CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OUR ANNUAL OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNERS!
Chief Executive
Welcome to this special edition of The Pulse magazine in which we celebrate our amazing staff and the care and dedication they bring to our hospitals every day. There are so many examples of our colleagues going over and above the call of duty to provide outstanding patient care in the pages that follow. I am very proud to have celebrated them all in our annual Outstanding Achievement Awards held in the majestic surroundings of Peterborough Cathedral in October.
On page 3 you can meet our three Hospital Heroes – voted for by the patients they have cared for. It is a very special honour to be recognised in this way, made all the more poignant by hearing about the impact you have had on a patient’s life.
On pages 4 to 10 you can read about all our other winners and the fantastic contributions they have made to patient care and the running our hospitals. Congratulations to them all!
We also have some great updates to bring you on how we are developing and improving services across our sites in this edition. Turn to page 12 to read more about our plans to build a Community Diagnostic Centre in the heart of Peterborough to help speed up processes for reporting x-rays and scans, which will enable patients to be treated faster as a result. On page 15 we highlight the work of our newlyformed Hospital At Night team who are transforming care overnight. Look out on page 16, where we prepare you for winter with some useful tips on how to stay healthy during the coldest months – time to stock up that medicine cupboard!
As we head into the festive season, I would like to wish you all a happy and healthy time celebrating and I would like to thank our staff for their continued dedication and support. I look forward to sharing more news in our Spring edition of The Pulse in early 2025.
Hannah Coffey Chief Executive Officer
Meet your 2024 Health Hero Award Winners
Staff members receive prestigious national awards
Cutting edge radiotherapy treatment being offered to eligible patients at Peterborough City Hospital Artificial Intelligence helps with reporting of breast biopsies
into Christmas with Trust’s Christmas Market
From inspiring stories of caring and dedicated staff going the extra mile for patients, to colleagues working together to deliver the very latest innovation to the Trust – the stars were certainly out in full force at the Trust’s Outstanding Achievement Awards 2024.
Peterborough Cathedral was this year’s stunning backdrop for the annual
awards ceremony, hosted by BBC Radio Cambridgeshire presenter Chris Mann. Awards were presented in eight coveted categories, along with new-for-2024 gongs for achievements in service improvements across our hospitals and a special recognition award, with the recipient chosen by Hannah Coffey, Chief Executive for the Trust.
Our 2024 Health Heroes are…
Health Hero Award –Peterborough City Hospital
Winner – Dr Tim Jones,
Consultant Paediatrician
Described by his nominator as a ‘living legend,’ Dr Tim Jones has been praised for his professionalism and quick thinking which they believe saved their daughter’s life.
The nominator’s daughter was born 18 years ago with Super Ventricular Tachycardia (SVT), with a heart rate of 280-300 beats per minute. At just two-hours-old, her parents and older sister say they were terrified and scared for their newborn’s life.
“We were informed that this was unique and new for a newborn but were blessed that on this day Dr Tim, who was on shift in the Special Care Baby Unit, acted professionally, swiftly and calmly made contact with a specialist at Glenfield to agree a plan of action which we believed saved her life,” said the nominator.
Despite statistics suggesting the baby would ‘grow out of it’ she has lived with SVT all her life and recently celebrated her 18th birthday.
“Dr Tim is a living legend – his holistic approach to our daughter and our family has enabled her to achieve her milestones, and for us to help her manage the condition effectively,” added the nominator.
A special mention to our other shortlisted nominees in this category:
Gemma Curtis, Healthcare Assistant and Lottie Symmans, Specialist Haematology Nurse
Caroline Lansell, Cancer Wellbeing Advanced Occupational Therapist and MBACP Counsellor
Health Hero Award –Hinchingbrooke Hospital
Winner – Nicki Astle, Paediatric Epilepsy Nurse
Congratulations to Nicki Astle, Trust Paediatric Epilepsy Nurse based at Hinchingbrooke Hospital in Huntingdon.
“Nicki has been a pillar of support, advice and reliability for us through some of the most traumatising and stressful periods of the last few years of care for our daughter,” said the nominator.
Nicki’s public Health Hero award reflects the enormous gratitude felt by anxious parents of a child with complex needs, who was frequently cared for by Nicki.
“Despite an enormous workload, Nicki has never failed to respond, comfort, inform and react to emergencies and situations which have left our child in serious conditions and me extremely emotionally vulnerable.
