Countess Matters Autumn 2016

Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Countess matters

Autumn 2016

Father of the bride

thanks stroke unit 02 CQC results

06 Model Hospital

07 Show me the Money

t Find oPuage 5 more

Annual Members’ tober Meeting 4 OcPa ge 10

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Contents

04 Karen Woodcock in Zambia

07 Artist helps Ellesmere Port Hospital

08 Foundation doctors celebration

CQC rates Trust as ‘good’

Welcome

FROM YOUR CHIEF EXECUTIVE

The Trust has achieved a ‘good’ rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) following an inspection of services in February this year.

This summer we received our Care Quality Commission report and I am pleased to say the Trust was rated as ‘good’ overall.

The work carried out by staff to achieve this rating makes me incredibly proud.

During the inspection our workforce maintained their dedication to patients and the feedback that “staff were proud of their services and proud of the Trust” is, for me, a particular highlight.

Of course the report also shows what we must strengthen and improve and throughout this edition you will see how we are already working to address any concerns.

For instance, acute palliative care nurse Sinead Benson is helping to identify patients who could benefit from palliative care across the hospital as early as possible. We have also opened an Intermediate Care Unit, which takes a 24-hour approach to therapy, and an electronic rostering system to maximise the time our staff spend caring for our patients.

There will always be lots to do but I hope you enjoy reading about how we are striving to be safer, kinder and more effective in everything we do…

The report shows services were rated ‘good’ for being safe, effective, caring and well led, with responsiveness rated as ‘requires improvement’.

In the report, a letter from the Chief Inspector of Hospitals Professor Sir Mike Richards stated: “There was a very positive culture throughout the trust. Staff felt well supported, able to raise concerns and develop professionally. Staff were proud of their services and proud of the Trust.”

Of the eight core services inspected seven were rated ‘good’ including urgent and emergency services, medical and older people’s care, surgery, critical care, maternity and gynaecology, services for children and young people and outpatients and diagnostic imaging. One service, end of life care, was rated as ‘requires improvement’.

The Ellesmere Port Hospital was rated ‘good’ and Chester Hospital was rated ‘requires improvement’.

Areas of outstanding practice included innovation in stroke services, the use of morning team briefings in theatre areas and the role of care and comfort workers to help

with patients’ nutrition and hydration needs.

In light of the findings, the Trust will be actively looking to improve in a number of areas such as addressing staff shortages yet also reducing the reliance on bank and agency workers, managing bed pressures and compliance with safeguarding training in line with best practice.

Strengthening the strategic approach to end of life care will also be a priority for the Trust, alongside improving the management of records – particularly detailing nutrition and hydration on surgical wards.

Chief Executive Tony Chambers said: “To see the pride that Countess staff have for their work and this hospital recognised and reiterated throughout this report is truly uplifting. This inspection took place during our busiest and most challenging winter months.

Throughout it all our workforce maintained focus, morale, professionalism and dedication to their patients.”

Acute Palliative Care Nurse post proves a success A one-year pilot for an acute palliative care nurse has been a huge success, with the post being made permanent.

Sinead Benson took on the role of Macmillan Acute Palliative Care Nurse in February 2015, having worked in the area of palliative care for over 10 years.

Sinead’s efforts have seen the average time of admission to referral to the palliative care team dropping to its lowest level since 2011.

“When I saw this post advertised I saw a chance to make a difference,” Sinead said. Sinead’s remit was to increase the early

identification of patients who could benefit from palliative care across Accident and Emergency, the Acute Medical Unit and the Ambulatory Care Unit. “I love my job,” she added. “When I worked in an acute Trust when I first qualified our ward had a lot of palliative care patients and I liked caring for them because to me it’s real nursing.

It’s going back to basics and carrying out a holistic assessment. It’s not about being task-orientated it’s about what makes the patient an individual, having time for them and those close to them in what could be very stressful circumstances.”

