Members Magazine Issue 5

your hospitals, your health, our priority

Issue 5

The Magazine for WWL Members

In this issue

4

Governor Elections We are delighted to introduce your new Governors.

10

Knee Replacement A patient’s account of their experience at Wrightington.

17

Improved Car Parking!

Patients and visitor car parking is increased by 80%!

2 _ Issue 5

6

Contents 3

Welcome

4

Governor Elections

5

Annual Public Members Meeting

6

Young Peoples Health Information and Awareness Event

7

Become a Flu Fighter/Choose Well

8

Patient Appointment Services

10 Total Knee Replacement – A Governor’s Experience

10

12 Patient Opinion 13 Care Line 14 Trust Wide Outpatients Survey 15 Employee of the Month 16 Fundraising 17 Car parking 18 Developments in Foot Surgery 20 Hearing Therapy 21 One Airway Clinic – Leigh Infirmary 22 Thank You 23 Transforming Community Services

Dates for your Diary

20

Issue 5 _ 3

Welcome to our Latest Magazine

Hello and welcome to the latest bumper edition of our members’ magazine. We produce and send a magazine twice a year to keep you up to date with changes and events at the Trust.

Perhaps the first piece of news is the change to our Governors following the recent elections. We welcome the newcomers and will certainly miss those whose term of office has come to an end.

Thanks to all those that attended the Annual Public Members Meeting. We had an interesting presentation from Silas Nichols, Director of Strategy and Planning on the service and site strategy. Mr Tony Clayson and Mr Nikhil Shah, two Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeons gave a stunning presentation about the pelvic services offered in the North West by Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust (WWL). We also report on our Young Persons Event which was a big success.

Also included in the newsletter are articles on how to protect yourself and your family against flu; a Governor’s account of knee replacement; details on developments in foot surgery and audiology; news of our “One Airway Clinic” as well as new ways you and your family can let the Trust know how we are doing. We have also included an update on car parking and how the Trust is planning to improve facilities.

We hope you enjoy the magazine and please let us have any feedback on this or other matters.

Tom Frost Lead Governor

4 _ Issue 5

Governor Elections

As you will be aware from our recent mailings WWL has held its elections to the Council of Governors for 2011.

It is with great pleasure that we can announce the new Governors, who will be standing for three year terms. They are:

We would also like to express our sincere thanks to those Governors whose term of office has come to an end.

Public Governors

Public Governors

Bill Baker – Rest of England and Wales Sarah Umal – Rest of England and Wales Glenys Shepherd – Makerfield Anne Heaton – Wigan Bob Horrocks – Leigh

Fred Lever – Makerfield Jim Walls – Wigan Trevor Barton – Rest of England and Wales Anthony Gallagher – Rest of England and Wales David Oultram – Leigh

Staff Governors

Staff Governors

Susan Shalders – Nursing and Midwifery Geoff Conway – All Other Staff

Tony Ashton – Nursing and Midwifery

The Trust is looking forward to working with the new Governors. We would like to take the opportunity to thank the members of the Foundation Trust who took the time to vote.

The Trust thanks each Governor for their time and dedicated commitment to the role. We wish you all well for the future and perhaps we shall see you again should you decide to stand in future elections.

Photos left to right: Bill Baker, Glenys Shepherd, Anne Heaton, Bob Horrocks.

Issue 5 _ 5

Annual Public Members Meeting

The Annual Public Members Meeting, held at Leigh Sports Village, took place on Thursday 22 September 2011. The event was well supported with over 100 members of staff and public coming together to receive presentations from key note speakers. The evening began with an opening address from the Chairman, Les Higgins who spoke about his pride in being Chairman of WWL.

The first key note speaker was Silas Nicholls, Executive Director of Strategy and Planning. Silas introduced the new service and site investment plans for the Trust. The audience heard about the plans for WWL’s Hospitals, the improved car parking facilities and the enhanced education centre facilities.

The next presentation was given jointly by Mr Nikhil Shah and Mr Tony Clayson, two of the Trust’s leading trauma surgeons. They spoke about the complex surgery they perform on patients who have suffered life threatening trauma.

The presentation included many examples of x-rays and photographs demonstrating the intricate surgical repairs they perform on pelvic injuries that allow patients to make a full recovery and live normal lives.

Tom Frost, Lead Governor at the Trust, gave a presentation which included an overview of the wide ranging activities that Governors had undertaken during the year. This was followed by a video of one of the key membership events, the Young People’s Health Information and Awareness Event, held in July 2011, which is described in more detail on page six.

The final part of the evening was given over to the Annual General Meeting of the Trust, where Andrew Foster, Chief Executive, gave a review of the year, showing the highlights and challenges faced by the Trust during 2010/11. This was followed by receipt of the Trust’s Annual Report and Accounts, as well as, the Charitable Trust Annual Report and Accounts.