“As a parent of an exceptionally complex child, individuals like Nicki are so precious in improving the lives of our entire family and quite literally saving the life of my child, and I will be eternally grateful for her professional knowledge, patience and kindness.”
A special mention to our other shortlisted nominees in this category:
Rosie Kerr, Speech & Language Therapist and Amy Souchaud, Lead Physiotherapist
Dr Sivaprakash Vaitheeswaran, Consultant Anaesthetist
Health Heroes for Peterborough City Hospital, Hinchingbrooke Hospital and Stamford & Rutland Hospital were also honoured in the only awards of the night voted for by public. Congratulations to all our nominees and overall winners.
Here are just a few of the highlights of what was a wonderful evening:
Health Hero Award –Stamford & Rutland Hospital
Winner – Miss Jyoti Shah MBE, Macmillan Urological Consultant
Having already collected her MBE from King Charles earlier this year, Miss Jyoti Shah MBE is no stranger to receiving awards.
Described by her nominator as a ‘standout clinician,’ Miss Shah leads the way locally in the fight against prostate cancer, giving up weekends to deliver a prostate health check bus at locations across the region.
And over the past 12 months, Miss Shah has introduced and developed a one-stop prostate clinic at Stamford & Rutland Hospital.
The nominator said: “Miss Shah was awarded an MBE from King Charles at the beginning of the year and how deserving she is! Her services to medicine and the work she has done in the screening and diagnosis of cancer patients in the local community is inspiring.
“Miss Shah leads the way in the fight against prostate cancer, seeing dozens of men boarding the mobile clinics for onthe-spot prostate health checks.”
Over 100 cases of prostate cancer –which kills one man in the UK every 45 minutes - have been caught by holding these important community clinics.
The nominator added: “Miss Shah’s efforts will most certainly be saving lives! She doesn’t just want to diagnose patients; she wants to ensure they have a positive experience, and that any symptoms post-treatment aren’t going to reduce the quality of life. She is an absolute asset to the Trust!”
A special mention to our other shortlisted nominee in this category:
Dr Namita Arora, Pain Management / Anaesthetics Consultant
Outstanding Contribution to Patient/and or Staff Safety Award
Winner – Kate Johnstone, Healthcare Assistant
Congratulations to Kate Johnstone, Healthcare Assistant based on A9 at Peterborough City Hospital.
Since Kate began her secondment as a Band 3 Healthcare Assistant on A9, she has implemented many excellent initiatives, the first being social dining for our patients living with dementia and delirium, enabling them to socialise with each other and to bring some ‘normality’ to our patients’ lives. Kate has also been involved in projects surrounding the creation of the ‘My Patient’ laminated card which is attached to staff ID badges for reference and focuses on identifying care for patients such as mouthcare, clothing, footwear, and shaving along with a further laminated card for ‘Think Pressure’ which focuses on areas where pressure ulcers can develop and documentation, equipment and actions. Kate also created a Healthcare Assistant (HCA) starter handbook, which is given to each new HCA starter on A9, before she starts mentoring them to help new staff settle in faster, creating a positive impact on their well-being and better patient care.
“Kate is a great role model to her peers, and whilst she displays all the NHS values, I feel she should be commended for her commitment to quality care.
“Due to Kate’s ongoing projects, we have seen a decrease in pressure ulcers, a happier workforce, better patient personal care and a decrease in deconditioned patients. What makes Kate more amazing is that she has come up with all these ideas independently and achieved this all in 12 months.”
A special mention to our other shortlisted nominees in this category: Peterborough Emergency Department Nursing Team
Hannah Claxton, Clinical Facilitator for Surgery and Tori Fergusson, Clinical Facilitator for Medicine – Practice Development Team, Peterborough City Hospital
Outstanding Individual Winner – Yvonne Thompson, International Recruitment Lead and Resourcing Advisor
Yvonne Thompson, our International Recruitment Lead and Resourcing Advisor, shows exceptional support to amazing international staff. For some, moving from abroad can be a difficult and intimidating experience, but from the moment our overseas nurses arrive, Yvonne makes it her mission to ease their transition. She has personally given guided tours around town to secure essentials and help staff become familiar with the local area and amenities, accompanied them to house viewings to explain nuances that can be challenging to grasp, and ensured they always felt welcomed and supported.
Her kindness, though, extended beyond professional duties. During a health scare when a colleague was rushed to the emergency department after fainting, Yvonne checked on her daily, offering reassurance and care. On another occasion, she surprised the same colleague with flowers and a birthday card—her first ever— creating a deeply meaningful memory.
