The Leeds Teaching Hospitals
b bulletin
NHS Trust
staff magazine | Autumn 2012
contents
The Leeds Teaching Hospitals
b bulletin
NHS Trust
staff magazine | Autumn 2012
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Front cover: Fighting on: Sheila Fitz-Costa and Emma Duffy from the Children’s Heart Surgery unit are pictured with some of the crowd who turned up in Millennium Square in Leeds to show their support for keeping children’s heart surgery at the Infirmary.
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4-5 Care under the spotlight as Trust conference showcases good practice
15 Children’s radiographer Lucy wins top award to head “down under”
7 New look helps LGI roof garden beat the elements
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9 Trust team’s visit boosts life chances for patients in one of Africa’s poorest countries 10 Leeds in top three NHS Trusts for research activity 12
Children’s heart campaign marches on
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“Disease detectives” reveal their secrets
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Top honours for “inspirational” service
18 Jubilee event celebrates older people’s care 22 Heart surgeon shares his diagnosis for more efficient and patient-centred care 24 Team effort improves viewing for dialysis patients 25 Hospital staff respond to chemical incident exercise
Bulletin is produced quarterly by the Communications Department Editor: Suzanne Breen Photography by Medical Illustration Designed by Octagon Design and Marketing Ltd Send your ideas, suggestions or articles for the next edition of Bulletin to suzanne.breen@leedsth. nhs.uk or call 0113 2066494. Copy deadline is 2 November 2012.
Tenth anniversary for Halifax satellite unit The Trust’s renal satellite unit for people in Calderdale celebrated its tenth birthday with a celebration event for patients, families and hospital staff, past and present. Over 100 people attended a buffet lunch at The Shay in Halifax to mark a decade since the opening of the facility, based at Calderdale Royal Hospital in Halifax. Based in a purpose-converted facility in the grounds of the then-new hospital, the local satellite dialysis unit was a huge step forward for patient care when it opened in 2002. By providing 40 local dialysis spaces it has meant that many hundreds of local patients have avoided having to travel miles to Leeds three times a week to undergo their treatment.
“The time has flown by and this anniversary seemed a good opportunity to take time out to celebrate all we have achieved.” The unit prides itself on its family atmosphere, with many patients having undergone treatment there for years. The event saw former patients, who have undergone successful transplantation, come back to celebrate how it helped them. Also invited were the families of some kidney patients who have since died, but who wanted to keep in touch with the unit which helped their loved ones.
Proud milestone: Senior sister Angela Hardy and Sister Linda Tyler.
Senior Sister Angela Hardy has been with the unit since it opened, and now leads a team of nine other nursing staff and a ward clerk providing the service in Halifax. She was also joined for the celebrations by former nursing colleagues who came back to join in. “I can’t believe it has now been ten years since we established the unit,” she said. “The time has flown by and this anniversary seemed a good opportunity to take time out to celebrate all we have achieved and meet up with friends old and new whose lives have been touched by this unit.
Event raises organ donation awareness The Transplant Team held a stand in Gledhow Wing in July to coincide with National Transplant Week. This year the national campaign concentrated on the issue of consent and highlighted the importance of why once you’ve registered onto the organ donor register you need to let your family and friends know. The team know that most families would agree to organ donation if they knew that it was their loved one’s wish, and were trying during the event to encourage people to think about whether they would consider joining the organ donor register. In fact over 90% of families will agree to donation if a loved one has joined the organ donor register and has discussed their wishes. However, this drops to around 40% if people have not signed up to the register and have not told their family of their donation wishes. • Some of the renal transplant co-ordinators also ran the Leeds 10k in July to raise money for the organ donor family network which promotes organ donation and supports donor families.
“For our renal patients, dialysis treatment is a huge part of their life and I know how much having this local service is appreciated by people in our area.” The unit in Halifax is one of a number of satellite dialysis facilities provided by the Trust from its central hub at St James’s. Other units include those in Huddersfield, Pontefract, Seacroft and Beeston.
Raising awareness: The Transplant Team handing out information leaflets in Gledhow Wing.
Heart-warming reunion Nine-year old twin girls, Maisy and Ruby Jolly, returned to the Neonatal Unit at the LGI for the first time since they were admitted there following a dangerously premature birth. The twins wanted to thank staff on the unit and particularly Nurse Consultant for Neonatal Surgery, Anne Aspin, who helped to care for them in their early years. They handed over a cheque for £236 which they raised by holding a cake stall and tombola at their school, and also pretty knitted baby clothes and blankets. Anne said: “It was fantastic to see the girls again and for their generous donation. I remember them well. They were delightful twins, born nine weeks early and had to stay in hospital for many weeks. One of the girls unfortunately needed bowel surgery and had to stay in surgical newborns for a few weeks longer than her sister. Nine years on: Nurse Consultant for Neonatal Surgery, Anne Aspin, with twins, Maisy and Ruby.
“During this stressful time in hospital, they, with their mum Julie, relaxed in the Sensory Room treasuring their cuddles whilst attached to a drip.”
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Care under the spotlig conference showcases
This year’s Trust Nursing and Midwifery conference delivered a thought-provoking day on the th best practice going on across the Trust as well as an opportunity for staff to share views and lea
Capacity audience: Ruth Holt introduces one of the guest speakers, Charlotte Whidbourne.
Welcoming delegates, Chief Nurse, Ruth Holt, said the theme had been chosen months ago out of ideas put forward by staff, but was now particularly timely in view of the recent Care Quality Commission report on poor standards on two of the wards at Leeds General Infirmary, which had caused genuine shock at all levels in the Trust. She added it was important to “draw a line in the sand” now improvements had been put in place in those areas and to move forward focusing on the need for each and every nurse and midwife to play their part in improving care. In support of this theme, the audience were
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shown a DVD made at St James’s in which a cross-section of Trust and wider NHS staff, patients, volunteers and visitors talked about what care means to them. This revealed how passionately people feel about good care and many different perspectives on what is important to individuals. Trust Chairman, Mike Collier said speaking at the conference for him was “an opportunity to genuinely thank you for what you are doing, day in, day out, for our patients.” He said the Trust had much to be proud of and was well placed to move forward despite financial challenges. He highlighted the vital link between a good patient experience and the success of the organisation, noting that “quality pays” at a
Powerful message: Chief Nurse, Ruth Holt, stresses the importance of good care.
ght as Trust good practice
heme “Care2Care”, with a series of presentations on some of the arn from other colleagues. in later life and nurses have a key role to play. “Patients and relatives look to us for information, support and guidance,” she said. “We have a unique opportunity to influence the way care is provided.”
Irish lessons: Guest speaker, Angela McLernon, Acting Chief Nursing Officer for Northern Ireland, with Ruth Holt and Trust Chairman, Mike Collier.
time of reorganisation in the wider NHS. “If we provide high quality services more patients will want to come and commissioners will have to find resources to fund their treatment,” he said. Guest speaker, Angela McLernon, Acting Chief Nursing Officer for Northern Ireland, talked about the challenge of nursing during the Troubles in the province and the legacy of health inequalities this has left for the NHS to deal with today. She argued strongly that safe and effective care can only be delivered by understanding the whole person, their cultures and beliefs and the challenge for nurses and midwives should be first and foremost one of keeping people well and preventing ill health in the first place. Early intervention in the first three years of life is key to helping people avoid many future health and socio-economic problems
Angela urged the audience to think about their practice whether as part of one team or multiple teams. “Patient care is not about beds, it is about pathways,” she said, adding the secret of good patient care is to think positively. During the remainder of the day there were display stands and posters presentations, and other talks on a wide range of topics including improving patient safety, team coaching, the nursing handover, the role of assistant and advanced practitioners, patient information and intentional rounding.
Food for thought: Delegates listen to one of the speakers.
Inspiration from past and present Every year the conference focuses on showcasing the best of nursing and midwifery in the Trust, and is inspired by the example of national nursing leaders, past and present. In her introduction Ruth Holt spoke of the courageous nurses who had done so much to stamp the importance of caring on the profession as well as setting and maintaining high standards. These include Florence Nightingale, the nurse whose birthday inspired the date of the conference, and Mary Seacole. Both from very different social backgrounds, Miss Nightingale and Mrs Seacole nursed heroically in the Crimean War, overcoming many obstacles to help save hundred of lives and establish nursing as an honourable
caring profession. Other inspiration came from Ethel Gordon Fenwick, who campaigned long and hard to achieve a nationally recognised nursing standard approved under the law, and Edith Cavell, who helped soldiers from all sides wounded in occupied Belgium during the First World War and was later executed for her role in helping Allied prisoners to escape. Ruth Holt also paid tribute to today’s nurse leaders championing care and compassion in the modern NHS. She singled out Chief Nursing Officer at the Department of Health, Christine Beesley, and Peter Carter, General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, for their special contribution to inspiring the profession.
