The Pulse Autumn 2015

Autumn 2015 | issue 8

the

Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Double Take!

Meet our twin nurses page 6 Bringing members, staff and PATIENTS the latest Trust news

Message from our

Chief Executive

New Medical Director in post

Stephen Graves

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Welcome to the Autumn edition of The Pulse magazine.

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ince the Summer edition was published we have celebrated some notable achievements that acknowledge the great work of our staff in caring for patients.

I am proud to share the news that our Trust has been rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission as a result of its follow-up inspection carried out in May 2015.

I am equally proud to tell you that our Pathology laboratory is the first and, to date, the only laboratory in the country to have been awarded the prestigious ISO 15189 full accreditation for quality and competence in medical laboratories from the UK Accreditation Service (UKAS). I must also mention that our endoscopy team has been honoured for achieving reaccreditation by the Joint Advisory Group, which sets national standards for competence and quality and is an absolute requirement for the undertaking of bowel screening. More details on these fantastic achievements by our staff are available on the facing page.

Looking ahead to the winter months, we are planning some minor works to install 12 extra beds within some wards at Peterborough City Hospital and 10 at Stamford Hospital. This will help create extra space for patients for the times when we expect more people to require a hospital stay. Extra beds will ensure we can accommodate the growing need for emergency care and in turn reduce its impact upon patients who have planned

operations – as, sadly in recent years, we have had to cancel some planned surgery to accommodate a rise in emergency patients.

One major change is that we have been asked by Monitor the regulator of Foundation Trusts to develop a Strategic Sustainability Plan for the Trust. Following discussions led by the CCG on health services across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, we have also been asked to undertake a review to see how working together more could save money and improve services.

This involves a considerable amount of work which will require dedicated senior leadership. I, supported by the Board, have asked Caroline Walker to lead on this work and in order to do this she will step down from her Finance Director role, initially for a three month period, starting 1st September and will undertake this work as the Deputy Chief Executive.

For the duration of the work, Peter Oldfield, our Deputy Director of Finance will take over as Finance Director on an acting basis.

60 seconds with...

Natasha Mortlock

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Knitters provide comfort for youngest patients

I will update readers on our progress on these major projects in the Winter edition of Pulse magazine.

For the latest news on our Stamford Hospital Redevelopment work, please turn to page 9.

The Pulse magazine is compiled by Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s Communications Team. If you have any comments, or would like to make a suggestion about a subject you would like to read about in our magazine, please call the Communications Team on 01733 677851 or email: Communications@pbh-tr.nhs.uk

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Sharing best practice

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Maternity department expands

Trust awards

Endoscopy unit receives full reaccreditation

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he Endoscopy Department has recently received reaccreditation from the Joint Advisory Group (JAG).

JAG sets the national standards for competence and quality and is an absolute requirement for the undertaking of bowel cancer screening.

The ongoing process is based

on data submitted and a site visit from inspectors which covers all areas; clinical quality, patient experience, workforce and training.

Lorna Clinton, Lead Nurse for Specialist Medicine, said: “JAG reaccreditation will enable the department to continue to maintain high clinical standards.

The report stated that “the service offers an excellent patient-centred experience.

It is a well-led service with a clear focus on quality and safety. The team is highly commended on the range of achievements.”

“I would like to congratulate all members of the endoscopy team for their hard work and success; they have demonstrated passion, commitment and enthusiasm during the reaccreditation process.”

Pathology team awarded medical laboratory accreditation The Pathology Department at Peterborough City Hospital is the first pathology laboratory in the country to have been awarded the prestigious ISO 15189 full accreditation for quality and competence in medical laboratories from the UK Accreditation Service.

The pathology team celebrated their prestigious achievement during a visit from Lord Lindsay, chairman of the UK Accreditation Service, to Peterborough City Hospital in June.

Lord Lindsay was given a tour of the state-of-the-art facilities in the hospital pathology labs as part of his visit, before officially presenting the department heads with the accreditation certificate.

Endoscopy team celebrating re-accreditation

CQC inspection report highlights ‘good’ services Peterborough City Hospital has been rated ‘good’ following a re-inspection visit by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in the summer. The hospital had previously been rated as ‘requires improvement’.

This means that both Peterborough City and Stamford Hospitals have now achieved this status, reflecting that the Trust overall is also rated as ‘good’.