Photo above: Silas Nicholls, Executive Director of Strategy and Planning.

Photo right: Andrew Foster, Chief Executive.

Feedback after the event from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. People enjoyed the presentations and the information they received and would like to see more events of this kind.

Participants made suggestions of other topics they would like to be covered, including presentations on different aspects of life in the Trust.

6 _ Issue 5

Young People’s Health Information and Awareness Event

Monday, 5 July 2011 saw over 250 young people from across the borough visit the DW stadium to participate in a range of activities organised by the Trust’s Engagement Team and the Council of Governors. The event was also attended by the Mayor of Wigan, Councillor Mrs J Birch.

The event, which took a year to plan and included the views of young people, was organised to promote the Trust and the whole idea of health and well being to young people in the 16 – 26 age range. It included a number of interactive activities relating to young people’s concerns, for example, pregnancy, help for young carers and where to go to for health advice.

There was also careers advice on hand for those thinking of pursuing a career in health care, as well as useful information for students studying healthcare qualifications.

A number of people and organisations were involved including: • • • • • • •

Trust Governors University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) Wigan Borough LINk Wigan and Leigh College NHS Ashton, Leigh and Wigan PCT Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Trust Mrs B Brown, former member of the education department who had knowledge and experience of organising such events for schools/colleges, both in the Borough and across Greater Manchester

There were 31 stalls established in the “market place”, ranging from Brook Mental Health Services, UCLAN student nurses, Cancer and Palliative Care advice, the Breast Feeding Team, British Army Medical Team, Corporate Communications and WWL’s Cardiology Team to name a few. Many of the stalls

provided fun and interactive ways for young people to learn more about WWL and its services, as well as promoting health and well being issues.

Young people also had the opportunity to sign up to a ‘break out session’ where they could participate in small group discussions, providing a chance to get first hand information from NHS Professionals. There were several discussion groups formed, one for Doctors, a nursing group hosted by two A&E Nurses, together with a sexual health quiz delivered by members of UCLAN. To compliment these groups a speed dating style session was also arranged offering young people the opportunity to talk to and ask questions of an even wider range of job roles, including IT technicians, secretarial staff, auxiliary nursing, ambulance and paramedic staff and human resources staff.

The feedback from all quarters said that the day was extremely worthwhile and that participants had enjoyed themselves. A big thank you to everyone involved!

Issue 5 _ 7

Become a Flu Fighter

Protect yourself and your family by getting a flu jab!

Seasonal influenza (flu) occurs every year, usually in the winter months. It is a highly infectious disease caused by a virus. Flu symptoms include fever, chills, headaches, aching muscles, and you can often get a cough and sore throat at the same time. The best remedy is to rest at home, keep warm and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

Some people are more susceptible to the effects of seasonal flu. For them it can increase the risk of developing more serious illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia, or can make existing conditions worse. In extreme cases, seasonal flu can result in a stay in hospital, or even death. You should see a doctor if you have flu-like symptoms and you: • • •

•

are 65 or over are pregnant have a long-term medical condition such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, kidney or neurological disease have a weakened immune system

The flu vaccine is available from October each year. If you think you need it, talk to your GP or practice nurse. A flu vaccine is available free on the NHS if you: • • • • •

are pregnant are 65 or older have a serious medical condition are a healthcare worker or carer live in a residential or nursing home

8 _ Issue 5

Patient Appointment Services

Out-patient booking services at WWL have undergone transformation in the last two years.

This began with the introduction of partial booking for follow-up appointments, which coincided with the opening of the Patient Appointment Centre on the Leigh Infirmary site in August 2009. The Appointment Centre now also manages bookings for new referrals and two-week wait referrals.

“Cancelled appointments have decreased from 16% to 6%.�

What is Partial Booking and how does it benefit the Trust and our patients?

Historically, patients were given their follow-up appointment as they left the clinic, whether it was for three, six or even 12 months time. Realistically, the Trust was never in a position to be able to guarantee those appointments without knowing for definite the schedule of commitments a Consultant, his medical team and also the patient, would have at that time.

This resulted in a larger number of appointments having to be cancelled, which in turn could increase the time our patients had to wait for their follow-up appointment to monitor or progress the treatment for their medical condition. It also meant that in some situations, patients could forget their appointments and fail to attend, leading to an increased number of wasted appointments. With the introduction of partial booking, patients are given an appointment to re-attend clinic if that appointment is required within six weeks of their original appointment. For anything longer, patients are added to our schedule and we write to them approximately three weeks or so before they are due to attend and invite them to contact the Patient Appointment Centre to agree a mutually convenient date and time for their appointment, in some instances this can also include their preferred hospital site.