Spotlight on…

Deb Brown Deb Brown has been Service Improvement Lead for the Trust for eight years, but she has worked at the Countess since 2000 in various different roles. At the moment she is working on the Model Hospital plan, with her main goal being to help cultivate a learning environment that helps people at the hospital work better together. Deb has a keen interest in adventure sports such as kayaking and cycling.

She goes on regular trips with her partner Kevin O’Brien, who has served in the armed forces for over 20 years.

What is the favourite part of your job?

The best part about my job is supporting people and giving them the headspace to do things that they haven’t got time to do normally. I also enjoy delivering Service Improvement training. I enjoy coaching people through their projects.

What would be your dream job if you weren’t doing what you’re doing now?

I would be an explorer, an adventurer. I would love to be able to travel, especially the north and south poles.

What is it about polar exploration that fascinates you?

Well, I like polar bears and penguins, so

about my hair getting frizzy.

What’s your favourite song?

One of my all-time favourite songs is Calon Lan the Welsh hymn. It’s not a typical song, but it’s everything I always think of.

It’s about having a pure heart and having a nice life and not wanting for all the gold and bits in life and being happy with not more than what you need. It’s a bit deep really, but I do like that.

that helps! But I think it’s not just about the exploration itself, it’s going to places that have not often been walked or explored before and understanding bits about yourself as well. When you do go through things like that I think it’s about having that mental resilience and robustness to go out and do something that’s very, very difficult.

It’s about keeping going.

Do you find it hard to revert back to normal life after days of basic survival?

No, but I’m quite basic anyway! I do blow dry my hair and things like that, but I don’t worry about make up like some women do and when it rains I’m not going to worry

Have you had your 15 minutes of fame yet?

It’s probably not fame, but I was on the Last Flight of the Vulcan DVD, which was about the final flight of the Vulcan XH558.

We’re both big fans of the Vulcan bomber and last year we knew it was the last year so most weekends we went to air shows watching them fly.

When we were at Newark-on-Trent Airport a guy from Planes TV asked if he could interview us. Kev wasn’t happy because he ended up on the cutting room floor, but I’m on the DVD! Who’s the most famous person you’ve met?

I met Claudio Ranieri at a train station and I’ve also met the explorer Levison Wood.

I first met him before he was famous because Kev knows his business partner.

Electric van helps Countess go green The Countess is going green with the introduction of a new electric vehicle and a dual charging point on site.

every day making runs so it’s great to know we can do that without impacting on the environment.”

A white Nissan e-NV200 has been added to the non-patient transport fleet, which delivers samples all over the region, on a three-year lease.

Alongside the green benefits, over the three years it is expected to generate considerable savings.

Driver John Pealing said: “The van handles really well, it’s a smooth drive. The only noticeable difference to driving one of the other vans is how quiet it is.”

The vehicle costs £2-3 per charge for a range of around 100 miles, while the same journey in a diesel van costs approximately £10.

“We’re really excited about the introduction of a zero emissions van to our fleet,” Facilities Manager Clair Smith said.

Patients, staff and visitors to the hospital can also charge up their own electric vehicles free of charge as long as the spaces are free.

“Our vehicles are out all day virtually

It is hoped that more electric vehicles will

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Funding from Cheshire West and Chester Council’s i-travelsmart scheme also made it possible for a charging point to be installed outside the Facilities office.

be introduced into the Trust’s fleets in future and so far staff are impressed.

Karen’s Zambia adventure Consultant nurse Karen Woodcock has been readjusting to being back at the Trust after a “life-changing” trip to Zambia.

were, with some staff even staying around post-nights to attend.

Karen was invited to visit the African country as part of a four-strong British Fertility Society delegation teaching ultrasound scanning at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka.

During her visit Karen, who has worked at the Countess for 25 years, was staggered by how determined and dedicated the Zambian doctors, midwives and nurses were despite having limited resources by NHS standards.