Stephen Graves, Chief Executive, said: “It is pleasing

to see that the actions put in place following our original inspection in March 2014 have delivered the intended results.

The fact the Trust has stepped up a level to be rated as ‘good’ is testament to the efforts of our staff across both hospitals to ensure our patients receive good quality care.”

standards of quality and safety are being met.

Inspectors commended staff for providing caring services and concluded that the Trust is responsive and well led. It was deemed that all essential

“We also know that in some areas there is still more work to be done and we will continue to work hard to ensure we carry on making improvements in care quality across the Trust.”

Mr Graves added: “The followup inspection recognised areas of improvements since the inspection last year and this report gives us the drive to develop those good service areas into outstanding ones for the future.

Dr Kanchan Rege, Medical Director for the Trust, said: “This is a major coup for the Trust as the pathology department is currently the only pathology laboratory in the country to have achieved the full accreditation across all disciplines.

“We were very proud to welcome Lord Lindsay to the hospital. I know the team is delighted to have been recognised for achieving such an important standard. It’s testament to their considerable efforts in constantly striving for quality and above all, accuracy, in their work.”

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Looking forward

New Medical Director in post Dr Kanchan Rege took up the post of Medical Director for the Trust on Monday 3 August. The post of Medical Director oversees the management of the Trust’s consultant body as well as doctors in training.

Dr Rege is a Consultant Haematologist and underwent her training in Haematology in London. She started her consultant career working at Hinchingbrooke and Papworth Hospitals in 2000. She joined Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals in 2007 and was appointed Clinical Lead for Cancer and Specialist Care in 2008 before being appointed to head the Cancer and Diagnostics directorate in 2012.

Dr Rege will continue to see patients in her clinic at Peterborough City Hospital where she will work in her consultant role for one day per week.

Dr Rege, who is married with three children aged between 16 and 21, said: “It is an honour to be appointed into this role and I am looking forward to making a positive contribution to the Trust at a much wider level.”

Dementia team training new dementia champions

Caring for Patients with Dementia

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t is estimated that 850,000 people in the UK have Dementia and this is expected to rise to 2.1 million by 2051, according to the Alzheimer’s Society.

In response to the increasing number of patients admitted to hospital showing signs of dementia, the Trust has taken a number of steps towards improving the hospital environment to help these patients feel more ‘at home’ during their stay. These range from the use of ‘Tiptree’ boxes,

which contain household objects to help patients settle in their new environment to installing as weather boards in wards to focus patients’ attention on what’s going on outside of the hospital. ‘Come Dine With Me’ sessions at meal times have also been staged so that patients can socialise while eating, which encourages improved nourishment.

Specially-trained clinical staff act as ‘Dementia Champions’ on each ward and the Trust offers dementia awareness training to all staff who have

contact with inpatients.

The Trust is also running a new campaign, asking for volunteers to knit or donate wool for a ‘sensory band’, which is a knitted pocket or a glove that is decorated with accessories such as buttons, beads or zips.

These are used to calm and distract patients with dementia by giving them something to do with their hands.

If you would like to donate a sensory band, or wool, please contact Ann Rixen on 01733 678105.

Donations supporting our dementia patients Friends of Peterborough Hospital recently donated a number of copies of The Woman’s Weekly Keepsake Book of Vintage Childhood to Alison Gray, Dementia Specialist Nurse for the benefit of

dementia patients.

The magazine content was drawn from the Woman’s Weekly archives and reflects popular images of the 1930s; cherubic illustrated poppets, vintage sewing patterns, toys, fairy stories and poems.

Alison said: “We are grateful to the Friends for this donation; the magazines are beneficial to our dementia patients as the content is familiar and helps to focus their attention.”

Who will be the governors in your hospitals?

Dr Kanchan Rege

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The Trust’s Council of Governors is made up of representatives from the general public, Trust staff and other key partners of the Trust. The Council of Governors works with the Trust Board of Directors to ensure our hospitals are

run appropriately for the needs of the communities of Peterborough and Stamford.

Elections are taking place for 11 places on the Trust’s Council of Governors; the Trust is looking to appoint six public and five staff governors. Voting packs will be sent out out to all

Foundation Trust members and staff during September. The close of election is Wednesday 23 September – so don’t forget to vote!

