12 minute read
Reaching the top of the world
Endoscopist climbs Mount Everest for charity
Phil Walton, Endoscopist, has climbed Mount Everest, raising money for several charities including the Countess Charity’s Blue Skies Balcony Appeal.
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Phil took on the challenge as part of Tri-4-Life, which is a group of lifelong friends that regularly tackle extreme physical feats to raise money for charity. In the past they have cycled from one side of the United States to the other, swam the English Channel and they host an annual Across Mersey Swim inviting swimmers to join them in swimming from Liverpool to the Wirral. “Climbing Mount Everest is something I’ve been dreaming about for as long as I can remember,” he said. “I’ve been climbing mountains since I was a teenager and I always like to keep challenging myself in everything I do. As part of Tri4-Life we spent years working towards this.” The expedition was entirely selffunded with every penny raised going straight to three charitable organisations: Community Action Nepal, the Wirral University Teaching Hospital Charitable Fund and the Countess Charity’s Blue Skies Balcony Appeal. It was always important to the group to give something back to the local Nepalese community, knowing how important Sherpas would be in helping them reach the world’s tallest peak. With strong NHS representation in the group, giving back to their two closest hospitals was also seen as a priority. For Phil, the Countess Charity’s Blue Skies Balcony Appeal has extra significance after he spent three months being redeployed on the Countess’ Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the start of the pandemic. The Blue Skies Balcony Appeal is aiming to build a new outdoor balcony area adjacent to ICU, making it easier for the most poorly patients to get outside and feel the fresh air during their rehabilitation.
Phil said: “Working in ICU during the first wave of COVID-19 was an extremely eye-opening and difficult experience. “It is what we train for and we knew what was required of us to treat patients, but it was also about just being there for them and their families at such a scary time. I think the Blue Skies Balcony Appeal is a really positive initiative that will make a huge difference to patients and I’m delighted we’re able to support it.”
Phil Walton at the top of Mount Everest
Countess staff have piloted a new learning disability training before it rolls out across the NHS.
The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training in Learning Disability and Autism is named after Oliver McGowan, whose death shone a light on the need for health and social care staff to have better training. A key factor of the learning is reminding health workers to always view patients as individuals, listening to and respecting the views of all those they care for. Sophie Hunter, Equality and Diversity Manager, said: “The training has been very interesting and thought provoking, with some incredibly sad examples of things that have gone wrong in the past. I know colleagues across the NHS will get a lot from this.”
The Trust’s Safeguarding and Complex Care team successfully applied to be part of the pilot and worked with provider Be Well Learning to deliver the course to 77 Countess colleagues. A number of NHS organisations took part in the trial in Autumn 2021 to determine the best way of delivering this training before it is extended to all NHS staff.
While some areas trialled online learning, the Countess tested a two-day face-to-face course, with various situations presented and discussed.
This included including a session led by Sarah Morris who shared her own experience of accessing healthcare with a learning disability. Sarah explained how appointment letters are often difficult for her to follow and visiting hospital can be stressful. Lauren Binks, Safeguarding Practitioner, said: “It’s extremely important for this training and helping patients with learning disabilities to be a top priority for all NHS organisations. I think hearing first-hand about these experiences is extremely powerful and the feedback that we’ve had is all positive.” Nikki Parry, Director of Be Well Learning, said: “As a training delivery partner for The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training Trials, having autistic people and people with a learning disability co-produce and co-deliver the training has been crucial. Learning from the expertise and lived experience of the people who receive health care services must shape the training. This will ensure staff working in health and social care have a better understanding of people’s needs, resulting in better services and improved health and wellbeing outcomes.”
“I’m sure I’m not alone in thinking that you do a fabulous job and you bring a smile to the faces of people who are probably having a bad day.”
A comment about Louis Smith, porter
“I just want to say thank you to the amazing staff @ TheCountessNHS I had hernia surgery and the care I received was absolutely amazing, staff were so happy, helpful and friendly #NHS”
A comment left on Twitter by a patient
“Looked after well. Pleasant staff. Good food, good variety. Spotless ward.” A Friends and Family Test comment
Catering scoops national award
Catering Services won ‘Hospital of the Year’ at the Hospital Caterers’ Association North West awards. The team’s desire to deliver home-made comforts and a diverse menu for a wide variety of nutritional needs was commended.
Margaret’s surprise
Facilities celebrated Margaret Kilvington after a patient’s family praised the warm compassion she showed to their loved one. A member of the team said: “Margaret loves her job and does everything she can for patients. We’re very proud of her.”
Endoscopy achieves JAG accreditation
Endoscopy achieved JAG accreditation following months of hard work and an inspection of the unit at the start of the year. Assessors were impressed by the team’s commitment to service improvement during the pandemic.
New faces on the Board
Welcome to Nicola Price, Director of People and Organisational Development; Cathy Chadwick, Chief Operations Officer; and Paul Edwards, Director of Corporate Affairs, who have all joined since our last issue.
