A message from Janelle
Welcome to the summer edition of ‘In Touch’ magazine and we have lots to celebrate this year which you will see in the articles featured.
I’m delighted that we have been announced as finalists in this year’s HSJ Awards in the category of Trust of the Year. That is a huge achievement and a testament to all your hard work. The Trust has undergone an unprecedented transformation programme in recent years, from Maternity Services being rated as Good with areas of Outstanding practice in their most recent CQC inspection, to excelling in cancer treatment waiting times, and opening innovative new facilities such as Cheshire and Merseyside Surgical Centre and two diagnostic centres at Clatterbridge.
Developments such as the new Urgent and Emergency Care facility at Arrowe Park Hospital show our commitment to providing the best quality patient care and enhancing patient experience. It is fantastic that we have opened the new Resuscitation area at the facility and I’m really excited to see the next stages come to fruition.
Thank you for your continued dedication and we know how important it is to recognise the contribution you give every day. For that reason, we launched our Staff Recognition awards this year including Employee or Team of the Month, for both clinical and non-clinical staff, and the CEO Star Award which you can read about in this edition. Well done to those who have won awards so far and we look forward to presenting even more this year.
Janelle Holmes Chief Executive Officer
2024
We’re excited to announce that the NHS Staff Survey 2024 is just around the corner. Launching from the end of September, this annual survey is your opportunity to share your thoughts and experiences about working at WUTH. It starts with you…
We want to hear what matters to you, what we’re doing well and what we can do to improve, and your feedback is vital in helping us understand this. The survey covers key aspects of work life, including job satisfaction, workload, team dynamics, support, and overall wellbeing. By taking part, you’re contributing to positive changes not just here at WUTH, but across the entire NHS.
Last year, your insights led to several important initiatives to enhance staff wellbeing and create a better work environment. This year, we’re eager to hear more from you. Every voice matters, and your input will directly influence how we continue to grow and improve. Keep an eye out for more information closer to the launch date. Together, we can all make WUTH an even better place to work.
Win a family ticket to Brimstage Maze!
Congratulations to Sally Hughes, Occupational Health Nurse Advisor - the lucky winner of a family day ticket to Portmeirion village after entering the Wordsearch competition in May’s magazine.
This issue’s fabulous prize is a family ticket to Brimstage Farm and Maze. Go to page 19 to fill in the Wordsearch and send your entry to wih-tr.communications@nhs.net. Good luck!
Ros De Castro, Co-chair of WUTH’s Multicultural Staff Network (centre) with colleagues
WUTH recognised for anti-racist approach
WUTH has received a prestigious Bronze award within the North West Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Assembly’s Anti-Racist Framework - one of only four trusts in Cheshire and Merseyside to do so.
Highlighted within WUTH’s submission were several outstanding initiatives, including its “Showing Racism the Red Card” campaign and a public declaration of its commitment to anti-racism. The In Touch Staff Bulletin was also noted for its critical role in keeping staff informed and engaged with ongoing anti-racism efforts and support.
The Bronze award has been well received as a reflection of the Trust’s commitment to equality and diversity. It is an important achievement within it’s mission to ensure every individual who walks through its doors feels welcome and valued.
Works underway for WUTH’s new Research and Innovation Centre
Excitement is building now that work is almost complete on the Trust’s new Research and Innovation Centre at Clatterbridge. This will be a place that provides a safe and comfortable experience for patients taking part in research, and an efficient space for research staff to carry out patient studies.
The centre is part of the Trust’s Research Strategy which outlines how it will grow the volume and range of research undertaken at WUTH. Once the new purpose-built facility is up and running, pharmaceutcal
companies will be able to see the benefits of placing research trials here.
The new Research and Innovation Centre, which will launch on 12th September, has been made possible with funding from National Institute for Health Research’s North West Coast Clinical Research Network.
The WUTH Research Team is supported by staff working around the Trust in clinical specialties, without whom this important work would not be possible.
Sarah Dyas, Research and Innovation Manager at the new centre
Top reviews for Leadership Conference
The 2024 Leadership Conference, held in Chester in July, received a resounding thumbs up from staff of all levels who attended.
The conference was carefully planned to have something for everyone, whether managerial, aspiring manager or those who were looking for leading-self inspiration. The theme this year was ‘harnessing our talent’ with workshops and activities to support this.
