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North Tees and Hartlepool

Issue 32 Autumn 2013

NHS Foundation Trust

Birth classes

Evening held to thank volunteers

teach parents to go with the Flo

pages 24-25

page 3

Two new cards given to staff as reminder of values

Sim man and baby join the team

page 18

page 27

Anthem | Autumn 2013 1

Children enjoy rhyme time singing challenge Children in the University Hospital of Hartlepool’s Rainbow Nursery spent the afternoon singing for mums, dads and grandparents recently.

The children rehearsed 10 songs and rhymes to prepare for the rhyme challenge.

The challenge is supported by booktrust and bookstart, to encourage children to have fun learning songs and rhymes, which supports language development and confidence with words.

Assistant nursery manager Karen Shepherd said: “All of the children did really well remembering the songs and rhymes.

“Exercises like this are not only fun for children but they also help them develop their language and confidence with words.”

Julie sets £25,000 target in Adrian’s memory Neonatal sister Julie King has set herself a fundraising target of £25,000 in memory of her husband Adrian who tragically died earlier this year.

Julie’s partner Adrian was treated in the haematology unit at the University Hospital of North Tees after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia. Adrian died in May after developing complications.

During Adrian’s battle with illness he and Julie, with help from family, friends and colleagues, helped raise thousands of pounds for various charities.

The current total stands at a fantastic £16,000. This money has gone to charities including the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and Bright Red, a charity based at the

Freeman Hospital in Newcastle where Adrian was treated.

Funds have also been donated to the haematology unit at the University Hospital of North Tees, where Adrian was treated, and to the hospital’s intensive care unit.

Julie, who works in ward 23 at the University Hospital of North Tees, has vowed to keep raising cash and has set herself a target.

She said: “Adrian was an inspiration. We want to carry on his efforts in raising money.

“We have already raised so much, but don’t want it to stop now. We want to raise even more. That’s why we have now set a target of £25,000.”

To get in contact with Julie email king-julie6@sky.com

Geoffrey the giraffe visits children Geoffrey the giraffe spent the afternoon visiting patients in the children’s ward at the University Hospital of North Tees recently.

The Teesside Retail Park’s Toys R Us store sent Geoffrey, along with a Sylvanian Families cottontail rabbit, to meet the children and mums and dads.

Hospital play specialist Sandra Jackson said: “The children really enjoyed the visit and had a great time meeting our two guests.”

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Julie with consultant haematology Philip Mounter and haematology staff nurses Sue Hulme and Kerry Dempsey

Birth classes teach parents to go with the Flo A couple who had a baby at the University Hospital of North Tees earlier this year are one of many couples who have been to birth classes at the trust.

Elizabeth and Adam Casey from Stockton went to the active birth sessions before their daughter Florence was born.

The classes aim to give confidence to mums and dads and help to reduce anxiety and fear around labour and birth.

Couples who attend the sessions are told what to expect at each stage of labour and are given strategies to help them cope.

Elizabeth and Adam were so pleased with the sessions and the overall care they received in the maternity unit and the neonatal unit that they wrote a four page letter to thank the staff, after the birth of Florence in February.

Elizabeth, 40, said: “My husband Adam and I were blown away by the active birth classes.

My husband Adam and I were blown away by the active birth classes.

“Sharon, the midwife, was hugely enthusiastic and extremely informative. She placed me and Adam in an informed position about birth. She did not sugar the pill or ever say that there would be no pain, nor did she baulk at explaining the complications that could happen.

“Birth wasn’t something that I feared anymore – as a soon to be first time mammy – but something to look forward to.

“We accepted that if there were complications with the birth then additional medical intervention was likely but we were prepared and did not fear this knowing we could cope with whatever was thrown at us.

“Sharon taught us to just go with the flow, regardless of what happened. That is the reason why we called our beautiful daughter Florence!”

Elizabeth had a difficult birth, with Florence having to be delivered by emergency caesarean section.

Because of these difficulties, Florence had

ingested or breathed back some meconium during birth which meant she had to be taken to the neonatal unit for a several days.

Adam, 43, said: “Not only were we delighted with the classes, but the care the staff gave my wife and my daughter was brilliant. The staff in the maternity unit explained what was happening along every step of the way.

“They cared for Florence and they cared for our needs too. They were very informative and really empathetic from start to finish.”

Midwife Sharon Gowans said: “We are all delighted that so many parents such as Elizabeth and Adam have found the classes to be helpful.

“People who have attended them have said it has made them feel reassured and more able to cope with the labour and birth process.

“The sessions teach women and their birth partners about the benefits of being active and using different positions throughout labour and for birth.

“They also aim to give confidence to women and their birth partners and reduce anxiety and fear around labour and birth by teaching them what to expect at each stage and what strategies they can use to cope from the early stages right through to the birth of their baby.

“We want women and their partners to feel as prepared as they possibly can be for child birth.”

The trust organises two sessions, both of which are available for women from around 32 weeks of pregnancy. They are offered in addition to the normal antenatal classes held in the community by midwives.

The classes are held on both of the trust’s hospital sites. They take place outside of the birthing centre at the University Hospital of Hartlepool on a Saturday at 10am and just inside the main entrance at the University Hospital of North Tees on a Saturday at 2pm.

The first session covers a range of issues including the benefits of being active, the importance of hormones, stages of labour and how the baby moves through the pelvis.

The second session includes information about different positions for labour and birth, distraction techniques, deep breathing massage and relaxation, helping the partner feel involved and exercises with the birthing ball. A tour of the birthing centre and delivery suite is also included.

Due to the nature of the sessions the number of places for couples are limited.

To book a session call 01429 522876.

Anthem | Autumn 2013 3

Matt handed new title Consultant gastroenterologist Matt Rutter has been awarded a professorial chair at a leading university.

Matt has been made honorary professor of gastroenterology at Durham University, which has a medical site – the Queen’s Campus – in Stockton.

Matt said: “I’m honoured and delighted to be awarded this chair.

It is recognition of the whole team’s growing academic reputation across the region and the country.

“We are increasingly being acknowledged as a leading gastrointestinal research unit.”

Over recent years, Matt has chaired numerous national and international committees and is regularly invited to lecture at international conferences.

He is also the clinical director for the bowel cancer screening programme for the whole of Teesside and parts of North Yorkshire and County Durham.

Matt added: “Our team has established close academic links with Durham University and I hope this role will further strengthen future collaborative work. This partnership can only help the trust in our work to improve services for our patients.”

Clinical director emergency medicine Andy Simpson (left) and consultant emergency and paediatric emergency medicine Gillian Davidson (right) with a group of the new trainees

New group of medical trainees join trust A new group of medical trainees have started a two year training programme at the trust.

Every year a new intake of foundation doctors from the Northern Foundation School start working at the University of North Tees and the University of Hartlepool.

The group will receive training in a range of clinical settings over the duration of the programme.

We have built up a reputation for being a trust that trainees want to come to for their education.

The training programme has built up a reputation as being one of the best both regionally and nationally.

Admin and quality coordinator for medical education Julie Oakley said: “The training programme here for foundation doctors is one of the best in the region, and recent General Medical Council (GMC) survey results have once again shown us as being one of the best in the country, which has really made a difference in attracting candidates.

“We have built up a reputation for being 4 Anthem | Autumn 2013

a trust that trainees want to come to for their education.

“Past medical trainees have told us they have felt supported by staff and have felt thoroughly prepared for the next step of their training once their time with us has come to an end. These trainees pass on their experiences to future trainees, so the reputation you have is very important.”

Earlier this year, four areas of notable practice were highlighted by both the Northern Deanery and the GMC – making the trust the joint fifth best performing in the country.

In a recent visit to the accident and emergency department the GMC also highlighted the very ‘can do’ attitude of all trainees and senior staff.

It said trainees felt empowered to make decisions in a very supportive environment.

The report also said the rotas are run effectively, staff are fully engaged with the training and working relationships in the emergency medicine department are strong.

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If you have, please send us a photo of yourself reading our magazine and send it to communications@nth.nhs.uk

Cabbie on the road to a healthier life Across the trust’s area health trainers are helping people towards making their goals a reality by eating healthier, shedding weight and becoming more active.

One of the many places where sessions are held is at the Hartfields Retirement Village in Bishop Cuthbert, two miles from Hartlepool’s town centre.

The village offers homes for people aged 55 and over and also has a range of facilities such as a modern gym and spa pool, restaurant and coffee shop.

Senior health trainer Denise Murphy runs a weekly session there that is available to both residents and people from the wider community. The sessions involve learning about healthy food choices and the importance of activity but more importantly how to include this into people’s own lifestyles.

Taxi driver Stephen Grist from Dyke House in Hartlepool has been using the service since January and is now at his target weight losing two and a half stones.

During his weekly weigh-ins 52-year-old Stephen said: “Denise has helped me to completely change my eating habits.

We don’t pressurise people into coming along. They want to attend and it’s lovely to see their health improve before your very eyes.

“I’m usually the type of person who tries to diet but then gives up after a few days. But with these sessions that never happened.

“Being a taxi driver can be stressful and tiring. I spend most of my day sitting behind the wheel and I ended up eating the wrong things and not getting enough exercise.

“It was about changing habits. I usually have fruit for breakfast and two small sandwiches a day. I have one at lunch time and one in the early afternoon along with some more fruit.

“For dinner I might have boiled potatoes and a bit of protein, such as lean meat or chicken with plenty of salad or vegetables.

“I’ve also completely cut down on the chocolate, crisps and lager I used to have.

“Previously, if I was hungry I could very easily reach for some crisps or have three or four chocolate biscuits in a row followed by some chocolate bars at work and a few lagers at home in the evening. No wonder the pounds crept on, I wasn’t comfortable with my size at all.

“Now I might have the odd packet of crisps and no more than three cans of lager a week.

“I feel so much better. I come to the gym here at Hartfields three times a week and I feel great. It’s thanks to Denise. She never pressures you. She just explains the facts and what you can do to live a healthier lifestyle.”

I’ve cut down on my portion sizes and listened to what Denise has told me. I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to lose weight and get fitter.

Marie Purdy from Hartlepool has also been attending the sessions since February last year, losing a stone and a half over that period and maintaining a healthy weight.

Marie, 76, said: “Since I’ve been coming along here I’ve felt a lot fitter and a lot better about myself.

“That’s thanks to these classes. I’ve cut down on my portion sizes and listened to what Denise has told me. I’d recommend

it to anyone who wants to lose weight and get fitter.”

Denise said: “It’s amazing to see the progress that Stephen, Marie and many others have made in a short space of time.

“I spoke to Stephen about how to eat smaller portions of healthier food, being aware of food labelling, reducing sugary foods, discussed the calorific content in alcohol and how to pack a healthy lunch for the day. We also explored ways in which to increase his physical activity. He now walks and runs more and is making use of the gym facilities in Hartfields which are excellent.

“With most people, it’s about changing their current habits and discussing the benefits to their health when they do make some changes to their lifestyle.

“As the course progresses, people gain lots of useful knowledge and insight then we are here to encourage and motivate them along the way. We don’t pressurise people into coming along. They want to attend and it’s lovely to see their health improve before your very eyes. I think it’s probably this approach that means we have such success with people.”

If you would like to follow in the footsteps of Stephen and Marie call the health trainer service on 01642 383833.

Denise and Stephen beside his taxi Anthem | Autumn 2013 5

It’s all rosy for Dave The gardens are often the first thing patients and visitors see when they come to any one of the trust’s many buildings.

Head of gardening Dave Gaffney knows that a garden that looks anything other than colourful and tidy can leave a negative impression.

Accident and emergency highlighted for good practice The emergency medicine department at the trust has been highlighted for good practice in a report by the General Medical Council (GMC) recently.

The findings come from GMC checks on the training of doctors at six emergency medicine departments in England and one in Jersey over a two month period.