Since the introduction of partial booking, the Trust has seen a significant drop in the number of hospital cancelled appointments from 16% to 6% and work is continuing to reduce this further. There will be certain circumstances when appointments do have to be cancelled but the Trust is committed to ensuring that such circumstances are exceptional.

Issue 5 _ 9 Key

Hospital Cancellations by Appointment Month (Source DW OPA Activity Atomic Cube)

Partial booking began 18% 16% 14% 12% 10% 8% 6% 4% 2% 0% Apr 09

May 09

Jun 09

Jul 09

Aug 09

Sep 09

Oct 09

Nov 09

Dec 09

Jan 10

Feb 10

Mar 10

Apr 10

May 10

Jun 10

Jul 10

Aug 10

Sep 10

Oct 10

Nov 10

Dec 10

Jan 11

Feb 11

Mar 11

Apr 11

A recent survey of 200 patients selected at random showed that the patients who contacted the Patient Appointment Centre are extremely satisfied with the service they are receiving. Of the 200 patients surveyed, 99% agreed they were greeted in a polite and cheerful manner and 92% of patients were able to make an appointment at a time which was convenient to them.

The Trust is currently looking at ways of expanding the Patient Appointment Centre to include other aspects of patient and GP contact to enhance the services we are able to offer to both client groups.

New GP Out-Patient Referrals A large number of GP referrals are now made electronically through the Choose and Book system, which again gives the patient flexibility to choose an appointment date and time to suit their personal needs and at a site location convenient to them. There is also the facility to be able to send a referral to a named clinician. Some GPs still send in a referral letter to a consultant. These referrals used to be processed by the Patient Choice Centre at NHS Ashton, Leigh and Wigan but since March 2011 these referrals have been managed within the Trust by a central team based at Wigan Infirmary. The service has been enhanced by introducing a method whereby the GPs can send in their referrals electronically to a central point via e-mail resulting in fewer delays in the patient receiving their Out-patient appointment.

Contact Details Telephone: 0300 555 4567 Photos: Staff at the Appointment Centre at Leigh.

May 11

Jun 11

Jul 11

Aug 11

Sep 11

10 _ Issue 5

Total Knee Replacement – A Governor’s Experience

By Gordon Jackson, Elected Governor for Leigh

Thursday 19 May 2011

Friday 20 May 2011

7.15am. I report to D Ward, at Wrightington Hospital. I’m feeling meek and mild never having had surgery before.

Woke up to the chinking of trolleys and tea cups. Boy am I ready for a brew! Looked at the breakfast menu: I’m not really hungry, must be the morphine. I have still got my epidural in and morphine via the drip. I have no pain, just numbness, and my leg feels twice the size. I have got a drip in my hand to replace fluid in my body and administer other drugs as required. I just feel tired and sleepy.

Full of trepidation I ask myself “Is it too late to change my mind? Do I really want to do this? It doesn’t hurt now, I could be all right!”

“You’re going” says my wife “Get it done. I am not having anymore whingeing!”

That is me told!

7.45am. I am in my operating gown and off to theatre in my wheel chair. On arrival I was welcomed by the Anaesthetist, who instilled me with confidence. He sat me on the theatre table checked that I had the little arrow marked on the correct leg.

I had an epidural injected into my back. I never felt a thing, what a brave boy! I laid back on the table and let the fun begin!

Couldn’t see much but could hear the Surgeons using the apparatus: the Anaesthetist assured me that it was all good stuff they used - straight from B&Q that morning!

Bit more chiselling and banging. Next thing, Mr Porter my Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon is saying “that’s it Gordon just stitching you up”.

Next thing I was in recovery, then on to Ward 6.

Once I was on Ward 6, I was allocated a place for my bed which was on the veranda side of the ward, a nice location.

I had visits from the Anaesthetist, then Mr Porter to see how I was and to tell me how the operation went. Mr Porter stated that my knee was really bad and it had needed doing: he was pleased how the operation had gone.

Saturday 21 May 2011 My epidural and drip removed and replaced by a cocktail of pain killers. Out of bed for the first time I sat in the chair at the side of my bed then the Physiotherapist appeared. Oh boy!

The first steps on crutches, what an experience. I managed a few steps then back to my chair, what a relief! I was told that I needed to achieve a 90 degree bend….no chance!

I managed to visit the bathroom under my own steam. On return I went to sit in my chair and forgot to put my leg out... tears, stars, what a pain! Guess what? A 90 degree bend achieved after all. What a learning curve.

Sunday 22 May 2011 I am a lot more mobile: starting and planning my release home.

It’s a quiet day, visitors come and go but time is beginning to drag a little and I can’t wait to get home.

Issue 5 _ 11

Photo: Gordon Jackson, Elected Governor for Leigh.