Announcements of appointed candidates will be made at the end of September 2015.

Service development

Trust recruits patient research ambassadors

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he Trust has recently recruited two patient research ambassadors, a new voluntary role established to promote research across Peterborough City Hospital.

Sarah Dudley and Roger Hughes were appointed as patient research ambassadors and are part of a network within the Clinical Research Network Eastern promoting research across the region.

Sarah’s daughter, Rachel (8), took part in a research study last year, which focused on juvenile diabetes.

Sarah said: “The concept of a

Staff complete Care Certificate

clinical trial can seem daunting and often patients perceive it to be invasive and time-consuming, however, the research team are brilliant, accommodating and always on hand to offer support.”

The aim of the new role is to promote the importance of research to both staff and patients. They will be on-hand to talk to patients and share their own personal experiences.

Deborah Carmichael, Research Governance Manager, said: “Research is vital to finding out more about conditions and developing new treatments, so it is important to ensure that patients are aware that there are trials available.”

The Care Certificate was introduced to the Trust earlier this year, following recommendation by the Cavendish Review, a national independent review into healthcare.

The completion of the certificate affects all members of new staff, who are new to care. This is mandatory for Health Care Assistants joining the Trust who do not hold an NVQ Level 2 in a healthrelated subject.

A member of the Trust’s NVQ team assesses the candidate, along with the support of the ward

based preceptor and ward colleagues.

Gail Reilly, NVQ Co-ordinator, said: “The certificate is designed to ensure excellent patient care is delivered and we are excited to announce that we have already had the first candidate to complete the course.

“We always encourage staff to develop their skills further, and the completion of the Care Certificate is a great starting point. We also support any existing staff members who are interested in further career development.”

Endoscopy team with capsule devices, (L-R) Dr Irfan Amin, Consultant Gastroenterologist, Yolly Olano, Nurse Endoscopist and Michelle Gavin, Nurse Endoscopist

Taking an even closer look at patients Gastroenterology patients at Peterborough City Hospital could now benefit from a new procedure involving swallowing a video capsule as part of an endoscopy procedure.

The capsule contains a small camera which travels through the small bowel. The capsule emits signals that are picked up

by a belt which is worn by the patient over an 8 hour period and records the capsule’s journey through the intestines.

The device takes images constantly and these are stored on a memory card which can then be downloaded as a video to be reported on by a Gastroenterology Consultant.

The video highlights any bleeding or abnormalities, which can be used to diagnose gastrointestinal bleeding, Crohn’s disease and neuroendocrine tumours.

Michelle Gavin, Endoscopy Specialist Nurse, said: “We are very grateful to the Friends of Peterborough

Hospital, who have kindly funded this equipment.

Having this procedure available at Peterborough has had a positive impact on patient experience as previously this was only available in Sheffield.”

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Return to practice student nurses qualify The Trust has joined with Anglia Ruskin University to launch support for qualified nurses to return to professional practice in either adult or children’s nursing.

Katie Genever was one of the first return to practice students to complete the course. Katie qualified as a nurse in 1992 and worked at Addenbrookes Hospital where she was based in medicine. She left the nursing profession due to moving house and subsequently getting married and having two children.

Katie was kept very busy after leaving the profession.

She managed three different pubs in Stamford, project managed a house renovation, and last year completed the London Marathon.

However, upon hearing about the return to practice programme Katie was encouraged to apply and, with the support of the Trust’s clinical educators and ward managers, she started her substantive post on Ward B7, an orthopaedic ward, at Peterborough City Hospital this summer.

She said: “I am very excited to be part of the compassionate and caring ward that I have experienced on my placement.”

Leanne Albon, Clinical Educator, said: “The return to practice course is a great opportunity for qualified nurses to return to the profession.

The current nursing students have left nursing for various reasons, such as having a family or trying different careers, but all are fully supported in their return.”

Josey Garrett, Ward Manager with Katie Genever, Staff Nurse

Delegates learning casting skills

Sharing best practice

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arlier this year, the Orthopaedics Outpatient Fracture Team organised a teaching session for junior doctors and registrars around the country, resulting in the delegates receiving a certificate in basic casting.

On the day, there were educational talks from two Orthopaedic Consultants which was followed by interactive hands-on experience of plastering.

Delegates on the course said that the course was ‘very informative’ and felt that the ‘hands-on experience was helpful to put the theory into practice.’

