The magazine for Members
Winter 2017 2 Welcome 6 Annual Public Meeting 2016 8 Very Successful Governor Elections 10 Improving Patient Experience 12 Preventing Longer than Necessary Stays 14 Theatre Refurbishment 16 Success for Wellfest 18 Quality Recovery and Rehabilitation Care 20 Pearl Suite 22 Fundraising 26 Wish Walk 30 Wrightington Open Day 34 Welcoming Our International Staff 36 Art at Wrightington 37 Future Events 38 Recognising Our Staff
2
Welcome our borough. The plan will involve developing ways to prevent or identify residents at risk of ill health, poor well-being or approaching a potential loss of independence. This will be done through a community-wide approach using linked resources and strategies.
Welcome to this edition of the Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust (WWL) Members’ magazine. I would like to begin by wishing you all a very happy New Year and I hope you will join me in looking towards 2017 with a renewed sense of hope and positivity. WWL has been under increased pressures both financially and operationally over the last few months. During this time, our staff, volunteers and community partners have worked tirelessly to ensure that our patients get the best care possible and I would like to thank them for all of their hard work. I would also like to express how grateful we are to have such amazing partners in Wigan Social Services and Wigan Council. We work very closely with them every day to ensure that our more vulnerable patients are given the care they need once they are discharged back into their homes or the community. It is also, with the help of our partners, that we will be able to work to turn things around over this next year. 2017 is going to be year of change and challenge for us at WWL and across the health and social care economy as things cannot continue to go on as they are. We are currently working with our community partners towards the implementation of the Locality Plan. We aim to improve the health and well-being of the residents of
As part of the Locality Plan, WWL will be involved in a number of health-focused initiatives including the Heart of Wigan programme that is hoped to help reduce incidences of cardio vascular disease and decrease cancer prevalence. Our planned programmes will involve interventions that focus on the health improvement of the residents of the borough and will be universally offered to reduce health inequality. We also understand that social isolation and loneliness is a significant issue and increases the demand for focused health and social care services for children, adults and older people. With our partners, we will combine our resources to ensure that we recognise the needs of individuals who may feel disconnected from society and reconnect them with their communities and each other. WWL is up for these changes and any challenges they may bring and will continue to build upon our excellent track record for improvement. Can we do it? Yes we can! We have always been a Trust that is open to change and we are always looking for ways in which we can improve or enhance our services. This became even more evident to me as I recently came across a copy of the very first Annual Report produced by the Trust in 1949. Things are certainly different today compared to the way they were back then. For example, we once had a total of 1,286 beds and 11 different hospitals and clinics across the Trust and today we have 705 beds across four sites. However, some things haven’t changed, for instance, the importance we place on our services. In 1949, they realised the demand for eye care within the region and made it a priority to ‘establish a complete Hospital Eye Service’. Today we are fortunate to have the wonderful Boston House with a full offering of vital eye services for the local community. After a recent visit to Boston House, I was blown away by how helpful and professional the staff are and at the high quality service they offer. The same can be said for our brilliant appointments department that was once a simple system but is now a fully fledged department that takes care of all of our patients’ appointment needs.
Another aspect that was important then and now, is training for our nurses and staff. In 1949, the focus was on training student nurses and their programme was a great success. Today we have recently introduced a Nursing Associates programme in conjunction with other Greater Manchester Trusts which will see 18 members of our Healthcare Support teams complete a 2-year programme from the University of Bolton. They will experience hands-on learning via six-monthly rotational placements in different areas of WWL. One thing that has and always will be important to the Trust is the work that our volunteers, fundraisers and supporters of the Three Wishes Charity do for WWL. As Chair of the Charitable Trust Board, I know first-hand just how vital your fundraising work and generous donations are to us. We truly value the generosity of people in the community who give their time and money to help fund our services. In this edition of the Members’ magazine, you will find a number of articles that highlight some of the fantastic fundraising efforts and local donations from the past few months. This year we will be re-launching the Three Wishes Charity and will be working to build a solid network of charity ambassadors to help us with our fundraising. The money we receive from fundraising activities and donations helps us to pay for extra benefits for our patients that we wouldn’t otherwise be able to fit into our budget. Finally, thank you to all of the members and staff for everything you do to help the Trust and our patients. I hope that this coming year will be one of health and happiness for all of you.
Robert Armstrong Chairman
I am Pauline Gregory, the Lead Governor at Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust (WWL) and I am very happy to welcome you to the latest edition of the Member’s magazine. As Lead Governor, I am very honoured to be able to work alongside a wonderful team who truly care about the Trust and I would like to thank our departing Governors for their hard work and dedication. I would also like to welcome our new Governors and I very much look forward to working with you. I would also like to express my heartfelt condolences to the family of Bill Baker, Governor for Rest of England & Wales, who sadly passed away in 2016. The time that Bill devoted to the Trust was truly appreciated by all of us. He was a well-respected governor who dedicated his time to WWL, helping patients and visitors and supporting the Trust Board. Bill was a very special person and will be greatly missed by everyone at the Trust. As part of my role as Lead Governor I have had the opportunity to collaborate with some of my fellow Governors and WWL colleagues to produce this magazine. In this edition you will read about many of the things that WWL has been up to over the past few months. There have been some exciting events such as Wellfest, the Wrightington Open Day and the Wish Walk which was not only fun, but also raised money for our charity. There are also some lovely stories that speak of the generosity of our community members such as the Opening of the Pearl Suite in the Delivery Suite at Wigan Infirmary and a story dedicated to the generous donations the Trust has received over the past few months. I really hope you enjoy this edition of the Members magazine and thank you to all the members and staff who have helped to make it happen.