Worthy winner: Jo Quirk, Nurse specialist, receives the Hilda Knowles award from Adrian Knowles.
Heart team win Hilda Knowles Award This year’s Hilda Knowles Award for Innovation and Excellence in Caring for Adult Patients was won by Jo Quirk and Lynne Kendall, from the Adult Congenital Heart Team. Jo was presented with the award at the nursing and midwifery conference by Mr Adrian Knowles. Jo, a nurse specialist and Lynne, a clinical specialist physiotherapist, set up a patient-led service for adult congenital patients to encourage and facilitate patient independence and selfmanagement of their congenital heart condition. The aim was to support, advise and address the health needs of patients and their families who live within the Yorkshire and Trent regions. They set up the first and only “Healthy Living Group” in the UK for adult congenital patients, to provide information, advice, supervised exercise sessions, and the opportunity to ask questions relating to their heart condition. They also delivered information sessions on healthy eating and weight control; the benefits of exercise; relaxation and breathing control; employment and living with a heart condition; goal setting; and medical information. Relatives and partners were encouraged to take an active part along with staff and patients. Jo and Lynne will use the award money to develop resources that encourage and maintain motivation between classes and post discharge from the group. This may be in the form of patient held folders that contain a home exercise programme on prescription, lifestyle information and goal setting.
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Patient safety accolade for medical team A multi-professional team from the Acute Medical Floor at St James’s have won a Yorkshire and Humber Patient Safety Innovation prize for their work to improve the safety of critically ill patients. and Dr Ali Cracknell. Dr Cadiz added: “The success is due to the multi-professional working, enabling the development of a shared, team approach to tackling problems. The team have gained sustainable skills in quality improvement and presented their work at the International Forum on Quality and Safety in Healthcare in Paris.
Working together: Helen Collins, Matron, Alison Cracknell, Consultant, Karen Callaghan, Senior clinical support worker, Sadia Ismail, Consultant, Bridget George, Staff nurse.
Staff, including junior doctors, consultants, care support workers, nurses and patient flow co-ordinators, from wards J26, J27, J28 and J29 in Chancellor’s Wing formed the team as part of the TAPS (Training and Action in Patient Safety) programme. TAPS is an innovative programme to improve safety through action learning, developed in Yorkshire by local experts in patient safety and improvement science. Multi-professional teams are supported to identify their patient safety problems, develop and implement solutions, and measure the impact on practice and patient outcomes. Despite an existing Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) protocol for the management of acutely unwell patients there were challenges around the ability to prioritise patients effectively and consistently in the large and busy environment of the Acute Medical Floor. The team aimed to improve the identification, prioritisation and action for all their acutely ill patients. Some of the interventions developed and led by the team included: recording MEWS on the patient whiteboard after every observation round for each patient on all the wards; the implementation of a multi-professional education programme for all staff on the Acute Floor; and the setting up of a ‘priority team’ who meet twice every 24 hours to discuss all acutely ill patients and co-ordinate work across the Acute Medical Floor.
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The team members acted as “champions in patient safety”, promoting and gaining support for the interventions in their own ward. Results were examined, fed back to staff and interventions refined using PDSA (Plan-DoStudy-Act) methodology. By the end of the 20-week project, results showed that 100% of patients’ initial MEWS were recorded within 15 minutes of arrival, compared to 72% before the project, and adherence to all steps of MEWS escalation improved from 47% to 88%. There has also been a reduction in serious incidents. More importantly “crash calls” were reduced by 33% when compared to the same period in 2011. Dr Carla Cadiz, Specialist Registrar in Acute Medicine, said: “Every year as a doctor I complete an audit which often doesn’t lead to sustained change. It’s been great to be involved in TAPS working on quality improvements that yield results. From a team perspective we are seeing real quality improvements and the value of a multidisciplinary approach – learning from each other to engender a culture of patient safety. You can feel the change not just in the TAPS team but across all staff on the wards on the Acute Floor. I’m amazed at the success.” The project involving over 20 members of staff, was led by Dr Carla Cadiz, Sister Jane Rothery, Staff nurses Laura Morris and Ciara Lillis, Doctor’s assistant Emma Jones, Matron Helen Collins, and Consultants in Medicine for Older People, Dr Sadia Ismail
The Trust is committed to supporting frontline teams in developing skills in quality improvement, and have now designed the “Leeds Action for Safety and Quality” programme, a collaboration between LTHT and the Health and Innovation Education Cluster, led by Dr Cracknell. If you are interested in getting your team involved in a project, contact Alison. Cracknell@leedsth.nhs.uk or your Divisional Nursing or Medical Manager.
A&E app in the national spotlight Trust A&E consultant, Dr Haidar Samiei, and a colleague at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Dr Brad Wilson, were highly commended at the national patient safety awards for a mobile app they developed. LTHT “my-IED” is a single-screen dashboard and accompanying suite of mobile applications enabling emergency department healthcare workers to immediately log events, handovers and situational reports and seamlessly share them. This includes voice recognition. They can also instantly access and print relevant local guidelines, forms or pathways. It is used daily, and thousands of handover and event logs have been created allowing the formation of a searchable historic, thematic or real time view of the department. The system has been adapted to allow any institution or department to register online and tailor the site to the needs of its practitioners and managers. Although initially just being used in A&E, it has been designed for broader roll-out in the future.
Taking the air: Maggie Boyle and Colin Pullan enjoy the improved roof garden.
New look helps LGI roof garden beat the elements The much-loved Take Heart roof garden at Leeds General Infirmary has had a refurbishment aimed at making it more accessible all year round. It was officially reopened in May by Colin Pullan MBE, Chairman of Take Heart, and Maggie Boyle, Chief Executive of the Trust. Take Heart, which funded the construction of the high-level garden on the Jubilee Wing over a decade ago, has given the garden a facelift with new safer non-slip flooring which it is hoped will mean it can be opened more quickly after rain. To complement this work the Trust has funded high glass barriers - similar to those used on cruise liners - along the garden’s edge which make it both safer and provide welcome shelter from blustery winds. The south-facing garden has pleasant benches
to sit and chat or take in the remarkable views across the city. It is planted with drought-resistant coastal plants such as cliff-dwelling sea pinks which provide a splash of colour and are better able to cope with the climatic extremes the garden sometimes sees. Colin Pullan commented: “The roof garden is a lovely facility and really delights patients who are receiving treatment at the Yorkshire Heart Centre. It provides quiet space, access to fresh air, distraction from the busy ward environment and the chance to meet and talk with friends and family. “It has always been popular but with the new flooring and screens it has been
transformed and we are hoping it will be able to be open on more days of the year for everyone to enjoy.” Maggie Boyle added: “The roof garden is just one of the fantastic extra amenities Take Heart provides for our heart patients, and we are so grateful for their ongoing support and enthusiasm which makes a huge difference. “We are extremely proud of the high quality clinical outcomes for cardiac patients from across the region, and in partnership with Take Heart we are able to offer a really good patient experience. The willingness of patients to help raise money for the charity after they have been in for surgery or other cardiac treatment speaks volumes for the good work it does.”
Celebration event for volunteer doulas An event to celebrate the achievements of the Trust’s volunteer doulas was held at the Rose Bowl in Leeds.
includes active birth, antenatal care, domestic violence, child protection, and breastfeeding.
The Doula Project was set up within the Haamla Service in 2010 to train women from the community to become birth partners for the most vulnerable women in Leeds.
Volunteer doulas from all three cohorts trained so far were presented with certificates by Alison McIntyre, Matron, and Jane Mischenko, Commissioner for Children Services from NHS Leeds, at the celebration event.
The Trust has recruited 38 volunteers doulas to date, 31 of whom have completed Open College Network (OCN) training at levels 2 or 3. The training
More volunteers will be recruited in November. For information about the project, contact Shaista Khan - Haamla Co-ordinator on 0113 2065477.
Birth partners: Doulas who attended the celebration.
