news@QEHB June 2016

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JUNE 2016

Page 7 Charity’s lifeline for families

Page 11 Initiative to promote hand washing

Pioneers hope to find key to hearing Researchers have begun work on a project which aims to test a small microphone which can be implanted directly into the middle ear of profoundly deaf patients. The team, based at University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB) have embarked on the SIME: Human Feasibility Study of an Implantable Middle Ear Microphone after securing £1.4 million NIHR funding for the next three years. The NIHR, the research arm of the NHS, funded the study after the UHB team successfully bid under its i4i (Invention for Innovation) Award programme. “We’re very excited about it because this microphone could become a key component to enhance the performance of future cochlear implants,” said Professor Phil Begg, who is leading the research. Currently those with cochlear implants have to wear bulky and unsightly external microphones on their heads which must be removed at night and are not practical for many physical activities. “There are 800,000 adults and 45,000 children in the UK who have a severe to profound hearing loss but there are only 10,000 cochlear implant users,” added Professor Begg. “The hearing implant programme here at UHB is one of the largest in the UK. What we want to do is to try to normalise life for people. “We are suggesting that fixing the

microphone in the middle ear is a much more natural position for it. “Initially, our team of world class surgeons, audiologists, researchers and scientists will use cadaveric research to make sure the microphone can be securely placed into the middle ear and test sound quality before implanting it into six patients who already have cochlear implants. “This could help transform the lives of many profoundly deaf patients across the globe and

UHB are absolutely at the cutting edge of this. The patients who work with us on this project will be pioneers.” UHB Ear, Nose and Throat consultant Richard Irving added: “This could be a significant advancement in cochlear implant technology. “We are working with cochlear implants because that’s the obvious place to start, but this technology could potentially be applicable to other hearing technologies in the future which would be much more far reaching.”

The Best in Care Awards is inspirational – that’s the mantra from the Cancer Services Team. The annual Best in Care Awards celebrate the exceptional achievements, dedication and commitment of so many at University Hospitals Birmingham. But it is not just the outstanding feats of live-saving surgery or frontline staff that receive praise. The Cancer Services Team, who work behind the scenes to co-ordinate clinical meetings and assessments to ensure cancer patients receive their treatment in a timely way, were recognised for the increasingly difficult role they perform at the 2015 ceremony.

Paul Mitchell said: “Winning a Best in Care Award means the world to us. “The team really do go the extra mile to support the clinical teams in achieving the best possible care for the patients, so to us just being nominated for an award was praise enough, however getting to go along to the ceremony and hear the lovely words that people had said about us was just fantastic. “It is a wonderful feeling to know your colleagues and the senior management teams recognise the work that you do - it is such a morale-booster and it has inspired us to achieve even more.” So if there’s an individual or a team that you feel deserves to be celebrated, show your gratitude by nominating them for one of these very special awards.

Anyone can nominate and nominating is easy. The finalists and some of those who nominate them will be invited to a glittering awards ceremony in November where the worthy winners will be announced. There are 14 categories celebrating the variety of ways staff, members, volunteers and QEHB Charity supporters contribute to providing the best in care.

Friday 20 May 10am - 3pm Atrium Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham B15 2GW

Research Showcase 2016 #UHBResearch #ICTD2016

Over 17 stands and interactive exhibit s, including:

Researching your genes to fight rare diseases and cancer The effects of electronic cigarettes

How much sugar is in your food or favourite coffee?

Professor Phil Begg, left, with Consultant Richard Irving undertaking pioneering work

Nominations close on 31 July 2016. To make your nominations complete the online nomination form www.nhs.uk/ awards, write to Best in Care Awards, Communications, University Hospitals Birmingham, Edgbaston B15 2TH or call 0121 371 6490.

Devices to spot concussion on the field

See how dance is transforming heart rehabilitation

Speak to our teams and find out how you could help shape the future of healthcare by taking part in a clinical trial

Teams have shared their innovative and inspirational work at the Trust’s annual Research Showcase. Staff from across hospital and the University of Birmingham came together to exhibit their research for a healthier lifestyle. The displays ranged from the Birmingham Liver Research Unit to lung experts showing the latest research on e-cigarettes. A demonstration from The College of Sports and Exercise Science highlighted how exercise can be done at home while another team shared findings about the challenges of developing new antibiotics. Chief Executive Dame Julie Moore, who attended the event, said: “It’s great to see the breadth and depth of the research programme here at the QEHB and the University. “There was huge interest from staff, patients and visitors who were keen to see how research can benefit them.” For a full round-up and photos from the event see July’s edition of news@QEHB.

Volunteering at QEHB Hundreds of hours are given each year by volunteers who work across the Trust. This year is the tenth anniversary of the Voluntary Services Department and there are different plans to mark the milestone. These include Volunteers Week from 6-8 June to celebrate the contribution volunteers make to the Trust and, more importantly, the patients. There will be a stand in the atrium where volunteers and department staff will be able to talk to visitors about their work. The Annual Long Service Awards for volunteers will be held on Friday June 10 – an opportunity to celebrate the commitment of individuals.

Puzzle page: Delivering theBrainteasers, best in care mind benders and more P15 Find your way around: Hospital maps P16 News@QEHB 2016_06_June.indd 1

31/05/2016 13:14


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