Pauline Gregory Lead Governor
In the News
5 Page 8
Winter 2017
Very Successful Governor Elections Following the elections for public Governors, held in September, four standing Governors were re-elected and a further four new members were added the Council.
Page 14
Official Opening of re-furbished Theatres We are committed to continually improve on the services we offer in order to keep the experience of our patients and staff the best that we can provide. Read how we completely updated and refurbished two of our Theatres at Wigan Infirmary.
Page 18
Quality Recovery and Rehabilitation Care Our therapy experts at WWL have been working hard to provide patients with the rehabilitation services and therapy they need to improve their experience and ease them back into everyday life.
Page 22
We look at some of the many fundraising events that took part in 2016 for our Three Wishes Charity.
6
Annual Public Meeting 2016 Our 2016 Annual Public Meeting was held this year at DW Stadium and was extremely well attended. There were over 100 members of the public present in addition to Foundation Trust members, Trust staff, Governors and stakeholder representatives Sanjay Arya, Joint Acting Medical Director and Cardiology Consultant, gave an excellent presentation around WWL’s 7 Day Working and Nayyar Naqvi, Cardiology Consultant gave a compassionate presentation on WWL’s Cardiology Services.
the Governors over the Year 2015/2016. This followed a video presentation of the Trust’s financial accounts. Finally the meeting saw the Members receive and approve the Annual Report and Accounts for 2015/16. There then followed a lively question and answer session.
Chief Executive Andrew Foster provided an overview of the year’s performance against the various quality and safety targets set by the Department of Health. He also went on to highlight some of the greatest achievements of the year such as our low infection rates, our Accident and Emergency targets and the implementation of the new Health Information System (HIS).
Our annual Member’s meetings are very popular and we highly recommend attendance. This provides an opportunity to meet your Governors, listen to, speak to and question members of the Trust Board, as well as browse some interesting displays and information stalls from a variety of departments within the Trust.
Pauline Gregory Lead Governor gave a presentation covering the activities of
Church), Riveredge, Wigan WN3 5AB from 2pm-4pm on the 21 September 2017. Please complete the required forms to register your place and return them to our membership office.
All Members will receive an invitation through the post for the next Annual Public Meeting, which will be held in The Pier Centre (next to Todays Community
Our annual Member’s meetings are very popular and we highly recommend attendance.
7
Photographs Along with presentations there were also many interesting stalls held by staff and Governors.
8
Very Successful Governor Elections Following the elections for public Governors, held in September, four standing Governors were re-elected and a further four new members were added the Council. We were delighted that four of our existing Governors were re-elected giving the Council of Governors continuity and experience going forward.
The following Governors were re-appointed:
Bill Anderton
Linda Sykes
Pauline Gregory
James Lee
9
The following were newly appointed:
Mustapha Koriba
So far these Governors have been through the first part of their induction training. They have also attended their first full Council of Governors meeting and attended a meeting with the NonExecutive Directors to find out about their role and the work they will be undertaking in the Trust. The newly elected Governors have for the first time been allocated a Governor buddy to support them in their new role. New Governor Mustapha Koriba commented: “I was absolutely delighted and humbled to have been elected as a Governor. I grew up in a family of healthcare professionals so the NHS has always been a passion of mine. It is early days for me but I am grateful for the help and support of the staff and Governors. I am eager to contribute fully to the role.” Initially the Trust wrote to members who had declared an interest in becoming a Governor, inviting them to attend an information session. The session discussed the roles and responsibilities involved in becoming a Governor.
Mavis Welsh
Lisa Lymath
Leslie Chamberlain
Following on from this, 16 nominations were received from members interested in standing. Head of Engagement Andrea Arkwright said: “Our thanks must also go to those nominees who were not successful this year. Please don’t be downhearted as some candidates only missed out by a small number of votes; if you are still interested in becoming a Governor, we would love to hear from you again in 2017. “On behalf of the Trust, our thanks go out to all members who took the time to return voting papers. You are the reason why this election was one with such a difference, helping to achieve some excellent voting return figures. “Finally, the Trust is hugely indebted to the Governors whose terms of office ended at this election. Their experience and their work ethic which they brought to the role is what helps to make the Trust as successful as it is.”
“Our thanks go out to all members who took the time to return voting papers. You are the reason why this election was one with such a difference.” Andrea Arkwright
10
Photograph The new Welcome Folder includes everything that our patients need to know during their stay.
11
Improving Patient Experience Coming into hospital can be an anxious and stressful time for patients, whether their stay is planned or unexpected. Last year, nearly 80,000 patients were admitted into the Trust. While we always strive to deliver the best treatment and care from a clinical perspective, patient experience is just as important to us. In order deliver on our commitment to continuously improve on our patient’s experience, the Trust runs a programme called the Quality Champions’ programme.
Our Quality Champions’ programme gives staff the opportunity to work on quality improvement projects that aim to improve both clinical and non-clinical services for our patients. The Trust currently has over 350 Quality Champions and in 2014, the programme received national recognition and won the prestigious Health Service Journal Award for Patient Safety.
extremely stressful so anything that we can do to help our patients understand how the hospital works and who will be caring for them should help to ease some of their anxiety. Our new folder is colourful, simple and informative and I hope that our patients find it useful.”