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New look for chaplaincy visits to young cancer patients Rev. Adam Clayton, one of the Trust chaplaincy team, has adopted a new look for his visits to the teenage cancer and young adult cancer wards. When visiting these areas he has cast aside his traditional ”dog-collar” in favour of a new purple polo shirt with a Trust Chaplain logo, developed with the help of the sewing office. Adam explained: “Chaplaincy is a service that exists to support patients and staff from many different background, faiths and values. It was with this in mind that I began exploring the idea of a uniform that might facilitate approachability with patients who might value the service but not associate themselves directly with a religious tradition. He added: “It’s taken a while for ward staff to get used to the new look and it’s certainly got conversation going. The vast majority of the feedback has been highly positive. I have felt part of the healthcare team more than ever and my new look has really helped me to get alongside patients, particularly in oncology and among younger people. “My dog-collar hasn’t been gathering dust in a wardrobe though. I still use it when appropriate, for example, when responding to an out-of-hours emergency or when I know I’ve got a lot of Holy Communions in my diary. I feel excited that chaplaincy is responding thoughtfully, flexibly and innovatively to the many different contexts we find ourselves involved in the Trust.”
Team player: Rev. Adam Clayton in his new uniform on Ward 94 at St James’s.
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Top team: (back to front) Anne Wood, Neonatal enteral and parental specialist nurse, Natalie Taylor, Behavioural psychologist, Rebecca Brown, Academic FY2 doctor, Clare Donnellan, Consultant gastroenterologist, Alison Cracknell, Consultant for Acute and Elderly Medicine.
Front-line team wins national award The Trust’s nasogastric tube steering committee won top prize at this year’s national Patient Safety Congress for their work in helping to reduce harm to patients caused by misplaced nasogastric (NG) tubes. Consultant for Acute and Elderly Medicine, Dr Alison Cracknell, is the Trust lead for the project, which comprises front-line staff including junior doctors, nurses, and dieticians, each with an interest and passion for improving patient safety. The initiative is led by Dr Natalie Taylor and Dr Victoria Robins, from the Health Innovation and Education Cluster (HIEC) at the Bradford Institute for Health Research, Dr Cracknell commented: “The group has used an evidence based framework to identify the behavioural barriers to implementing National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) alerts into routine clinical practice, developing locally tailored, bottom-up strategies to overcome these barriers. The project collaborates and shares improvement tools from across the Yorkshire and Humber region.” “The interventions to improve practice are underway, and most have been suggested and developed by our frontline staff. They incorporate actions from local Serious Incident Investigations and include updated clinical guidelines and bedside care plans for NG insertion; an awareness raising campaign
targeting the social and emotional barriers through key messages; an innovative blended learning package with competency assessment for staff involved in the care of patients with NG tubes. This started with Foundation Year 1 doctors in August, and is to be rolled out across the Trust.” Consultant gastroenterologist, Dr Claire Donnellan, and junior doctors, Rebecca Brown and Claire Burnell-Hornby, have worked with Henry Fuller, Andi Fox-Hiley (from Medical Education Leeds) and Jane Nicklin (Yorkshire and Humber Clinical Skills and Simulation Lead) to produce a demonstration video and e-learning package. Rebecca and Claire commented: “It has been an amazing experience to be involved in a project that will hopefully make real changes within the Trust to improve patient safety.” New Foundation Doctors, Sophie Earl and Chad Chang described the training as “a welcome change from being in a lecture theatre, and a very stimulating experience.” All the resources developed by LTHT will be shared regionally with other hospitals involved in similar projects. If you are interested in getting involved in this work, please email alison.cracknell@leedsth.nhs.uk
Visit boosts life chances for patients in one of Africa’s poorest countries A small team from the Trust and its charity Opt-in recently visited the African island of Madagascar to continue their work in a programme of teaching to share Leeds rehabilitation skills with their staff and so make a great deal of difference to the local population. Leeds rehabilitation medicine experts Professor Anne Chamberlain and Dr Vera Neumann led an intensive twoweek training programme for doctors and physiotherapists who come from across the country, in conjunction with GP Dr Les Goldman and physiotherapist Ruth Cross. Madagascar, an island four times the size of the UK, has a rudimentary network of rehabilitation centres with very little equipment and tiny budgets. In common with many African countries it has a large number of impoverished disabled people, many of whom would benefit hugely from the availability of basic rehabilitation to improve the quality of their lives. Their visit was supported by LTHT and Optin, which is based at the Trust. For a decade Opt-in has worked with some third world countries on selected programmes to promote sustainable improvements in health care. As well as Madagascar, work is continuing in Swaziland, and has been completed in Bangladesh and Guyana. The Leeds team have already laid the foundations for the rehabilitation work in Madagascar on previous visits. This time they brought together doctors from centres across the island at the University Hospital in the country’s capital, Antananarivo, for training in clinical techniques which will lead eventually to a diploma allowing them to share their skills with others on an ongoing basis. They also gave
Shared learning: The Leeds team and their counterparts in Madagascar.
specific sessions to enhance the physiotherapists’ practical skills. Among subjects covered were joint examination, assessment and management of pain, principles of orthotics and prosthetics, assessment and management of acquired brain injury, communication and swallowing difficulties, as well as consultation skills, note-keeping and audit of facilities. Professor Chamberlain said: “During our time in Madagascar it was fabulous to see doctors there growing in their clinical skills and how they are
prepared to work very hard and drive to make changes in far more trying circumstances than we ever experience in the UK. “The political situation in the country is difficult, as a result of which almost all aid has stopped and the university budget has halved this year. It’s heartbreaking to see the lack of equipment staff have, yet they are still committed to helping patients to the best of their ability, and some people will travel over 1,000 kilometres to get help. “The staff in Madagascar tell us they are very grateful for the support from Leeds and that our input really does help them make a big difference to improving their standards of care and teaching. We also saw a number of patients while in the country and they were also extremely pleased to see us and glad of our input to help improve standards.” The lack of reliable internet access in the hospitals and their departments is a major challenge not only to those we teach but to us in supporting our students.” Professor Chamberlain will be sharing some of the lessons at a European rehabilitation conference in Thessaloniki, Greece, and a further visit to Madagascar will take place in July. The visit was a great success as summed up in the farewell message of the staff from Madagascar. They spoke of their “heartfelt” thanks for the help and support from everyone in Leeds and quoted a traditional Malagasy proverb:
In clinic: Dr Vera Neumann shares her expertise.
“When you eat sugar cane the sweet taste remains for a long time.”
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A swinging success Over 30 NHS staff attended the first ever Leeds NHS Charity Golf tournament to raise money for the Leeds General Infirmary Helipad. The event was organised by LTHT staff in collaboration with DeVere Oulton Hall Golf Club. Participants of all abilities were invited from across the NHS. Trust Health and Fitness Manager, Rob Dimsdale, said: “Despite the miserable weather on the day, we had a fantastic turnout with the teams battling against each other and the elements.” The winning team were Craige Richardson, Head of Facilities Operational Services, and David Smith, Facilities Manager from LTHT, and their guests Leam Richardson, and Anthony Garth. Mark Grioli won best individual, Steve Gobey, had the longest drive, and Craige Richardson, got nearest the pin. “Well done and a big thank you to all who took part, and thanks to the team at Oulton Hall for allowing us to hold this event at their prestigious club,” added Rob. The event raised over £300 for the LGI Helipad, whose crew safeguards the life-saving air ambulance flights landing at the hospital.
Research success: LGI cardiologist, Dr John Greenwood, who recently led a major heart disease trial.
Leeds in top three NHS Trusts for research activity LTHT is leading the way in providing opportunities for patients to take part in clinical research studies. Highlighted in a league table published by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Clinical Research Network, the Trust currently features in second place for quantity of research (367 studies - an increase of 45 studies on last year’s figure). Dr Jonathan Sheffield is Chief Executive of the NIHR Clinical Research Network, which provides specialist research nurses and resources to enable NHS Trusts to deliver clinical research opportunities for patients. Praising the achievement of Leeds Teaching Hospitals, he said:
Winning team: Back row (l-r) Leam Richardson, Guest, and David Smith, Facilities Manager. Front row (l-r) Anthony Garth, Guest, and Craige Richardson, Head of Facilities Operational Services.
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“This is marvellous news and illustrates that our partners in Leeds are truly placing research at the core of NHS business. We know from recent polls that patients want to see the NHS do research, and they want the chance to get involved. This Trust’s recruitment of 14,787 patients indicates a strong commitment to research and innovation as well as their drive to improve
clinical outcomes for patients. “We are keen to see other trusts follow their example and truly embed research as a standard option within their care culture, and this year we’re able to report that 99% of NHS trusts in England were involved in delivering research during 2011/12. With their help we recruited almost 600,000 patients, which was a fantastic achievement. The league table helps us recognise the research commitment of NHS staff throughout England and shows that clinical research is not just for the large teaching hospitals - it is absolutely core business for all NHS trusts.” Developing a research-active culture brings a host of benefits for patients, clinicians and the NHS. It drives innovation, gives rise to better and more cost-effective treatments, and creates opportunities for staff development. Growing evidence also suggests that NHS organisations that are research-active appear to do better in overall performance.