Monday 22 May 2011 Doctors rounds begin. Yes freedom! The doctor tells me I can go home after I have had an X-ray and medicines are dispensed. I am on the phone to my wife straight away to arrange for her to pick me up.

I thanked all the ward staff who are all absolutely marvellous and dedicated to their work. I could not have had better care.

My wife arrived and I walked down the corridor to the car.

Freedom at last!

All together a pleasant experience, I must compliment all the staff at Wrightington for the care that I received, because this went so well I will eventually have my other knee replaced.

Today Now 13 weeks on I’m not running yet but progressing nicely.

I have no arthritic pain as I did before and no walking stick.

I must thank Mr Porter and his staff as well as all the nurses and other health professionals for the excellent job they did.

I now understand why they call Wrightington a Centre of Excellence!

Photos: Wrightington Hospital.

12 _ Issue 5

Patient Opinion

“Excellent medical care in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere” “Fantastic care on Rainbow Ward” “They really listened to me”

Patient Opinion is a different way for the Trust to get feedback from patients, visitors, relatives and carers. Founded in 2005 it is a national independent feedback platform for health services. Currently, approximately 150 organisations are subscribers to Patient Opinion and our healthcare professionals can listen and respond to the experiences of our patients using this platform. It is non-profit making and is about sharing experiences and opinions regarding health services within the UK. Feedback can be given anonymously and takes the form of a conversation between the patients, carers and the professionals of the health service bodies. From the patient opinion website, www.patientopinion.org.uk, you can: •

•

•

See what other patients are saying about the healthcare that each Trust is providing Share your story so that others can learn from your experience See how health services have responded to comments from others

If your experience was good this can be shared and you can also thank the people who were responsible. If it wasn’t the best, you can tell Patient Opinion how it was. They will then pass your comments to the Trust involved who respond and make changes if necessary: you can suggest changes that would make things better.

Once someone has contacted Patient Opinion with their comments, they will check that this is not obscene, defamatory or offensive and, if it is, Patient Opinion reserve the right to edit or choose not to publish. If the comments are very critical of a

hospital then Patient Opinion may email the person to check that it has been sent in good faith. If is confirmed that it has, then it will be published and you will get a response. If the person has not used an email address or does not get back to Patient Opinion then their posting may not be published.

All published opinions go to the Care Quality Commission which is the national regulator for the NHS in England. All postings are also republished on NHS Choices.

To find out more or to make a comment visit the Patient Opinion website www.patientopinion.org.uk or you can ring them on 0845 113 0012 and share your story with one of the team over the phone in confidence.

Photo, left to right: Judith Marland (Patient Relations/PALS Officer), Sarah Ashurst (Patient Opinion) and Susan Heighway (Acting Manager Patient Relations/PALS).

Issue 5 _ 13

Care Line 01942 773377

Dedicated to helping patients, relatives and carers.

As a patient, relative or carer, do you have worries or fears about care at WWL and don’t know who to turn to?

We are here to help • To listen to your concerns • To answer your questions • To suggest a way forward Care Line has been introduced by WWL as an additional way that patients, relatives and carers can contact the Trust for assistance. We recognise the need for our service users to be able to talk to staff who can provide extra support if needed.

By providing this service, in conjunction with the Matrons and the Patient Relations/PALS Department we hope to capture any concerns that patients, relatives and carers may wish to raise and assist in resolving them quickly.

This dedicated telephone line will allow contact seven days a week, excluding Bank Holidays, by following the instructions provided by the recorded messages.

The 01942 773377 line is open • Monday to Friday 9am - 9pm • Weekends 9am - 5pm For further information see the posters at the entrance to each ward and other public areas around the Trust.

14 _ Issue 5

Trust Wide Outpatients Survey

Some recent work that has been undertaken by the Patient and Public Engagement Department, working in partnership with the Trust’s Out-patient staff, has been a large survey capturing over 3,000 patient views.

The study was undertaken to understand the views of patients regarding their preferred choices in respect of Out-patient appointments. This included choice of site to attend and the preferred appointment date and time.

This study distributed questionnaires across all of the hospital’s Out-patient Departments. The surveys were completed at the time of the appointment visit by patients and returned to nurses/receptionists working in the various clinics. These surveys were returned to the Patient and Public Engagement Department, where they were analysed.