“I don’t think I’ll ever be the same again,” Karen said. “What they don’t have in facilities they more than make up for in passion and drive. They sometimes really struggle and yet it doesn’t demotivate them, which was both humbling and inspiring.”

“I really felt they took me into their community,” she added. “I saw it as a privilege to go over there and impart knowledge to them, but they made such an effort to soak up all the information.

“They really want to make their healthcare better and after spending a lot of time with the nurses, I know more than ever that nursing is a universal, worldwide profession. If you speak to a nurse in the UK or a nurse in Zambia the feeling is the same - all they want to do is make a difference to patients’ lives.”

Such was their passion that when Karen

Her initial trepidation about going to a part of the world she’d never seen before was soon swept aside by the friendly nature of the Zambian people.

What made Karen feel especially welcome was how highly anticipated her obstetric and gynaecological ultrasound tutorials

Karen was given book ends as a gift

returned to the Countess she decided she wanted to do more to help. She is now looking into arranging for an ultrasound scanner that is due to be condemned in 2017 to be sent to the Zambian capital instead.

The friendships formed during that sevenday trip remain stronger than ever, with Karen’s inbox being flooded by messages of goodwill since returning.

A hand-carved giraffe book end made out of Lusaka’s local stone, complete with Karen’s name on it, also now sits in pride of place in her dining room. Meanwhile, memories of social excursions such as a walking safari and boat journey down the Zambezi river are other mementos of an unforgettable trip.

“I will go back. I don’t want it to end there, even if I have to do it in my own time,” Karen added. “I can’t thank Alison Kelly, Carmel Healey and my colleagues enough for making it possible for me to do this.”

Countess volunteers featured in photography exhibition Volunteers from the Countess have been featured in Chester Voluntary Action’s (CVA) 1,001 Faces of Volunteering exhibition.

“It is about demonstrating the enormity of volunteering and the vital importance the third sector plays in our community,” Clare said.

The presentation showcases portraits of 1,001 volunteers from across the region in a variety of roles, including some at the hospital.

Countess voluntary services coordinator Sue Cornick was thrilled to see hospital volunteers such as meet and greet stalwart Mike Howe, 83, on the wall.

CVA deputy chief officer Clare Harrison devised the attraction, which was at Chester Art Centre, as a way to highlight how many people give up their time to help others.

“It was lovely to see a large number of our volunteers represented, but outside of that what I really liked was seeing the smiles on all the faces up there,” Sue said.

Clare added: “Having worked alongside Sue for a long time, I know how well the volunteers are supported at the Countess and I know what a difference they make there. It’s great to show that and it’s even better to see people like Mike coming in and their joy when they spot their photo.”

Mike Howe points to his photo on the wall

Paul Holding fastens his shirt’s top button in front of the mirror, smiling to himself as he does so.

‘This is what all those hours of therapy were for,’ he thinks, still not quite believing he is about to walk his daughter Emma down the aisle.

For as long as he can remember it’s been a dream of his, but only a few weeks ago it seemed beyond the realms of possibility.

The Ellesmere Port martial arts tutor had two heart attacks on successive early June days, which led to him having a triple bypass and mitral valve replacement on 15 June. With Emma’s wedding already fast approaching there was then the discovery he’d had a stroke as a side effect of the procedure.

“It was really at that point we put two and two together and thought about Emma’s wedding date on 5 August,” he said. “It was one of those horrible moments when you see it running straight at you and realise you might not be able to make that date.”

Paul, 60, arrived at the Countess’ stroke unit in late June, with a little over five weeks until the big day. Emma had discussed postponing the wedding, but Paul – who had lost feeling in his left arm and leg – insisted he’d find a way to stand at her side.

So Paul, whose wife Gaynor visited him in hospital every day, tackled each therapy class with determination, whether it was training on the bikes or cooking meals in the breakfast club.

“They make it fun,” he said. “If you can’t do something, they find something you can and they were like that with everyone. It made you feel part of a team.”