Change is on the menu as patients choose their favourite dishes Patient catering sees some big changes from September with the introduction of two new food suppliers, bringing in brand new menus designed around the most popular dishes chosen by patients. For many years the Trust’s main supplier for pre-prepared meals has been Tillery Valley Foods. A major exercise this year to re-tender the contract has resulted in a radical new approach where the Trust will continue to take some foods from Tillery Valley in addition to new options from two of the UK’s other leading suppliers of patient meals, Appetito Cuisine and Anglia Crown Foods.
served by our staff on the wards. Under the new arrangements, a good deal has been negotiated with suppliers allowing improved quality with cost savings which the Trust is going to reinvest in enhancing the breakfast service, introducing a hot food option to start the day. Craige Richardson, Head of Facilities (Operational Services) said: “Providing patients with the best food we can is very important to improving their stay in hospital and helping speed up their recovery.
Using feedback from tasting by patients organised in conjunction with a special group set up with the help Leeds Involvement Network (LINk), the new menu has been devised using the most popular, tasty and nutritious dishes from all three suppliers. Numerous Trust staff including nurses, dieticians, therapists and ward housekeepers have also been involved in advising on the changes.
“Patient involvement has been key to this and we have had fantastic support from LINk, who help us with regular patient surveys and have come up with some really positive suggestions to help improve the quality and variety of food. This has included the hot breakfast idea and improvements at lunchtime with the move to a more bistro-style menu offering more choice.
Each year the Trust spends around £2.2 million on patient food, of which around £1.2 million covers the cost of the preprepared dishes which are heated and
“We have worked really hard with our suppliers to improve the taste of food while maintaining its nutritional value. By asking patients to vote for the most popular dishes
and putting these on the menu we also are hoping to cut waste and thus get the most out of every penny we spend. “We believe this is the first time a hospital trust has negotiated a deal with three companies at the same time, as it is more usual to have a single supplier for this type of product. Feedback on the range of meals available has been really good and we are hoping the meals will prove popular with all our patients.” Alongside the new menu the Trust will continue to offer special food choices to suit a variety of dietary needs as well as multi-cultural menus based on the needs of particular religious and ethnic groups. In conjunction with improvements to the food, more convenient same-day ordering is being developed so patients can make a choice that morning using an electronic menu provided at the bedside. There also remains a focus on using locallysourced products wherever possible to support business in the area and reduce food miles. This applies to items including bread, milk and ice cream.
Service with a smile: Ward housekeepers Amy Moody and Lisa Paull.
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Speaking out: Pudsey MP, Stuart Andrew, addresses the demonstration.
Children’s heart campaign marches on If NHS decision-makers thought it would be easy to close the children’s heart surgery unit at Leeds General Infirmary, they were wrong. The campaign against a decision in early July recommending ending children’s heart surgery in Leeds by 2014 as part of national review prompted a rally in July, attended by an estimated 3000 people, who marched through Leeds city centre. On the march were many of our staff deeply concerned about the plans and the implications for patients from the Yorkshire region.
The Joint Committee of Primary Care Trusts, chaired by ex-Chief Executive of LTHT Sir Neil McKay, have been looking to reduce the number of children’s heart surgery centres nationally to concentrate clinical expertise. In the north this is currently provided in Leeds, Newcastle and Liverpool.
Making their point: Staff from the unit take a stand outside the Civic Hall.
Protesters at the rally included a united front of MPs and councillors, parents, staff and friends of the unit. Speaking outside the Civic Hall in Leeds, MP Stuart Andrew echoed the views of the crowd when he said “Think about the children. How are families going to be able to travel to Newcastle. It’s simply not right and it’s not fair.” Whilst staff at the rally pointed to the years of experience that would be lost if the unit closed, parents and families held banners with the slogans “We shall not be moved”, “Save our Surgery” and “Don’t break my heart”. Concluding the event, Sharon Cheng of the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund said, “After 18 months of campaigning this is an important milestone. I am very proud to be walking alongside protesters today. Thank you to everyone for your support.” The march was organised to coincide with a visit by Neil McKay to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, which took place the next day. As a result of the meeting, councillors called for the decision to be referred to the Secretary of State for Health, Andrew Lansley for an independent review.
Overwhelming response: Some of the thousands of supporters who came along to demand the service stays open.
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For regular updates or to donate to the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund please visit www.chsf.org.uk
“Disease detectives” reveal their secrets
As part of the National Year of Pathology, the Trust’s histopathology team have been lifting the lid on their secret world of detection, hosting displays in the Bexley Wing atrium and Thackray Museum.
Visitors had the opportunity to look at a “powerwall” bank of screens which enlarge the views of tissues normally seen under a microscope, and watch a video showing the process tests and specimens go through once they arrive at the hospital. Staff were on hand to answer questions and share their knowledge. Consultant histopathologist Dr Sam Chilka, commented: “Patients and the public often know very little about the tests that are absolutely vital to getting a quick diagnosis of a problem and recommending the correct treatment.
I’m a Scientist - Get Me Out of Here!! It has been a busy summer for Dr Sam Chilka, who also recently entered ‘I’m a Scientist, Get me out of here!’, an online event where school students get to meet and interact with scientists.
Zooming in: Looking at samples using the powerwall.
“Supporting our work is a team of biomedical scientists who prepare hundreds of samples every day.”
“In the Bexley Wing we have 35 consultant histopathologists who examine tissue samples to diagnose, for example, a particular form of cancer as quickly as possible and then work with other specialists to recommend the best form of treatment. Supporting our work is a team of biomedical scientists who prepare hundreds of samples every day.
“While the public perception of pathology is often around solving murders, as seen on crime programmes, in hospitals we are more like the disease detectives, examining samples and pinpointing the exact cause of a patient’s particular health problem.
“We hope that by hosting these displays we have demonstrated the effort that goes on behind the scenes to help patients from Leeds and across the region with cancer and other serious diseases. Histopathology is really the hidden science that saves lives.”
Sharing knowledge: (L-r) Caroline Green, specialist biomedical scientist, Dr Patricia Harnden, Head of department, Dr Sam Chilka, Consultant histopathologist, Sue Cossins, National histopathology training school administrator and Dr Judy Wyatt, Consultant histopathologist.
He explained: “It seemed like an exciting and worthwhile way to communicate with school pupils, and hopefully enthuse them about science. The scientists were placed in various “zones” based on their area of specialisation. I was in the pathology zone along with 4 others. “The students could post questions within a particular zone or to an individual scientist, and the scientists would attempt to answer the questions. This was not done in “real time” but was more like an email conversation. The questions in the pathology zone were by no means confined to pathology, but could be about just about any topic in science - the environment, space and the universe, animal biology - or about what we liked about science and what inspired us.” In addition there were scheduled 30 minute “live chats” with schools. This was done in real time – students posted questions and the scientists had to try to answer them immediately as fully as possible. Sam added: “This was not easy as the questions came thick and fast, and none of us could answer every question, but it was great fun interacting with students in this way, and gave me a real insight into what their understanding of science was. “Many of the questions were thoughtprovoking, some were plain silly, and everything in between, but it was good to answer them and try to help their understanding.” Students could then vote for the scientists, and during the final week the scientists with the fewest votes were evicted one per day until there was a winner on the final day. Sam finished a creditable second overall.
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New therapy service for stroke patients An innovative computer therapy service that will provide extra support to people with communication difficulties following a stroke has been launched by our Speech and Language Therapists.
Towering achievement: Christopher celebrates after reaching the Eiffel Tower.
Cycle ride is tale of two cities Specialist registrar for Haematology, Christopher Parrish, took part in a gruelling four-day cycle ride from London to Paris in July to raise money for the Haemophilia Society – a national charity for people with bleeding disorders. As part of the Society’s ‘Haem Team’, Christopher joined doctors and nurses from across the country for the ride. They arrived in Paris in time to attend the 50th World Federation of Haemophilia Congress, where doctors, scientists, healthcare workers, patients and haemophilia organisations from all over the world gather to learn about the latest advances in research and treatment and to discuss ways of improving life for people who face the daily challenge of living with these disorders.