It said: “The University Hospital of North Tees and University Hospital of Hartlepool emergency medicine departments were combined when it was clear that the trust could not achieve adequate medical staffing levels, especially out of hours.

“Bringing the emergency service on to one site allowed consultants to cover from 8am to 10pm seven days a week, with a second consultant from 9am to 5pm on week days.

“Doctors in training found this helpful and it led to a higher retention rate and improved confidence in career progression.”

Clinical director of accident and emergency Andy Simpson added: “When our doctors are well supported and trained we can provide a better service for our patients.

“We’re delighted to be cited an example of good practice by the GMC and we know on the ground it is making a real difference because we can provide longer hours of consultant cover in the department and consistent standards of care for patients.”

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Dave said: “The first thing people see when they come to any of the buildings the trust runs is what it looks like outside. It can leave a lasting impression on people.

“It is the responsibility of all five of the gardeners who work at the trust to make sure we make the gardens look attractive and tidy. It’s nice when we hear that visitors have complimented the way the gardens look. It’s a job which requires lots of time and planning, so it’s nice people recognise that we are working hard.”

Dave, who manages all of the trust’s gardens, has worked here for more than 20 years.

Most of Dave’s time is spent between the University Hospital of Hartlepool and the University Hospital of North Tees.

But he is also in charge of the gardens at Peterlee Community Hospital and the trust’s other buildings.

He said: “Gardening is all I’ve ever known and I absolutely love doing it.

“Coming to work feels like a hobby to me because it is enjoyable and rewarding.

Obviously there is the odd day where I don’t quite feel this way when things aren’t quite running as they should be, but it’s a rare thing.

“In the senior role I have I do spend a lot of my time putting together business cases,

making orders and responding to emails and calls, which are all very important parts of the job. But I do also still get the chance to get outside into the gardens. The job is varied and interesting.

“I am lucky in that I have always been well supported by management. If I have needed funding for new equipment I have been supported well.”

As with most staff at the trust, no day is ever really exactly the same for Dave and the other gardeners.

Dave said: “No day is the same. Staff can be doing anything from sweeping litter up off the site, to carrying out projects on the site or having to use any one of our machines or vehicles.

“The winter can often be our busiest time.

As the conditions get colder it takes more time and planning to keep the gardens looking good. We are also responsible for making sure the site is gritted when the conditions are icy.”

Associate director estates and facilities Peter Mitchell said: “Our team of gardeners do a fantastic job keeping all of our sites looking colourful and smart.

“Their work is on show for patients, visitors and staff to see – it’s the first thing people see as they approach any of our buildings and is the last thing they see as they leave.

“They have to work hard to keep the gardens looking good and Dave and the other gardeners are always looking at ways to make our sites look even better.”

Information stands at both hospital sites

Highlighting sensory loss Special efforts were made to highlight the services on offer for people with impaired vision or hearing.

To mark Deafblind Awareness Week recently, the trust teamed up with charities and groups to run information stalls at both the University Hospital of Hartlepool and University Hospital of North Tees.

Groups involved over the course of the week included Hartlepool Healthwatch, Hartlepool Deaf Centre, Action on Hearing Loss, Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, Angel Eyes Enterprise and Action for Blind People.

The trust also informed people about the improvements it has made to its services and about future plans.

As well as having stalls and displays, some of the restaurant food menus were presented in Braille over the week.

Quality assurance nurse Sue Hoare-Leather said: “The week was an excellent opportunity to get the message out to people about the

wide range of services that are available.

“It was also a chance to tell people about the work we have been doing to improve our services.

“This work has included some advice and direction from patients or carers affected by these issues. Improvements have then been made improvements based on the feedback.

“Since then, we have set up a sensory loss task group, looked into how we can improve the equipment available to help patients, held staff forums and recruited sensory loss champions in wards and we have reviewed patient feedback.

“I would like to thank everyone who has helped us in this work for their hard work and commitment.

“In the next few months the trust is aiming to make a number of further improvements.”

These improvements will include ensuring each ward is provided with a kit box of equipment that will support patients, such as hearing aid batteries, magnifying glasses, picture cards and Braille books. These boxes will be managed by the ward and department sensory loss champions.

Champions will also be offered deafblind awareness training. It is hoped this training can then be rolled out as optional training for all staff groups.

Sue added: “We are also planning to work with dementia and learning disability specialists to share expertise.

We also hope to influence changes to nursing documents to highlight and record adjustments that need to be made for patients with sensory loss. We are looking forward to carrying out these improvements over the next few months.”

Green fingered children enjoy own freshly grown herbs for lunch Children at the Rainbow Nursery at the University Hospital of Hartlepool are now enjoying the benefits of gardening after growing their own herbs.

The children had a first chance to taste the new herbs recently after including them in an Indian-themed meal cooked up by relief nursery assistant Renu Munakhya.

Nursery manager Janet Bland said: “Yet again this year the children have enjoyed learning how to grow the herbs in our garden.

“They have enjoyed the whole process - from helping to plant them, to watching the herbs grow, and finally being able to pick them and use it in their meals.

“Renu was able to use the herbs the children picked to create a fantastic meal for all of the children, all fully prepared and cooked in the nursery kitchen.”

Anthem | Autumn 2013 7

Wendy wins sun goody basket Neonatal research specialist nurse Wendy Cheadle was the lucky winner of this years sun awareness goody basket after she completed a questionnaire at a health and wellbeing event held in July.

Lights out!

A ward at the trust has begun trialing a relaxation hour in a bid to enhance patient experience and aid in their recovery.

Ward 41 at University Hospital of North Tees started the relaxation hour in July, after ward matron Carol Alexander wanted to do something to improve patients’ time on the ward.

Carol said: “I wanted to set something up that would aid patients in their recovery and offer them a quiet hour where they can take time for themselves without the constant hustle and bustle of the ward. “ The relaxation hour takes place once a day from 1pm and ensures that only essential aspects of care take place, such as CT scans and medical intervention. The hour is staggered with one half of the ward beginning half an hour before the other. This allows all essential care and organising to be done so that there is minimum disruption. The stroke unit is also hoping to offer therapeutic and massage sessions in the long term, once staff have been trained.

Carol added: “Something as simple as lowering the lights and playing relaxing music can offer a bit of calm and enhance their experience, it could also potentially contribute to improved outcomes with stroke patients. I’m hoping that we can help to improve the patients’ time on our ward to make it as calming an experience as possible.”

Octagon Marketing Company Ltd specialise in gaining advertising support for magazines so Anthem is now produced, packaged, distributed and delivered at minimal cost to the trust.

8 Anthem | Autumn 2013

Staff were questioned in a sun awareness quiz, testing how much they knew about protecting yourself in sunny weather. The event also had promotional display boards, leaflets and free juice to entice and inform staff of the dangers of sun damage.

Maureen Wales from occupation health said: “It’s really important we ensure we’re promoting just how important it is to look after our skin when we are under the suns rays. Even our staff members need reminding and a prize draw for filling in a quiz is a great way of getting them participating and really thinking about the dangers.”

Wendy from the neonatal unit said: “I entered the quiz a few weeks ago and it was a nice surprise to learn that I had won

the goody bag. It has some good items in it to ensure my family is kept safe in the sun and will definitely come in handy.”

Wendy Cheadle from the neonatal ward (right) and Maureen Wales presenting her with the sun goody basket.

Maria’s family present the cheque to staff in the chemotherapy day unit

In memory of Maria The family of a patient who died last year has raised money for the University Hospital of North Tees’ chemotherapy unit where she was treated.

Maria Readman, who died in September aged 46 after suffering from small cell lung cancer, was treated by staff in the unit over the course of last year.

Maria’s family has raised £4,000 for the unit, which will go towards creating a new quiet room for families to use. The family has also donated £1,000 to Cancer Research.

The money was raised through a bungee jump by Maria’s nephew Lewis Shannon and charity party organised by the family.

Maria’s husband Jeff said: “Maria had already done a lot of fundraising when she was ill and wanted us to continue that on.

“Raising money has certainly helped the whole family deal with the loss.

“The family always appreciated the care that staff in the chemo unit gave to Maria and we all wanted to do what we could to give something back to the unit.

“I am sure the funds raised will go towards improving the great care that patients already receive in the unit.

“We would also like to thank everyone who donated. We all appreciate everyone’s generosity.”

Chemotherapy day unit matron Val Storey said: “All of the staff here were very saddened by Maria’s death last year.

“We would all like to thank Maria’s family for making such a fantastic donation to the unit.

“It is a very kind gesture and one that is greatly appreciated and will go towards improving care to patients.

“The money will be used to create a quiet room for patients and their families to use.”

New consultant joins the trust to complement palliative care team A doctor specialising in the care of people with life limiting illnesses has joined the trust’s palliative care team.

Laura McElhinney (pictured), originally from Newcastle, went to medical school in Leicester, and has worked in a number of places including Australia, the Midlands, and more recently, East Anglia, where she completed her specialist training in palliative medicine.

Laura’s interest in palliative medicine developed while working as a junior doctor on a cancer (oncology) ward in Derby, where she realised that she gained a great deal of satisfaction from helping patients to manage their pain and symptoms, and supporting and communicating with, patients and their families.

Laura explained: “When people think of palliative care they often think only of the final few days. My role involves working with people with a range of life limiting illnesses, whether that means they have hours or years to live.

“Many people with a life-limiting illness – whether this is cancer, or a non-malignant condition such as motor neurone disease or heart failure – are likely need on-going support with managing the physical and psychological symptoms which may be associated with their illness. Professional support may come from a wide variety of sources, including their own GP, community nurses, and the various members of the specialist palliative care team, such as hospital and community Macmillan nurses,

hospices, specialist palliative care physicians, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, chaplaincy, family/bereavement support and psychological therapists. It is essential that we remember to support not just the patient, but also their family and friends, in order to allow them to maintain their own physical and emotional wellbeing, so that they can continue to care for and support their loved one.”

When choosing where to work, the trust was recommended to Laura because of its pioneering work in end of life care. The trust is unique in having a Family’s Voice diary and automatic chaplaincy support for patients reaching the end of their lives to meet the spiritual and pastoral needs of the patient and their family.

Overwhelmingly though, Laura wanted to join the trust because of the feeling she had when she came for interview. She said: “As soon as I walked in the door I got this feeling of people being very welcoming and friendly. I just knew it was the right place for me to be.”

Consultant in palliative care Jane Bentley said: “I am delighted that Laura has joined the team. Her experience and her skill will enhance the service we can provide to this very special group of patients. I am sure as she gets out and about and known through the trust she’ll continue to find the welcoming and friendly atmosphere she found when she came for interview.”

Sue’s close shave is a grand gesture Patient relations officer Sue Thompson’s encounter with the hair clippers has raised a handsome sum for the MS Society. Sue, who has MS herself, decided to have her head shaved down to a number one to raise money for the charity.

Sue said: “I can’t believe how generous people have been. A collection was held in the restaurant at the University Hospital of North Tees as I was having my head shaved and then people gave on justgiving. People have just come up to me and given me a donation and some people even put money through my door at home after they’d seen me in the paper.”

Sue, who is married to retired policemen Sid who had his head shaved as well, added: “I’m so pleased to have raised more than £1,000 for the MS Society. I hope the money keeps coming in.

“I like my hair short now, though I’m not so keen on the grey bits at the front!”

You can give by visiting www.justgiving. com/Susan-Thompson7

Welcome!

We’re delighted to welcome another group of student nurses and midwives to the trust. We’d like to wish you all the best of luck in your career.

Anthem | Autumn 2013 9

Clive returns to thank staff after beating cancer A man whose cancer was found during a screening test at the trust has thanked staff after being given the all clear.

Consultant receives new title Consultant neonatologist Samir Gupta has been appointed professor of neonatology in the school of medicine, pharmacy and health at Durham University.

Samir, who has been practising neonatology for 20 years, said: “I am delighted to have been appointed in this role.

“It is an excellent university with a great reputation and led by a dynamic head of school and dean of medicine, Pali Hungin.