The therapists also tailored aspects of

Paul’s rehab to what he’d need on the day, such as getting used to walking in the shoes he’d be wearing. But the one challenge Paul initially struggled with was fastening up shirt buttons – he had to practice for weeks until he managed it.

When it came to the big day it looked like everything was finally coming together, with him being discharged in good time to attend, but panic set in when he looked more closely at his white dress shirt. The button holes were too small.

He could have frozen, but instead he did as the therapists said and thought outside the box, found some scissors and just made the holes bigger.

‘It’s alright, nobody will know I had to do that,’ Paul reassures himself as he walks down the hotel corridor looking resplendent in his suit. Then he looks up and sees Emma, his little girl, standing there as a beautiful bride – everything was worth it.

“We’ve been really lucky and it meant we could achieve this really nice outcome for Emma. It would have been horrible if I couldn’t have been there,” he said. “It was the best day ever. We can’t thank everyone at the hospital enough.”

Emma, who works in customer services at Antifriction Components, said: “Having my Dad there on my wedding day was incredibly special because it looked for a long time like it wouldn’t be possible.”

Therapist Lawrence Holland added: “Paul was discharged the day before the wedding and we were all clock watching on the wedding day, wondering when he was walking Emma down the aisle. Helping his family to have that special moment is incredibly rewarding.”

Intermediate Care Unit opens A new intermediate Care Unit has opened on ward 34 that will deliver entirely nurse and therapist-led care.

The new service, which launched in July, takes a 24-hour approach to therapy and is designed to fully equip medically fit patients for discharge more quickly.

When patients arrive in the IMCU the standard target will be for them to have no more than a 14-day stay before they go home.

“We believe this can have a huge impact on patient flow through the hospital because we can take patients out of other areas and work with them to get them home sooner,” In-patient lead therapist Alex Holroyd said.

Although the IMCU is now up and running, it will be a while before the service is able to fulfil the vision behind it.

Over time it is hoped the décor and amenities of the ward can be transformed to remove the remnants of it being a traditional clinical environment.

Going forward there will be a much stronger focus on rehabilitation, with activity rooms and social areas for patients to use.

“The idea is that this won’t be a ward where patients lie in bed in their pyjamas all day,” Alex added. “They will have to get up, dressed and move about to assist their recovery.”

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Doting Dad hails Countess stroke unit

‘enabling change’ Introducing electronic rostering on Ward 52 Julie Dixon is manager on one of our busy surgical admission wards here at The Countess, one of the first wards to use our new e-rostering system.

Julie said: “From what I had heard about the new e-rostering system I thought it looked great, I was quite enthusiastic to get this up and running on my ward. I did have some concerns about its flexibility, and how I would be able to ensure individual staff needs were met as well as the needs of our patients, but these were soon addressed.

“I had been using a notebook, which my team would regularly use to jot down any specific requests and because of how I historically did the rota, the training team taught me how I could influence the rules and parameters for setting up my own electronic rostering system with intelligent thought behind it. At the end of the day, it is a technology system – and you need to tell it to be logical. For example, people don’t like mixing day shifts and night shifts in one week so we instructed the system not to generate a rota that does this. We had a few goes at pushing the button to create a rota. On our third go, we got it right with 67% of the shifts automatically populated by the system and now it is live for all the ward team to use – our housekeepers, ward clerks, staff nurses, nursing assistants and care and comfort workers.

“Now that it is up and running I love it. Staff like that the rota is very clear, viewable far in advance, and there is still the opportunity for swaps authorised by me or my deputy. As a manager it is already allowing me to see at a glance the patterns in staff requests and I can be more equitable in how I support the team. The reaction so far has been pretty good. We have a really straightforward crib-sheet on display in the ward to help those who are

less comfortable with using computers.