Angie Atkin, Deputy Sister, said: “We enjoyed holding the event and as the feedback was positive from both staff members and delegates, we look forward to holding more of these events in the future.”

Twins tell all about life on the wards Staff and patients at Peterborough City Hospital have been seeing double, after identical twins Daniella and Katie Watson joined the Trust as nurses earlier this year.

They often get mistaken for each other by staff and patients, especially by those unaware that they come as a pair!

Daniella said: “After finishing our A-levels, we were so desperate to get away from each other and live separate lifestyles, but we soon realised that home is where the heart is.”

Katie said: “On one occasion, my sister was on the night shift and handed over a patient to Ward (A3), where I work, in the early hours of the morning. I then started my day shift and I walked into the bay to greet my patients.

This particular patient looked at me strangely stating: ‘Do you not ever go home?!’ The penny then dropped, he must have thought I was following him around the hospital!”

Daniella joined the team on the Cardiac Unit while Katie took a nursing job on Ward A3.

Daniella said: “There have been a number of incidents when I have been approached

The twins decided to move back to Peterborough after spending 3 years apart to complete their nursing degree at different universities.

by members of staff, who are complete strangers to me, but obviously know Katie.

I think they often think Katie is being rude because I just have this blank look on my face that says: ‘sorry, who are you?’”

Twins are often said to have a special bond and it is believed they can sense when the other is in pain and even know what the other is thinking. Our twin nurses say this can often be the case.

Katie said: “Sometimes we have weird intuitions, for example, my sister lost her phone on a night out. I had a ‘twin inkling’ what had happened and gave her a good telling off before she had even made it through the door and told me.”

Front page story

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Chairman presented with handmade gavel

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rust chairman Rob Hughes has been presented with a handmade wooden gavel by hospital volunteer Brian Rosam.

water to bring the room to order to start the meeting.

This prompted Brian, who is a keen wood turner in his spare time, to make Rob his own gavel to use at future meetings.

Brian recently attended a meeting of the Trust Board of Directors, in which he contributed to a presentation on the work of our Trust volunteers.

Rob said: “I was bowled over to receive this. I now have the tools to do my job and I have already put it to use at the August board meeting. It is a piece of excellent workmanship and I will make sure it is well used from now on!”

He noticed that our chairman Rob Hughes had to tap his pen on a glass of

Brian Rosam, Volunteer presenting Rob Hughes, Chairman with handcrafted gift

Remembering Edith Cavell This year, marks the 100 year anniversary of the death of Edith Cavell.

Edith was born near Norwich and was educated in Laurel Court School at Peterborough Cathedral before training to be a nurse, which lead to her being responsible for improving nursing in Brussels and Belgium.

Throughout the German occupation during World War One, Edith remained in Brussels to treat soldiers and became a prominent member of a group that helped up to 1,500 French and

Belgian soldiers escape German occupation.

Sadly, the group were betrayed and faced trial which resulted in a guilty verdict and ultimately Edith’s execution which took place 12 October 1915.

Although, the Edith Cavell Hospital was demolished to make way for Peterborough City Hospital (PCH), the commemorative link with Edith has not been lost and PCH remains on the Edith Cavell Campus.

Theatres manager Elaine to work in Nepal and Cambodia The Theatres department at Peterborough City Hospital has bid farewell to Matron Elaine Ryan, Theatres Team Manager, who has retired after working for the NHS for nearly 38 years.

Elaine, who has worked in the theatre setting since 1987, said: “I love being in theatre and working with staff who recognise that patients are at their most vulnerable in our department, so need extra special support.”

Elaine’s commitment and passion for caring has been evident throughout her career at our Trust, which has seen her recently play a pivotal role in raising money for the earthquake disaster in Nepal. She rallied her

teams and coordinated the collection of funds and day-to-day necessities, such as bedding and tents to be sent to the disaster area.

Elaine and her husband will continue their support for the people of Nepal by spending some time there, and also in Cambodia, this autumn.

Elaine said: “My husband and I love travelling, so working overseas will be the best of both worlds for us. My husband is a teacher and will be teaching, while I will be nursing in a village.

“I would like to thank everyone who has supported me since I joined the Trust and I wish them and their families every happiness for the future.”