One of our more recent Quality Champions’ projects aimed at helping improve the patient experience is our new in-patient Welcome Folder. Two members of our Patient and Public Engagement team have worked together to produce this useful folder full of information to help patients navigate their stay with the Trust. Over the past year, our two Quality Champions have worked hard to ensure that the Welcome Folder contains everything patients may need to know during their hospital stay from information about staff uniforms and meals to hospital services and facilities. Copies of the folder have been placed on all of the in-patient wards and are located in the bedside lockers. Our Director of Nursing, Pauline Law who is passionate about patient experience, has taken a keen interest in this project: “I am delighted with our new Welcome Folder. We have tried to include everything that our patients would want to know about us and their hospital stay. We know that a hospital stay can be
“We know that a hospital stay can be extremely stressful so anything that we can do to help our patients understand how the hospital works and who will be caring for them should help to ease some of their anxiety.” Pauline Law, Director of Nursing
12
Preventing Longer than Necessary Stays in Hospital Prolonged stays in the hospital can sometimes be detrimental for patients with complex needs and can have a negative effect on their overall health and well-being. Continual unnecessary bed rest and lack of independence can often slow down recovery in certain patients. This is why WWL has introduced two new programmes to the Trust that are aimed at accelerating discharge to prevent longer than necessary stays in the hospital.
Integrated Discharge Hub
Age Well Unit
The first programme, our new Integrated Discharge Hub, is centred on the discharge process. The Hub, located at Wigan Infirmary, houses an Integrated Discharge Team involving representatives from a whole host of organisations from across the Wigan Borough. The team will be made up of members from; WWL, Wigan Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Trust, 5 Boroughs Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Wigan Council and the Brick Project a local homeless charity.
Another programme that has been recently introduced at Wigan Infirmary is the Age Well Unit, located on Standish Ward. The Age Well Unit is a 14 bed facility that specialises in the care of patients with acute medical conditions with the expectation that they will be discharged within 72 hours. This short-stay unit provides an early assessment and treatment plan for patients in preparation for a safe discharge. Patients who are assessed as suitable for short stay care by doctors are directly transferred to the Age Well Unit from A&E.
The aim of the Integrated Discharge Hub is to guarantee that patients who have completed their medical treatment are discharged as soon as it is safe to do so. The role of the Discharge Team will be to ensure that the patient is discharged to a safe environment and are provided with all of the resources needed to ensure their continued recovery outside of the hospital. Members of the team will work closely with one another to provide a complete plan of discharge so that all of the patient’s needs are met, such as social care, housing support, clinical services or follow-up treatments.
Patients are provided with quick, effective care by a multi-disciplinary team of specialists such as a Consultant in Elderly Care, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers, dieticians and podiatrists. While on the unit, patients are encouraged to be as mobile as possible by dressing themselves daily, moving and exercising and eating meals out of their beds when able to do so. In addition to their treatment, arrangements are made for any follow-up care needed once the patient has been discharged. So far the programme has been very successful and feedback from the staff has been very positive. “I feel certain that this unit will provide a positive patient, carer and staff experience allowing our patients to maintain independence and be cared for in the most appropriate place for their needs.� Says Pauline Law, Director of Nursing.
13
“I feel certain that this unit will provide a positive patient, carer and staff experience.� Pauline Law, Director of Nursing.
Photographs Top/ The Integrated Discharge Team. Bottom/ Staff from the Age Well Unit with Pauline Law.
14
Theatre Refurbishment is a
Credit to Staff
At WWL we are committed to continually improve on the services we offer in order to keep the experience of our patients and staff the best that we can provide. In order to stick to this commitment, it was decided last year that two of our Theatres at Wigan Infirmary would receive a complete refurbishment and update. The improvements included a new ventilation system, updated equipment and the creation of a new high-tech minimal invasive laparoscopic suite. The project started in January 2016 with all of the details, including the new operational policy, carefully discussed between the teams involved. “This refurbishment was a great feat by our facility and theatre staff. It took some time and caused some minor headaches but in the end just gave us further evidence of how cooperative and resourceful our staff are in ensuring that patient flow and quality of care is our top priority.” said Andrew Foster, Chief Executive.
Finally on the 25 November, WWL welcomed The Mayor and Mayoress of Wigan, Councillor Ron Conway and Janet Conway and Local MP Lisa Nandy to assist with the official opening of the newly re-furbished Laparoscopic Theatres. “In a time when we are fighting to keep valuable NHS services from being cut, it is important to see that Trusts such as this one are continuing to invest in their great teams by investing in great services that will inevitably lead to great outcomes.” said Lisa Nandy. And what a great service it is, with the new theatres in place we now have a state of the art facility that ensures our patients receive up-to-date care with the latest technology available allowing our staff to give the best care possible to patients across the borough.
In fact, staff went above and beyond to ensure that while the theatres were under construction, there was very little disruption to patient care. This was done thanks to staff volunteering to work over the weekends and on holidays and putting in the time needed to see that patient flow and satisfaction was maintained. The project was further supported by staff on our Leigh site who accommodated patients on overnight stays to ensure continuity of care and service provision.
Staff went above and beyond to ensure that while the theatres were under construction, there was very little disruption to patient care.
15
Photographs Staff and local dignitaries were all proud to officially open this new state of the art facility.
16
1/
2/
3/
Photographs 1-2/ Staff enjoyed taking part in the various activities as well as having their own health checked. 3/ Sister Anne Ollerton, Specialist Diabetes Nurse.