About a third of people who have had a stroke have aphasia, a communication disorder that affects speech, understanding, reading and writing. It is recommended that they receive in excess of two hours of speech and language therapy a week. Computer therapy uses specially designed software that can be used at home to aid their recovery and allow them to take more control over their therapy, and the amount they practise. There are several software packages to choose from, all of which deliver a structured programme of speech and language therapy exercises. Helen Kasher, LTHT Speech and Language Therapist, said: “Research into the benefits of computer therapy is very encouraging. A recent pilot study found that on average the participant with aphasia spent 25 hours using the computer on their own, and that this had a more beneficial effect on speech than not using the computer. Previous research has also demonstrated improvements in speech and writing through the use of computer therapy.” New computer therapy groups are run at Chapel Allerton Hospital by Helen and Speech and Language Therapy Assistant,
Rebecca Walker. They provide a supported introduction to the technology, and computer therapy sessions in a small group environment. People are referred there from all over Leeds. Helen commented: “After up to six weeks in this group, the person will then be provided with software to use at home. It is hoped the service will also be able to loan laptops to people who do not have one. At home, the software can be used daily, providing intensive speech and language practice.” “It is also possible to analyse and update the exercises for that person over the internet. It’s both time saving and cost effective as it reduces the need for some face to face speech and language therapy. The new service coincides with the launch of a new charity in Yorkshire, SpeakwithIT that was formed to support the use of computer therapy for people who have aphasia. The aim is to bring technology to those who need it and to help them acquire the resources that will aid them restore their confidence and ability to communicate with others. For further information about the computer therapy service in Leeds, contact Helen Kasher or Rebecca Walker on 2064495.
Christopher said: “Part of the purpose of the bike ride was to raise public awareness of these widely misunderstood conditions, so I hoped we helped raise the profile.” Patient and cyclist, 23 year-old Alex Dowsett, is an enthusiastic Haem Team fan. “I take my hat off to them,” he said. “It’s in aid of an excellent cause that is very close to my heart, and believe me, London to Paris is no walk in the park.” Despite living with severe haemophilia, Alex started bicycle racing at the age of 13 and went on to become the European Under-23 time trial champion and won Silver at the Commonwealth Games. “My experience with cycling has shown me that haemophilia needn’t hold you back,” he said.
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Computer therapy: Helen Kasher, Speech and language therapist, with patient Harry Bates.
Packing her bags: Lucy is pictured with colleague Claire Jobe from the children’s radiotherapy service.
Children’s radiographer Lucy wins top award to head “down under” A Bexley Wing radiographer who specialises in cancer treatment for children and young adults has won a prestigious award for a research trip to help improve the quality of life for youngsters from across the Yorkshire region undergoing radiotherapy. Lucy Hume is one of a small team who are dedicated to helping children and young adults undergo often prolonged radiotherapy treatment for cancer in the least stressful way possible. She is the hospital’s first specialist paediatric radiographer, a post created in 2010 and jointly funded by the charity Candlelighters. Lucy and her colleagues already use play and distraction as central to their work, allowing children to bring favourite toys along to treatment sessions and organising play sessions to familiarise youngsters with the complex linear accelerators which deliver life-saving treatment. Staff also organise parties and dressing up sessions to make the hospital visit as much fun as possible for their patients. The Leeds team have been working hard recently to reduce the number of youngsters who need a general anaesthetic before undergoing treatment as a result of being
anxious and unable to keep still during radiotherapy. A general anaesthetic increases the risk to the child, takes more time during the procedure and also means recovery after each session is slower, and can interrupt a young person’s education if they are having multiple treatments. It was with this in mind that Lucy applied for the Society of Radiographers’ annual Arthur Kay radiotherapy award, a travel bursary worth £3,300 which is awarded annually to a radiographer who wants to travel to learn new techniques which can benefit patient care and then share their knowledge with colleagues across the UK. Lucy explained: “Earlier this year I met some Australian radiographers at an event in Birmingham who were talking about the work they have pioneered in developing distraction strategies to help children and young adults cope better with their treatment. “We already do quite a lot but they told me about the fantastic methods they use for distraction, using play, music and modern
technology. This can be anything from balloon therapy to reward days and making music DVDs with the young patients. “I decided to put in a bid for the Arthur Kay radiotherapy award and I was absolutely delighted to win. Learning from other centres and sharing good practice should help make a real difference to outcomes for patients here in Leeds and across the country.” Lucy’s trip will take her to the hospital which has pioneered this work, the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne, to see their techniques in action and to share the Leeds experience with colleagues in Australia. Also on the trip she will visit two other centres “down under” that are adopting the MacCallum techniques - the Westmead Hospital in Sydney, and the Canterbury Regional Cancer and Blood Service in nearby New Zealand. On her return to Leeds, Lucy will be sharing her experiences through a regional network of colleagues and at a national conference early next year.
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Mobile breast s back home in M
The mobile breast screening se celebrating securing a new hom Morley, after a long time away f Community discussions involving the Trust, constituency MP Ed Balls and local businesses have resulted in this successful outcome for thousands of women who depend on the service. Mr Balls recently visited the service to see for himself the new location and meet some of the staff who undertake this vital work. Deborah Clayton, the Superintendant Radiographer in charge of the Leeds and Wakefield Breast Screening Service, commented: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be back in Morley and know how much our presence in the town means to local women who rely on us for the reassurance of regular screening. Proud moment: Gareth is presented with his award by Dr Stephen Davies, President of the British Institute of Radiology.
Gareth wins top investigative award LGI Medical Physicist, Gareth Iball picked up the prestigious award of Young Investigator of the Year. Gareth was singled out by the British Institute of Radiology for the accolade, awarded through its publication, the British Journal of Radiology. No stranger to success, Gareth is a previous winner of a Young Enterprise Fellowship for his work to develop an innovative new product to better protect pregnant women and their unborn child while they undergo CT scans.
“It’s a great honour and I am very pleased my paper was singled out by the judges.” Instead of the usual lead apron, Gareth came up with the idea of a purposedesigned shield to better protect the pregnancy “bump”, providing more protection from harmful radiation as well as being more comfortable to wear. Since then, the product has been launched commercially in the UK and Europe, and Gareth has been very pleased at the
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positive feedback from hospitals which have started using his invention. In the longer term it is hoped the company producing it will extend availability to North America. As part of the original Fellowship, Gareth undertook a series of research projects to assess the opinions of radiographers globally about lead shielding as well as test the product here in Leeds and carry out work using a patient “phantom” to compare doses using no protection, the conventional apron, and the new product, proving its effectiveness. It was one of the resulting papers, published in the highly respected British Journal of Radiography, which resulted in the award for Gareth. “I was very surprised to hear I’d won as the paper was written some time before and I’d completely forgotten I was eligible for the award,” he said. “It’s a great honour and I am very pleased my paper was singled out by the judges. Winning the Fellowship was a great help in allowing me the time and opportunity to gain this knowledge and expertise.”
Help in store: Mr Balls with Deborah Clayton and P patient representatives.
Red Cross partnership The British Red Cross has launched a new service, based at Leeds General Infirmary, which offers flexible short-term support to people as they make the transition to their own homes after a spell in hospital. The Home from Hospital service is for people aged 60+ in North and West Leeds who have had recent orthopedic or muscularskeletal treatment. It aims to help them live with dignity and as independently as possible in their home, while preventing unnecessary hospital admissions and re-admissions. The Red Cross works with beneficiaries, signposting them to neighbourhood networks and
screening Morley
ervice run by the Trust has been me in the car park of Asda in from the town. “Our service is so important in identifying any abnormalities which could be a warning sign of the onset of breast cancer. We hope the new central location will mean more women take up our invitation to be screened, improving the breast cancer detection rate and thus the health of ladies in Morley and the surrounding area. “We can’t thank Asda enough for their generosity in allowing us to use part of their car park for this and future visits, for the speed with which they have moved to make this happen, and for even paying to install the water and electric points we need. “We are also extremely grateful to Mr Balls for his support and assistance in what has been a really good example of community co-operation.”
Team effort: The Diabetes in Pregnancy team celebrate their success.
MPs honour maternity team Leeds Maternity service staff beat off competition from across the UK to win the ”Multi-disciplinary Team of the Year” award, presented to them at the Houses of Parliament in July. The Diabetes in Pregnancy team is made up of consultant leads in diabetes, obstetricians, specialist nurses, dieticians and midwives, all of whom provide pre-pregnancy counselling and expertise to women with diabetes throughout their pregnancy.