Yvonne’s efforts weren’t limited to a single person; she mobilised community resources to furnish homes, secured children’s necessities, and provided support and career guidance through Trust resources, helping others thrive. Her consistent acts of kindness have left a lasting impact on countless individuals, with many sharing similar stories of her selflessness.
Yvonne’s dedication to the wellbeing and development of her colleagues embodies the spirit of the “Outstanding Individual” award, making her a truly deserving recipient.
A special mention to our other shortlisted nominees in this category: Anne-Marie Drury, Macmillan Palliative Care Nurse and Mary Sanderson, Cancer Wellbeing Service Art Specialist, Peterborough City Hospital
Tausif Khan, Trust Chaplain
Outstanding Volunteer Award
Winner – Maggie Cummings
Maggie is a response volunteer who covers end-of-life support and visits patients each week.
Showing compassion to those that are experiencing their last days of life. She shows great comfort to them and their families, offering advice and guidance, where appropriate.
Maggie finds the right balance between the importance of the role, the reality of the work and the obstacles that are faced behind the scenes. The compassion shown and the initiative used is a skill not many people find comes so naturally.
She most recently entered a bay and sadly, the gentleman had already passed. In the moment she was respectful and kind, something we see regularly from Maggie. She notified the team on the ward and then did not just leave but, with authorisation, continued to sit with the patient as his death was confirmed. Her reason, was simply as he was alone.
She sees patients and their loved ones at the most difficult time, finding the right balance of support and uses her initiative well for when she is not needed. The care demonstrated in unexpected circumstances is outstanding. Maggie acts quickly and uses her initiative in line with the volunteer boundaries - something that not everyone could do as naturally.
A special mention to our other shortlisted nominees in this category: Sue Burgess, Peterborough City Hospital Poppy Thrall, Peterborough City Hospital
Sustainability Award
Winner – Virtual Ward Team
The Trust’s Sustainability Award recognises those who help to shape or redesign working practices to deliver a more efficient service, celebrating those who actively adopt new innovations to reduce waste, water or energy consumption – our Virtual Ward Team display this innovative working on a daily basis.
Our Virtual Ward team are at the forefront of providing a new dimension of healthcare to our local communities, delivering hospital standard care in the comfort surroundings of a patient’s home. This new sustainable service has helped to minimise avoidable admissions, leading to an enhanced patient experience for that patient who will go on to receive care in their home, but also help to keep beds available for those most in need.
In our Emergency Departments (ED), Virtual Ward is helping to decrease waiting times and help to streamline processes within ED, meaning eligible patients can be admitted onto the Virtual Ward right from the Emergency Department.
As well as an enhanced patient experience, the team are able to support a larger volume of patients at any one time compared to a traditional inpatient ward setting. The Virtual Ward is reducing the cost of supporting per patient during a stay under our care compared to an inpatient bed. This allows the Trust to use the workforce more efficiently, caring for more unwell patients within the hospital environment.
This new innovative way of working and caring for patients is having a positive impact both sustainably for the Trust, but also for our patients. The Virtual Ward Team are deserving winners of this Outstanding Achievement Award.
A special mention to our other shortlisted nominees in this category: Arunas Paulauskas, Head of Estates (Retained Sites), Hinchingbrooke Hospital
Ruth Lattimore, Ward Manager’s Assistant, Virtual Ward, Peterborough City Hospital
Outstanding Individual
Winner – Stamford gynaecology outpatients’ team
The team excelled themselves with their enthusiasm and commitment to help a new GP-run clinic for vulnerable women, which increased the smear uptake from 19% to 93%, but the team learned that the onward colposcopy clinics were not attended, with all of the women who should be attending at higher risk of cervical cancer.
Soon, the women were provided transport and came to the clinic together with key workers, and the team organised a separate waiting room, with a dedicated, experienced and all-female and team, and tea and biscuits to put patients at their ease.
In the very first clinic, two women were identified as needing further treatment to prevent cervical cancer. In the past, those women would have potentially not attended their appointment, been lost to follow-up and likely only been seen when their cancer was more advanced.
The hard work of the team has not only increased patient uptake and satisfaction, but improved clinic efficiency and ensured that patients are seen as soon as possible - which improves the likelihood of cancer being treated successfully.
The second clinic is already being planned, and the GPs would not be able to run it without the excellent work of our Stamford Gynaecology Outpatient Team.