17
Success for Wellfest In the summer of last year, WWL joined forces with our community partners in health and social-care to celebrate the very first “Wellfest”, Wigan Borough’s annual festival of wellbeing. The week-long festival, organised by various local public sector, charity and voluntary groups, encourages people to take stock of their personal health and wellbeing. This can be done by taking up a new fitness challenge, getting a health check or by simply discovering new ways to make life a little bit better by eating healthier and being more active. Wellfest provided a chance for our staff to participate in various events focused on health and fitness and introduced them to dozens of new activities throughout the borough. Staff were also encouraged to get involved in some already established local events such as the Wigan 10k, Leigh velodrome and Proms in the Park at Mesnes Park and Pennington Hall Park. In addition to events throughout the community, WWL launched its own Wellfest programme for staff called ‘Steps 4 Wellness’. Hosted on the Wigan Infirmary site over two days, the programme provided health and wellness support and interventions for staff in four key areas: physical health, mental health, healthy choices and keeping social. Staff were treated to various activities aimed at getting them to take charge of their health and wellbeing such as mindfulness sessions, healthy eating advice, a sewing bee, walking and book clubs, social societies and more. Staff could even try their hand at making a nutritious smoothie in a food blender attached to a bicycle and powered by pedal power! Over 500 staff attended the Steps for Wellness event and the feedback was tremendous. Here is a sampling of just some of the comments that were received: • “I found out I was physically healthy but I will pay more attention to my mental health moving forward.” • “I’ve started back at the gym since this event.” • “I will apply mindfulness and relaxation knowledge in my everyday life.” Staff across the Trust were also offered free health checks with over 150 staff taking up the challenge. One member of staff had a particularly eye-opening experience with the health checks; Sister Anne Ollerton.
Anne is a Specialist Diabetes Nurse who has worked at WWL for over 44 years. She began her career at the Trust when she was just 16 years old as Cadet. When she later qualified as a nurse, Anne was given a position in Theatres and Casualty before her time in the Diabetes Unit. Anne has always considered herself to be in good health and has rarely had any time off sick. Whilst supporting her team’s Diabetes Testing stall at Wellfest, Anne was asked if she wanted to have her blood pressure checked. Anne agreed and soon discovered that her blood pressure was elevated in not one, but both arms. This news was not necessarily new to Anne who had previously had her blood pressure checked but had not thought too much about it. On this occasion, however, Dr Arya insisted that Anne go and have further checks. Dr Arya arranged for Anne to attend the cardiology department at the Thomas Linacre Centre for testing. The tests revealed that Anne in fact had some slight damage to her heart that confirmed that her blood pressure had been elevated for a quite some time. Anne was prescribed medication by her GP and follow-up checks of her blood pressure have shown that it is now safely within the desired target range. “If I hadn’t attended the event, I wouldn’t have acknowledged the fact that my blood pressure was high and taken any action. My lack of action could have resulted in a more serious health condition. Nurses spend their days caring for others and often ignore their own health in the process. It was a really nice change to be cared for and to know that the Trust thinks its staff’s health and wellbeing is important too. The event was a success, and there was a real positive buzz about the hospital. Everyone was in really high spirits about the event and it was a real boost to morale. I’m looking forward to next year’s Wellfest as it encourages staff members to take a positive and proactive approach to their own health and wellbeing – it’s a win, win situation for everyone.” said Anne. The ‘Wellfest’ committee recognise that not all staff were able to attend the event so plans for future events are to incorporate ward and department visits, bringing the health checks to staff.
“It was a really nice change to be cared for and to know that the Trust thinks its staff’s health and wellbeing is important too.” Sister Anne Ollerton
18
Quality Recovery and Rehabilitation Care Recovering from an injury, operation or long-term illness can be a long and difficult process for a lot of patients. In many cases, it can take months of recovery and physical therapy for a patient to return to their everyday routines. Our therapy experts at WWL have been working hard to provide patients with the rehabilitation services and therapy they need to improve their experience and ease them back into everyday life. Here is a sample of some of the excellent recovery and rehabilitation services that WWL now provides:
The Physiotherapy Unit at Wrightington Hospital
changing rooms and is fully accessible to patients with differing levels of mobility.
The physiotherapy unit located at the Wrightington Hospital site is designed to help patients to restore movement and function following an injury, disability or illness. The unit is made up of private therapy cubicles as well as an open gym area featuring a wide range of fitness and assessment equipment.
Both the Alter G treadmill and the Hydrotherapy Pool were funded entirely through charitable funds.
One of the newest pieces of equipment found here is the state-of-the-art Alter G anti-gravity treadmill. The treadmill uses NASA-patented “underweighting” technology used to reduce patients’ bodyweight by as much as 80%. This allows patients with various conditions and diagnoses to run and walk with much less impact and stress on their joints. The Alter G treadmill can be used to help patients during the different stages of recovery but can also help athletes suffering injuries and patients needing to lose weight. Hydrotherapy Pool at Wrightington Hospital Also found at the Wrightington Hospital site is WWL’s new Hydrotherapy Pool. The pool is used mainly for the treatment of patients with various musculoskeletal conditions to help improve their mobility and function. Use of the pool, which is kept between 34-35 degrees Celsius, benefits patients by helping to ease pain, relax muscles, increase muscle strength and improve coordination and circulation. The pool is located in its own selfcontained unit that features showers and
Post Critical Care Rehabilitation Unit at Wigan Infirmary The Post Critical Care Rehabilitation Unit has been designed to assist patients recovering from a long-term illness or injury with a post hospital discharge rehabilitation programme and followup service. Some of the negative effects of a critical illness can include muscle weakness and atrophy, reduced balance and coordination, joint pains, lack of energy and emotional and personal issues. Located within the Physiotherapy Rehabilitation Suite, the unit is fully equipped with specialised exercise equipment and has physiotherapists and the Critical Care Outreach Team on hand to provide our patients with the rehabilitation and therapy they need. Therapists can perform a number of treatments using the equipment available including fall assessments and avoidance, early rehabilitation, assistance with reduced mobility, stroke support and follow-up care.
Our therapy experts at WWL have been working hard to provide patients with the rehabilitation services and therapy they need to improve their experience and ease them back into everyday life.
