardens. To find out more details please telephone Colette Brown on 07732 954 624, or email colettebrown@southmead.org

If you have any info about anyone in these photos please get in touch. View these photos, and many more like them, online @www.nbt.nhs.uk

Next monthâ€™s issue is a Southmead Festival special - please send your stories and info by Friday 22â żd June.