A special mention to our other shortlisted nominees in this category: Delivery Midwives, Hinchingbrooke Hospital
The Trust Workforce Team
Outstanding Leadership Award
Winner - Charlotte Carney, Emergency Department Sister
Charlotte Carney, Emergency Department Sister at Peterborough City Hospital (PCH), has been awarded the “Outstanding Leadership” award for her exceptional leadership during a critical incident in the Emergency Department (ED) earlier this year.
That day, a violent and unprovoked assault occurred when a young male patient attacked a visitor in the Fit2Sit area. ED staff immediately took action to restrain the attacker and pulled the emergency alarm. Fortunately, police were also already in the ED with another patient, and quickly intervened. The attacker’s aggression was so severe that the police had to use Pava spray and call for backup, while much of the ED was evacuated for safety.
Charlotte led the department throughout this chaotic and frightening event, remaining calm, professional, and composed during the crisis, and ensuring the safety of patients, staff, and visitors. Her empathy was evident as she provided crucial support to a shaken colleague, who, thanks to Charlotte’s care, felt able to return to work the following day.
Despite this critical situation, Charlotte managed to continue overseeing an overcrowded ED with several other complex cases. Her exceptional leadership under extreme pressure makes her a deserving recipient of the Outstanding Leadership award.
A special mention to our other shortlisted nominees in this category: Jetty Kuldeep, Speciality Doctor, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Peterborough City Hospital
Kate Hodge, Trust Health, Safety and Security Manager
Outstanding Admin, Clerical and Corporate Support
Winner – Matthew Robinson, Voice and Data Technical Specialist, Hinchingbrooke Hospital
Matthew was chosen for showing exceptional initiative and ingenuity to develop and configure a new telephony system for our outpatient’s department. This work is well outside of his usual responsibilities and enabled the old system to be decommissioned ahead of schedule, which mitigated the risks related to an unsupported system.
As well as configuring the system and setting up the call flows, he provided engaging training to the system’s end-users and even recorded the voice messages himself, making the project even more time and cost effective.
“His expertise and dedication ensured a seamless transition and ongoing support, enhancing productivity.”
Matthew’s efforts embody the spirit of teamwork and innovation that we aim for in our Trust. Well done Matthew!
A special mention to our other shortlisted nominees in this category:
Sean Dino, Patient Tracker, Ward A2, Peterborough City Hospital
Sam Bygraves, Patient Services Manager, Hinchingbrooke Hospital
Health Innovation or Improvement of the Year
Winner – Chevvy Wright, Deputy Sister NICU, Peterborough City Hospital
Having a child that is being looked after in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is a very emotional and difficult time for any parent.
But the winner of our Health Innovation or Improvement award has dedicated her efforts to improving communication and support for families on NICU.
Nominated as a ‘kind, caring and compassionate nurse,’ Deputy Sister Chevvy Wright has been involved in a number of projects including the Neonatal Family Book.
Chevvy has worked tirelessly over the past three years, clocking up many hours of typing, research and collaboration with healthcare professionals.
The book is invaluable in providing information to families of babies on the unit but has also has been fundamental in the NICU efforts to achieve BRONZE BLISS and UNICEF accreditation.
Alongside the parent book, Chevvy has also become the unit film director, by scripting and supporting the team in producing a NICU video tour for the Trust’s website - an invaluable tool to alleviate anxiety and provide important information to expectant parents.
A special mention to our other shortlisted nominees in this category:
General Outpatients Department, Peterborough City Hospital
Joann Cubbit, Ward Clerk, Walnut Ward, Hinchingbrooke Hospital
Chief Executive Award
Winner – Adam Jeffries,
Assistant Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer
This award was specifically chosen by our Chief Executive Hannah Coffey, for the work Adam has done with improving services across our hospitals in a short space of time and through the Back on Track Programme.
Adam embodies what North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust is all about - he is someone who is always there, supporting teams and ready to make improvement with data.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE NOMINEES AND WINNERS
NWANGLIAFT 2024 OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
New for 2024, introducing our Back on Track category
The Back on Track programme has been leading the way for change in our hospitals. It has opened the door for more innovation and sharing best practice, along with bringing teams from across each site, as well as within each hospital, closer together, to improve in areas where there is great challenge and difficulty.
Winner - ED Front door streaming and ACP Rapid Assessment Treatment in Majors Assessment Bay, PCH
The project aimed to improve patient care by implementing nurse-led streaming at the front door for better initial assessments and introducing Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP)-led Rapid Assessment Treatment (RAT) in the Majors Assessment Bay (MAB). Its goals were to enhance the patient experience, improve care quality, and ensure patient safety.