“I would also like to thank the staff in the neonatal and paediatric team for their continued support.

“This will allow the trust to strengthen links with the university and improve partnership through research and education.

“The vision that I have is to create a centre of excellence for neonatal cardiorespiratory diseases in Teesside and utilise novel techniques to assess blood flow and heart function in tiny babies and advanced techniques for supporting and managing problems of immature lungs in newborn babies.”

Samir is UK lead for the neonatal haemodynamics research group and the deputy lead for Medicines for Children Research Network (MCRN) North East. He is an expert member on the Durham Tees Valley research ethics committee. He is member of the advisory committee for Durham clinical trials unit and sits on the data monitoring committee of National Institute for Health Research trials.

He is also an academic supervisor to Newcastle University and Durham University and external examiner for higher academic degrees for national and international universities. He is member of European Society for Paediatric Research Society for Paediatric Research and European Respiratory Society. His research interests include advanced neonatal ventilation and neonatal cardiology and haemodynamics.

10 Anthem | Autumn 2013

Five years after first being investigated at the trust’s bowel cancer screening centre at the University Hospital of North Tees, Clive Wheatman has returned to meet staff and thank them.

It all started on Clive’s 60th birthday when he received a bowel cancer home-test kit. After being persuaded by his wife Margaret, 66, he returned the test kit to the screening lab.

The first test came back inconclusive, so a second test was made – which confirmed an abnormal result.

After coming in to the screening centre, Clive was introduced to consultant gastroenterologist Matt Rutter, who performed a colonoscopy and found a tumour.

He said: “I hadn’t even been feeling ill. I had no signs whatsoever. It came as a complete shock. My dad had died of bowel cancer, but he was 89.

“I can’t thank the staff enough – they made me feel at ease and always made me feel cared for.”

Soon after, Clive had an operation to remove the cancer. Because the cancer was caught early no chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment was needed.

Clive, from Brotton in East Cleveland, has regularly returned to the trust and to The James Cook University Hospital for check ups. He was finally given the all clear in July.

He said: “It is such a relief and I am

absolutely delighted.

“If I hadn’t taken that test I have no idea what would have happened to me. I might not be here today.

“I can’t thank the staff at both North Tees and at James Cook enough. They have been awesome.

“Mr Madan Jha at James Cook gave me a hug after I was given the all clear. I have so much to thank him for and all of the other staff who have helped me.”

The national bowel cancer screening programme was introduced in 2006 and offers people over 60 the opportunity to do a simple test at home to detect the possibility of bowel cancer.

All people living in the Teesside area whose home test result shows up as abnormal are offered an appointment with the trust’s specialist screening team.

Matt Rutter said: “We can see from stories like Clive’s that it really does save lives.

“Many people are embarrassed to talk about their bowels and of course many symptoms of bowel cancer go unnoticed.

“As I’m sure Clive will testify, it’s worth overcoming your embarrassment and taking advantage of this simple test you do in the privacy of your own home.”

Father of four and grandfather of four Clive added: “I’d say to anyone who does not complete the test kit they have been sent how can you look the people you love in the face later on if you do have cancer knowing that a simple test could have picked it up much earlier.”

From left to right: Lead screening practitioner Helen Savage, specialist screening practitioner Emma Fenby, consultant gastroenterologist John Hancock, Margaret and Clive, and clerical officer Shirley Landreth.

The speakers: Deepak Dwarakanath, Elizabeth Ireland, Albert Mifsud, Neil Dewhurst, Fiona Thow, Richard Thomas, Gillian Wallace, Richard Harrison, Harold Thimbleby and Alan Chaudhuri

Expert speakers at advances in medicine conference Some of the brightest medical minds from across the country spoke at an annual conference at the University Hospital of North Tees.

The recent advances in medicine event, led by consultant physician Deepak Dwarakanath

and consultant physician Richard Harrison, has been held at the trust for more than three decades.

After the event was opened by the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh president Neil Dewhurst, expert

speakers gave presentations throughout the course of the day.

Lecture topics covered in the morning included the latest information about pedal power, investigating chest pain and managing angina, palliative and end of life care and healthcare infections.

In the afternoon presentations were given on misuse of IT undermining safety, seven day working, an update from Neil Dewhurst, lessons from the acute medical assessment unit and the problems and strategies for improvement dealing with alcohol.

The event’s organising team said: “Yet again the event was very successful this year.

“We had a whole range of different speakers at the event, which meant we had a wide variety of topics covered.

“Health professionals at the trust always seem to respond extremely well to this event – the lecture hall was full for the whole day with barely a spare seat available.

“The feedback has been very pleasing too.

People who attended seem to have got a great deal out of the conference. Many of these people filled in feedback forms, which we will be use as we look to continuously improve the events we organise.”

Stress busting walking group formed Health and wellbeing advisor Maureen Wales has set up a walking group for staff looking for a breath of fresh air and a chance to stretch their legs at lunchtime.

Every Thursday Maureen and other colleagues go for a brisk 15 minute walk around the site to help blow away the cobwebs.

Maureen also wants to set up a

walking group at the University Hospital of Hartlepool – if anyone is interested in this they are free to contact her.

Maureen said: “A lot of staff have mentioned to me that they would like a reason to get out and do some exercise over the lunch period.

“People find it hard to get away from work at lunchtime, even for 20 minutes.

“Everyone really should try to make an effort to get outside and get some fresh air during the day.

It will leave you feeling refreshed and energised.

“The walking group is ideal for stress busting and leaving work to one side for a bit. We want as many people as possible to get involved. Anyone is free to get in touch with me if they want to get involved, or have any other ideas.”

Anthem | Autumn 2013 11

Chef John makes sure patients stay cool Chef John Scarbrough made extra efforts to make sure patients at the University Hospital of Hartlepool stayed cool during the heat wave over the summer.

John made sure ice was available to patients and also went to the supermarket and bought extra ice cubes, ice creams and lollies for patients.

John said: “The weather was very hot for a period over the summer, which made it uncomfortable for patients and staff who were indoors all of the time.

“With the help of other staff, I have made sure ice was available for patients whenever they needed it.

“I also got bought more ice to ensure we had enough supplies to last us and had bought ice creams and ice lollies for patients who were finding the heat quite difficult.

“It’s very important that we make patients feel as comfortable and as cared for as possible.

“I’m pleased that I was able to do my bit to ease any discomfort the warm weather caused.

“Staff in catering try to do all we can to help keep patients as comfortable in the heat as possible.”

Director of nursing, patient safety and quality Sue Smith said: “I’d like to thank John and all of the catering team for helping patients feel as comfortable as possible over the summer.

“All across the trust there are examples of staff that go that extra mile to help care for patients and I’d like to thank them for the fantastic things they do.”

12 Anthem | Autumn 2013

Pat Marshall with one of the posters

Poster campaign urges smokers to quit A new poster campaign has been launched to encourage smokers to live a more healthy life.

The trust’s stop smoking service has created posters to remind staff, patients and visitors that they are here to help.

The posters are on display across main public areas at the University Hospital of North Tees and the University Hospital of Hartlepool.

The stop smoking service runs 20 clinics across Stockton and Hartlepool its area as well as sessions in local pharmacies.

Anyone is able to attend the drop in sessions that are organised without an appointment or referral from a GP. They include one to one advice and support from trained advisors.

Prescriptions for different stop smoking treatments are also available.

Smokers can also have their level of carbon monoxide gas monitored over the period they are trying to quit to help see the reductions being made.

The trust’s stop smoking service manager Pat Marshall said: “As the poster says, as a smoker you are more than four times more likely to quit for good with the help of your NHS stop smoking service.

“We realise how hard it is for people who do smoke to finally quit. As a smoker

you can walk in to any one of the drop in sessions for support without an appointment and without referral from a GP. “Some people don’t even realise the stop smoking service is here one to one advice and support from expert advisors is available, so we hope people do come to use our service if they want to quit smoking.

“As well as the obvious health problems caused by smoking, such as cancers, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and strokes, we are seeing more and more people wanting to quit because of financial pressures – the actual cost of smoking is an increasingly important factor in the decision to quit.

“We are certainly hearing people commenting more and more on the cost of cigarettes.

“Cigarettes cost a lot of money, especially when you consider the cost of everything else in life is rising. I always encourage those who are giving up to put the money they would have spent on cigarettes away each day or week, so they can see their savings grow. It makes it real and gives them the motivation to keep going.”

For more information contact the stop smoking service on 01642 383819 or visit www.nth.nhs.uk/stopsmoking

Certificates given to wards with no cases of CDiff More than a dozen wards across the trust have been awarded certificates after passing 100 days without a case of CDiff.

The trust recently began a scheme where wards with no cases of the bacterial infection CDiff would receive recognition.

A total of 14 wards across the University Hospital of North Tees and the University Hospital of Hartlepool successfully achieved this within the scheme’s first 100 days.

Many of these wards have in fact gone several months or more than a year without having a case of CDiff.

Any wards that go 200 days, 300 days and a year without another case will receive further certificates.

I’d like to thank all staff for their hard work in helping us to achieve this.

All 14 wards were also sent a letter of thanks from director of nursing, quality and patient safety Sue Smith.

Sue said: “While we can never be complacent about CDiff at this trust, I am delighted to be able to send all of these wards this

certificate of achievement.

“I’d like to thank medical, nursing and support staff for the efforts they have made to achieve this success.

“The certificates will be displayed on the ward so that patients, visitors and staff can see what these wards have achieved.

“I am sure I will be sending many of these wards further certificates for reaching 200 and 300 days.”

Assistant director, nursing and infection prevention and control Lesley Wharton said: “For the first four months of this year we have stayed within our tolerance for cases of CDiff.

“I’d like to thank all staff for their hard work in helping us to achieve this.

“We must always continue to do everything we can to keep cases to an absolute minimum.

“I’d like to again congratulate all 14 wards for this achievement. I’m sure many more wards will also be receiving certificates in the coming weeks and months.”

There are a number of things staff, patients and visitors can do to help prevent cases of CDiff on wards.

These include being bare below the elbows, washing hands with soap and water, keeping areas free from clutter to allow easy cleaning and following the trust’s antibiotic policy.

From left to right is: Matron Denise Thompson, healthcare assistant Sue Hall, healthcare assistant Paula Johnson, domestic services Fiona England, foundation doctor Gabriela Gligor and Sue Smith

National accreditation for trust’s occupational health service North Tees and Hartlepool has become the first acute NHS organisation in the North East to achieve national occupational health accreditation.

The trust has successfully met the accreditation standards SEQOHS - Safe, Effective, Quality, Occupational Health Service, demonstrating that the organisation meets national quality standards for the services it provides.

To achieve accreditation the trust’s occupational health and wellbeing department had to meet the standards set by the scheme, before a thorough assessment. The scheme, which is managed by the Royal College of Physicians of London on behalf of the Faculty of Occupational Medicine, covers a number of areas including information governance, facilities, ensuring appropriate clinical supervision and effective staff training.

The team provides a range of services including medical assessments, immunisation programmes for staff, managing sickness absence, management referrals and counselling while continuously promoting and maintaining the health and wellbeing of all employees, not only within the trust, but also for other NHS trusts, universities and private organisations.

The accreditation has been awarded at a time when the department also recently received the gold standard North East Better Health at Work Award in recognition that the trust actively promotes workplace health.

Assistant director of occupational health, safety and wellbeing Ian Clough (pictured back left) with the team said: “Receiving the SEQOHS accreditation demonstrates a high level of assurance that the trust is providing an excellent, safe, effective quality service, which meets the national standards. It reinforces the trust’s commitment to looking after our own staff so that they feel healthy and well supported to provide excellent patient care.

“This is a fantastic achievement which shows the high quality of service, commitment and professionalism that our occupational health staff provides and we are all incredibly proud of our staff who have worked so hard to make this a success.”