From motivational speaker, SUMO Guy (an acronym for Stop. Understand. Move On) who had everyone on their feet and sharing ideas with one another, through insights and answers from the Trust’s Board of Directors, to hands-on workshops run by both WUTH and external trainers, the whole event received wonderfully positive reviews.
The conference was such a great success that the Leadership and Development Team have laid on a half-day mini-conference on 4th October for anyone who missed the main event, when the content from the conference can be shared and experienced once again.
If you want to know what uplifting things SUMO Guy had to say, and hear updates, inspirational presentations and key factors driving change at WUTH, book your place at the mini-conference by emailing the Leadership and Development Team on wuth.Conference24@nhs.net
Paul McGee, SUMO Guy
STAFF
RECOGNITION SCHEME
Our Staff Recognition Scheme was launched in May this year, to give special recognition to the contribution of staff who go above and beyond.
The scheme has already had some fabulous winners, all of whom have demonstrated remarkable commitment to Trust values. Winners were presented with their awards by the Executive Team.
The first ever CEO Award, chosen by the Chief Executive, was given to Junior Doctor, Joe Clarkson who, together with another doctor, saved the life of Grant Williams who collapsed on the street while out running.
Above left: Winner Helen Morris, Associate Director of Nursing
Above left: Winner Beverly Sudlow, Housekeeper
Adjacent right: Winner Adele Bromilow, Undergraduate Administrator
To nominate a colleague or team, visit the Your WUTH/Rewards and Recognition section of the staff intranet or use the link published in the In Touch Bulletin.
Below centre: Winner of the coveted CEO Award,
Pharmacist
* Claire has since moved into different role
Above right: Winner Huw Williams, Physiotherapist
Above: Three of the Emergency General Surgery Advanced Nurse Practitioners and
winning team
Above right: Winner Claire Hazlehurst, Personal Assistant*
New resus rooms unveiled in major upgrade
Arrowe Park Hospital has just unveiled its brand-new resuscitation wing, marking a major milestone in the Trust’s ambitious plan to upgrade its urgent and emergency care facilities.
This significant area is strategically located next to the ambulance bay, ensuring that patients receive swift care from the moment they arrive.
The new wing features eight spacious rooms, complete with patient restrooms, observation points, and a dedicated area for immediate point-of-care testing. The area is larger and more modern than its predecessor, providing a better environment for both patients and staff.
This facility is part of a multi-million-pound project, backed by Wirral Community Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust and NHS England. The overall project is the most significant development since the hospital opened its doors in 1982.
What makes this project truly special is the collaborative effort behind its design. Clinical staff played a crucial role in shaping the new space to meet the needs of both patients and healthcare professionals, with valuable input from the community.
The new build also includes an entire first floor dedicated to staff wellbeing and operational efficiency. This area features a private staff entrance, kitchen, changing rooms, office spaces, meeting zones, and dedicated training areas for continuous professional development.
“We’ve completed the second phase, which will greatly benefit patients,” said ED consultant Mark Buchanan. “There are more phases to come, but ultimately, Wirral will have a superb, purposebuilt, up-to-date emergency department.”
The next stage of the project will include a modernised mental health facility.
WUTH receives Defence Employer Silver Award
WUTH has received a significant accolade in recognition of its commitment to supporting defence personnel and aligning its values with the Armed Forces Covenant. The covenant is a promise by the nation to ensure that those who serve, or have served, in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly and with respect.
The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award underscores the hospital’s dedication to ensuring that service personnel and the armed forces community are not unfairly disadvantaged in recruitment and selection processes. WUTH has also shown proactive support for reservists, demonstrating a strong HR policy in favour of defence personnel.
Mark Chidgey, Chief Finance Partner and Executive Partner of the Armed Forces Network said: “Receiving the award is a huge honour and a fitting recognition of all who have worked across the Trust to build our armed forces network and ensure support for all in our armed forces community.”
Biomedical Science Day
celebrations
Laboratory staff from across the Trust celebrated Biomedical Science Day in style on 6th June.
The team were on hand at an information stand in Arrowe Park’s main foyer to explain the hugely important role of laboratory science in diagnosing and treating patients. Visitors to the stand were able to view the cells of a virus through a microscope, play a biomedical science fishing game and find out about how tissue samples are analysed.
Be a flu fighter
As autumn approaches, it is crucial for hospital staff to shield themselves and their patients from seasonal illnesses. Vaccinations are a quick and effective way to stay healthy and provide the best patient care possible.