A test week took place in March this year at Peterborough City Hospital to introduce the project. It delivered an improvement with the 15 minute to assessment and clinician review within 60 minutes targets. Hinchingbrooke Hospital had their test week for implementation starting in May — which also improved Fit2Sit performance and reduced the length of stay by one hour on average.
Both hospitals have managed to sustain the changes and it is now ‘business as usual.’ Waiting times have reduced, providing better quality of care and patient experience and increasing patient safety.
Hospital same day CT scan to reduce waiting lists for cancer patients
After an initial trial, patients who attend the Endoscopy Department and meet certain criteria will now be offered a ‘same day CT’ scan by the Imaging Departments. Getting the scan on the same day speeds up the waiting time for planning and receiving treatment.
Rachael Bilton, Consultant GI Radiographer, at the Trust, commented: “Our hospital Endoscopy and Imaging teams worked together, with input from Pharmacy, to give patients the required preparation for CT scanning on the same day as their Endoscopy. This will help to improve the journey for patients with newly diagnosed oesophageal or colonic carcinoma.
“Previously these patients would be referred for their staging scans following their Endoscopy and receive an outpatient CT appointment for a subsequent date. The new pathway will give patients more options and greater choice for their ongoing care, reducing waiting times and helping to achieve the Faster Diagnosis Standards (FDS) for patients.”
“The teams have gone the extra mile in delivering this service, working collaboratively together to provide training and support for the nursing teams, ensuring effective care is given to improve outcomes for our patients. Both hospital sites have seen a positive uptake of the service.”
Mr Paul Richards, a patient who lives 20 miles away, added: “The ‘same-day CT’ pathway saved me a 40-mile round trip and also enabled a quicker cancer diagnosis for me.”
Hinchingbrooke same day arthroplasty surgery pilot success
A new approach for joint replacement surgery has been pioneered and aims to help patients recover faster in the comfort of their own home. A former semi-professional rugby player become the first knee replacement patient to go home on the same day as his surgery as part of a new service offered at Hinchingbrooke Hospital.
The multi-disciplinary team approach consisting of Orthopaedics, Theatres, Birch ward, Virtual Ward, and Physiotherapy enabled the gentleman to have a new knee joint fitted in the morning and leave on crutches in the evening of the same day. Support was given via our virtual ward at home where the patient could keep in touch with surgical teams and specialists if help was required e.g. pain management. This operation would usually take three days of recovery as an inpatient.
Surgeon Jonathan White said: “This new service is the result of great collaboration work between the patients and the teams in Orthopaedics, Theatres, Birch Ward, Physiotherapy and the Virtual Ward team - both in the lead up to, and after, surgery.
“Previously, patients would remain in hospital for up to three days after this surgery, but our new approach means all teams involved in the care work closely to focus on getting the patient home in time to put their feet up in front of the TV. The Virtual Ward team are then able to monitor the patients remotely to ensure their condition remains stable.”
This is an example of great collaboration in order to pioneer a new service helping patients recover more quickly in the comfort of their own home with support available if they need it.
MATERNITY SUPPORT WORKER RECEIVES CHIEF MIDWIFERY OFFICER AWARD
A maternity support worker at North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust has been awarded a prestigious accolade from the Chief Midwifery Officer, for her outstanding contribution to the Midwifery Education Team.
Raynah Hinson, who works at Peterborough City Hospital, was one of the first trailblazing cohorts of maternity support workers who started back in 2009. In the years since, she has worked on the delivery suite, in the community, in triage and on the mixed antenatal and postnatal wards, supporting thousands of patients in that time.
“Raynah’s passion for maternity care and the pride she takes in her role, is evident in everything she does,” says Gill Quinn, Lead Midwife for Education. “She was nominated by another of our
staff members, Ellie Walsh, and is a huge support to her colleagues. Raynah always encourages and empowers others to give the best care to our patients. We are incredibly proud of her and she is highly deserving of this award.”
Maternity support workers are at the heart of clinical settings and local communities, and they make a real difference every day to the lives of patients they care for, as well as the nursing and midwifery colleagues they support. This award recognises the vital role they play in a workforce.
“I come to work to do a job that I love,” says Raynah. “It has been so heartwarming to receive this award. I thought when I received the email it was a mistake until a colleague confirmed it was actually for me. I am honoured to be valued by my colleagues but also to be a part of such a special time in any family’s lives.”
Hospital health care support workers recognised in prestigious national award
In addition to our own Outstanding Achievement Awards – two of our valued Healthcare Assistants have been celebrated through a prestigious national scheme.