• The most preferred time for appointments are mid mornings • The least preferred time is late evenings • For some clinics, early morning appointments are also not popular • Younger age groups (16 – 49 years old) would like their appointments on Saturdays when compared to the over 50s. This was particularly evident for Antenatal, Gynaecology, Vasectomy,Chest/Breast and Gastroenterology clinics • Most patients travel by car to the hospital Some of the recommendations from the results of the survey were:

The findings of the study were: • The majority of patients preferred choice of site was the Thomas Linacre Centre (TLC). This was because of its closeness to patient’s homes and ease of access to the site •

The study revealed that Wrightington was chosen as people’s preferred choice of site due to its excellent reputation and the staff specialising in the patient’s conditions

• Patients preferred their appointments to be towards the beginning of the week on either a Monday or Tuesday • The least preferred day for appointments was at the weekend. However Friday appointments were not preferred either

• •

•

Target 16 – 49 years old for Saturday appointments Note the continued need for car parking across all Trust sites to cater for the large proportion of patients and visitors travelling by car Undertake the promotion of the TLC, Leigh and RAEI sites to improve patient’s perception in line with patients who were aware of Wrightington, because of its reputation

Issue 5 _ 15

Employee of the Month

We re-launched employee of the month back in January 2011. The award recognises staff, from across all grades and disciplines, who go above and beyond what is expected within their role. You have to work for the Trust to nominate a member of staff for employee of the month.

April’s winner was Peter Ramsdale, from the Catering Department. He was nominated by Jane Melia and Stephen Riley. They said “Nothing is too much trouble for Peter. He is the most kind, thoughtful and helpful person you will ever meet. He never fails to bring a smile to everybody that crosses his path throughout his working day”.

May’s winner was Leonora Anson. Jean Prescott and Maria Daley nominated Leonora in recognition for her work as Sister in the Cancer Care Suite. They said “Leonora is a dedicated professional who is always positive and motivated, she has the patient’s best interests at heart and has recently set up two initiatives to improve the patient experience”.

June’s winner was Tony Sheridan, he was nominated for his quick thinking when a colleague became seriously ill. Thanks to Tony, his colleague was taken to resuscitation and then transferred to Wythenshawe in the space of an hour and half for a procedure on a blocked artery.

July’s winner was Susan Tracey who was nominated by Leonora Anson and Karen Sykes in recognition of her excellent work as a Domestic on the Oncology Ward. They said “Susan is always smiling, hard working, committed and has had a positive effect upon the level of service delivered through the Oncology Unit”.

August’s winner was Joan Seddon. Joan was nominated in recognition of her excellent work in Training and Development.

Joan is hard working, knowledgeable and very enthusiastic.

She is determined to help all staff that she trains, to succeed.

Without Joan’s help and guidance, many of new training ideas would not have been put into practice to the effect that they have. She coaches and encourages candidates to give them the confidence and expertise to put training into practice.

September’s winner was Stephen Wood, Change Manager in the IT Services Department. He was nominated by Gary Harris, Head of IT services. He said “Stephen is a complete professional and always puts the needs of the service first, often giving up his weekends and evenings to minimise the impact downtime has to IT systems users, which in turn improves patient care. He also undertakes work outside of his remit, recently Stephen resolved issues with the Bronchoscopy system”. (Bronchoscopy is a system which looks into a patients airways for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes).

Well done to everyone who has won so far! All winners have received: • •

•

£50 high street voucher A certificate presented by the Chairman or Chief Executive of the Trust, with a photo taken of the event A Champagne dinner for two at the Fat Olive, Wigan

Photos clockwise from top: Leonora Anson, Susan Tracey, Stephen Wood, Joan Seddon and Tony Sheridan.

16 _ Issue 5

Fundraising

The Finance Charity Fundraising Committee (FCFC) has been established with the principle aim of raising funds for WWL’s charitable causes. It gives the Finance Directorate a real opportunity to directly contribute to charitable causes within the Trust, benefiting our patients and our community.

A different beneficiary is set to be chosen each year, with the Special Care Baby Unit having been chosen as the beneficiary for 2011/2012. The aim is to raise enough money to purchase two upgraded ventilators for the department at a cost of approximately £25,000.

Through various fundraising events held so far the FCFC has raised £10,687.57 and is in the process of purchasing the first ventilator! Events to date have included a raffle, a dress down day, a 10k run, a car boot sale and a cycle in the Loire Valley, France.

The cycle was one of the main events in the charity’s fundraising calendar. Completed in September, it saw several members of the FCFC cycling 250km from Orleans to Angers (Wigan’s twinned town) over three days. The cyclist’s blog can be found on the FCFC Just Giving website (details below).

With plenty more events taking place over the coming months the FCFC would love you to get involved and show your support! Upcoming events include a relay run between the three main hospital sites and an auction night.

If you would like to donate to the charity you can by: •

•

•

•

Visiting the FCFC Just Giving website: www.justgiving. com/WWLFinanceCharityFundraisingCommittee Texting FCFC50 and the amount you would like to donate to 70070 Sending a cheque to Suite 2, Charitable Funds, Buckingham Row, Brick Kiln Lane, Wigan WN1 1XX, made payable to ‘WWL Charities’ Contacting the committee to submit fundraising ideas or to get involved: Tel: 01942 77 3889 Email: FCFC@wwl.nhs.uk Twitter: @F_C_F_C

Issue 5 _ 17

New Car Parking Arrangements at RAEI

The Trust Board is delighted to announce that following negotiations with Wigan Council and Staff Side, agreement has now been reached on a new car parking strategy which will better support our services at the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary.