Anthem | Autumn 2013 13

Trust breaks into top 100 in research league table The latest league tables show the standard of research at the trust has again gone from strength to strength over the last year.

A rather royal teaparty Children from the Rainbow Nursery at the University Hospital of Hartlepool celebrated the arrival of Prince George with a tea party.

They had fun being patriotic – singing the national anthem, making their own flags for the party, icing red, white and blue cakes and making their own crowns.

Nursery manager Janet Bland said: “The children have really enjoyed getting creative, wrapping up our own Prince George and adorning him with his own crown. It’s a good opportunity to get them involved in events happening in the world around them.”

Children at the day nursery enjoying their royal teaparty 14 Anthem | Autumn 2013

The trust ranked 98th out of 390 health trusts across the country, in a National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) league table published recently. The trust was placed 143rd last year – showing the level of progress made over the last 12 months.

The trust also came 7th out of 48 trusts in the acute trusts-medium sized category, rising from 16th over the last year.

Research and development manager Jane Greenaway said: “It is really pleasing that we have performed so well in the latest league tables.

“I’d like to thank the research nurses and principal investigators for their hard work and dedication to recruiting patients and raising the profile of research.

“Research is absolutely vital to helping improve the service we offer to patients and improve the standard of the quality of care we provide.

“Over the next year we face more challenges to hit higher targets. To help do that, we plan to spread research activity into new areas and specialisms which will be exciting.

“We also hope to see staff developing research ideas of their own and making funding applications for these.

“We have been working with patients on a campaign called It’s OK to ask about research to ensure patients feel comfortable asking a healthcare professional about how they can

A patient taking part in some research

become involved in research.”

Earlier this year figures from the NIHR showed that 1,666 patients in the trust were recruited into studies in 2012/13.

This was compared to 1,147 patients the previous year and 455 in 2010/11.

Medical director David Emerton said: “The latest league tables are really encouraging and reflect the excellent work being done within the trust.

“Research is very important in helping to continue to improve the care we provide to patients.

“Research can help find the answers to the things that are unknown and can help change the way that health professionals work meaning treatment, care and patients’ quality of life are improved.”

Patients who want to know more about taking part in research are encouraged to a healthcare professional to ask if there are any clinical trials that may be relevant for them.

They can also contact the research and development office 01642 624090.

(L-R) Jane Greenaway, research practitioner Sue Kelsey, research nurse Debbie Whetter, clinical research nurse Anne Eastick

Boost for nurses and midwives The trust launched a nursing and midwifery recruitment drive as it looks to fill a number of permanent vacancies across the University Hospital of North Tees, the University Hospital of Hartlepool and throughout the community.

Pictured right to left: hospital play specialist Sandra Jackson, staff nurse Samantha Pollin, consultant paediatrician Vijay Tandle, hospital play specialist Clare Wise, Naomi Ward, staff nurse Janice Atkinson, healthcare assistant Sheryl Worton, Josh Cooper, Bianca Gascoigne, Leonie Chappell, Toni Austwicke, healthcare assistant Shirley Smith, staff nurse Lesley Mould and leader of the young inspectors Andrew Facchini.

A friendly service for our young patients Children’s services staff have been celebrating after achieving the national You’re Welcome accreditation.

The young inspectors, who work as a part of a scheme run by Hartlepool Borough Council returned to the children’s ward at the University Hospital of North Tees to present the team with the award.

The Department of Health’s You’re Welcome quality standard, assessed the children’s services against a number of quality criteria, from the general environment to how aware people are of the services.

The quality criteria lays out principles to help health services to get it right for young people. It sets standards to ensure that the whole team looking after young people understands their needs and responds appropriately to them.

Ward manager Vicky Whitfield said: “I am really proud of the team, who have worked so hard to help us achieve this award. It is so important to us that the services are the very best for our patients and this achievement demonstrates that we are providing a service to those standards.

“We’ve made sure that everything we do helps to make a hospital stay as comfortable as possible for our young patients. That’s

why we’ve worked with colleagues across the trust to not only improve the facilities but also to provide a menu which suits our young patients.”

Hospital play specialists Sandra Jackson and Clare Wise, who have been leading on the work to achieve the standards said: “We never stop looking at ways we can improve our services for young people in our care.

“Every member of the team got behind this and we had champions at every level working with us to share information and to guide us as we work through the standards.

“We often speak to our young patients to find out how we can make their hospital visit a little bit more comfortable and take away their worries. We’re really lucky to be able to have the latest games for the children and make the facilities, like our teen room more appealing to young people through charitable donations.”

Youth support worker Andy Facchini said: “I have been really impressed with the facilities provided for children and young people at the trust and this achievement reflects that standard. It has been a good opportunity for us to work closely with the team and to have the opportunity to influence the service and make suggestions for improvements.”

Recruitment events in Stockton and Hartlepool attracted many people who came along to speak to some of the senior staff about the opportunities available.

Director of human resources Clare Curran said: “We’re always looking for caring and passionate qualified nurses and midwives to provide high quality care for our patients.

“We want our staff to not only have the qualifications to work at our trust, but they also need to share our values.

“It is a very exciting time at our trust as we’re transforming services to provide the highest standards of clinical care.

“We offer excellent learning and development opportunities with great terms and conditions across many wards and departments. We’re looking for people who could bring skills which could make a real difference.”

People can see what opportunities are available at the trust by going to www.jobs.nhs.uk

Senior nurse practice placements Jean Angus and ward matron Mandy Skillcorn at one of the events

Staff nurse Antonia Henderson and midwife Wendy Atter speak to BBC Tees to encourage other nurses and midwives to come to the events Anthem | Autumn 2013 15

Staff attend national orthopaedics conference Ben and Beverley Woodard with the Macmillan Palliative care unit from the University Hospital of Hartlepool.

Ben raises money through sponsored hike Thoughtful nine-year-old Ben Woodard, has raised £211.50 for the Macmillan Palliative care unit at the University Hospital of Hartlepool.

With the help of his family, Ben has raised the money with a sponsored hike up Roseberry Topping and with an organised cake stall.

Ben had begun his fundraising efforts on his own, and had taken in his own old and unwanted items to school, where he made around £1.50. When his parents realised what he was trying to do, they decided they would help Ben to raise money through an organised event.

Ben’s mum, physiotherapist Beverley Woodard, said: “We didn’t realise at first that Ben had been trying to raise money on his own but once we did, we did all we could to organise some fundraising events. We started with a cake stall and followed that with the climb up Roseberry Topping, we went as a family and had an enjoyable, but tiring day of climbing.

“I’m very proud of Ben and the selfinitiative he had to want to raise money for a good cause.”

Ben said: “I wanted to raise money to say thank you to all the people who help poorly people. Some of my friends and family have been in hospital and I wanted the chance to give something back.”

16 Anthem | Autumn 2013

Staff from the trust’s orthopaedic department have been part of a national conference for the association of orthopaedic practitioners (AOP).

The annual conference weekend took place at the Leicester Marriot Hotel and offered clinical staff the chance to gain new knowledge and experience on the latest cast techniques and materials.

It was a great weekend and a fantastic experience which gave us a great opportunity to try out new casting products and test their effectiveness.

Staff nurse/orthopaedic practitioner Mihaela McDonald, sister Mandy Forth and sister Gillian Brown all attended the event.

Mihaela said: “It was a great weekend and a fantastic experience which gave us a great opportunity to try out new casting products and test their effectiveness.

“There was also a black tie event on Saturday night, which was lovely because it gave us the chance to chat with other healthcare

professionals from other trusts.”

Mandy said: “The conference is an annual event that takes place over a weekend.

It gives those who attended a chance to look at the latest treatments and products available to those working within the plaster room. It’s a brilliant opportunity to see the cutting edge in orthopaedic practice and you get a variety of people from across the UK as well as some who have traveled from Europe.

“It’s informative and vital to ensure we keep abreast of all current technologies available, so that we can continue to provide an excellent level of service for our patients.

“It also allows us the chance to talk to practitioners from other trusts, which in turn promotes ideas and ways of thinking to improve our day-to-day organisation and treatment for patients.”

It’s informative and vital to ensure we keep abreast of all current technologies available, so that we can continue to provide an excellent level of service for our patients.

Staff nurse / orthopaedic practitioner Mihaela McDonald, sister Gillian Brown and sister Mandy Forth.

Sharon Bartram

Ray Boyd

Richard Bates

Lynn Evans

Sue Smith

On its 65th birthday staff say why they love the NHS Staff from across the trust have spoken about what they love about the NHS as it reaches a landmark 65th anniversary.

Since its launch in 1948 the NHS has continually grown, evolved and improved to become a source of national pride and a service envied around the world.

The NHS offers help and hope in times of greatest need – when care and compassion are what matter most.

Staff in the trust gave their thoughts on how they viewed their workplace and the care offered to patients.

Health trainer manager Sharon Bartram said: “The reason why I love this job is we are

making a difference to people’s lives which is a great feeling.”

Joiner Ray Boyd said: “In this job you are always speaking to patients and their families, helping them to get around the place.

I always wanted to work in the NHS. It gives me great job satisfaction to know that I am helping people.

“It’s very satisfying to have a job where you help people so much. It is also a very friendly

place to work.”

Nurse practitioner Richard Bates said: “I always wanted to work in the NHS. It gives me great job satisfaction to know that I am helping people.”

Healthcare assistant Lynn Evans said: “I have been working here for 29 years and still feel the same as when I started. I have always loved working in the NHS.” Director of nursing, patient safety and quality Sue Smith said: “I am incredibly proud to work in the NHS. All of the staff across our community and hospital services are able to contribute to helping patients live longer healthier lives, which is a great privilege.”

Special event is created for those with osteoporosis A special osteoporosis event took place in September with the help of fracture liaison nurse Mandy Forth from the orthopaedic department at the University Hospital of North Tees.

The meeting was organised by Mandy and Jill Beaumont, who is the development manager for North England at the National Osteoporosis Society.

The event, called osteoporosis and you was an informal way for patients to get information on the condition and learn some helpful tips on how best to manage it.

Mandy said: “The event was created to provide an informative

look at osteoporosis for people newly diagnosed or at risk of developing it. We organised it from the perspective of the patient, looking at what the patient would like and need to know to help themselves in living with osteoporosis.

“We wanted to show how diet, exercise and lifestyle choices can all contribute towards improving a patient’s daily life and help to slow and prevent degeneration. It was also important to explain what kind of treatment was available.”

“We feel the event has been a huge success and we hope to make it an annual event in the future.“

For more information on osteoporosis and the support available you can go to the National Osteoporosis Society website at www.nos.org.uk.

Anthem | Autumn 2013 17

Donation brings cheer to children in Hartlepool Children from the University Hospital of North Tees with their special visitors

Children’s ward welcomes some very special visitors Children from the University Hospital of North Tees have been welcoming some very special guests to their ward.

The ward saw a number of visitors from Make My Day events wandering the halls - from Buzz Lightyear of Toy Story fame to Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz. Hospital play specialist Sandra Jackson said: “It has been really great for the kids to have some visitors into the ward, breaking up their day and really making them smile. I think they have all really enjoyed the experience and all the princesses sang beautifully to the children.

“The children all loved the princesses and heroes and the transformers were very popular with the boys.”

A very kind donation has brought cheer to children being looked after on the children’s day unit and children’s outpatients at the University Hospital of Hartlepool.

It’s thanks to the Autumn Club that children now have received a donation of brand new toys. The club, which is an organisation for people aged over 50, has been running for 14 years and 80 members.

The group, who support two charities every year in Hartlepool, meets in the Catholic Club in Marlowe Road to socialise, enjoy entertainment, play bingo, hold raffles and go on day trips.

Founder member and secretary of the club Lilian Hughes said: “We wanted to give something back to the children who are

being looked after in Hartlepool.

“We were delighted to be able to spend £450 on toys for the children. I would like to thank all of our members who brought in a total of 95 prizes for the raffle.