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Events

Staff awards

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ong serving staff across all departments who had reached their 25 years milestone were congratulated earlier this year and thanked for their dedication to patient care throughout their time at the Trust.

In September, members of staff who have studied for additional qualifications will be honoured in a Graduation Ceremony and our volunteers have a

winter celebration to look forward to in recognition of their support.

The Peterborough Telegraph and Stamford Mercury newspapers.

The Trust’s Outstanding Achievement Awards will be held in October, with the formal ceremony taking place at the Marriott Hotel, Peterborough. Staff will be awarded from nominations received by fellow colleagues and there will be additional public recognition awards presented. The ‘Health Hero’ award has been voted for by members of the public via

Jo Bennis, Chief Nurse said: “We know that our staff work extremely hard and are dedicated to provide excellent patient care. This event provides the opportunity to appreciate those healthcare workers who you think have excelled in their dedication, provided outstanding care, or made a real difference to the lives of their patients.”

Long service staff awards

Peterborough City Hospital turns five years old On Saturday 21 November 2015, from 11am-3pm, Peterborough City Hospital will be celebrating its five year anniversary; featuring a look back over the changes from former sites to current facilities and look at future exciting developments.

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Bowel conditions in spotlight A public event is being held at Peterborough City Hospital in November to throw the spotlight on the help and advice that is available to people who suffer with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD), such as Crohn’s and Colitis.

Members of the public will be offered the chance to be taken on guided tours to key areas within PCH. There will also be information stands, competitions, interactive displays and activities for all age groups.

Consultant Gastroenterologists, surgeons, inflammatory bowel disease specialist nurses and dieticians will be among the health experts available at the free event which takes place on Saturday 21 November between 9.30am and 1pm in the hospital’s Learning Centre.

Keep an eye out for more details to follow.

The event is the second of its kind to be organised by

the hospital’s IBD patient panel. The first was held last November and attracted more than 50 people consisting of patients and their relatives.

The IBD patient panel is made up of patients who have used the hospital’s IBD services. Some were recruited following the previous awareness event.

The panel plays a pivotal role in shaping the way the Trust cares for IBD patients.

Chairman of the panel, John Humphries, said: “We are busy planning our second awareness session using the feedback we received from those who came to our event last year. We are working on staging interactive

workshops that will be of even greater benefit to attendees this year.

“Our aim is to offer IBD sufferers and their families, the chance to understand further how they can manage their condition.

We would welcome any one attending the event – be it someone who is newly-diagnosed, or experiencing symptoms they suspect might be IBD, to someone who has lived with their condition for some time and can perhaps offer advice to others.”

• Anyone wishing to register their attendance, or who would like further information, can call the hospital’s communications team on 01733 678024.

News from Stamford Hospital

60 Seconds with… Natasha Mortlock Health Care Assistant at Stamford Hospital

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atasha Mortlock began working as a Health Care Assistant in the Outpatients Department at Stamford Hospital in November 2011.

As a Health Care Assistant, Natasha’s day can vary from helping a staff nurse to run a gynaecology clinic and supporting patients and consultants during examinations, to helping run a busy paediatric clinic.

Natasha’s time working at Stamford Hospital has fuelled her desire to train as a paediatric nurse, and she will be leaving Stamford Hospital in September to undertake her undergraduate degree.

She said: “I really enjoy working in a caring and rewarding profession, especially with children as no two days are the same. My experience so far has given me the necessary skills I need to progress onto the next stage of my career and I am grateful to the outpatients department for all the support and mentorship they have given me.

“To train as a paediatric nurse, I needed a minimum of 5 GCSE’s A-C, including Maths, English and a science subject, and two A-Levels or equivalent. The university also expects you to have relevant experience in the health sector. Experience is extremely beneficial when it comes to the interview stage of the application, as I was able to give examples where I have demonstrated skills in a healthcare setting.”

Natasha Mortlock (centre front) with the Stamford Hospital Outpatients Team

Stamford Hospital redevelopment update We are entering an exciting new phase in the work to redevelop part of our Stamford Hospital campus.

The East End of the hospital site, which incorporates the outpatients’ entrance, the café area and the outpatient clinic areas, will soon undergo a major revamp to improve the environment for our patients.

This includes relocating the Minor Injuries Unit so that it can be accessed via its own separate entrance adjacent to the outpatients’ entrance.