“My advice to ward manager colleagues who are scheduled for the roll out is to get as prepared as you can. Whittle down your outstanding annual leave requests, manage any time owning and make sure all your team members have NHS mail accounts. It’s nice to be able to tell people more about it – so if people want to know more or have further questions I am happy to help based on our experience so far.”

Enabling change through the use of technology Technology and information have always been vital to The Model Hospital’s plans to achieve operational excellence. With that in mind we plan to introduce a Patient and Asset Tracking System here at the Countess, building on healthcare systems and practices for managing patient flow in the United States.

The system, approved by the Board subject to final negotiations with the supplier, supports the Trust on its transformation journey. One of the key elements of the Model Hospital programme is real time operational transparency and being able to see what is happening in our hospital when it is happening and then take appropriate action. Hundreds of small infrared sensors

will be installed above beds, at entrance points to wards, outside cupboards and even at hand gel dispensers. These sensors will detect discreet chipped devices in re-usable wristbands for patients, staff security cards or tags on essential equipment to provide realtime information.

Programme director for The Model Hospital Ian Bett said: “The main drive for introducing the tracking system is to support improved patient care and to complement our e-rostering implementation. This kind of patient tracking system has already proven effective in pockets of the NHS. We want greater transparency in how we work

together to reduce delays for patients.”

Head of nursing for planned care Carmel Healey said: “If we can track beds and equipment with live regular updates this will be fantastic. At the moment we are relying on paper systems with staff chasing information.

It will make life easier and save time.”

Vascular consultant Sameh Dimitri added: “The benefits include reducing theatre cancellations, live information on our bed status as well as numbers of nurses and doctors in different areas and locations of required equipment.”

Show me the Money Everyone knows the NHS is under pressure financially, but how much do you really understand about it?

In a bid to help everyone get a firmer grasp on how things work and the kind of decisions made all the time, the finance department has been hosting a series of Show me the Money events.

“While some aspects of finance can be complicated it’s part of everyone’s job, particularly budget holders, so we have to get more people thinking about it.”

Costing and performance accountant Gavin Rush said. “These training sessions give us an opportunity to increase understanding in a short and interactive session that is accessible and relevant to all staff.”

With six desks set around the room and strict time slots available at each one, a bell ringing indicates when it’s time move on to the next activity. This makes the session resemble speed dating, but instead of trying to sweet talk someone into giving you their phone number you’re asking quickfire questions to wrap your head around a finance concept.

The stations range from trying to correctly

A local artist has donated several pieces of her work to Ellesmere Port Hospital to go in the new Kate’s Corner and Memory Lane facilities.

Christine Cook, who used to volunteer at the hospital said: “It’s a great feeling to know I can donate these pieces of my work and they may bring some joy to people who are in hospital.”

guess the financial value of a particular procedure, to role-playing the procurement process and a special version of the Higher/ Lower game seen on Bruce’s Price is Right.

A latest addition is a cake conundrum, which has slices of cake representing different areas the Trust could invest money into, such as a winter escalation ward, fertility treatment and admin support. The catch is there are more slices than spaces in the cake, forcing people to pick and choose what ingredients they think are more important to the Countess.

Governor Helen Clifton thinks the sessions are a good way to get staff thinking about the bigger picture.

“I thought the session was excellent. It’s great that it’s both fun and informative and I’d recommend it to anyone who works in the NHS,” she said.

“As a governor, it’s important to have an understanding of where the money comes from - who funds the Countess - and how much everything, from food and paper towels to scanners and kidney dialysis, costs.

And right now importantly, where can savings be made? ‘Show me the Money’ makes you stop and think!”

“When I look back at each piece I’ve done, I remember certain moments of my life or emotions I was feeling at the time so I hope patients can get a similar feeling from them.”

Kate’s Corner is effectively a small apartment within the hospital that can be used as a next-step-home area or somewhere for end of life care, while Memory Lane is full of nostalgic items and is an area where patients can socialise.