“I’d also like to thank staff from Argos in Middleton Grange Shopping Centre who were brilliant helping with the delivery of the toys.

Staff nurse Lynne Scott said: “I would like to thank Lilian, Linda, Mary and everyone in the Autumn Club for such a generous gift. The toys will be really appreciated by the children we’re looking after here, which really help to distract the children who may be feeling worried when they come into hospital.”

Linda Patrick, Lilian Hughes, staff nurse Lynne Scott, health care assistant Kath Lawson, Mary Lester, clinic coordinator Sandra Topping

Providing excellent care to our patients As part of our commitment to continually improve the care and experience of patients, two useful cards have been produced to act as a reminder for staff across the trust.

One of the cards sets out the 6Cs – care, compassion, competence, communication, courage and commitment. The vision and strategy for nurses, midwives - Compassion in Practice is the three year vision and strategy for nursing, midwifery and care staff drawn up Jane Cummings, the chief nursing officer for England (CNO) at the NHS Commissioning Board, and Viv Bennett, Director of Nursing at the Department of Health.

The second card marks a reminder of the 18 Anthem | Autumn 2013

importance of carrying out regular check and observations with patients at set times – known as intentional rounding.

Director of nursing, patient safety and quality Sue Smith said: “Each and every one of us must be aware of the 6Cs key messages, that’s why a card has been issued to remind staff of the values we hold ourselves account to for the care and services we provide every day.

“The values and behaviours covered by the 6Cs are not in themselves a new concept.

But, putting them together in this way to define a vision is an opportunity to reinforce these values and beliefs across the trust.”

“It is so important that intentional rounding is carried out across the trust and that it is

Left to right: Ward matron Sharon Sanderson, student nurses Sally Pratt and Victoria Watson, staff nurses Marinelle Garcia, Wendy Brown, Natalie Laverick and Laura Hetherington from ward 28.

always recorded in the patient’s notes and this card is just a reminder that this should always be done.”

Improving comfort and care for patients Staff from across the trust were involved in an evaluation day this summer to give their opinion on alternating pressure relief systems both; mattresses and cushion’s as the trust look to replace the current pressure area care contract with an in-house managed mattress service, which is due to run out towards the end of the year.

The alternating pressure relief systems are an important and effective medical device used on an everyday basis on the trusts wards and are designed specifically to provide pressure area relief for patient’s requiring such, through all levels of illness and recovery.

Nine various companies attended the evaluation day, and staff from all around the hospital were invited to attend, with an excellent attendance throughout the day and a good variety of staff; nursing, domestics, operations and nurse specialist staff given the opportunity to view the products and give their opinion on ease of use, how easy it is to clean, weight, size and usability.

Operations quality and decontamination

manager Graeme Kelly said: “The evaluation day has been all about beginning to look for alternatives to our current service provision and has allowed us to gain valuable feedback via staff opinion. It is vitally important that we have the right tools for the job – ensuring the products and systems we choose will be able to provide the best outcome for all patients at all stages of treatment and recovery.

“It has been very important within this initial stage to gain staff opinion as the products have a user life of seven to ten years, clearly its staff who have to use them, maintain and clean them.“ “As the mattresses and cushions will be in constant use for around seven to ten years we must ensure their durability and reliability at all times. Our next stage is to choose three companies and arrange clinical evaluation of their products, we will be asking the wards who have high usage of alternating pressure relief systems now, to evaluate the products themselves so we know how well they perform and so that we have an idea of will be best for our patients.”

Fantastic fundraising for Macmillan Following the success of last year’s fundraiser, friends and colleagues once again have been raising money for a charity close to their heart.

This year, payroll officer Trish Wood and friend June Richardson organised a barbeque fun day at The Stranton Club in Hartlepool, while Mary Tose and Chris Watts took part in the 3.2 kilometre Race for Life, raising an amazing £1,000 for Macmillan in Hartlepool.

Trish said: “We wanted to make this an annual event to remember our loved ones who we’ve sadly lost to cancer.

We’re all amazed and so grateful for the support we received from those who sponsored us and the support from Stranton Social Club who helped us make the fun day a success.

“We know that the funds we’ve raised have gone to a good cause and that they will make a difference to improve the quality of other patients’ lives being cared for by Macmillan.”

Pictured left to right Mary Tose, June Richardson, Trevor the chairman of Stranton Club, Trish Wood and Chris Watts.

Anthem | Autumn 2013 19

Lung cancer patient given just weeks to live tells people not to ignore warning signs Lung cancer survivor Christine Campbell has more reason than most to back the be clear on cancer campaign.

The 70-year-old from Hartburn has given her support to the campaign as it switched its focus to lung cancer recently.

Christine has battled against lung cancer twice over the last two decades. During her first period with the illness she was told by doctors she may not live longer than six to eight weeks.

She said: “If you have had a cough that just won’t go away, or if you are having repeated chest infections or breathlessness you need to see your GP. “The first time I was diagnosed

with lung cancer I had been smoking about 10 cigarettes a day for years and hadn’t acted on the warning signs. I was very lucky to survive.”

Christine was first diagnosed with lung cancer 15 years ago, after she eventually visited her GP complaining about suffering from repeated colds and illness.

She said: “During that time I had been suffering with a cold that just wouldn’t go away.

“I had ignored it until I was feeling very ill. When I did see the GP he referred me on for an

x ray. I was told I had cancer and may only have six to eight week to live. I was in a daze.

“Consultants at various hospitals agreed that they wouldn’t be able to operate.”

Christine, who is a mother of two and grandmother of two, then had a meeting at the University Hospital of North Tees with consultant chest physician Richard Harrison.

He advised for her to try treatments of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. To the surprise of staff, Christine responded to the treatment and eventually beat the illness.

After a long period of good health, Christine was again diagnosed with cancer in her left lung in November 2011.

She has had surgery to remove half of the lung and successful treatments of chemotherapy and radiotherapy at the University Hospital of North Tees, the University Hospital of Hartlepool and The James Cook University Hospital.

She said: “The fact that I knew what the signs were certainly helped the second time.

“I hadn’t been suffering from a cough, but I had felt ill and didn’t

Consultant chest physician Richard Harrison

quite feel right. I know my own body and I knew I wasn’t well.”

Richard Harrison said: “I absolutely back this campaign.

If people visited their GP at the moment they noticed a persistent cough then so many more lives would be saved.

“Other symptoms can include repeated chest infections, breathlessness, feeling tired or aches and pains in your chest.

“One of the reasons behind the region’s low early diagnosis rate is the public’s lack of awareness about the disease and its symptoms.

“These campaigns help raise the issue in people’s minds and get them to think more about their health.”

One of the trust’s Macmillan lung cancer nurse specialists Jeanette Draffan helps run a regular lung cancer support group. She said: “We are all delighted to see Christine looking a lot better.

“She has responded to the warning signs, visited a health professional and has been treated.

“I would urge anyone who displays any of the common symptoms of lung cancer to do the same.”

Symptoms to look out for are:

Christine recovering at home 20 Anthem | Autumn 2013

Loss of appetite - anorexia Unexplained weight loss N ormal voice altered – hoarseness G reen or blood stained sputum C ough that is persistent for more than three weeks A bnormal breathing – breathlessness N oisy breathing – ‘wheeze or stridor’ C ontinuous chest aches or pains Energy levels reduced Recurrent chest infections

Staff from the trust celebrate group win at national healthcare science awards Consultant clinical scientist Helen Verrill and Point of Care Testing (POCT) manager Lisa-Marie Button from the trust are part of a regional group who were announced winners at a recent awards evening held in London.

The Cogent UK life sciences skills awards evening took place at the Grand Connaught rooms in London, and saw the North East Point of Care Testing Action Learning Set (NEPOCTS) come away with a healthcare science award.

The group has been acknowledged for their work in point of care testing (POCT) which involves bringing basic diagnostic tests directly to the patient, who may be on ward for other reasons, to diagnose and quickly receive test results for things such as diabetes, pregnancy and blood gas analysis.

It is done through the use of transportable and portable handheld test kits.

The group has been meeting on a regular basis for the last six years alongside the North East Pathology Network and other partners including the University of Sunderland and South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and together they have worked on several initiatives throughout the past six years.

Together, the co-ordinators have organised two regional conferences, developed a better understanding of international accreditation standards and created an audit template to check how POCT are meeting set standards.

Part of their work has involved the creation of pictorial guides for the point of care testing kit, working with illustrations and well written guides so that a nurse may administer testing quickly, effectively and without the use of aid.

POCT manager Lisa-Marie Button said: “It was really great to be acknowledged at such a prestigious award. It is a testament to the team and something that we really weren’t expecting to happen. We have the North East Pathology Network to thank for putting our group forward for the award.

“It’s surreal as we went not expecting to win; you don’t always notice the huge achievement and advances you’ve made until you really look back at all you’ve done for the past few years.”

Consultant clinical scientist Helen Verrill added: “The award is recognition for the years of work the team from the action learning set have undertaken in the field of point of care testing (POCT). It’s great that finally all the years of governance and quality issues around point of care testing are being recognised and we plan to continue working to make POCT an effective and safe use of NHS resources.”

Lisa-Marie Button (second left) pictured with members of the learning set and Professor Robert Winston.

Patient shows appreciation for care through fundraising A grateful patient has handed over a cheque for £950 to the breast unit at the University Hospital of North Tees after raising the funds by organising a coffee morning at her local church hall.

I just wanted the opportunity to give something back and show my appreciation to all the staff who helped me.

Susan Mitchelson received care at the breast unit last year and decided to raise funds for the unit after wanting to show her gratitude.

Susan said: “Everyone was really lovely with me and I felt well looked after. I just wanted the opportunity to give something back and show my appreciation to all the staff who helped me. They went above and beyond to ensure that I received the best possible care.

“We found that when it came to raising funds for the unit, so many people were willing and so helpful in offering aid or donating prizes for our raffle. It was lovely to really be able to do something positive and give something back that will benefit other patients. Barclays Bank then offered to match our door and raffle total which has helped raise the donation amount significantly.”

Barclays bank will be donating £565 to Susan’s figure – which brings the overall total raised for the breast unit to a brilliant £1,515.

Lead cancer nurse Jan Harley said: “We are all very thankful at the unit for the substantial funds raised by Susan to be acknowledged for the good work we do in our unit in this way is a huge honour.”

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Royal babies Parents whose babies were born on the same day as the future king have spoken about what it means to them.

Across both the trust’s hospital sites dozens of babies were born on the day the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Prince William and Catherine Middleton welcomed the arrival of son George.

Karine Dale, who works at the trust as a staff nurse in intensive care unit at the University Hospital of North Tees, gave birth at the hospital’s maternity unit at 11.56pm that day.

Her new son, Anthony Oliviah

arrived at 3.35am weighing 6lb 7oz.

Oliviah’s mum, Rebekah, said: “It’s nice that she will always share a birthday with the future king.

“It’s a day she will one day come to really appreciate, I’m sure.”

Lydia’s mum, Nikki Bramley, said: “We are delighted we have a healthy baby girl. The fact she was born on the same day as the future king is a very nice thing to tell people.”

Congratulations to all parents who had babies delivered at the trust on this very special day.

Midwife Barbara Humphreys with Karine and baby Anthony

Smith Dale, weighed 7lb 14ozs.

Babies born on the same day as the new prince are able to receive a free commemorative silver penny.

Karine said: “It is lovely that he will get to share this day with such an historical moment in this country.

“I will definitely be sending off

proof of the birth certificate to claim the coin – it’s something I know he will appreciate one day.”

Meanwhile, other babies to arrive on the same day included Oliviah Grace Elder and Lydia Rose Holroyd who were delivered in the hospital’s maternity unit.

Oliviah was born at 1.41pm weighing 5lb 10oz, while Lydia

Lydia

Trust gets the thumbs up in national survey More than 90% of patients have said they would recommend the trust to friends and family in a national survey.