19
Photographs Top/ Our state-of-the-art Alter G anti-gravity treadmill. Bottom/ Our Hydrotherapy Pool helps improve mobility and function.
20
Pearl Suite
Our Newly Refurbished Bereavement Suite Bereavement is difficult no matter what the circumstances, however, when the loss of an infant occurs before a life has had a chance to begin, there are added elements that can make it all the more difficult. For this reason, a bereavement suite was created on the maternity unit at Wigan Infirmary to provide families with a quiet, private place where they could go to create precious final memories with their baby. The room started out as a typical hospital room, it contained only a single bed and was not very suitable to provide a place of comfort to bereaved parents. Midwife Tracey Baybutt started the initial attempts to make the room as comfortable as possible with new paint, artwork and bedding. However, with little to no funding, no drastic changes could be made. Then in January 2014, Chris and Louise Hopwood of Leigh found themselves sadly needing to spend time in the suite. They had just suffered the loss of their twin girls Pearl and Peggy after being born at 21 weeks. “When we lost the girls, we were put in the room as it was. Whilst it was nice of the hospital to be able to do that and for us to spend some time with them, it still felt like we were in hospital.” said Chris. Following their devastating loss, Chris and Louise wanted to give back to WWL and felt the perfect way to do so was to provide a comfortable, homely place that
other parents could go to spend those last moments with their babies. They set to work fundraising money and gathering donations of blankets and clothing for premature babies. In the end, they had managed to raise £16,000 to be put towards the refurbishment of the suite and facilities for other families. The suite has now received a complete facelift including new furniture, paint and flooring that was generously donated by CRT Flooring, based in Chorley. Chris and Louise were involved in the entire process and even picked out some of the furniture and fittings themselves. The renovations have given the room a more comfortable feel while still complying with healthcare standards.
At WWL, we put patients and their families at the centre of everything we do. The culture of compassion across the Trust has earned WWL’s End of Life Care the highest rating of ‘Outstanding’ in the latest CQC report. The Pearl Suite is an excellent example of this and has already been used by a number of families since the renovation was completed. The bereaved families have said that the suite has been helpful in providing some comfort and support during a difficult time. “A patient recently shared with me that the suite allowed her and her partner to spend precious time and create valuable memories with their baby that will stay with them forever.” said Midwife Tracy Baybutt.
The suite has been named the Pearl Suite in honour of Louise and Chris’ twin girls, “Peggy is actually another word for Pearl, so it is named after them both. We are proud of this lasting tribute to our daughters.” said Chris. The room was officially opened on 14 October with MP for Wigan, Lisa Nandy on hand to perform the ribbon cutting and say a few words. “For Louise and Chris to survive such a loss is incredibly brave and then for them to turn something so tragic into something so good is truly inspiring. I am so proud that Wigan has such wonderful hospital staff who really go the extra mile to support their patients.” said Lisa.
“I am so proud that Wigan has such wonderful hospital staff who really go the extra mile to support their patients.” Lisa Nandy, MP for Wigan
21
Photographs Top/ Chris and Louise Hopwood with their son in the Pearl Suite. Bottom/ Chris Hopwood with Lisa Nandy, MP.
22
At WWL we have an excellent charity programme in place for anyone wanting to give back to the Trust. The following section explains the charity structure and how you can fundraise and donate to the services of your choice.
23
Fundraising
24 W
Fundraising
It is always important to give back and at WWL we have an excellent charity programme in place for anyone wanting to give back to the Trust.
Three Wishes Charity –
Big 8
The Three Wishes Charity began as four original divisional funds, consisting of Medicine, Surgery, Specialist Services and Nurse Director. However, the feedback received from donors revealed that they weren’t able to get as passionate behind fundraising for a whole division. As a result, the Big Eight structure was created, breaking up the Three Wishes Charity into eight individual funds. This structure follows the wishes of our donors and allows them to fundraise and donate to the services of their choice. The mission of WWL’s Three Wishes Charity and the Big Eight is to further improve the quality of patient care through the improvement of services, purchasing of medical equipment and enhancing the patient environment and experience. This is achieved through the generosity of the general public and by fundraising activities, events and appeals. Further information on the trust Charity can be found on the Trust’s website www.wwl.nhs.uk/charitable_funds For advice or further information on how to get involved please contact the Finance team on 01942 773808.
25
This fund is for anyone wanting to help provide any patient comfort items across the Trust. Comfort items can include better equipment to enhance services, televisions for patient entertainment or more comfortable furniture for patient use.
This fund covers all aspects relating to cancer care services within the Trust and our Cancer Care Centre.
This fund focuses on all areas of paediatric care within the Trust including the Rainbow and neonatal wards.
This fund supports all aspects of our Fertility Services, including support for improved services and specialist equipment.
The Women’s Fund has been set up to support our female centred services such as maternity, gynaecology and breast services; essentially anything relating to women, head to toe.
This fund helps to support patients diagnosed with dementia or stroke, elderly patients and patients requiring rehabilitation services.
This fund covers anything related to the Cardiology and Respiratory Services for the Trust. This fund was formally known as the Heartbeat 2 Appeal.
This fund is set up to support all of the services available at Wrightington Hospital.
Further information on the trust Charity can be found on the Trust’s website www.wwl.nhs.uk/charitable_funds
26 W
Fundraising
Wish Walk A mile doesn’t seem a very long distance at all, but if you have suffered from years of discomfort due to joint pain, it can feel like a marathon. As part of the Wrightington Hospital Open Day on 24 September, the first annual Wrightington Wish Walk in aid of the Wrightington Wish Fund took place. The walk was in honour of WWL’s patient’s whose lives have been transformed by surgery, physiotherapy and other medical treatments. The walk was not a race, but a gentle stroll around the Wrightington site, where participants were able to walk at their own pace and to their own ability and could complete all or just some of the course. This sponsored event helped raise money for the Wrightington Wish Fund, with all monies raised going towards improving our patients’ experiences whilst in hospital. The walk, which saw over 40 people participate, managed to raise over £3000 for the Three Wishes Charity.