A fundamental part of the Trust’s plans, agreed with Staff Side, were around staff who will transfer to the new Mesnes Terrace ‘park and ride’ facility including their safety and security. This has been fully taken into account and key improvements planned are: •

•

•

•

•

• •

Staff transferring to Mesnes Terrace will pay the off-site rate of £10 per month Extended opening hours to accommodate early and late shifts (hours to be confirmed) Permanent manned security presence during opening hours Additional shuttle bus service using the same route as Water Street shuttle Upgraded lighting with access control security being installed Refurbished toilets and waiting area All staff permits will be reviewed and appropriate replacements issued before the new scheme is implemented

The changes to the current car parking arrangements are: •

Improve access for patients and visitors and increase the number of spaces available: Putting patients and visitors first by re-allocating Freckleton Street car park for patient/visitor use will significantly increase patient visitor spaces by 80% and improve accessibility and the patient experience

•

Increase the number of disabled parking spaces: Re-allocation of spaces on car park D will increase disabled spaces on site to 58 which represents a 26% increase and demonstrates our commitment to improvements for disabled visitors - Wigan Access Committee were consulted in this process

•

Improve the number of staff parking spaces: The purchase of Mesnes Terrace multi-storey car park from the Council for a staff ‘park and ride’ facility will increase staff spaces by 146 which represents a 36% increase and will make it much easier for those who work late shift patterns to find a parking space

•

Improve visitor parking at Trust HQ/meetings suite: The re-allocation of visitor car park C will provide 52 additional spaces thus alleviating pressure around the Elms area of the site and better provide for official visitors to the Trust

An important part of these changes will be the ability to manage our car parks more effectively to ensure those who deliberately contravene the parking regulations, by either failing to pay for their parking or parking inappropriately thereby causing obstruction, are effectively managed. To achieve this the Board has agreed to implement a Number Plate Recognition enforcement system at all of its sites. This system gives the Trust the maximum degree of flexibility at the lowest cost.

It is anticipated that all improvements will be effective from the beginning of January 2012 once legal formalities and improvement works have been completed.

Further updates will be issued as work progresses and the “go live” date approaches.

18 _ Issue 5

Developments in Foot Surgery

Traditionally treatments of conditions such as arthritic foot joints and bunions have involved open and invasive foot surgery. We are pleased to announce that the Ankle and Foot Unit at Wrightington Hospital is one of the first in the North West to offer minimally invasive surgery in some cases.

There are currently four Orthopaedic Consultants who perform minimally invasive surgery at Wrightington; Mr Michael Karski, Mr Tim Clough, Mr Robert Smith and Miss Gillian Jackson.

Procedures undertaken have all had successful outcomes.

The key foot surgery procedures undertaken so far using the minimally invasive techniques are: •

Cheilectomy which is an operation to remove a bony lump on the top of the main joint of the big toe – usually caused by arthritis, sometimes known as “hallux rigidus”. The procedure can give significant pain relief and improve the movement in the joint. The minimally invasive technique allows this to be carried out via a small 3mm incision (instead of 4cm with open surgery). The patient benefits by having a smaller scar and also with this procedure mobilisation of the joints can begin after one week (two weeks with open surgery) as soon as the stitches are removed.

• Bunion (Hallux Valgus) removal which involves the surgeon removing some bone, usually from the first metatarsal and proximalphalanx, and repositioning bones, ligaments and

tendons in the foot. Low profile screws are used to keep the bones in position whilst they heal and these can usually stay in the foot permanently.

Where appropriate this operation can now be performed using very small incisions. The techniques have been used across Europe for over two years with very good clinical results.

From a patient’s point of view, the minimally invasive surgery means smaller scars and low complication rates. However, with this operation, recovery time remains around the same, at approximately six weeks. This is because the foot will still need to be immobilised with a large bandage or plaster cast.

It is important to note that not all cases can use the minimally invasive techniques, usually only mild to moderate cases can be treated in this way. Where symptoms or deformity is severe open surgery will still need to be used. However, cases do need to be assessed individually.

Patients would need to be referred by their GP. More information on Mr Karski, Mr Clough, Mr Smith and Miss Jackson can be found at www.wwl.nhs.uk/Internet/ Consultants

Issue 5 _ 19

Mr Michael Karski Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon MBChB, MRCS, FRCS (Trauma and Orth)

Miss Gillian Jackson Consultant Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgeon MBChB, FRCS (Trauma and Orth)

Mr Karski specialises in surgery of the ankle, foot and knee.