Phyllis Moffat from the service, plus Asda and
other agencies to ensure they are supported after they have recovered from treatment. Typical help includes providing companionship with a walk, assistance with shopping or a social activity, help with any form filling, collecting prescriptions, dealing with post, and much more. If you think you are the kind of person to get a buzz from helping others in your community or if you know someone who has had a recent stay in hospital and could do with some additional support at home, then the British Red Cross would love to hear from you. They are based on Ward L37 at Leeds General Infirmary or call 0113 392 5799 or email bmabey@redcross.org.uk
“The team has worked hard to develop the service for patients and it is wonderful to see it recognised.” A representative from the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Maternity (APPGM) who presented the award, said: “This excellent multi-disciplinary team works in partnership with service users and appropriate agencies, supporting women and their families to ensure and encourage optimal health prior to pregnancy and throughout childbirth.” “They are providing a robust and
sensitive service that is of great benefit and is an inspiration to other Trusts.” Julie Scarfe, Head of Midwifery, said: “We were extremely proud to win this award. The team has worked hard to develop the service for patients and it is wonderful to see it recognised.” The team picked up the award from the Secretary of State for Health, Andrew Lansley, at a summer reception party to celebrate and recognise the hard work and dedication of maternity services across England.
Proud winners: The team receive the award from Secretary of State for Health, Andrew Lansley.
If you have an interesting news story for Bulletin, or if you or one of your colleagues would like to feature in a future 60 Seconds, please contact Suzanne Breen in the Communications team on ext 66494 or email suzanne.breen@leedsth.nhs.uk.
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Racing ahead: A patriotically attired Janice Colbeck hosts her donkey derby, with Stacey Hunter, Divisional General Manager, pitted against Pudsey MP Stuart Andrew.
Patient voice: Betty Smithson from Leeds LINk addresses the event.
Jubilee event celebrates older people’s care “Older people need to be treated as individuals; with care compassion and respect”. This was one of the most significant comments on a graffiti wall posted by patients, staff and visitors during the Older People’s Care Summit, held at St James’s in June. The event, which was aptly themed to coincide with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, was organised by Divisional Nurse for medicine, Al Sheward, and Matron Alison Raycraft, and began with a series of lectures by specialists in elderly medicine. In an opening presentation, Chief Nurse, Ruth Holt, reflected the Royal College of Nursing’s focus on dignity at the heart patient care. Consultant Eileen Burns discussed the challenges of an ageing population for healthcare professionals and talked of the need for integrated services. Meanwhile Betty Smithson, a representative of Leeds Involvement Network (LINk), gave a positive and moving account of
her experience as a recent patient at St James’s. Al Sheward said the event had met its aim of bringing key people together to air their views: “I was keen to create a high profile session where anyone with an interest in older people’s care could celebrate the services we currently provide and inform ways to develop them in the future,” he said. In addition to the seminars, a host of organisations including Age UK, Carers Leeds and WRVS, all set up promotional stands in Gledhow reception. Unsurprisingly, it was the Donkey Derby, organised by Clinical Site Manager Janice Colbeck that seemed to attract the most attention.
Positive attitude: Volunteers from the WRVS stand.
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The work to develop an older people’s strategy for the Trust is ongoing and anyone who would like to contribute to the project should contact Alison Raycraft, who is organising a regular forum to encourage staff participation. If you are interested in supporting Age UK why not enter a team to join Al Sheward in the Leeds City Dash (10km) on November 18th where he and fellow colleagues will be raising funds for the LTHT Leeds Centre for Older People. Further details from alan.sheward@leedsth.nhs.uk or www.ageuk.org.uk.
Having a say: The graffiti wall at the Older People’s Care Summit.
Pioneering scheme gives beauty help for cancer patients In a ground-breaking initiative, The Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre at St James’s has been chosen to pilot a unique cancer patient care programme. If successful, this programme will roll out to the rest of the country. “Linda’s Great Lengths” hair loss support workshops have been created by cancer patient, Linda Mayhew, in association with the National Cancer Action Team. They are designed to improve patient experience and care. The workshops bring patients, their families and carers together with experts to give them advice on managing hair loss as well as support in choosing the perfect wig. They will also cover getting their wigs trimmed and personalised, plus scarf-tying and head covering demonstrations and advice from beauty experts on eyebrow and eyelash replacement. With two pilot workshops successfully completed, the team at the centre have officially launched what will now be a monthly patient care scheme. The launch event was attended by The National Cancer Action
is so important. “The workshops have been developed to compliment the Trust’s existing hair loss services. The hair loss support workers at The Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre are great examples of how existing services can be enhanced through the workshop experience. It was clear that both patients and carers got a lot from the workshop, which we are proud to have been part of.”
Supporting patients: Krystina Kozlowska, Lead cancer nurse, Sadie Smith, Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre Manager, Linda Mayhew, cancer patient and workshop founder, Paula Lloyd-Knight, Associate Director of National Cancer Action Team.
Team’s Associate Director, Paula Lloyd-Knight, and workshop founder, Linda Mayhew. Paula commented; “NCAT are pleased to have supported the piloting of these workshops.
Seeing the patient as a whole person is extremely important, which is why patients and carers having access to hair loss workshops at different points of their patient journey
Centre manager, Sadie Smith, added; “We are very lucky in Leeds having the Macmillan Hair Loss Support Services with two qualified wig fitters and hair dressers that can support patients experiencing hair loss due to cancer treatments. The workshop has enabled us to provide a fantastic level of patient and carer support in a different format with the valuable additions of practical head covering and eyebrow and eyelash advice.”
Nurses make golden return to LGI Thirteen nurses who started their training back in 1962 returned to the LGI 50 years on. They were greeted at the Great George Street entrance by Trust nurses Jerry Masterson and Nigel Franks. They were quick to point out that in their days of stern discipline and starched collars under the watchful eye of Matron, they were not permitted to use that entrance. The visit was organized by Kathleen Hall, who was one of the original group. Many of the former nurses had not met each other since their last day in 1965, so it was a doubly nostalgic visit. On the way to the Old Nurses Home, where they had lived during their training, the ladies reminisced about the experiences they shared all those years ago, including the need for evening passes to go into the city, Matron using a ruler to measure hemlines of skirts and of course the strict rule that no men
were allowed in their living quarters! Over lunch, they browsed over a borrowed two-volume history of the LGI from 1868-1965 written by Dr Anning, a Physician the ladies remembered from their days at the hospital. More recent images included staff that the ladies had known in their student days. After lunch the ladies went to G Floor of Jubilee Wing to admire the panoramic view of the old and new LGI. Some of the ladies bravely volunteered to join Nigel on a subterranean tour of Brotherton Wing and others opted for reliving the terror of waiting outside Matron’s office and not wearing a clean apron. After looking through the now-locked doors of the old ward 38 it was time to bid goodbye and look forward to an evening meal together in Leeds. Kathleen said: “We had a wonderful day thanks to Jerry and Nigel. Everyone enjoyed the lunch and tour around the hospital, old and new.”
Former LGI nurses on the staircase of the Old Nurses Home.
The nurses photographed on the same staircase at the end of their training in 1965.
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Display puts neonatal patients in the picture The neonatal unit at LGI has a new-look to its entrance thanks to the donation of a series of inspirational pictures designed to help parents whose babies are being cared for in the facility. Otley mum Helen Jackson, whose son Thomas was cared for in the unit nearly two years ago, was joined for the unveiling by model and TV presenter Danielle O’Hara, who herself has had a premature baby. The event was organised by the Bliss Leeds Family Support Group. Bliss provides invaluable services and share the aim to provide support to parents and families ensuring that vulnerable babies not only survive but go on to have the best possible quality of life. To say thank you for the care they received and to inspire others, Helen and other mums of the Leeds Bliss support group decided to do a photo shoot of all their babies who were born at Leeds General Infirmary. Helen said: “The idea came about when I was looking at pictures parents had sent in over the years of their premature babies and how they have progressed. I discussed it with other mums from the Bliss support group and we felt we would have all taken much comfort in a display like this at the hospital. I am so pleased Danielle took time out to come
New look: Celebrity model Danielle O’Hara with families from the Bliss Leeds Support Group. Inset: Uplifting environment: Lead nurse Jacky Riley, with Helen Jackson and her son Thomas in front of the new photos.
along to present the photos for the newly decorated corridor, as this is something that is so close to her heart.”
been through our unit will hopefully be a really uplifting experience for future families who need our care and expertise.”
Yvette Bartlett, Matron for neonatal services added: “We are so grateful to Bliss for all the work they do with us, and Helen’s idea of using photographs of real babies who have
The display was made possible by generous support from sponsors Walker Morris, Leeds as well as Littlepixles Photography and The Art Works, Otley.