Christine primarily uses oil and chalk pastels and selected a series of tranquil, relaxing canvases for the patients at Ellesmere Port Hospital to enjoy.

Ellesmere Port Hospital Administrator Lesley Johnson said: “We’re very privileged and grateful to have Chris as a friend to the hospital. She asked me to pick out some pieces for her donation, but I struggled to choose because they were all so good. I think the patients are going to love them.”

Lesley, left, with Christine and her donated art work

Show me the Money events started last year at the Countess and they proved to be a sustained success, with increasing numbers of clinical and non-clinical employees seeing the benefit with each passing session.

Liverpool CCG originally brought the idea to the North West, before the Trust’s finance department worked with them to replicate and tailor the sessions for the Countess.

There are currently plans for three to take place in 2016, with the next one on 20 October, although if the interest is there this can be increased or adapted if any particular teams want a tailored version.

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The sessions, which are free to all staff, have six interactive stations that go through a variety of financial scenarios relevant to the Trust.

Artist donates work to Ellesmere Port Hospital

We say goodbye…

The Countess celebrated its foundation doctors during the summer as a number of them prepared to move on to pastures new.

The Trust’s Medical Education team held its fourth annual awards event to acknowledge their achievements, with ‘Doctor of the Year’ awards and a ‘Player’s Player’ as well as presentations for some of the tutors.

The second year foundation doctors completed this phase of their training, with many moving on to other Trusts while others stayed at the Countess to start in their chosen specialties.

Dr Ian Benton, Director of Medical Education, said: “We are immensely proud of our junior doctors and this was a great way of thanking them for all their hard work over the last 12 months.

“The last year has been an extremely challenging time, however they have continuously shown great professionalism, dedication to their patients and their own learning. We wish them the very best for the next stage of their careers.”

Dr Fraser Cameron, who will stay on at the Countess to work with the colorectal

award. This special gong was nominated for and voted by all the foundation doctors across both years.

Dr Fraser Cameron receives his award from Ian Harvey surgeons, was named ‘Foundation Year Two Doctor of the Year’ after impressing his colleagues and other hospital staff with his friendly, diligent and professional approach.

“All the guys I work with are a very good bunch so to be named as one in particular is quite a big honour,” he said. “Although it’s a very busy hospital it’s still got a special family atmosphere with everyone looking out for each other. When times are hard that’s what helps to get you through and that’s what I like about this hospital.”

The ceremony, which was supported with prizes and catering provided by Mollington Banastre Hotel & Spa Chester, also included a ‘Player’s Player of the Year’

…and we say Hello A week after one set of foundation doctors finished the first stage of their career a brand new cohort set out on their own journeys for the very first time.

To mark their introduction to the Countess they had photographs taken that were used on screensavers throughout the Trust and shared on social media.

This also formed part of a tribute to the

late Dr Kate Granger, who launched the #HelloMyNameIs campaign to encourage all medical professionals to properly introduce themselves to all patients.

The Countess has been a big supporter of the initiative, which highlights how personal introductions are vital to providing true person-centred, compassionate care.

Dr James Warwick, who is the Chester representative on the Mersey Junior Doctors Committee of the British Medical Association, won the ‘Player’s Player’ after providing an invaluable role keeping everyone up to date during the junior doctor’s contract dispute.

He said: “All of the staff here at the Countess have been wonderful to work with and the senior staff have been so supportive of the junior doctors during what has been a challenging time and I’m looking forward to building on the experience and knowledge I’ve gained as I move into my second foundation year.”

Medical Director Ian Harvey added: “It’s important that we recognise the vital contribution our junior doctors make to providing safe, high quality patient care.

“They are often the earliest representative of the Trust for our patients. This is recognition that they frequently go over and above to deliver high quality care. This group of doctors has been superb during a particularly challenging time.”

Fundraising roundup Walk for our Babygrow Appeal or your chosen ward

magazines and other materials for patients to make their treatment time easier.