Kate Johnstone and Caroline Berry have each been presented with a coveted Chief Nursing Officer Healthcare Support Worker Excellence Award, following a rigorous judging process after being nominated by colleagues on their respective wards at Peterborough City Hospital.
The awards, introduced by former Chief Nurse for England Dame Ruth May, recognises the contributions of healthcare support workers. Kate and Caroline successfully met the criteria for the awards, of which only a handful are presented across at NHS Trusts in England each quarter. Around one in three of those nominated go on to receive an award.
Presenting Kate and Caroline with their certificate, alongside Trust managers and colleagues, Rachel Hearn, Clinical Quality Director NHS England and Annelies Franklin, Workforce Programme Manager NHS England.
Kate was nominated for her
implementation of several patient-focused initiatives; including the introduction of social dining for dementia and delirium patients, creating a Healthcare Assistant new starter handbook and creating a series of ‘My Patient’ information laminate cards for colleagues to attach to their ID badge.
Meanwhile, Caroline– who has worked in the Trust for over 25 years – was nominated for the work she does in mentoring new starters, being the ward A10 link for dementia, moving and handling and fire champion, among many other things.
New Community Diagnostic Centre starts to take shape in Peterborough City Centre
Plans to build a new Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) in Peterborough city centre are now moving forward, as the Trust has completed on the land purchase of the site in Wellington Street. The Trust is working with the planning team at Peterborough City Council, as well as a team of architects and designers to plan the next stages, including demolition of the old derelict building and submitting a formal planning application for the new CDC.
The new facility is much needed to help further improve the delivery of diagnostic testing and reduce patient waiting times for clinical investigation. It will be staffed and run by North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, which also runs Peterborough City Hospital.
The CDC will offer CT, MRI and DEXA scanning, as well as phlebotomy services and a direct link to the pathology services that are run at Peterborough City Hospital. Work has been ongoing for some months to work out the demand for these diagnostic services in the city and ensure that the new facility can meet the growing needs of an expanding population.
It’s hoped that construction will start early next year, with the centre due to open in late 2025.
CUTTING EDGE RADIOTHERAPY TREATMENT NOW AVAILABLE IN PETERBOROUGH
Cutting edge radiotherapy treatment is now being offered to eligible patients at Peterborough City Hospital – offering them specialist care closer to home.
The first patients have already been treated using a high-dose radiotherapy technique offered in the treatment of bone and lymph node oligometastases (small secondary cancers that are few in numbers or one solitary lesion).
Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SABR) offers very high treatment doses over a short period of time to effectively shrink and eliminate small lesions in the bones and lymph nodes in those cases deemed suitable by the Clinical Oncologist.
Patients eligible to benefit from the treatment are already on the cancer pathway and can be referred by their oncology consultant if they meet certain criteria.
SABR treatment can now be offered to patients who would have previously had to travel further afield for the treatment.
The service has been delivered collaboratively, from the admin staff booking in the patients to the oncologists, planners and radiographers delivering the treatment.
The technique complements the already wellestablished lung SABR service, offering very high dose curative treatments to early-stage lung tumours.
KEEP ON MOVING - NEW INITIATIVE TO REDUCE PATIENT DECONDITIONING
A new chair-based exercise programme to help older patients keep moving while in hospital has been rolled out across the Trust.
Instead of staying tucked up in bed on a ward, patients who are fit to move to a bedside chair are being encouraged to get up and dressed in readiness for some specialised exercise sessions to music.
This includes upper and lower limb exercises, playing catch with beach balls and throwing hoops on to a cone – all aimed at ensuring
patients don’t lose muscle tone while being cared for in hospital.
The sessions, devised by the Acute Medicine Therapy Team, and delivered by the hospital’s volunteers and ward teams, have proved a hit with patients – from both a physical and mental health perspective.
Teresa Stratton, Falls Specialist Nurse, who oversees the sessions, said: “It is wonderful to see this initiative having a positive impact on our patients, and our aim is to introduce the sessions onto other wards
where older patients are cared for – and to do it every day.”
The effect of just a few days in a hospital bed can be more severe and rapid for an older person, affecting loss of muscle tone which can take several months to regain and impact their mobility upon leaving hospital. By keeping moving, a patient’s deconditioning can be slowed down resulting in improved patient outcomes as they are able maintain their independence and have a shorter stay in hospital.