The work will take place over the autumn and winter months, and, providing the building works run to schedule, we look forward to

completing this phase of the redevelopment plan in early 2016.

While the work goes on it will be ‘business as usual’ at the hospital and we will aim to keep any disruption to a minimum where possible.

We will ensure that patients are made aware of any changes to their usual clinic locations during the redevelopment works.

The second phase of the redevelopment involves selling off the land at the west end of the hospital campus, much of which is no longer used. We are working with land agents, the local authority and Heritage England to determine the best use of the land and how that might be developed in

the future. In addition, we are working with the Burghley estate to ensure any proposed use for this part of the site is in keeping with the covenants placed on the land in 1820 and 1870.

We are working with the Cambridge University Archaeological Unit to carry out an archaeological survey on site ahead of any planning application being submitted to the local authority. A dig was due to take place on site in late August.

We will keep readers updated with progress on the redevelopment project in the next edition of Pulse.

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Fabulous fundraisers

Knitters provide comfort for youngest patients Members of the Crowland Craft Club have spent some of their spare time over the past few months to knitting small blankets for babies who are treated in the Trust’s Emergency Department.

Andy Howes, Lead Nurse, said: “Babies that come to the Emergency Department are often very sick and it is a scary and traumatic time for them and their parents. We use the blankets on babies that have to be resuscitated, and, whatever the outcome, the blanket is then given to the family to keep.

“We are very grateful to the Crowland Craft Club for taking the time to knit and donate the blankets. We would also like to thank Carol Hunt, who also kindly knits blankets for babies who are brought to us. They offer a comfort that the hospital cannot provide and it makes a real difference to parents at such a traumatic time.”

Anne Featherstone, from the Crowland Craft Club said: “Many of us are grandmothers so this is a cause very close to our hearts. We were so touched by the thought that there is an ongoing need for these blankets that we decided to put our knitting skills to use and donate to the department. We try to make sure we knit a variety of colours and patterns so no two blankets are the same.”

Former patient celebrated for fantastic fundraising achievement

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ormer patient, Mark Cross, has been commended by the Trust, for his dedication to raising more than £30,000 for the Haematology/ Oncology department in the past 5 years.

Mark began his fundraising challenge after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009.

He said: “Following a mastectomy and further

surgery, I underwent seven months of chemotherapy at Peterborough City Hospital. During my time in the Oncology department, I witnessed first-hand the incredible work the staff do.

They were compassionate, caring and always on hand to offer support.”

A keen darts player, Mark organised an annual Cancer Darts Charity Fun Day at the GER Sports and Social Club in March. The popular event is in its fifth year and sees

players of all levels taking part in tournaments.

Mark recently presented the department with a cheque £7,011, which has brought his total fundraising total up to £30,329.

Dr Karen McAdam, Oncology Consultant, said: “We are very grateful to Mark for his contributions over the years.

The funds raised have been used for research, to help support current patients and those in the future.”

Hospital team put in an oar-some raft race effort Eight members of the Estates and Facilities team took part in the Deepings Raft Race to raise funds for the hospital’s Haematology/Oncology Unit.

The team members made their raft in their spare time in the hope that it would help them safely and swiftly navigate the course on the River Welland. In keeping with this year’s Raft Race theme, they were dressed as characters from cartoon favourites The Flintstones.

Andy Tunnicliffe, Fire Safety Officer, said: “We took part in the raft race last year and loved it, so we decided to come back for another try. We are grateful to our hospital colleagues and friends for their sponsorship and support.

The money we raise will be spent on improving the hospital stay for our patients battling cancer.

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Fundraiser Mark Cross with Oncology team

“For many of the team of our lives have been touched by cancer in some way over the past few years, so we felt this was a great way of showing our support to the services offered by our colleagues in the Haematology/ Oncology Unit. In addition, it tested our teamwork to the limit!”

Facilities and Estates Team after taking part in Deepings Raft Race

Supporting our patients

Afternoon tea on Amazon

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ponsors and supporters of this year’s Amazon Ball were invited to visit our children’s unit to see how any funds raised at the event would be spent on improving the environment for our young patients.

Staff welcomed the guests and took them on a tour of the facilities before stopping off for a spot of afternoon tea.

The team were also delighted to welcome back TV personality Warwick Davis who will be the compere for the ball which takes place on Saturday 14 November at the Peterborough Arena.