He treats a wide variety of foot and ankle conditions and his surgical practice ranges from toe surgery to ankle replacement.

He also treats knee arthritis and performs knee replacements and knee arthroscopy (key hole surgery) to treat cartilage tears.

Miss Jackson is a Consultant Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgeon, who specialises in disorders of the foot and ankle.

Her research interests include treatment of Achilles tendon rupture, adult acquired flat foot and plantar fasciitis. Miss Jackson has won National Prizes for the presentation of her research at the British Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society in 2008 and 2009.

Mr Timothy Clough Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon BSc (Hons). MBChB, FRCS (Trauma and Orth) Mr Clough specialises in ankle, foot and knee surgery and sports injuries. He gained extensive training in these areas through an International Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine Fellowship in Canada and through a Foot and Ankle Fellowship at Wrightington.

Mr Robert Smith Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon MB ChB, FRCS Eng (Trauma and Orth) Mr Smith is on the specialist register as a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon. His surgical practice specialises in lower limb surgery, principally treating foot and ankle conditions with a particular focus on ankle arthritis and ankle replacement surgery. Mr Smith also treats knee and hip arthritis and performs arthroscopic knee and ankle surgery.

Photos clockwise from top left: Mr Michael Karski, Mr Timothy Clough, Miss Gillian Jackson and Mr Robert Smith.

20 _ Issue 5 Photo, left to right: Elizabeth Hesketh, Hearing Therapist and Clare Wood, Rehabilitation Audiologist.

Hearing Therapy

The Hearing Therapy Service provides specialist rehabilitation for people with hearing loss, auditory processing problems and tinnitus. In the UK one in seven people have some form of hearing loss. Some people have complex hearing problems or need extra assistance and Hearing Therapy is designed to help them.

The Hearing Therapy Service is based within the Audiology Department at Thomas Linacre Centre and Leigh Infirmary. The service is led by the Hearing Therapist, Elizabeth Hesketh, and the Rehabilitation Audiologist, Clare Wood.

Communication is one of the main areas of help that Hearing Therapy can provide. The service offers sessions of: • • • • • •

Lip-reading Communication tactics Auditory training and listening practice Telephone training Assertiveness training Auditory Processing Disorder advice

Good communication methods all help to increase skills and confidence in difficult listening situations when some people can struggle to hear.

The Hearing Therapy Service can also provide information sessions about equipment. It can offer advice about: • Assistive listening devices for around the home • Access to work and equipment in the workplace or university

Equipment can make it easier to hear the television, telephone, doorbell and smoke alarm at home and in meetings and different work or study situations.

Hearing Therapy can also help people who are having difficulty adjusting to, or using hearing aids. The service can offer: • •

•

•

Counselling on adjusting to a hearing loss or hearing aids Rehabilitation techniques for people struggling to use or fit hearing aids Maintenance techniques, especially for people with other sensory problems or dexterity issues Relaxation training to reduce anxiety regarding hearing issues

Using a hearing aid effectively can ensure that people have the maximum benefit in all of their listening environments.

Deaf awareness talks and courses are also available. These can provide family members, community groups and professional staff with information on the best methods to use in communicating with people with a hearing loss. You can find out more by contacting the Audiology Department via 01942 774667, alternatively you can e-mail the team via audiology@ wwl.nhs.uk.

If you would like to be referred to the Hearing Therapy Service, please see your GP for a referral to the Audiology or the Ear, Nose and Throat Department. They can refer you to the Hearing Therapy Service.

Issue 5 _ 21

One Airway Clinic – Leigh Infirmary

We are delighted to announce that we have added a new clinic to Leigh Infirmary. The One Airway Clinic is held on the first Tuesday afternoon of each month in Area 2, and will treat the following conditions: • • • •

• •

Patients with an unexplained cough Combined upper and lower airway problems Asthma Rhinitis (irritation or inflammation of internal parts of the nose) Allergies of the respiratory tract Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) (where digestive fluid flows back to the upper aero digestive tract causing symptoms such as a cough, hoarseness and asthma.

The upper aerodigestive tract consists of the nose, the throat, the voice box, the windpipe, the lungs and the swallowing tube)

Professor Kumar was awarded the highly prestigious Sliver Clinical Excellence Award by the Advisory Committee on Clinical Excellence Awards. Clinical Excellence Awards are given to recognise and reward the exceptional contribution of NHS consultants, over and above that normally expected in a job, to the values and goals of the NHS and to patient care.

The key benefit for patients is that they can see a specialist combined clinic, with a one-stop service, and input from a multi-disciplinary team who have extensive expertise in managing difficult airway problems.

The team includes Professor Kumar who has been with WWL since 1999 and Dr Aziz who is a Consultant Chest Physician.

They are assisted by Ms Sandra Dermott, who is a Specialist Respiratory Nurse.