Expectant mums to benefits from new ways of sample testing
Ensuring the accuracy of midstream urine (MSU) tests is crucial - especially for pregnant women whose health is closely monitored.
The Trust is constantly developing service improvement in all areas; and is already taking steps to enhance the quality of MSU results among expectant mums; thanks to a series of new measures currently being piloted.
These include:
New Collection Materials:
The introduction of sterile collection pots reduces the risk of contamination during the collection process, ensuring cleaner samples for testing.
Pilot Testing of Boric Acid:
Boric acid is being explored as an additive to urine samples to preserve them during transport and storage. Preliminary studies suggest that it can help maintain sample quality, reducing the likelihood of false positives that can arise from contamination.
Education for Staff and Patients:
Both staff and pregnant women need clear guidance on the correct procedures for collecting MSU samples. The plan is to highlight the findings to the wider team to build engagement – including the lab teams.
Information Packs for Women:
It is important to ensure that all women receive adequate education of the process for taking the MSU sample to reduce the likelihood of contamination of epithelial cells. To support pregnant women, educational packs will be distributed; outlining the collection process, explaining the importance of minimising contamination, and providing tips for successful sample collection. By implementing these new measures, the aim is to reduce the number of contaminated MSU samples. This approach not only enhances the reliability of test results but also helps pregnant patients to get their tests right, first time.
Innovative Intermediate Surgical Care Unit saves over 250 surgical cancellations
An Intermediate Surgical Care Unit (ISCU) was established on Ward A4 at Peterborough City Hospital to branch the gap between care that can be provided on Critical Care and care delivered on a ward. In the two years since its launch, the unit has provided care to over 500 patients, saving more than 250 of those patients from their surgery being cancelled.
The unit provides enhanced surgical care to most elective colorectal resections, emergency laparotomies and surgical patients that are at risk of clinical deterioration, or who have already deteriorated and require interventions and monitoring above what a ward can provide. By placing these patients onto this unit, it enables Critical Care beds to be used for those patients with a greater medical need, and also frees up beds on Wards for patients.
This has enabled Ward A4 to provide a service to patients that is not as daunting as Critical Care but still provides enhanced care delivered in a safe environment, providing individualised care to very high standards.
The unit provides enhanced clinical monitoring and interventions to patients that have undergone major surgery alongside focusing on their enhanced recovery after surgery in an attempt to reduce length of stay, reduce the number of critical care admissions, improve patient flow, but most importantly, optimise patient experience and outcomes.
Moving forward Ward A4 will continue to develop new ways that will improve patient care on ISCU and more widely on their ward.
WORKS ARE UNDERWAY FOR STATE-OF-THE-ART DAY TREATMENT UNIT AT STAMFORD
Work on a new state-of-the-art Day Treatment Unit at Stamford & Rutland Hospital - which could be treating its first patients as early as next year - is well under way.
The new facility will be built on the site of the former nurse’s accommodation block, which was demolished last year.
As well as progress with the exterior of the building, the interior is now being portioned off into individual areas – with many of the patient bays, staff areas and procedure rooms taking shape.
These exciting proposals will enhance patient care for the local community - providing day case procedures in three specially equipped rooms, three standard-sized cabin-style changing rooms with ensuite facilities, plus six recovery bays.
GROUNDBREAKING AI USED TO IMPROVE BREAST CARE DIAGNOSTICS
A revolutionary trial began at Peterborough City Hospital over the summer as pathologists began using Artificial Intelligence (AI) software to help in the digital reporting of breast biopsies.
The innovative AI powered diagnostic tool, developed by Ibex Medical Analytics, is the subject of a 12-month trial, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research. The tool aims to support pathologists by enhancing the accuracy of reporting and improving efficiency in terms of the time it takes to review and report each biopsy to either confirm or exclude the presence of breast cancer.
Dr David Bailey, Consultant Pathologist for North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust says: “This is a really exciting breakthrough in diagnostics and something we are incredibly proud to be a part of. I have seen some huge advancements in technology during my career but none more so than the strides being made in digital pathology now.”
The AI has been developed using a specially trained algorithm, with input and expertise from over 100 pathologists across the
world. The software runs a series of checks for breast cancer, using technology to analyse tissue samples, helping pathologists detect the disease more quickly and with greater ease. It has been robustly tested and evidence shows that the high accuracy rate reduces the need for patients to undergo repeat biopsies and frees up more time for pathologists.