Main entrance renovation
Although access to the hospital remains limited due to the pandemic, the hospital’s main entrance has undergone significant renovation, creating a brighter and more welcoming environment for staff and patients when they arrive at the hospital.
Non-Executive Director changes
Pam Williams has joined as a Non-Executive Director, bringing a wealth of financial and Board level experience to the team. The Trust has also said farewell to Mark Adams who finished as a Non-Executive Director on 1 March.
Blue Skies Balcony Appeal update
The Countess Charity are delighted to announce that £390,000 has been raised so far towards the Blue Sky Balcony Appeal which will build a balcony next to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) so poorly patients can be taken outside to see the blue sky and feel fresh air on their faces.
A huge thank you to everyone who has contributed including:
London Marathon Team
The Countess Charity was fortunate to have four gold bond places kindly provided by Chester Lions.
Graham O’Reilly, President of Chester Lions Club, said: “Chester Lions Club congratulates the runners on their magnificent achievements. This has been yet another in the long history of successful collaborations between Chester Lions and the Countess for the benefit of all its patients.” The four runners (Melanie and Andrew Devine, Mark Hill and Kevin Bramall) raised a fantastic £9,000 between them.
Chester Marathon
Rebecca Findlay from the Countess took on her first marathon to raise money for the appeal. Well done Rebecca!
Lunch in the City
The Countess Charity was delighted to host Lunch in the City at the beautiful Old Palace Chester in support of the Blue Skies Balcony Appeal.
This event was kindly sponsored by Law by Design, Illingworth Seddon and Haines Watts. Guests were welcomed to the impressive surroundings of Old Palace Chester for a unique lunch experience. After lunch guests heard an inspiring speech from Dr Lyndsay Cheater, Consultant Anaesthesia and Intensive Care. Dr Cheater shared her experiences of working through the pandemic and spoke about the team spirit that helped all on ICU to keep going. This event raised £4,000 for the appeal with thanks to match funding support provided by Lloyds Banking Group. Please join us for the 2022 lunch on 22 September. To get involved in any way contact the fundraising team on 01244 366240 or email coch.fundraising@nhs.net
Chester Business Club Walk 2021
The sun shone and the skies were blue for the annual Chester Business Club walk. A great day was had by everyone involved and a fantastic £1,200 was raised for the appeal. Please join us for the next walk on 18 September.
Parents benefit from new ‘bed chairs’
The Countess Charity applied successfully to the Morrisons Foundation for bed chairs for parents to use on the Children’s Unit.
David Scott, Morrisons Foundation Trustee, said: “I’m delighted that we’ve been able to support the Countess Charity with a grant of £11,966. The charity provides a vital service for patients and their families from across the whole region and I’m proud that, through the Morrisons Foundation, more families will be able to stay together with their children whilst they receive the expert care they need.” On behalf of all those that will benefit – thank you Morrisons Foundation.
Dates for your diary
Governor Elections: this year nominations for governor candidates will close on Wednesday 3 August, with voting packs being sent out to members in late August. Voting will remain open until mid-September. Annual Members’ Meeting (AMM): this year’s AMM will take place on Thursday 29 September from 4.30pm to 6pm.
Would you like to be a Governor?
Being a Governor gives you the chance to make your voice heard and shape the future of your local hospitals.
Every year Governor elections take place to elect new members to the Trust’s Council of Governors, with these positions confirmed at each Annual Members’ Meeting (AMM). There are three types of Governors at the Countess: public, staff and partnership organisation Governors. This year there are nine vacancies for public governors that will be up for election, covering Chester and Rural Cheshire; Ellesmere Port and Neston; and Flintshire. Members will be contacted with details of the nomination process and all members will get the chance to vote and decide who will represent them on the Trust’s Council of Governors.
Trust membership
Anyone nominating to be a Governor has to be a member of the Trust. Membership is open to anyone aged 16 and over living in Chester and Rural Cheshire, Ellesmere Port and Neston, Deeside or elsewhere in England and Wales.
All hospital employees become staff members when they join the organisation. The Trust is currently looking for more people from every community, age group and background to join. Trust members can expect: • Free copies of Countess Matters by email or post • Invitations to take part in surveys and discussions about services
• A vote in annual governor elections • A seat at the Annual Members’ Meeting Anyone interested in becoming a member, Governor or attending the AMM can look out for further information on our website or contact the team by emailing coch. membershipenquiriescoch@nhs.net or calling 01244364706.
ORGAN DONATION WEEK – THANKING COUNTESS STAFF
Caroline Stein, Chair of the Organ Donation Committee, took time out to thank Countess staff during Organ Donation Week.
During 2020 organ donation at the Countess resulted in seven lifechanging or life-saving transplants. Given the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, this reflects the commitment of staff at the Countess to supporting organ donation. In a message that was shared with staff and on the Trust’s website, Caroline said: “ I want to thank all the staff at the Countess who have played their part in making organ donation possible during such a difficult time. Their commitment, empathy and professionalism must be applauded.”
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