Physiotherapist Lawrence Holland and friends participated in the walk to raise funds to purchase additional wheel chairs for the stroke unit, the team raised £900 which bought them three wheelchairs.

Patient Kevin Cavanagh said that he has found having access to extra chairs invaluable to his rehabilitation on the stroke unit as he didn’t have to wait for one to be free to use.

A sponsored walk organised by the charity office at the Countess of Chester Hospital last October was a great triumph for many areas in the hospital, raising a total of £15,000 with some expenses covered by Morris Homes.

This year’s Walk for Wards is planned for Sunday 9 October at 10am and we are inviting the local community as well as staff to join in this sponsored walk.

Angie Lopez, Community Fundraiser said: “We will be hosting a number of child friendly events on the walk such as a Nature Trail, which involves collecting items from the autumn walk to be counted at the finish, where they will receive a prize.

We will also have seed bombing target practice were the children have to aim balls of wildflower seeds at targets. This helps the Land Trust rangers to spread the seeds which will then germinate and produce wonderful wildflower beds in early spring for the families to visit. There will also be pond dipping supervised by the park rangers. The longer walk of 6k incorporates the beautiful canal tow path which has a wealth of wildlife and beautiful views of the Welsh hills and rolling countryside. We are very pleased to have the support of Urenco and The Land Trust with this year’s event.”

It is free to register and participants are asked to make a donation or

You can register on line at www.walkforwards.co.uk get sponsorship.

Some of the areas you can choose to walk for: • T he Therapies team on stroke ward are raising funds this year at Walk for Wards to purchase a Thera Active Bike which helps rehabilitate patients by strengthening their upper and lower limbs.

This costs £5000 of which they already have £2000.

For more information please call Angie Lopez Community & Events Fundraiser 01244 366672

•O rthopaedic Outpatients staff last year raised over £400 to purchase an additional infection control trolley and this year want to raise funds for a plaster saw.

Or walk for any of the 80 hospital charity funds.

Last year: Pictured are the Gladstone’s presenting Sister Jane Blackwell from the Oncology unit with two spot machines for the ward, which have been purchased with their sponsorship money raised. These machines will enable staff to deliver more personalised care as the more spot machines available means less waiting time, the remaining sponsorship monies will be used to provide newspapers,

Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, has not vetted the advertisers in this publication and accepts no liability for work done or goods supplied by any advertiser. Nor does Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust endorse any of the products or services.

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Over 300 patients, their relatives, ward staff and community groups joined in the 3k and 5k walks which involved a nature trail for the younger walkers and a rewarding bacon batch, hot or cold drink for all participants at the finish.

GoveRnors’ News An invitation to all our Membership…

Dear Member The Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust would like to invite you to our Annual Members’ Meeting and Marketplace event.

The event is an opportunity for you to learn more about our hospital and share with us some highlights from our year.

The Annual Members’ Meeting is where members discuss our achievements, focus on services with an opportunity to meet the hard working staff and where the hospital hopes to be in the future in terms of finance, performance and activity.

The Marketplace event will take place between 5pm and 6pm on Tuesday, 4th October 2016 in the

Education and Training Centre here at the Countess.

We do hope that you will be able to join us for this event.

Refreshments will be provided and parking will be free for those attending the Annual Members Meeting.

Places are limited, so please book your place by contacting the Countess Membership office on 01244365284 or email claire. raggett@nhs.net or Sandra. faulkner1@nhs.net If you would like to contact your local Governor, please contact the Countess Membership office on 01244365284 / 01244365816 or email claire.raggett@nhs.net or Sandra.faulkner1@nhs.net

Every possible care has been taken to ensure that the information given in this publication is accurate. Whilst the publisher would be grateful to learn of any errors, they cannot accept any liability over and above the cost of the advertisement for loss there by caused. No reproduction by any method whatsoever of any part of this publication is permitted without written consent of the copyright owners.

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