Data from the NHS friends and family test survey, which asks patients “how likely are you to recommend out ward or A&E department to friends and family”, has been published on the NHS Choices website www.nhs.uk.

Barbara Carr, assistant director of nursing, quality and patient and public engagement said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for us to find out what patients think of the care they receive. We review all of the feedback and celebrate what we’re doing well and build on that or immediately 22 Anthem | Autumn 2013

work with the senior clinical matrons to identify any areas for improvement to make sure that we provide the best patient experience we possibly can.

“We have also gathered comments

from patients about their experiences and in June, which was the first month’s data published, we received 497 positive comments and 17 negative comments. This shows that overwhelmingly patients who we have cared for are happy with their experience. By listening to our patients we can improve every aspect of patient care including the environment by knowing exactly what’s important to patients.

“We already gather patient feedback in a number of other ways to help us continually improve our services, but this is an initiative which is already making a big difference for patients and staff.”

Clerical officer for safeguarding Liam Gates and senior occupational therapist Sushil Munakhya speak to staff nurse Brenda Walton at the University Hospital of Hartlepool

Promoting equality and diversity The trust featured some of the work they’ve been doing over the past year to mark equality and diversity week.

Events were held in the main concourse at the University Hospital of North Tees and the University Hospital of Hartlepool.

Human resources lead for equality and diversity and senior HR manager Tracy Minns said: “We are committed to ensuring equality is recognised across the trust and that it is at the centre of everything we do, from recruiting our staff, to caring for our patients.

“The team recognised a number of achievements over the year and this was a fantastic opportunity to share those with

the many staff and visitors who came to the information stands.

“More recently during the Islamic month of Ramadan, while our Muslim colleagues were fasting during day light hours, some members of staff from other faiths took up the challenge of fasting for one day to support their colleagues.

“Promoting equality and diversity is not only the right thing to do, but under the Equality Act 2010, we also have a duty to do this and have successfully done so for many years.”

You can find out more about the trust’s equality and diversity work at www.nth.nhs.uk/equalityanddiversity

Nursery children go wild for creepy crawly critters Children and staff from the Rainbow Nursery at the University Hospital of Hartlepool have been having a wild time learning all about different creatures thanks to Zoolab.

From Cecil the corn snake to Maverick the millipede, Zoolab offered an imaginative animal workshop, with the chance to handle a variety of creatures and learn all about their eating habits and survival instincts in the wild. Some moments had the children slithering along the floor like Cecil, or catching a fly like Trevor the golden tree frog.

Nursery manager Janet Bland said “It has been lovely having Zoolab in our nursery and the children seem to have really enjoyed getting the chance to see and learn about lots of different animals.”

Equality and diversity leads Sue Hoare-Leather, David Piggott and Sally Lagan at the University Hospital of North Tees Anthem | Autumn 2013 23

Thank The trust said a thank you to the army of volunteers who give up their time to help support patients and staff at two very special events.

The events were held at the University Hospital of Hartlepool and the University Hospital of North Tees for all of our volunteers and members of the NHS Retirement Fellowship.

Chairman Paul Garvin hosted the events and was joined by other members of the senior management team, where volunteers were treated to a meal provided by the trust’s catering team, followed by a medley of songs from the musicals by the trust’s choir.

Chairman Paul Garvin said: “We are extremely fortunate enough to

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k you have hundreds of volunteers, many who have supported the trust for many years. That’s why it’s so important for me as chairman to once a year say a formal thank you for everything you do to support patients and staff.

“It is amazing to see so many people who give their time so generously; it is very much appreciated by everyone working in the trust. It is also excellent to see our retired members and keep in touch with you as valued former employees.”

Thank you to everyone who made the events a success – the catering department for the delicious food, everyone who worked behind the scenes and to our staff who came along and served the volunteers and retired members.

Stop smoking service help promote Stoptober Members of the trust’s stop smoking service were out in force to help push a campaign to encourage smokers to quit.

Stoptober is a 28 day initiative from Public Health England, which is backed by Fresh – urging smokers across the country to make a quit attempt in October.

New decontamination tent arrives Staff at the trust have recently been getting to grips with a brand new decontamination tent.

The trust needs to ensure a well equipped, easily deployed decontamination response is available as part of the areas control of major accident hazards (COMAH) arrangements. This ensures that an already excellent safety record for the area remains high, and ensures the trust is prepared for any emergency.

It’s vitally important that we ensure our kit is up to date and effective and our staff have been trained to deploy the equipment so should the need ever arise, we know we are more than prepared to deal with the emergency.

Staff have been taking part in training outside of accident and emergency, to learn how to assemble and how to use many of the new features within the tent.

Emergency planning officer Gaynor Young said: “The new decontamination tent is a huge improvement on our older model and can be put up or folded down quickly and effectively. It’s vitally important that we ensure our kit is up to date and effective and our staff have been trained to deploy the equipment so should the need ever arise, we know we are more than prepared to deal with the emergency.”

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The trust’s stop smoking service has been out and about in the Middleton Grange shopping centre in Hartlepool, Stockton High Street, and in Billingham and Thornaby town centres spreading awareness and distributing information.

Many workplaces and businesses in Hartlepool and Stockton also promoted the campaign in a drive to improve employee health.

The trust’s stop smoking service manager Pat Marshall said: “Stoptober is a great time for smokers to make a positive change in their lives and quit smoking.

“It’s a time when family, friends and colleagues who smoke can all make a start to quitting together.

“People who quit for 28 days are five times more likely to stay smoke free, with expert help and advice from their NHS stop smoking service.

“We have been out in the community publicising the service and details about

Stoptober to as many people as possible.

“We want to challenge smokers to accept our help and make a start with improving their health by quitting smoking. They will soon feel fitter, will save money, will have better skin and teeth and will reduce the risk of any serious smoking related diseases – among many other benefits.

“It’s great to see health trusts, universities and companies from across the region have backed this campaign.

“It’s vitally important we use campaigns like this to encourage as many smokers as possible to quit.

“Once they have gone a month without smoking, their chances of staying that way are far higher.

“The stop smoking service is always available to these people to ensure everything is done to give smokers the best chance of kicking the habit.”

The service runs nine drop in sessions each in both Stockton and Hartlepool. A support service including advice and treatment is also offered through several pharmacies.

If you want to quit smoking and need support contact the trust’s stop smoking service on 01642 383819.

New programme gives doctors a taste of the NHS

Left to right: Clinical director for medical education Jane Metcalf, resuscitation manager Syd Pinkney, John Hancock and chairman Paul Garvin.

Sim man and Daisy the sim baby join the team There are two patients in the trust who really don’t mind what’s done to them. Sim man and Daisy the sim baby are helping trainee doctors, newly qualified nurses and other staff be prepared for the real thing in the trust’s new simulation suite.

Chairman Paul Garvin, in declaring the suite open, said this was a major development for the trust and a demonstration of its commitment to continuously improving patient safety.

Sim man and Daisy are the very latest in medical simulation models. Operated from a remote laptop in an adjoining room the models can mimic medical problems and respond to treatments or drugs.

Lead clinician for the simulation suite John Hancock, who is also a consultant gastroenterologist, said: “This is a fantastic development for the trust. I’m extremely grateful to the chairman and chief executive because they

shared the vision and wanted to provide these amazing facilities which gives tomorrow’s doctors as near to real life scenarios as they can get.

“We know human factors affect how doctors behave in an emergency situation. This suite allows us to look at those aspects in a no-risk environment and to understand what can happen in high pressure situations.

“It’s quite easy when the pressure is on to forget even the simplest things, but having facilities like this allows us to practise and to work through scenarios which our doctors will no doubt face during their medical career.

“I have no doubt this will be invaluable and it will enhance our ability to improve outcomes for patients. It’s all about patient safety and I’m delighted that we can offer this leading edge training to our doctors. It will improve their skills, make them more confident to deal with difficult situations and ultimately benefit patients.”

A new programme being run by the trust has been giving doctors who have graduated overseas a taste of working in the UK. The one week programme aims to help and prepare doctors to work in the NHS for the first time. Doctors undertook a treasure hunt to find various departments in the hospital and the chance to work with clinical education staff where they learn and improve their communication skills, learn about clinical governance and about the differences in cultures in teaching sessions and role plays.

Clinical director for medical education Jane Metcalf said: “This programme offers support and skills to doctors who are trained

under different cultural and professional standards.

“Being a doctor in the UK needs much more than clinical expertise; it requires good communication skills, knowledge and understanding of medical ethics in the UK and how the NHS works.

“They go away from this training with a thorough understanding of how healthcare is practised in the UK and skills which help them to provide a high standard of patient care as they make the transition to work in the UK. The doctors who attended the first course all rated it very highly and felt it helped them when they started working in the trust. We’re looking forward to welcoming more doctors onto the programme in the future.”

Role play - clinical educator Sarah Hodgson with Katsiaryna Andreichanka and Owenvbiugie Obasohan

Say it with flowers…

Jane Metcalf and John Hancock

A grateful patient brought in the loveliest thank you present for three of our hard working staff. Clinical specialist physiotherapist Caroline, Fernandes-Jones, physiotherapist Lucy Wood and healthcare assistant Mary McCourt who run the pulmonary rehab group – a six week class for people with breathing difficulties – were shocked in the nicest possible way when a grateful patient presented them with a bouquet. Lung health manager, Sandra Stych, said: “We’re very proud of our staff who work hard to provide great care for patients and it’s lovely when someone shows their appreciation for the amazing work our staff do.”

Anthem | Autumn 2013 27

Trust makes transatlantic links Consultant neonatologist Samir Gupta was delighted to host a lecture by eminent American neonatologist Steve Donn.

A first for the chapel... and gruffalo came too Patient Jim Ross is the first intensive care patient to have made a visit to the hospital chapel for the Sunday service.

He was accompanied down to the chapel with his wife Linda, his two daughters Carolyn and Louise, his granddaughter Emily and her cuddly gruffalo!

Chaplain Lynn Purvis-Lee said: “Mr Ross was the first patient that I think we have ever had come to chapel while on the unit. Ward sister Andrea Mockler arranged this, and Karen Soralde the staff nurse brought him down and stayed for the service “He has been critically ill for nearly 10 weeks and is now progressing. Jim’s wife Linda has had people from every denomination praying for Jim and it was wonderful to see the whole family at the service.

“The service was especially touching because it was about transformation and new beginnings. I would like to

thank the staff on the unit who made this happen for Jim and the family. I know it meant a great deal to them.”

Jim, who has now been transferred out of intensive care, said: “I have never been ill so it was a shock when I developed a sore throat that it turned into pneumonia and ended up with kidney failure. I was asleep for 11 days and had no idea what was going on, but I can imagine it was a very worrying time for the family.

“I’ve basically spent the whole summer here; the nights are getting dark again now. I was more pleased for Linda that I managed to get to the service.

She has had to be very strong throughout this and has people everywhere praying for me.

“I can’t speak highly enough of the staff and the care I’ve had.”

Linda said: “I would like to add that our whole family greatly appreciates the care and support we have had from staff in the critical care unit, and also from Lynn the chaplain.”

Trust marks World Sepsis Day The trust marked World Sepsis Day by raising awareness of the life-threatening condition.

Information was displayed across the trust, while health care professionals visited the wards to promote and raise awareness using the sepsis six cards across the trust.

Practice development nurse Claire Wong explained: “Sepsis occurs when the body’s response to an infection damages its own tissues and organs.

“It is estimated that 37,000 people per year die of sepsis. It is vital to spot and treat sepsis quickly as the condition often deteriorates rapidly and becomes life-threatening.

“We will continue working hard to raise awareness of sepsis and the damaging and even fatal effects it can have on patients.”

The campaign also has the backing of director of nursing patient safety and quality Sue Smith and medical director David Emerton.

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Professor Donn, professor in neonatal medicine at the University of Michigan, gave a lunchtime lecture in medico-legal implications and risk management strategies to improve patient safety, in front of an audience in the lecture theatre of the academic centre at the University Hospital of North Tees.