The event will include drinks on arrival, a three-course dinner, a raffle, auction and a disco.

If you would like to support the event, either through sponsorship or a donation of raffle prizes, please call Laura Stent, Ward Manager on 01733 678414.

Trust hosts charity’s free hair loss advisory service The Trust is working with Breast Cancer Care to provide the charity’s free HeadStrong advisory service to local patients.

The service aims to support those who have lost, or are likely to lose, their hair due to cancer treatment, by offering practical advice on how to care for their hair and scalp during and after treatment. Trained volunteers are also available to offer tips on how to tie headscarves or use hats and hair pieces as alternatives to wigs.

Sharon Brooker (41), from Peterborough made a HeadStrong appointment after

her breast cancer diagnosis in 2013.

She said: “When I was told I needed chemotherapy my first thought was: ‘I’m going to lose my hair’. It was really upsetting. That’s why HeadStrong is so brilliant. It was right there for me. The volunteers helped me feel very reassured and prepared.

“I got to try on different headscarves and hats and I found a style I was really happy with. It was a great moment to look in the mirror and like my new look.

Instantly, I felt more confident.”

Coordinator at Breast Cancer Care, said: “Losing your hair as a result of cancer treatment can be very traumatic.

HeadStrong offers free, local support to people in and around Peterborough to help boost their confidence.”

The hour-long appointments are available every other Wednesday from 9.30am to 12.30pm at the Women’s Health Ward, Peterborough City Hospital. Call 01733 673056 for more information, or to book an appointment.

Claire Mobley, Regional Services

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Final words

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

Maternity department expands The Maternity Department at Peterborough City Hospital has set up a new team of midwives, who are dedicated to facilitating homebirths.

The team has been busy since it was launched in May, raising

awareness of the benefits of a homebirth for women with low risk pregnancies. They are now running monthly workshops that offer women the chance to receive informal information, practical advice and the opportunity to ask questions and speak to

other mothers about their homebirth experience.

One of the aims of the team is to provide continuity of care, which helps to build strong, trusting relationships between the women and her midwife.

To facilitate this they run a ‘meet the team’ session once a month, which enables women to meet all of the midwives. This ensures that they will have met the midwife who will be caring for them during labour at least once.

Homebirth Team (L-R) Serena McLean, Rachel Thompson,

Membership

Sue Squibb, Karen Randall, Kayleigh Scott

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The Trust held its Annual Public Meeting on the Thursday 23 July, which looked back at the achievements over 2014/15 and the plans for the year ahead.

This year, the Trust created a video that showcased our highlights over the course of year, including the accommodation block opening, the pathology UKAS accreditation, the volunteers’ tea party and many more.

If you are interested in becoming a member and would like more information, please email membership@pbh-tr.nhs.uk or call 01733 678023, alternatively you can apply on our Trust website.

Dates for the diary Upcoming Public Board Meetings The dates for our upcoming Public Board meetings are: Tuesday 29 September Tuesday 27 October* Tuesday 24 November The meetings will be held at 1.30pm in the Board Room at Peterborough City Hospital. *Please note that the Public Board Meeting on Tuesday 27 October will be held at 1.30pm in the New Meeting Hall at Stamford Hospital.

Upcoming Council of Governors Meetings

The next council of governors meeting will be held on Wednesday 7 October at 3pm in the New Meeting Hall at Stamford Hospital.

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Every possible care has been taken to ensure that the information given in this publication is accurate. Whilst the publisher would be grateful to learn of any errors, it cannot accept any liability over and above the cost of the advertisement for loss there by caused. Octagon Design & Marketing Ltd has not vetted the advertisers in this publication and accepts no liability for work done or goods supplied by any advertiser. Nor does Octagon Design & Marketing Ltd endorse any of the products or services. No reproduction by any method whatsoever of any part of this publication is permitted without prior written consent of the copyright owners.

Octagon Design & Marketing Ltd. ©2015. Hawks Nest Cottage, Great North Road, Bawtry, Doncaster, DN10 6AB. Tel: 01302 714528

Business Insurance

Personal Insurance

Claims

Providing independent insurance advice to local businesses and people since 1964

M

arlow Gardner & Cooke is the longest established independent insurance broker in Peterborough. We embrace the efficiencies gained from modern technologies but we proudly maintain the high level of personal service that draws customers to us year after year:

• The same friendly professionals answer each time you call • Quick answers to any insurance problem • Rapid help and advice when you need to claim • Advice on gaps and overlaps in your insurance protection.