This sponsored event helped raise money for the Wrightington Wish Fund.
27
Photographs The walk was a huge success, with staff also taking part along with the public.
28
Photographs Visitors, young and old, took part in games and activities as well as having up-close and personal tours of the Wrightington site and its facilities.
29 W
Fundraising
Wrightington Open Day On 24 September, Wrightington Hospital hosted an open day to celebrate the official opening of the Charnley building and launch a new Three Wishes charity, the Wrightington Wish Fund. Over 600 guests joined us for the day and we were also delighted to welcome the Rt. Hon. Andy Burnham who performed the official opening ceremony for the Charnley building. The object of the day was to give visitors an up-close and personal look the Wrightington facilities and the services that are offered there. Part of the day included a tour of the new £18.1 million, award-winning Orthopaedic unit. The unit features 28 beds in three bays and 16 single en-suite rooms, a new admissions unit and an impressive four bay, barn theatre complex. Guests also had a chance to view and participate in medical demonstrations and chat to consultants.
of entertainment on hand provided by members of the Three Wishes Choir and Wish FM who helped to host and MC the day. The day also marked the launch of the Wrightington Wish Fund, a branch of the Three Wishes Charity that supports the purchase of medical equipment and items that will improve our patient’s experience whilst in Wrightington hospital. Part of the fundraising activities also included the inaugural sponsored Wish Walk. The day wouldn’t have been made possible without the help of staff and volunteers who were there to man the stalls and run the activities. In total the day raised over £4,000.
In addition, throughout the site were more fun activities including a raffle of generously donated prizes, a tug-of-war challenge, giant board games, a football shoot out, a classic car exhibition and the chance to sample and buy a selection of delicious baked treats. There was plenty
Part of the day included a tour of the new £18.1 million, award-winning Orthopaedic unit.
30 W
Fundraising
This past year has been one that has seen some very helpful and generous donations made to various areas around the Trust. Here is a quick round-up of some of the generosity we have been lucky enough to receive.
1/
2/
3/
“I cannot put into words the gratitude that I felt and wanted to help other couples in similar situations.� Laura Carter
31
1/ The Fertility Unit at Wrightington Hospital
4/ Cancer Care Appeal – Three Wishes Charity
Proud new mum Laura Carter raised £330 for the Fertility Unit after she received treatment that led to the birth of her beautiful baby Austin in December 2015. She raised the money by doing a sponsored swim and collecting donations from friends and family. “I cannot put into words the gratitude that I felt and wanted to help other couples in similar situations, this is our way of saying thank you and raising awareness of fertility problems.” said Laura.
In partnership with the Ashwood Residential Care home in Ashton-in-Makerfield, Yvonne Lyon donated £202 to the Cancer Care Appeal arm of the Three Wishes Charity. Yvonne, whose mother, Hilda Collier is a resident of Ashwood, requested that the money be donated to the charity after the exceptional care she received from Mr. Pothula, Consultant ENT Surgeon and his team. The money was raised through a 1920’s themed charity day held for residents and family members at Ashwood.
2/ Accident and Emergency Department
5/ Heart and Lungs Fund – Three Wishes Charity
WWL A&E Sister Marion Toole generously donated a new dementia doll to the A&E department. Dementia dolls are therapy dolls that can be used to help relax patients with dementia who are feeling anxious or distressed by providing comfort and encouraging nurturing instincts. They can be a vital tool in the A&E and Marion took it upon herself to ensure the department had one. In addition to the donation, she also completed Dementia Champion training, “I just wanted to have a better insight into dementia. We work in a busy area and it’s important to have the knowledge so that those patients do not get forgotten” said Marion.
Despite some very wet and windy weather, members of the Wigan Rovers FC set out on a bike journey from Wigan Pier to Southport and back all to raise funds for the Heart and Lungs Fund. The team managed to raise £300 for the fund and did so in the name of club Chairman and WWL’s Porters and Transport Manager Shaun Dainty who had recently suffered a heart attack while skiing in Austria. They travelled along the canal and gathered donations along the way before making it back in one, albeit soggy, piece!
3/ COPD Unit It has been estimated that 1.2 million people are living with diagnosed COPD which is why the COPD unit is a key unit to have at WWL. In September 2016, the unit received a very kind donation on behalf of the family of former patient George Hudson. Mr. Hudson’s family donated a new television and eight nebuliser machines that are essential to the treatment of COPD and used to help administer key medication directly to the lungs. The COPD unit held a special place in the hearts of the Hudson family as they often visited George there and were grateful for the excellent care he received.
4/
5/
32 W
Fundraising
“And there’s more!” The Geoff Carr Memorial Events Following the success of last year, the family of the late Geoff Carr, who sadly passed away in 2014, have once again pulled out all of the stops with an exciting series of fundraising events in 2016. Beginning on the 20 August 2016 with the Geoff Carr Memorial Event Fun Day, 15 events were held throughout the year to help to raise money for the Cancer Care Fund of the WWL Three Wishes Charity and the Derian House Children’s Hospice. One of the kick off events, held on 20 August included the Fun Day which took place at the Charnley Arms in Standish. Undaunted by the wet and windy weather, the Carr family and a host of volunteers, transformed the car park at the Charnley Arms into a hub of activity with a wide range of stalls and activities including an eight metre climbing wall. Guests, clad in their waterproof clothing and toting their umbrellas, included the Mayor of Wigan, Councillor Ron Conway and Mayoress, Janet Conway who both tried their luck at winning a prize on one of the games. Entertainment was provided by Wish FM who took shelter in the Charnley Arms alongside the visitors competing in the Karaoke Competition. Despite the rain, guests both young and old, came and supported the day and had a great time, even if part of the fun was hanging onto poles to ensure that the stalls didn’t blow away.