Professor Donn covered a range of themes including issues in neonatology, key clinical risk areas and a range of errors that can be made.

He also spent part of his stay visiting the neonatal unit and sharing management practice with staff there.

Samir said: “I was delighted to be able to welcome professor Donn to the trust.

“He presented a very informative and interesting lecture I and others who attended enjoyed very much.

“He also spent part of the day visiting the neonatal unit and speaking to some of the staff there, sharing management practice from his work in America.

“I was pleased to learn from these talks that we share all of the areas of practice that he spoke about and we are all doing the same things.”

Professor Donn and Samir Gupta

Vascular nurse specialist Claire Wong

The team pictured left to right: Julie Bee, Pam Rigby, Roz Horsley, Nicola Read and Liz Bainbridge

We’re here to help you A new name, location and a new image are just some of the improvements which have been made to streamline a service the trust provides for patients and visitors.

The team, who were previously known as the patient, advice and liaison service (PALS) and patient relations department will be known as the patient experience team.

The patient experience team now has two consultation rooms: • in the main concourse at University Hospital of North Tees opposite the tower block lifts, and • opposite the main reception at the University Hospital of Hartlepool Members of the team are available to speak to visitors face-to-face between 1.30pm – 4.30pm Monday to Friday or by phone between 9am and 4pm.

Assistant director of nursing, patient experience and patient and public involvement Barbara Carr said: “We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve; that’s why the patient experience

team is here to help with comments, compliments, concerns, and complaints.”

The team are here to: • listen to comments or concerns • receive and log compliments • try to resolve issues as quickly as possible • liaise with relevant staff on patients’ behalf • work in partnership with the professionals involved to aid a quick resolution Contacting the patient experience team People can either • call in to see a member of the team at either the University Hospital of Hartlepool or the University Hospital of North Tees • telephone the team on 01642 624719, mobile 07795061883 or freephone 0800 092 0084. If the team are unable to take a call, messages can be left on the answering machine and they will be picked up throughout the day.

• send an email to patientexperience@nth.nhs.uk • out of hours, please contact the switchboard on 01642 617617 and ask to speak to a senior member of staff

New role for Julie New patient experience manager Julie Bee will not only lead on dealing with patients’ complaints but also the many written compliments that are made.

Julie, who has many years’ experience working in a legal environment, local government and the NHS, said: “It’s not only complaints I have to deal with. We also get many compliments, both written and verbal, and it’s my job to also monitor those. These are just as useful in helping the trust know what it is doing right.”

“In terms of most patients who make a complaint, it is normally the case that they want to feel that the most appropriate person is acknowledging and acting upon their concerns.

“If they feel listened to and confident that their grievance is being dealt at an early stage then the chances of that complaint becoming official is significantly reduced.

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Running for gold A member of staff from medical records at the University Hospital of North Tees has gone back to competitive running after a 20 year break.

James Burns, a clerical officer originally from Scotland, is a seasoned runner, having competed in the World Junior Cross Country Championships in Morocco in 1975.

Always keen on running as a form of keeping fit, he decided to get competitive again to challenge himself.

James recently competed at the Scottish Masters at Grangemouth Stadium over the summer and won the 800m and 1500m silver in personal best times for this age group, while winning gold in the 5,000m in the M55 category.

James said: “I have always run for the health benefits and for my own enjoyment but I wanted the chance to test myself further. I stepped back from competitive running and pursued other things, but it has always been a bit of a question of what if?

“That’s really when the idea of getting back into competitive running appealed to me. I’m not running to the same degree I was when I was 20 but I can push myself to be the best of my class.

He explained: “I don’t particularly have a set training plan although I do try to get out training four to five times each week; I’ll just decide the day on which I’m going to train and my wife will make sure I keep to that schedule – she has been my biggest supporter. It also helps that I have knowledge from when I was younger and I make sure to listen to my body and not push my training too far.

James will also be doing a Run for Time charity event for Butterwick in October with people being encouraged to enter and guess what time it will take him to run a set distance with the chance of winning prizes.

“I’d encourage everyone to do something for themselves that’s going to benefit their health. Running has really helped me be conscious of eating healthily and looking after myself in general and has contributed to my wellbeing – I believe I am a much healthier person for it.”

30 Anthem | Autumn 2013

Associate specialist anaesthetist Swadeep Vellore demonstrates ventilation on the transfer trolley watched by trainees and staff nurse Claire Martin and consultant anaesthetists Valasubramaniam Mahadevan, Prabhakar Paranthaman and Joe Tint

Regional critical care transfer training a success Transferring critically ill or injured patients, either between wards or hospitals, is a vital part of their care. The trust hosted a Northern Critical Care Network regional training session at The University Hospital of Hartlepool recently to train the people who do this important job.

The transfer trolley, which is owned by the North East Ambulance Service, is a standard trolley used nationwide.

This means that once doctors and nurses have had this vital training they are familiar with the trolley and can concentrate on the important job of caring for the patient.

Critical care and accident and emergency staff in the trust carried out the training which consists of theory on stabilising the patient in preparation for transfer followed by an afternoon of practical sessions to familiarise people with the trolley and equipment.

We’re pleased to be playing our part in training the next generation of transfer doctors.

Consultant anaesthetist Joe Tint said: “We cannot underestimate the importance of training for transfer. The doctor is responsible for the care of the patient during any transfer so it’s vital they can use the equipment and understand all aspects of the transfer process.

“These training sessions take place twice a year and we’re pleased to be one of the regional centres for this vital work. Even once trained, doctors will not undertake a journey themselves without first having accompanied a very experienced doctor on a transfer. However this training provides the fundamental knowledge needed and gives medical and nursing staff the opportunity to gain a working knowledge of the system and the challenges they face.

“We had excellent feedback from those attending and we’re pleased to be playing our part in training the next generation of transfer doctors.”

Improving the safeguarding of adults The adult safeguarding team who work across the trust held an innovative training event in August.

This is part of two important projects; Passionate about Adult Safeguarding and Shining the Light on People with Learning Disabilities.

The event invited adult safeguarding and learning disabilities professionals from across the area for an informative afternoon of lectures at the Hartlepool College of Further Education.

It explored issues around vulnerable adults and discussed how to make and record the best interest decisions to recognise and support those at risk.

Adult safeguarding specialist nurse Molly Taylor said: “It is vital that we safeguard the public and ensure that our staff and other professionals who respond to concerns about adult safeguarding understand the implication for practice in respect to the Mental Capacity Act. They also need to know how to record best interest decisions and care for vulnerable adults, such as those with learning difficulties or dementia.”

Theatre company The Twisting Ducks – 11 actors with learning difficulties – were present at the event to showcase one of their films, which aims to raise awareness and promote understanding of the difficulties faced by those living with learning difficulties.

The key note speaker was solicitor Kate Hall, who specialises in cases of medical negligence and is a leading expert on the

Mental Capacity Act nationally. While Jayne Freeman from Durham Counter Terrorism Unit spoke of the risks posed to vulnerable adults and identified steps which can strengthen safeguards in relation to terrorism and radicalisation.

Molly added: “The Twisting Ducks are always a nice addition to our event. They are the most innovative group I’ve had the pleasure or working with and are brilliant at explaining what sort of problems those with learning difficulties face when getting access to care.

“Being able to discuss and inform professionals who deal with vulnerable adults on the correct approach to safeguarding rights is something we are constantly working to improve. The event was a great way for us to show just how much we can do to ensure that all vulnerable patients have a voice and that they are receiving the best possible care.”

Medical negligence solicitor Kate Hall speaks on camera while others view the information stalls provided at the event.

Paul Garvin opens the AGM

Successes shared at annual general meeting At this year’s annual general meeting the trust shared its successes from the past year.

Chairman Paul Garvin opened the meeting, which was held at Hartlepool College of Further Education. He said: “The annual general meeting is a great opportunity for us to reflect on the past year and look ahead to what the future holds for the trust. ”It was a pleasure to be able to tell the audience about the dedication and commitment of our staff who are continuously working hard to improve performance and quality, which ultimately provides excellent patient care and ensures we put our patients first.”

You can download a copy of the annual report at www.nth.nhs.uk

Improving blood culture testing The infection control team has been assessing nurse ability with blood sample tests in September.

Data manager/ ward watcher manager John Lewandowski taking the blood culture practical exam.

The exam, called blood culture OSCE (objective structured clinical examination) involves specialised testing to ensure that nurses are taking blood samples correctly.

Assistant matron Lynn Blackwood of infection prevention and control said: “The correct taking of blood cultures is extremely important as part of a nurse’s day-today tasks – we have to ensure that the procedure is done to a very high standard otherwise your blood culture results could become contaminated.

“If a blood sample is contaminated it could mean a delay in being correctly diagnosed and it could also mean that you’re given incorrect treatments.”

Testing took place in the critical care unit at the University Hospital of North Tees with nurses being observed on their choice of equipment, sterilisation, ability to explain

what needs to be done and why, as well as the blood taking itself.

The blood culture testing is also carried out in the hospital training department and comes as part of infection prevention and control teams initiative to ensure that nurses receive continual training and top up on their skills. It is an ongoing programme that has been newly introduced for nurses to ensure excellent patient care.

Lynn added “The exams have been done over a two day period and have gone really well. It has been good as it gives us the ability to give each nurse constructive feedback on what things they could do to improve their technique.

“It is important that we do all we can to improve on blood culture taking to improve staff competency, morale and to ensure our patients are getting the best possible care.”

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Maternity marchers complete charity walk Staff from the trust’s birthing centre and delivery suites completed the Moonlight Walk recently in aid of Hartlepool and District Hospice.

Anita Scott, Catherine Measor, Debra Gardner, Gaye Wilson, Victoria Simpson, Jacqui Lewis and Carol Whitworth took part.

You can donate to the ladies – who called themselves the maternity marchers for the event – by visiting www.justgiving.com/ Carol-Whitworth1

Angela, Tinny, Cara and Cerys Bennet with staff from the maternity unit at the University Hospital of North Tees.

Fun at the panto for children’s ward Children’s ward enjoyed a colourful pantomime in the chapel at the University Hospital of North Tees in September.

Starlight Children’s Foundation – who perform for children in hospitals and hospices across the UK – put on Panto time! for all the children to enjoy. The story saw Princess Aurora falling asleep after being placed under an evil spell and only awakening to true loves kiss – with a few complications along the way!

All the children and adults enjoyed some entertaining pop medleys and got involved with the panto experience.

Hospital play specialist Sandra Jackson said: “The cast all did brilliantly and it was a good bit of fun and escapism for the children.”

Some of the children with the colourful Panto time! cast.

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The Bennett’s give generously to maternity unit An appreciative couple has donated some camera and printing equipment to staff, at the maternity unit at the University Hospital of North Tees, as part of their ongoing fundraising.

After the heartbreaking loss of their unborn son Cameron, couple Angela and Tinny Bennet, along with daughters Cerys and Cara, wanted to show appreciation for the support and care of the maternity team.

Angela said ”We lost our beautiful son at 24 weeks, he was born on a Friday. The nurses were very caring and took a lovely memento photograph so that we would always have something to remember him by.

“It was after this that we thought we would raise funds for the ward, so that their camera equipment could be updated.

It means that photography equipment is available to them straight away and poorly or lost babies can be remembered.”

To thank the maternity unit for their support, the family organized what was to be the first of their fundraising events, with a night of entertainment at the Fisherman’s Arms, on Hartlepools Headland.

They have since created charity Cameronskisses and have given

themselves an initial target of £2,000, so that they can work towards purchasing a cool cot for the ward.

The couple plan to continue raising money through more charity music nights at local pubs around Hartlepool, Middlesbrough and Peterlee.

Tinny is also currently planning to gather some of his musician friends, and is in the process of writing a charity song that can be released onto iTunes, which will help towards their £2,000 target.