Bikers roar into LGI Three motorcyclists from the national brachial plexus support group were warmly greeted by staff at the LGI as they dropped in for refreshments on their cross country ride from John O’ Groats to Lands End. Neil Finney, Ed Barnes, and Kevin Small stopped at treatment centres across the UK as part of an awareness and fundraising campaign. Physiotherapy staff at the LGI made home-made buns and cakes which they sold on the day, donating the proceeds to the group. Leeds is a nationally renowned centre for brachial plexus surgery and rehabilitation. In adults, this type of injury is common amongst motorcyclists who have had a significant trauma. It is a condition that affects the complex set of nerves that control the muscles of the fingers, hand, arm, and shoulder. It can be a life changing condition requiring plenty of support for those affected.
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Raising awareness: Neil Finney, Ed Barnes, and Kevin Small from the brachial plexus support group with staff at the LGI.
Happy retirement to long-serving staff We would like to send our best wishes to everyone who retired from the Trust over the last few months, particularly some of our longest serving retirees. These include: Margaret Rowley, Medical secretary, has worked at the Trust for an impressive 37 years. Friends and colleagues turned out to wish her well at a retirement party at Wharfedale Hospital where she worked.
Bridget Montague retired from her post as Transplant Immunology laboratory manager in the Pathology Department after more than 30 years at the Trust. Sister Cath Gallagher who retired from Accident & Emergency at LGI after 37 years service.
Staff nurse on J92 (Gastroenterology) in Bexley Wing, Mary Garner, retired after 40 years service in the NHS. Colleagues said she would be remembered for her kindness and humanity towards patients, her strong positive attitude, and her attention to detail regarding documentation. Staff nurse on Ward 24, Gynaecology Assessment Unit, at St James’s, Patsy Lee, retired after more than 40 years.
Her retirement party was attended by Pathology colleagues from across the region who presented her with lifetime honorary membership to the British Society of Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics. Colleagues spoke about the massive contribution she had made in her field.
Mo Manuels, staff nurse on Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, retired after 37 years. Mo completed her training in 1975 and began work at Killingbeck Hospital the following day before later moving to LGI. Wendy Smith, Ward housekeeping supervisor, retired after 35 years at the Trust. Wendy worked at Killingbeck Hospital, Jubilee Wing, and spent the last 8 years in Clarendon Wing.
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Heart surgeon shares his diagnosis for more efficient and patient-centred care Work by a Trust surgeon to develop and successfully implement a radical new process for fully assessing the needs of patients before admission has attracted national attention as a way of both improving patient care and delivering savings. Mr David O’Regan, consultant cardiothoracic surgeon in the Yorkshire Heart Centre, recently presented his work at the national QIPP challenge event in Manchester to an influential audience of clinicians and managers from across the country. QIPP – Quality, Innovation, Productivity and Prevention – is a large scale transformational programme which aims to improve the quality of care the NHS delivers nationally while making up to £20 billion of efficiency savings by 2014-15, which will be reinvested in frontline care. The “POP clinic” pre-admission process designed by Mr O’Regan delivers overall savings of around £130,000 every year, principally by significantly reducing the number of bed days his patients spend in hospital as well as by substituting operations to improve efficiencies. Since it started it has saved nearly £1.5 million and saved over 2000 bed days. This has been achieved with improved clinical outcomes, lower than average readmission rates, and extremely good feedback from patients and staff working within the team.
“Patients then choose a date for surgery and we also set a discharge date at the same time, so they can make plans for their stay just as they would for any other service in the commercial world, for example booking a flight and a holiday.” The process also involves patients who have already undergone surgery in coming along to pre-admission clinics for new patients. They wear a “smiley face” badge to indicate
“The aim is to bring all the actors together at the start of the pathway, with one point of entry to the process.” who they are and that they are happy to talk, meaning our patients get the benefit of hearing first hand from others who have been through the process, which provides important reassurance. Sarah Hartley, Mr O’Regan’s secretary, feels the clinic has helped create better personal job satisfaction through interaction with patients and them feeling more confident about the process. “I feel the
worst part of my job as a secretary is when I have to cancel patients for one reason or another,” she said. “The Pop-in clinic has made this a lot easier. Patients are more relaxed about the change, they have seen the consultant and ward staff and are reassured. On the other hand, when I need to bring a patient’s admission dates forward they are not put into a blind panic - as they are fully prepared, having had everything explained to them in the clinic.” The model was developed by Mr O’Regan from an MBA thesis he completed in 2005, and has been refined since then to take into account changing circumstances such as a more complex case-mix. The process has been extensively audited at all stages to assess clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction as well as the savings which come out of patients spending less time in hospital as a result of all the work undertaken to ensure they are ready for surgery when they are admitted. It is hoped the model will be rolled out with new colleagues of Mr O’Regan in the Yorkshire Heart Centre, and that some of the lessons learned here in Leeds can also help improve patient care nationally.
The key to the process is co-ordinating care across organisational and professional boundaries by maximising the input of the multi-disciplinary team who see the patient, involving the consultant surgeon together with a junior doctor, rehab, ward and OP ward nurses, an anaesthetist and ITU representative, plus social services. This includes management of the patients’ risk - with input from a dietician, physiotherapist and pharmacist, lifestyle and smoking advice, to ensure as much as possible has been considered prior to admission, and empowering the patient to feel involved in the process and confident they have met the whole team who will be treating them. At the same time follow-up needs are identified which means the process can continue smoothly after discharge. Mr O’Regan explained: “The aim is to bring all the actors together at the start of the pathway, with one point of entry to the process. This means patients don’t get admitted until everyone involved - including the patient - is confident that everything is sorted and surgery can proceed.
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Sharing expertise: Mr O’Regan with his presentation.
Party time: Patients on ward J30 in Beckett Wing.
Best of British: Staff and patients mark the special day on J50 in Lincoln Wing.
Flags fly for Diamond Jubilee Bunting and flags were flying high on wards across the Trust in June as staff and patients celebrated the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty The Queen. One of the notable events was on Ward J50 in Lincoln Wing, which marked the historic milestone by holding a tea party during afternoon visiting hours. Staff brought in Jubilee cakes and buns and decorated the ward with red, white and blue bunting. A selection of music from the Queen’s long reign was on in the background and patients
and visitors talked about their memories of events right back to the Coronation, and reminisced about years gone by. Helen Bennett, Sister on Ward J50 said: “We asked our patients if they wanted to mark the occasion and the overwhelming response was ‘yes’. We had a fantastic day and it was a great opportunity to raise everyone’s spirits.” A similar celebration took place on Ward J30 in Beckett Wing where tables were set out like a street party. The Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre also took part in the Jubilee celebrations, throwing
Royal knees-up: Celebrations underway at the Robert Ogden Centre.
a special party with tea and cakes so visitors could enjoy watching some of the London pageantry on TV in a social setting. Staff restaurants were also
decorated with bunting and offered special Jubilee menus to mark the occasion for the many staff who worked keeping services functioning as normal during the long weekend.
Phlebotomists show their support A team of phlebotomists raised over £1,600 for cancer research by running the Leeds 10k Race for Life in support of their colleague Sue Nightingale who is battling breast cancer. Phlebotomist, Louise Neofytou, who started the challenge, said: “Sue is known for her fundraising efforts by doing regular raffles and tombolas for the Breast Unit at LGI. This time we decided to take the challenge for her, in her honour.” “Word got around quickly and 22 people ended up running the race. Sue is currently in treatment and we have been visiting her with updates on how much has been raised so far.”
Caring colleagues: Phlebotomists from LGI, St James’s, Chapel Allerton and Seacroft Hospitals and supporters at the Leeds 10k Race for Life at Temple Newsam.
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Spanish lessons The Trust’s organ donation team welcomed three organ donor co-ordinators from the Vall d’Hebron University Hospital in Barcelona to Leeds to discuss a joint research project. The Vall d’Hebron is the second largest hospital in Spain and has a similar organ donor service to that in Leeds. The visitors attended a meeting to discuss a possible research study into approaches and consent for organ donation, and then went on a tour of the Trust’s critical care areas. Catherine Jordan, Specialist Nurse for Organ Donation at LTHT, said: “It is an exciting development for us and very useful to be able share practice and ideas with colleagues in a similarly sized organisation.” The research study is being developed by The University of Leeds. Members of the Leeds team visited the hospital in Barcelona earlier this year.