Also on 20 August, at the Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, another Geoff Carr Memorial event was taking place. The Second Annual Ironman Challenge brought together athletes of all levels to run/walk, cycle and kayak a distance of over 20 miles. The competitors bravely faced the challenging weather to participate in the race which helped to add to the fundraising efforts for the day. In total the race raised £2080 through racer sponsorship and the Fun Day managed to raise an additional £710. “And there’s more!” – to pinch the popular catch phrase. In December of 2016, as part of the Geoff Carr Memorial Event, The Boat House Pub in Appley Bridge hosted a Christmas Market.
With stalls full of Christmas wares and Santa’s Grotto the fair was held over four weekends and saw hundreds of visitors including 135 children to Santa’s Grotto. The superb example of a community event featured live Christmas entertainment from performers such as Amanda Hayes, Chris Davies, Danny Fallows, Katie McVeigh and some Disney Princesses. In addition, a brass band courtesy of the Boat House Pub performed Christmas carols that helped to add to the holiday spirit of the event. Once again, thanks to the generosity of the visitors and everyone involved, the Christmas markets helped to raise an extra £1600 for the memorial fund. Overall, the Carr family helped to organise a total of 15 events throughout 2016. While the final count of the monies raised has not been confirmed yet, it is anticipated that over £10k will have been raised, surpassing the total raised in 2015. This achievement is a credit to the generosity of the Carr family and to the people of the Borough and shows their tremendous support of the work that WWL does. Our Governors wish to express the sincerest of thanks to the Carr family and all of the members of the community who give up their time to help raise funds for the Trust. This is especially valuable at a time when austerity and the changing nature of provisions are providing such financial challenges for us all. Thank you!
While the final count of the monies raised has not yet been confirmed, it is anticipated that over £10k will have been raised, surpassing the total raised in 2015.
33
We Need Your Email Address Please We are urging members with email addresses to contact the Membership Office to change their communication preference to email rather than post. Communication via email is fast, effective and significantly reduces cost! Changing is easy. Please contact us either via phone on 0800 073 1477 or 01942 772105 or you can contact us via email: foundationtrust@wwl.nhs.uk To view the Members magazine online please go to www.wwl.nhs.uk/membersmag
34
Welcoming Our International Staff It can be a very daunting experience to leave your home to move to a new country to start a new job. There are many barriers that need to be overcome and the more help you have the better your experience will be. The recruitment team at WWL understands this and work hard to ensure that our nurses and staff who have relocated to the Wigan area are provided with ample support. The recruitment team’s welcome programme includes various levels of support and assistance. On their day of arrival, international staff are given a WWL welcome in the form of a meet and greet with members of the recruitment team. To help our new staff settle, they are provided with an information pack including a Welcome to Wigan booklet to help familiarise them with the area. The booklet contains detailed information about Wigan and living in the UK including what to expect of the weather, what to make of the different accents and what you can expect to pay for items at your local food shop or supermarket. The HR team provides international staff with a full induction to living in the UK including support to help them register for bank accounts. The HR team will set up appointments for the new staff at
their local bank and help them prepare by providing everything they need such as a confirmation of employment letter and by ensuring they attend with the right forms of identification. Once their job begins at the Trust new international staff, depending on their role, are invited to attend a clinical induction programme that gives them extra time to learn the principles of their role in preparation for when they are responsible for carrying them out on the job. The programme is a full week of events that are designed to help staff settle in the Borough as well as help them build on their clinical skills. International staff are also given the opportunity to participate in a preceptorship programme that includes a named mentor or role model who will help to provide them with the support they need to successfully transition into their role at WWL. The feedback from international staff on the support they receive from HR has been very positive. ‘I really feel like I’m a part of the team, everyone works together and they have all made me feel so welcome” said Panagiota Kappitzi, a Human Resources Assistant who moved to Wigan last year from Cyprus with her partner Chris, a nurse at Wrightington.
Mirela Hamryszczak an ICU Nurse at Wigan Infirmary moved here from Poland last year. Her experience at WWL has been nothing but positive. “I started at WWL as an auxiliary nurse as I was awaiting my registration number. I really wanted to start work as a staff nurse so the HR team and my matron worked hard to make that happen for me; now I work in the ICU and it’s amazing. My co-workers and I are like a big family, they even offered to help me move when I found my new house!” The International Employee programme run by Clare Thomas, Senior Nurse – Professional Practice, Kim Gibbs, Employment Services Manager, and the HR team have helped so many of our staff new to the UK and continue to support them with their careers at the Trust.
35
To help our new staff settle, they are given up to two months of accommodation provided at a local hotel and an information pack including a Welcome to Wigan booklet to help familiarise them with the area.
Photograph Mirela Hamryszczak is an ICU Nurse at Wigan Infirmary.