Tinny said: “We really hope that the charity single will do really well and go towards our overall target. In the long term we want to continue holding events to raise as much money as we possibly can for all the staff at the maternity unit.

“To be able to raise money to provide equipment and support is a great way for us to be able to show our appreciation and do something positive on behalf of our son.”

If you would like to contribute towards their fundraising donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/cameronskisses and more information of upcoming fundraising events can be found on facebook at www.facebook.com/cameronskisses or at www.cameronskisses.co.uk.

Community matrons lead new service A new service led by community matrons has been created to help reduce the number of patients at registered GP practices in the community who are admitted to hospital.

The direct enhanced service will see medical practices produce a list of its registered patients who are deemed to be at risk of being admitted to hospital.

These lists will be made up of patients who have scored highly using a combined predictive model - which measures how at risk they are of being admitted to hospital in the following 12 months.

The aim is to provide care to these patients that helps reduce their chances of being admitted into hospital for care.

These lists will be given to the trust’s community matrons, who will each deal with a group of patients. The community matrons will assess these patients and develop management plans for them, informing the patient how to self manage and introducing them to other services.

The aim will be to discharge this list of patients within three months, at which point a new list of patients will be provided to each

community matron and the same process will follow.

The service, set up by NHS England with input from the Hartlepool and Stockton on Tees Clinical Commissioning Group, aims to reward GP practices who identify at risk patients and manage these patients successfully.

Clinical director community services Linda Watson said: “The direct enhanced service is about ensuring that patients who are judged to be the most likely to be admitted are appropriately supported.

“The aim is to provide care to these patients that helps reduce their chances of being admitted into hospital for care.

“Experienced community matrons will manage a list of patients within their cluster and provide a plan of care for each patient that is tailored to their individual needs.

“After 12 weeks these patients will be at a stage where they are a significantly lower risk of being admitted and can be safely discharged.”

Community matron Sophie Walker said: “The enhanced services will help with the identification and management of patients who are seriously ill or judged to be at risk of emergency hospital admission.

“The aim is to provide an improved quality of care to patients and fewer avoidable hospital admissions.

“This approach will help provide greater support to patients with complex needs.”

Community matrons Linda Stephenson, Sophie Walker, Donna Chapman, Caytie Cox, Karen Mackenzie, Jane Pratt

Head of design and development Steve Taylor speaks to members of the public at events at the Wynyard Rooms and Hartlepool College of Further Education

Revised planning application submitted for the new hospital The trust invited members of the public to view the plans for the proposed new hospital at Wynyard, after a revised planning application was to be submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council.

The updated planning application was submitted at the end of September was a replacement for the one which is due to expire. People got the opportunity to view the plans at a three day event at the Wynyard Rooms and an event at Hartlepool College of Further Education, where staff we on hand to ask questions.

Chief executive Alan Foster said: “Unfortunately because of the delay with the new hospital we needed to reapply as the outline planning permission is about to expire.

“The new hospital is the final piece of the momentum jigsaw to transform healthcare in our area. There is no doubt that having a state of the art hospital in a central location will strengthen our ability to retain the excellent medical and nursing staff we already have and to attract the calibre of health professionals we will need to ensure we can maintain clinical standards and look after local people in the future.”

Anthem | Autumn 2013 33

Experts speak at research and development conference The fourth annual research and development conference was held at the trust recently – celebrating past successes and looking to the future.

Expert speakers gave presentations in the Middlefield Centre at the University Hospital of North Tees over the course of the day, which attracted staff from the trust, neighbouring trusts and from universities and research groups.

Dean of translational research at Newcastle University professor Dave Jones was the keynote speaker at the event.

He said: “With a population of 3.2million the North East and North Cumbria is a highly coherent geographical location to undertake programmes of research.

“We as a region are in competition with other areas of the UK and indeed other parts of the world.

“We are in an area of unprecedented opportunity for translational research and we should maximise our ability to attract and deliver on research projects.”

He highlighted how the majority of important research projects start with a very simple idea and rely heavily on partnerships between clinical colleagues and academic partners.

The audience also heard presentations from Dr Nicola Wesley from NHS Innovation about how the academic health science network will support research and innovations across the North East and North Cumbria and industry manager Morag Burton spoke about the importance and benefits of participating in commercially sponsored trials.

‘The prize winners’

Vicky Hawkins from the contract research organisation PRA explained what organisations are looking for from NHS sites, while trust consultant neonatologist Samir Gupta spoke about a portfolio study known as Baby-OSCAR that he has secured a multimillion pound funding bid on.

After lunch Andrew Robinson from the County Durham and Tees Valley comprehensive local research network spoke about how to get patients involved in research.

Trust respiratory research nurses Nicky Bateman and June Battram then talked about lessons they have learned from their own experiences with industry sponsored research studies and gave tips for how to run and manage these studies.

Trust consultant orthopaedic surgeon Antoni Nargol gave a presentation on how he

and colleagues have led the International field in investigating metal on metal hip replacement failures.

Nadine Bleasby from the north east and north Cumbria national institute of health research clinical research network spoke about the reorganisation of the network and the how this will affect organisations locally.

Research and development director Volker Straub said: “This conference is an important event as it provides a forum for discussion of past achievements in clinical research, current research activities and future challenges. This is a very important and challenging year for research in the NHS with many changes to the infrastructure and processes involved.

We hope that this conference has helped to provide information on some of these changes and practical advice too” Prizes were then given to staff who have created poster displays. There were two categories. The winners were:

Original research

1st prize Dr Liz Baker – Mammaglobin – A expression in primary and recurrent breast cancer 2nd prize Mr David Borowski – Adipose derived regenerative cell-enhancing lipofilling for cryptoglandular fistula in ano 3rd prize Dr Anup Gupta – HILO study (high versus low tidal volume for mechanical ventilation in pre-term infants with respiratory distress syndrome)

Development of research teams, culture and activity

1st prize Paediatric research team – Tarn Nozedar and Wendy Cheadle 2nd prize Dr Lubna Noor – Efficacy and safety of lipomodelling and ADRC 3rd prize Gastrointestinal research team – Sue Kelsey, Debbie Wilson and Anne Eastick 34 Anthem | Autumn 2013

Refurbished wards, some of the Holdforth unit staff, expanded waiting areas and the shuttle bus service

Centralisation of critical care and emergency medicine now underway Steps to centralise emergency medical and critical care services at the University Hospital of North Tees are now underway.

This means that people living in Hartlepool and East Durham who become very unwell and need to go into hospital will be referred by their GP and taken by ambulance to the University Hospital of North Tees.

The changes are taking place over two weeks and it is expected that a few patients being treated at the University Hospital of Hartlepool who need to be transferred to North Tees to continue their medical treatment. However, this will depend on how many were admitted up to 7 October and the complexity of their needs. The critical care unit will be the last department to move.

Also, people living in Hartlepool and East Durham who need planned surgery, who have other health conditions and may need critical care services after their operation will in future be referred to the University Hospital of North Tees.

Holdforth unit

Once patients have been treated at the University Hospital of North Tees and are recovering from their illness or surgery, and don’t need to see a doctor every day or have further tests or investigations, they can, if appropriate, be transferred to a new 30-bed unit at the University Hospital of Hartlepool so that they can continue their recovery closer to home.

The changes, which are being made to ensure the safest possible services for local people, follow public consultation which took place from 20 May to 11 August 2013.

In response to concerns raised during the consultation, a transport plan is also being launched which sets out the support available for people who find it difficult to travel to hospital because there is no direct bus route where they live.

Chief operating officer and deputy chief executive Julie Gillon said: “Any patients

who need emergency medical or critical care treatment will be taken to the University Hospital of North Tees by ambulance where they will receive the care they need.

However, we recognise that this means further to travel for carers and family members who wish to visit them in hospital.

As such over the past few months we have been working with the local councils, transport providers, Healthwatch and the clinical commissioning groups to develop better support for people who don’t have direct bus services near to where they live.

These arrangements will help not just those affected by changes to the emergency medical and critical care services but also patients using any services at both the University Hospital of Hartlepool and the University Hospital of North Tees and people visiting relatives and friends.”

Transport plan

This support is set out in a transport plan which is to be widely shared in Hartlepool and East Durham. It includes: • Additional shuttle bus services running between hospital sites. As well as the current 8-seater mini bus the trust has two 17-seater buses which will run regularly

between the University Hospital of Hartlepool and the University Hospital of North Tees. This service is free. For further information ring the trust’s service desk on 01429 522550.

• A volunteer driver scheme has been set up for people who need help getting to appointments. The first group of volunteers are now trained. For further information ring the trust’s service desk on 01429 522550.

• Discounts have been negotiated with the trust’s taxi provider, 23 Taxis, for patients and relatives travelling for appointments or visiting.

• Patients on certain welfare benefits are being reminded that they may be eligible for financial support to help with travelling costs. This is under a national Hospital Transport Costs scheme. Further information is available from the trust’s cashiers’ offices.

• The trust is looking at appointment times to see if they can be made more convenient for people who need to rely on public transport.

• More car parking spaces are being made available at the University Hospital of North Tees.

The trust’s new volunteer drivers Anthem | Autumn 2013 35

Members’

noticeboard Membership cards

Council of eeting governors me of our members whothe

voic and Members ors are the The govern e future of the trust. eetings m e th e th bserve o to e 14 are, m o help shap ates for 20 re welc a d e lic h b T u r. p a l e es a y genera rsday, 17 eld four tim rsday, 17 April; Thu h re a h ic wh ; Thu are to be 16 January r. All dates e b m for te p e Thursday, 8S hip office hursday, 1 members e th t c July and T ta n o . Please c confirmed . n o ti a rm more info

Board of directors meetings The board of directors meet around six times a year. Members of the public and staff are welcome to observe the meetings.

This is your chance to see how the board operates and gain first hand knowledge on the trust’s latest developments.

Spaces to attend the meetings are limited so please contact the membership office in advance to secure your place. The next board of directors meeting is on 24 October at 1.30pm at the University Hospital of North Tees.

Member events

We have launched a membership card, which entitles members to staff rates at any of the Wilbers Coffee Shop outlets at the University Hospital of North Tees or Hartlepool, as well as access to NHS discounts. To obtain your membership card, please contact the membership office on 01642 383920 or membership@nth.nhs.uk.

you! s d e e n t s u Your tr ers. ew memb

t cruit n hip so tha lp us to re r members Please he u o y it e n s u a m re com to inc tive of the We want representa eople can become ly u tr re a we ore p and that m hospital. Please we serve cal e lo ir e ith th s to join th involved w ur family and friend rm fo d te le o y comp encourage For every w to member. a ed in a dra s c a la t p s e u b tr ill w s e e nam we receiv t voucher. anyone high stree 0 1 £ hear from a to e win lik lly umber of especia e have a n w We would s a ld o be 5 years they could ting aged 16-2 ortunities c p p ta o n l o a c ti y n pote n join b ith. You ca w , k d e .u s lv h o v in th.n bership@n us on mem 383920, applying at 42 QR code. calling 016 using this r o k .u s h www.nth.n

ited who is interested are inv Members and anyone , 0am 9.3 at er tob Oc 19 on to attend the next event tal spi Ho y e at the Universit in the Middlefield Centr free, but you need to are nts eve North Tees. The the details please contact book a place. For more membership office.

36 Anthem | Autumn 2013

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Adoption is a way of providing a new family for children from a variety of backgrounds, including a range of ages, sibling groups, and children whose future development is unclear.

Some children will have been abused or neglected and all will have experienced moves and uncertainty.

Who can adopt?

People over 21, with or without children, employed or unemployed, with a partner, single or married, regardless of race, gender, religion, or sexuality.

We are especially keen to hear from people who can give a home to an older child.

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I am interested, what do I do next?

If you feel that you would like to know more about adoption, please contact; The Adoption Team, 8 Church Street, Hartlepool TS24 7DJ

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Anthem | Autumn 2013 39

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