Why not let us help you extract the most value from your insurance budget?

Phone: 01733 328000 Fax: 01733 320800 www.marlowgardner.co.uk 13

Beautiful aluminium and timber composite door systems that perform as perfectly as they look Bring the outside inside with Senior’s range of sliding/folding, lift/slide and tilt/slide doors.

Available in aluminium or timber/aluminium, the range is precision engineered for an effortlessly smooth operation and is offered in a choice of colours, finishes and timber types.

T: 0845 600 1412 E: info@homesbysenior.co.uk www.homesbysenior.co.uk

Every possible care has been taken to ensure that the information given in this publication is accurate. Whilst the publisher would be grateful to learn of any errors, it cannot accept any liability over and above the cost of the advertisement for loss there by caused. Octagon Design & Marketing Ltd has not vetted the advertisers in this publication and accepts no liability for work done or goods supplied by any advertiser. Nor does Octagon Design & Marketing Ltd endorse any of the products or services. No reproduction by any method whatsoever of any part of this publication is permitted without prior written consent of the copyright owners.

Octagon Design & Marketing Ltd. Š2015. Hawks Nest Cottage, Great North Road, Bawtry, Doncaster, DN10 6AB. Tel: 01302 714528

14

OCTAGON

COUNSELLING SERVICE

DE S IG N & M A R K E T I N G LT D

for adults living in Peterborough and the surrounding area “The Well” is also able to offer a new accredited

DESIGN PRINT SUPPORT

Working in partnership with the NHS •F T members’ magazines and literature • Mailing service and socio economic profiling •A nnual reports, quality reports and summaries •A dvertising funded social care directories and information •A dvertising funded staff magazines •P romotional items e.g. lanyards, pens, balloons, mugs etc • Ebooks

LISTENING SERVICE

for people who need to talk in confidence about their personal difficulties or problems to a trained professional.

CONTACT: Email: help@wellcounselling.org.uk Tel: Michele on 01733 232433

www.wellcounselling.org.uk

“The Well” was set up almost twenty years ago by a group of local Christian people. At the present time, we offer a professional and confidential

“COUNSELLING AND LISTENING FOR PEOPLE OF ALL FAITHS AND NONE”

Designed & Published by Octagon Design & Marketing Ltd, Hawks Nest Cottage, Great North Road, Bawtry, Doncaster, DN10 6AB 01302 714528 | www.octagon.org.uk | info@octagon.org.uk

HOMES OF QUALITY & DISTINCTION

HOLBEACH HOUSE

THE ELMS

NEAR SPALDING

NEAR STAMFORD

HOLBEACH HOUSE

THE ELMS

An exclusive development providing freehold houses and maisonettes*

A luxury, rural barn conversion with stunning views

Prices start from £130,000

Prices start from £550,000

STAMP DUTY PAID

PAID ON HOLBEACH HOUSE PROPERTIES ONLY

To arrange a viewing, contact Liz on 07890 583 295 or liz.easter@invictadevelopments.co.uk *999 year leasehold

WWW.INVICTADEVELOPMENTS.CO.UK

15

C urrent A v ai l abi l it y Newborough – 3 & 4 Bedroom family homes

Established in 1928

Warboys – small development of 2, 3 & 4 bedroom homes

R

ose Homes has a respected reputation for building quality new homes to a high specification, which is why we have an A1 rating with the NHBC. Specialising in smaller,

Coates – Executive 4 bedroom homes

unique developments in carefully chosen locations around the Peterborough area, Rose homes offers a more personal service to customers and we are as flexible as possible in meeting our customers’ requirements.

Reg No. 20655

ROSE HOMES

If you are seeking a great new home in a great location OR if you have land to sell, call us on 01733 351727 or email mark.busby@rosehomes.co.uk Website: www.rosehomes.co.uk

COMING SOON

– further developments in Whittlesey and Ramsey.

Designed & Published by Octagon Design & Marketing Ltd, Hawks Nest Cottage, Great North Road, Bawtry, Doncaster, DN10 6AB Tel: 01302 714528