The maximum wait time for this clinic is currently four weeks.

Patients will initially need to visit their GP to be referred to this service. For further details please visit the WWL website at www.wwl.nhs.uk.

Photos top to bottom: Professor Kumar and Dr Aziz.

22 _ Issue 5

Thank You

My name is Barbara Nettleton. Over the past year I have been cared for by staff at WWL and within community health and would like to show my gratitude by telling people what a fantastic experience I have had.

I was a smoker and unbe-known to me was taking the wrong medication for blood pressure. This caused me to experience numerous health problems, turning my life overnight into a total nightmare, and I could see no light in my dark tunnel.

Between all these professionals they have turned my life around. Thanks to my Health Trainer Andy, my Physiotherapists Peter and Shaun, today I am over two stones lighter, a non-smoker and can walk my dog. They gave me back my life and my pride and I will always owe a great debt to these professionals.

If you need help giving up smoking contact the Trust’s stop smoking service on 0500 7867 669.

Thanks to a lot of caring professional people from WWL my quality of life has been vastly improved. I would like to thank Mr Jameel and Dr Molajo, as well as their teams of dedicated and knowledgeable staff, who performed various tests (including an Angiogram) and prescribed the right medication.

The community and hospital teams work closely together, so when I was discharged from hospital I continued to receive excellent care in a community setting. My very special thank you goes to Peter Boyd my Vascular Physiotherapist who I saw at Boston House in Wigan. He gave me confidence to believe that I could achieve a better quality of life and he gave me the support to do it.

Physiotherapy isn’t easy. I had mistakenly thought it would be similar to a spa treatment and I would have massages with a few light exercises for the toes. Dream On!!!!! In reality it was hard work, with five minute sessions of walking on tip toes, followed by flat walking, steps, bikes, and the dreaded calf muscle. However, with Peter’s warmth, support and encouragement I was able to achieve my goals. I have also made some friends for life from the support group I joined, which is socially uplifting after having months of feeling low and depressed.

Photos top to bottom: Mr Jameel, Consultant General and Vascular Surgeon, Dr Molajo, Consultant Cardiologist and Barbara Nettleton.

Issue 5 _ 23

As a result of this review a decision was reached to transfer a number of services to the management of WWL from the 1st October 2011. These services include:

Transforming Community Services

As most people will be aware the Health Service has been under significant review over the last 12 months and many changes are being made to how NHS organisations, both nationally and locally, are being managed.

Part of that process locally has involved reviewing how some community services are run. In January 2011, the Strategic Health Authority requested a full review of unscheduled community care services, provided by Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Trust (BCHT) in NHS Ashton, Leigh and Wigan (ALW) PCT, with a view to understanding what opportunities there were to offer patients and public an improved service.

• • •

• • •

Community Matrons Hospital at Home Service Access to Community Services and Physician Advisor Service GP Triage Service Advanced Nurse Practitioners in Care Homes Service Intermediate Care Co-ordinators Service

The aim of this change is to enable these teams to integrate better with existing services provided by WWL so that patients experience an improved quality of service. WWL believe that this will be achieved through closer working relationships between community and hospital staff which will improve patient care making it more efficient and integrated.

WWL has been working with BCHT since January to ensure that this transfer of services is achieved without disruption to patients or staff. WWL is pleased to report that the project went well and service transferred successfully on 30 September 2011.

Further information on these services is available from Peta Stross, Interim TCS Manager, on 01942 773508 or via email peta.stross@wwl.nhs.uk.

• Council of Governors and Trust Board – May 16 at Wrightington Hospital, Long Drawing Room, 6pm – 8pm.

Dates for your Diary 2012

• Council of Governors, Formal Meeting – August 15 at the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary, Trust Board Room, Trust HQ, 1pm – 3pm.

• Council of Governors, Formal Meeting – December 19 at the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary, Trust Board Room, Trust HQ, 6pm – 8pm

Council of Governors Meetings • Council of Governors and Trust Board Meeting – January 18 at Wrightington Hospital, Long Drawing Room, 6pm – 8pm.

• Council of Governors, Formal Meeting – April 18 at the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary, Trust Board Room, Trust HQ, 6pm – 8pm.

If any members would like to attend any of the above meetings to observe, please can you contact the membership office on 01942 77 3140 or via email at FoundationTrust@wwl.nhs.uk.

WWL Annual Public Meeting The Annual Public Meeting will be held towards the end of September 2012, full details are still to be confirmed. Watch out for future updates on this via our website www.wwl.nhs.uk.

Issue Five The Magazine for WWL Members Produced by Corporate Communications Department

Contact Us Switchboard T: 01942 244000 Appointment Centre T: 0300 555 4567 Engagement Department T: 0800 073 1477 E: foundationtrust@wwl.nhs.uk www.wwl.nhs.uk

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