The Trust is already using a similar AI tool in prostate cases which has proven successful in the improvement of cancer care in the last 18 months. This 12-month trial period now focuses on breast cancer patients. The AI tool will initially be used as a safety net after a consultant has reported on biopsy slides for the first three months. Following that the AI will pre-read biopsy slides, instantly highlighting areas of concern, and identifying cancer much faster, achieving a diagnosis in a much shorter timeframe.
“The future of pathology is changing, and it not only benefits the patient but also the clinicians” says Dr Bailey. “The AI doesn’t fatigue like humans do and it is a fantastic aid to us as pathologists. It will make a huge difference to the way we diagnose patients in the future and improve both patient experience and care.”
Transforming out-of-hours care
As part of our ongoing commitment to enhancing and improving service efficiency and delivery, the Trust is pleased to introduce Hospital@Night which marks a shift in how out-ofhours care is managed across the Trust, ensuring our patients receive the highest standard of care possible. Since late last year, there has been extensive work on researching the best possible practices along with recruiting and developing a highly experienced and passionate team of clinical site matrons, clinical site practitioners and clinical support workers. There has been work to expand and establish procedures and systems to improve services.
Key enhancements across Peterborough City and Hinchingbrooke hospitals include:
• The introduction of 24/7 Critical Care Outreach Team cover ensures that there is continuous support for critical care needs
• New roles to support patient care, with the introduction of Clinical Support Workers, who provide essential assistance to our clinical teams and enhance patient care
• Strengthened oversight of clinical operations during out-of-hours through the introduction of Clinical Site Matrons and Clinical Site Practitioners, improving patient safety and care quality
• Extended coverage with the Hospital@ Night team helps provide cover for nights, weekends and bank holidays, ensuring consistent leadership and support for our staff
• The implementation of a new bleep filtering and triaging process, streamlining communication and allowing for more efficient and effective allocation of tasks that support patient care and the Trust’s “Right Person, Right Place, Right Time” initiative
• As part of Hospital@Night there has also been the introduction of Hospital@Night champions who have been supporting the implementation of the new service within the Trust
WINTER WELLBEING
Winter market brings Christmas one step closer
Peterborough City Hospital will host 16 white marquee stalls, lined up through the middle of the main atrium, from Monday 2 December to Friday 13 December for its annual Winter Market.
Stalls will open from 10am to 5pm Monday to Friday, with different stall holders selling various hand-crafted items including jewellery, cakes, candles, books and much more.
Zoe Glover, Managing Director for the Vercity Group, said: “I am delighted that the 2024 Winter Market returns for another year, which brings festive cheer to patients, visitors and staff at the hospital.
“The Winter Market has become an anticipated event leading up to Christmas and the team really enjoy seeing everyone at the event. Progress Health are proud to have organised this event for the fourth consecutive year and are pleased we can bring a little Christmas magic for the staff and members of the Peterborough Community.”
STAY WELL THIS WINTER
With winter inching ever closer, now is the time to put plans into place when it comes to caring for ourselves and our nearest and dearest during the colder weather.
With our Emergency Department facing its own winter pressures, please use our 12 steps to staying well this winter and choosing the most appropriate healthcare setting:
1. Book your COVID-19 booster and flu jabs if you are invited.
2. Take care in icy conditions outside and only make essential journeys in bad weather.
3. Wrap up well and wear warm appropriate clothing instead of cranking up the heating when at home.
4. Take stock of your medicine cabinets and stock up on appropriate over-thecounter medications like painkillers for the winter season.
5. Ensure repeat prescriptions are ordered in plenty of time to have enough medications to last over the festive period.
6. Treat yourself but remember to eat well – a healthy, balanced diet can protect against some diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.
7. Stay hydrated - remember to drink water regularly and have hot drinks to help keep you warm.
8. Staying active can help physical and mental wellbeing. Anything from an intense workout or brisk walk with friends can be beneficial.
9. Party, but party safely – the festive season is the perfect time to come together and celebrate with one another, please remember to drink sensibly and never drink and drive.
10. Check in on loved ones or elderly neighbours - a quick visit and a cup of tea can do wonders for someone’s health and wellbeing.
11. Look after mental health and wellbeing – Christmas and New year can be a stressful time, but help is available for those who are struggling.
12. Think 111 – if you need urgent or emergency help can use 111 online at 111.nhs.uk or call 111 to be directed to the most appropriate service. This could be a GP, Walk-In Centre, pharmacy or A&E. For genuine, lifethreatening emergencies such as loss of consciousness, fits, chest pain, breathing difficulties, major trauma or feelings of self-harm or suicide call 999 or go to ED.
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