Sharing knowledge: Catherine Jordan, Specialist Nurse for Organ Donation and Denise Chappell, Senior sister in ICU with the visitors.
Team effort improves viewing for dialysis patients A 26-strong team of kidney patients, consultants, transplant co-ordinators, nurses, renal dieticians, relatives and friends joined together to run the Leeds 10K to raise money for the Trust’s renal dialysis centres. The aim was to raise enough to replace the existing televisions in the centres to keep up with the digital changeover.
On screen: (l-r) Paul Taylor, KPA secretary, Catherine Fernandez, KPA committee member, and Ian Cundell, KPA treasurer.
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Ian Cundell, Treasurer of the St James’s Kidney Patients Association (KPA), who organised the fundraising feat, said: “We didn’t know how many would be required or the cost but decided that we would form a team to participate in the Jane
Tomlinson, Leeds Run for All 10K to raise sponsorship. “Despite the adverse weather conditions, everybody in the team finished the race and enjoyed the experience spurred on with the knowledge of good causes they were running for. “We raised £5,130, enough to buy 31 new televisions for the renal dialysis units at Halifax, Beeston, Seacroft and three wards in Lincoln Wing. Our aim was also to raise public awareness of the organ donor register by wearing striking team t-shirts with slogans on the day.” Installation of the televisions was provided by the LTHT Charitable Trust and they are all now in use and being enjoyed by dialysis patients.
Team effort: Some of those taking part in the exercise on the day.
Kitted out: Full protective gear was deployed so staff could safely help casualties turning up outside the hospital.
Hospital staff respond to chemical incident exercise The Trust’s response to an emergency situation was tested again over the Summer. On a chilly morning in June staff and volunteers took part in a live decontamination exercise called “Green Giant 2 - The Sequel”.
It was the second live exercise of its type at the Trust, with the first one held at St James’s last September. The purpose of the exercises is to test Emergency Department decontamination plans and procedures in the event of a major incident. The scenario involved a mock up of a serious road traffic accident involving a HGV vehicle carrying a harmful substance – acrylamide - which fractured causing a chemical spill at Headingley, close to the LGI. In response, decontamination equipment which would be used in a real emergency was tested in a realistic scenario. Around 22 willing volunteers including two children agreed to play the part of “contaminated” casualties. They were covered in flour and given “casualty scripts” with details of their injuries and condition and simulated the type of panicky behaviour that would be typical of this type of real-life incident. Sharon Scott, Resilience Manager, said: “I want to
thank everyone who volunteered their time for this exercise – our staff, their families, nursing and medical students and West Yorkshire Police. All of the “casualties” really got into their role and played the parts of worried, upset, and injured public extremely well. “These live exercises are so important in helping us test our responses. In the event of an incident of this nature it is essential that we are able to respond quickly to secure the hospital, so that hospital staff, patients, visitors and the hospital itself does not become contaminated, and set up the equipment necessary to remove harmful substances fast and effectively from contaminated casualties. “Many more valuable lessons have been learnt which will be used to improve and strengthen organisational resilience.” The day was observed by the Trust’s partners from the Police, Fire and Rescue Service, Yorkshire Ambulance Service and the Health Protection Agency.
Keeping a log: Staff in protective gear register details as patients arrive.
Leading to safety: A volunteer playing a blind person caught up in the incident is led into the hospital after decontamination.
Joint working: Police colleagues talk to a casualty who has undergone decontamination.
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Brain-injured man reunited with Leeds legend An ex-patient who sustained a devastating brain injury in a road traffic accident in 1982 had an emotional reunion with the Leeds United legend who visited him in his coma 30 years ago. In loving memory: Mrs Holmes and family hand over a cheque to Professor Julian Scott at the LGI.
Generous donation The family of ex-patient Mr David Holmes has donated £5200 to vascular research to say thanks for the care he received over a 15 year period.
Richard Sharp who was just 19 at the time was left in a coma for six weeks after an accident on Dewsbury Road. The family of Richard who was an avid Leeds United fan decided to contact the club to ask if some of the players would record a message of support. Richard’s father, Michael, was invited to the training ground the very next day where he recorded a message from the players including John Lukic, Eddie Gray, Paul Hart and the manager, Allan Clarke. Allan went one step further and visited
Richard at the LGI while he was still in his coma. Following his visit, Richard began to pull slowly out of his coma. For the past 30 years, Richard has been rebuilding his life, with support from his family and Headway Leeds, part of the national charity that works to improve life after brain injury. He still requires support with everyday tasks and has problems with his mobility and relies on a wheelchair to help him get around. To mark the 30-year anniversary of the accident, Richard and Allan were reunited at the LGI in May this year, to the delight of him and his family. Headway – the UK’s leading brain injury charity – provides support, services and information to brain injury survivors, their families and carers, as well as to professionals in the health and legal fields.
Mr Holmes was cared for by Professor Julian Scott who became a good friend over the period of his illness. Prof Scott said: “David underwent multiple vascular operations including an open abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery. Despite this he always conveyed a beaming smile, positive attitude and an amazing ability to recovery. He remained active as a part time farmer until the last few months of his life when it became impossible to work. “It is a tribute to David that his family have generously given money for use within vascular research in Leeds and in particular the Leeds Aneurysm Development Study which has recruited over 770 patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms and 550 ‘normal’ controls.” Mrs Holmes, her son Gary, and grandson Nathan were present as the cheque was handed over to Prof Scott in Surgical Outpatients, Brotherton Wing at the LGI.
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Emotional re-union: Richard meeting ex Leeds United manager, Allan Clarke.
60 seconds Head of Print & Stationery, Vann Howson, is a longstanding member of staff. He has worked at the Trust for 18 years. In the office…
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What does your typical day at work involve?
I never have a typical day at the Print Unit. You never know what’s coming your way work-wise or customer requirement wise. It’s extremely interesting and diverse but can also be frustrating as you can never plan a day and actually do what you planned. Hours don’t fly by - weeks do. Running the Print Unit includes looking to source new equipment that will improve quality, improve production output and job turn-round times for our customers; production of business cases; looking for opportunities where I can bring services in-plant to help towards the Trust meeting its financial targets; liaising with external customers to income generate. We also provide a consultancy service to all our customers by providing a job specification that will give the end user the product it requires at the most competitive price. Ensuring the health and safety of my staff as the Print Unit contains several large pieces of production equipment. I’d better not list anything else or it may get boring!
Q.
How did you get to be the Head of Print & Stationery at LTHT? The company I worked at previously went into liquidation. I applied for and was successful in obtaining a job in the Supplies Department. A job then came up in the Print Unit which I wasn’t really interested in at first, but then thought . . . may as well have a chat and a look round. I found out that the Manager was due to retire in 3-4 years. I had the relevant experience and knowledge, so I thought “opportunity” and “why not” everything since then fell into place.
Q.
What’s the best thing about your job?
The diversity, no two days are ever the same.
Q.
And there must be something about your work that really frustrates you: My lack of involvement at a high enough management level to be able to bring about change in the areas that I have a significant amount of knowledge and experience in. Also the length of time it takes to make things happen.
Q.
What’s your best advice to a new starter at the Trust?
Come prepared to show commitment and work hard to the best of your ability.
Q.
What are the behaviours that are most important to you? Loyalty, team working, commitment and mutual respect.
And out of hours…
Q.
What do you do to wind down and relax after a hard day at work? I might do a bit of pottering in the garden, go to the driving range, disappear into the bath with a book. I like cooking, I usually make the evening meal (not out of a tin! I cook) but there is a reason for this - it gets me out of the cleaning. I hope my wife doesn’t read this!
Q.
If you could go anywhere this weekend, where would you go? Anywhere that’s sunny and has a fishing lake or a golf course.
Q.
You’re sitting down to your favourite meal, what’s on the menu? Scallops and chorizo followed by rib-eye steak and apple pie and ice-cream.
Q.
If you won the national lottery, what would you do?
Probably move out of this country - Cyprus maybe. Take my children and grand-children with me if I had enough cash. One thing I wouldn’t do is get bored. There are so many things I’m interested in. And unlike many who state, “I am going to continue working ... no chance!!!”
Q.
What did you want to be when you were growing up? A professional footballer.
Q.
What is your favourite film? Taken - a French thriller.
Q.
Tell us something we don’t know about you…
I’ve got 7 grand children who call me “grumpy grandad” (mainly because I don’t like Xmas and birthdays and they say I moan a lot! who me!!). I play golf and enjoy coarse fishing. I have a touring caravan which my wife and I escape to whenever we can.
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