Why? Well, winter brings a higher risk of flu and respiratory infections, which can lead to severe complications, especially for our most vulnerable patients. Getting vaccinated not only protects you but also helps prevent the spread of these diseases.
Keep an eye out for dates for the Trust’s vaccination programme and let us make this winter a season of wellness.
WUTH welcomes New Chief Nurse and Deputy Chief Nurse
Since the last In Touch magazine our new Chief Nurse, Sam Westwell (pictured left), and Deputy Chief Nurse, Julie Roy (right)
have joined the Trust. Sam was previously at Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Julie was formerly at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital.
Sam said: “In the few months since we started, it’s been such a pleasure meeting and getting to know all the nursing teams across the Trust. Julie and I have both found it striking how much kindness they show to patients and one another. We have noticed a real sense of team. It gives me great confidence that together as a nursing workfore we can go from strength to strength.”
Keep our healing spaces smoke-free
Ever noticed those “No Smoking” signs placed all around our hospital grounds? Well, they are not just for show. It is illegal to light up anywhere on our premises, even outside. And it makes perfect sense. Hospitals are sanctuaries of healing, and second-hand smoke is a major problem, especially for those with respiratory issues, heart conditions, or weakened immune systems.
Struggling to quit smoking? Help is at hand. For support on your journey to smoke-free life, visit smokefreewirral.co.uk. Let us champion a healthier community for all.
Survey reveals high praise for cancer team
The 2024 Local Cancer Patient Experience Survey results have revealed that more than 90% of WUTH patients said they are receiving “exceptional care and support”. Over the past year, 94% of respondents scored their experience as eight out of 10 or higher.
Praise was given by patients for the “empathetic way their diagnoses were communicated”, the “clarity and accessibility of written information”, and the “personalised guidance from clinical nurse specialists and cancer care co-ordinators”.
One patient said that the service at Arrowe Park had been exceptional from day one: “Sensitive, helpful with clear communication - a great help and support throughout,
New state of the art diagnostics centre at Clatterbridge
Wirral Community Diagnostic Centre has opened at Clatterbridge. It’s a brand-new, state of the art facility, which will enable earlier diagnosis of illnesses such as prostate cancer. The facility is run by WUTH and is the second diagnostics centre to be built at Clatterbridge, after the opening of the Clatterbridge Diagnostics Centre in 2021.
The new centre has brand new MRI and CT scanners, alongside facilities to further enhance privacy and comfort for patients having scans. As well scanning for different types of cancers, diagnostics for a wide range of conditions will be carried out.
The Clatterbridge Diagnostics Centre was a partnership between WUTH and The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, and was one of the first diagnostics hubs set up in England. Since then more than 100,000 patients have had tests or scans there. The Wirral Diagnostics Centre also has ambitious plans for speeding up diagnosis for patients in Wirral.
Radiographer Annie Murambiwa with a new CT scanner at Wirral Community
Surgical Centre makes huge impact on waiting times
The new Cheshire and Merseyside Surgical Centre at Clatterbridge has treated over 5,000 patients, making a huge impact on cutting waiting times for those requiring planned surgery.
This is a major milestone, and follows recognition of the high standards of operational and clinical practice at the centre with the accreditation last year of the NHS England’s Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) programme. GIRFT assesses a wide range of standards such as the delivery of fast access to some of the most common surgical procedures, such as hernia surgery and hip replacements.
The centre is run by WUTH and is equipped with a brand new £2 million Da Vinci robot which enables minimally invasive surgery.
The first two theatres opened in 2022, and with the addition of a further two theatres in 2023, the centre now enables 6,000 extra patients from across Cheshire and Merseyside to receive surgery each year.
Gold Medal Award for Health and Safety
For the fifth year running, WUTH has been presented a Gold Award from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA). By attaining five consecutive Gold Awards, the Trust has received an impressive Gold Medal Award.
The process involved a rigorous review around 20 key criteria. Andre Haynes, WUTH Health and Safety Manager, pictured with the Gold Medal Award Certificate, said: “As part of the application process, we were able to demonstrate the continuous improvement approach we adopt at WUTH for managing health and safety.”
Julia Small, RoSPA’s Achievements Director said: “We congratulate WUTH for winning a prestigious RoSPA Award and showing unwavering commitment to preventing accidental harm and injury.”
Andre Haynes, Health and Safety Manager holding the prestigious Gold Medal Award certificate
https://www.justgiving.com/wuthcharity