36
Art
at Wrightington Art has always been important to WWL, simply take a look at the art displayed in the corridors of Wigan Infirmary. The Wrightington Open Day provided WWL with an additional opportunity to highlight the rolet art and our local artists play in the life of the Hospital Trust. Students from Shevington High School, Mossy Lea County Primary School and St. Joseph’s Primary School, were invited to participate in a school art competition put on by WWL. The aim of the competition was to have the students artistically depict the history and the work of Wrightington Hospital. In order for them to be able to do this, the participating pupils were invited to spend a half day at the hospital finding out what it did and what it is famous for. They attended a presentation delivered by current consultant, Bodo Purbach, about the history of Wrightington and Sir John Charnley and were given a tour, guided by Wrightington ex-surgeon Chris Faux, of the Wrightington facilities including the Visitor’s Centre and Hip Centre. Following the tour the students were asked to get creative and take what they had learned about the hospital and produce a piece of artwork to be entered into our competition. The submissions were judged by Stephen Hand, Andrea Arkwright, from the Membership and Engagement team, Bill Greenwood, Governor, Chris Faux (former consultant) and Patty Faux,
Alison Balson, Director of Human Resources and volunteer Jenny Farrell. Prizes, courtesy of Chris Faux and the Wrightington League of Friends, were awarded to the winning artists in either the High School or Primary School categories. In all, 10 students received prizes including two grand prize winners and eight highly commended. The students and their families were invited to attend the prize ceremony at the start of the Wrightington Open Day hosted by Chris Faux and Richard Mundon. Many thanks are extended to the students, the teachers and head teachers of the participating schools, together with the Wrightington League of Friends who provided the prizes and the staff who organised and set up such a splendid exhibition. It is hoped that the young people themselves enjoyed taking part and gained insights into the significance of Wrightington both now and in the past. The exceptional artwork created by the students will be displayed on the walls of Wrightington Hospital, to help brighten up the experience of visitors.
The aim of the competition was to have the students artistically depict the history and the work of Wrightington Hospital.
37 W
Future Events Lose Weight Feel Great January – March 2017 In partnership with Wigan Council’s Lose Weight Feel Great challenge, WWL is offering any staff wanting to get involved, a 12-week programme to help them with their 2017 diet and fitness goals. The programme includes a free 12-week membership to Slimming World and free on-site fitness classes. The restaurants across WWL are also getting involved by offering staff daily Slimming World meal options. Staff will be supported not only by the Staff Engagement team but by their fellow colleagues on the plan. Wellfest Summer 2017 After a very successful Wellfest in 2016, WWL will be holding a second event in 2017. In connection with other public sector organisations, charities and voluntary groups, WWL will be encouraging staff to focus on their own personal health and wellbeing. There will be displays and demonstrations of various fitness, wellness and health information and activities that staff and visitors
Below are some of the exciting events that are being held over the coming months. As always, we would encourage you to come along and get involved.
can take part in all in the aims of helping them improve their overall wellness. WWL’s Wellfest will be held around the various sites at the Trust. Staff Step Challenge Summer 2017 Continuing on the great success of the WWL Step Challenge 2016, the Trust will be taking part in the Step Challenge again this year. Staff are encouraged to walk as many steps as they can over six weeks to see which team can cover the number of steps needed to get from Land’s End to John O’Groats first. Last year’s challenge saw the winning stepper cover 371 miles with the runner up following closely behind 370 miles in total. Wigan Pride Summer 2017 Wigan will be holding its annual Wigan Pride event this summer. Following on from the success of last year, Wigan will be holding events to celebrate the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) community. WWL is a big supporter of the event and
our Inclusion and Diversity and Patient Engagement teams are looking forward to helping out where they can. Wigan 10K September 2017 Every year the Wigan 10K brings runners from all levels together to complete the course. The runners either run for themselves or a charity of choice, but they are all there for a great day of exercise and community spirit. Last year many of our WWL staff completed the run and this year we hope to see some of our amazing staff get involved once again either to run in the race or to cheer on friends and family.
38
Recognising Our Staff On 11 November, WWL staff gathered to celebrate their fellow colleague’s achievements at the 10th Annual Recognising Excellence Awards (REAs). The event provides an opportunity for the achievement, dedication and hard work of our staff to be recognised.
A great time was had by all as they watched their amazing colleagues win awards and put their acting skills to good use in the REA blockbuster movie themed video, produced in-house by the Trust’s Corporate Communications Team.
• Safe Award Anaesthetic TAG Team, Emergency Response Station
Following staff feedback on previous events, significant changes to the award categories were made for the REAs this year. This year’s ceremony introduced fewer categories with new themes, therefore allowing for the awards to be more inclusive, opening the awards up for more opportunities for teams to apply and win.
• Caring Award Dementia Team, Diary of a Bed Number
The night saw some amazing teams and individuals from around the Trust receive well-deserved awards and nominations. The big winners from the evening were the Dementia team who took home two awards; The Caring Award and the Foundation Trust Award for their work on the training film, Diary of a Bed Number. Their film project, which couldn’t have been made without the help of fellow WWL staffers, is now used as a training tool for all levels of staff to help aid in their understanding and empathy for patients with dementia. It focuses on caring and compassion and it makes a positive difference to everyone involved.
• Effective Award Hospital Palliative Care Team
• Working Together Award Sepsis Improvement Team • Supporting Role Award Sue Green • Unsung Heroes Award A joint win for the Dedicated Bereavement Volunteers Dawn Houghton and Carole Priestley and Recruitment Manager, Kim Gibbs • Unison Outstanding Contribution to Partnership Working Award Amanda Cheesman • Foundation Trust Award Dementia Team, Diary of a Bed Number
The rest of the winners and nominees have also done some really impressive work this past year. The full list of winners from the night are:
The night saw some amazing teams and individuals from around the Trust receive welldeserved awards and nominations.
39
Photographs The tremendous dedication and achievements of our staff was celebrated by all.
The magazine for Members Issue 15
Winter 2017
Your hospitals, your health, our priority
Produced by Corporate Communications