The Pulse Summer 2023

WELCOME FROM THE Chief Executive

I am really pleased to welcome you to this special edition of The Pulse – which has been put together to help us commemorate a very important milestone in the history of the National Health Service.

We are all very excited to be celebrating the 75th anniversary of the NHS on 5 July 2023.

Like many people across the country, I am hugely thankful for our NHS. It plays a vital part in our lives at some of our most vulnerable moments. It is also one of the country’s largest employers, and perhaps the busiest!

In this edition we have shone the spotlight on some of our longest-serving staff to share their stories of working in the NHS. From their first days starting out as trainees, to the present day, they revisit some fantastic memories. I, too, started my working life in the NHS as a trainee 40 years ago and from my experience the organisation was very different to the NHS we know today. Read the stories of some of our long serving staff on page 6.

We also focus on the many events being held locally to celebrate the NHS at 75 – including the Big Tea and Park Run events. Find out more on pages 3 and 5.

I am also pleased to share some fantastic news about the future of Hinchingbrooke Hospital. Our Trust has been successful in a funding bid to the New Hospitals Programme, which means we can progress with plans to build a new hospital on the Hinchingbrooke site and eliminate the structural issues in our current site by 2030. Read the full details on page 10 and hear from our Clinical Leads for the redevelopment programme on what a difference this will make for both patients and staff.

Finally, take a look at page 8 for a round-up of the great work our volunteers are doing across our hospitals. As part of Volunteers’ Week 2023, we have been able to celebrate their amazing contribution. In 2022-23 our 509 volunteers have contributed approximately 56,000 hours for free to support our patients and staff. Their cheery, friendly faces, and kind and caring approach, make all the difference to our patients’ experiences. We are truly grateful for them all.

Caroline Walker Chief Executive Officer

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 678024 or email: nwangliaft.communications@nhs.net

FUNDRAISERS READY TO GET THE AFTERNOON PAR-TEA STARTED FOR HOSPITALS’ CHARITY

It’s summer, and that can only mean one thing – coffee and cake in the sunshine. By popping the kettle on and enjoying the company of friends, family and colleagues over a cuppa and a few tasty treats, supporting North West Anglia Hospitals’ Charity really is as easy as one – two - tea!

The nationwide fundraising Big Tea event is looking for communities, schools, friends and work colleagues locally to pop on the kettle and show an outpouring of support for the NHS in its 75th year.

And some of our fantastic staff are already planning to celebrate in style.

North West Anglia Hospitals’ Charity – which has TV’s Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood as its celebrity patron – is recognised across the region for the work it does in helping to enhance staff, patient and visitor experiences through its wide and varied projects, funded through generous public donations.

The Big Tea itself is planned to coincide with the NHS’s actual 75th birthday on July 5, but events can be held at any time to suit participants.

Craig said: “The Big Tea is a fabulous way of involving everyone in helping to celebrate the NHS’s amazing 75th birthday and bringing friends, neighbours and communities together to support their local hospital.

“By tucking into some tasty treats and popping the kettle on, supporting the North West Anglia Hospitals’ Charity couldn’t be simpler – so let’s get this par-tea started!”

Keep an eye on our social media channels for some hints and tips when planning your Big Tea – or find out more here: https://nwahc. enthuse.com/cf/nhs-big-tea-for-nwahc.

Wearing

To commemorate the NHS 75th birthday, staff across our hospital sites have been gifted with a speciallycommissioned badge.

The pin badges, given out to staff on 5th July, are a keepsake that staff can either wear or store in a memory box.

“It’s always hard to pick a specific way to honour a special occasion

or milestone,” says Caroline Walker, Chief Executive (pictured below). “Pin badges are very popular and this one commemorates such a special occasion as we give thanks for 75 years of our National Health Service. We have some staff members who have worked over half of that time serving at one of our hospitals, and that is just amazing. We are so proud to be a part of this milestone achievement for the NHS and want to give thanks to our staff as well.”

the ‘75’ badge with pride

Chief Medical Officer Callum Gardner with his NHS75 badge

Uncover hospital’s rich history at Stamford Museum

The NHS may be celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, but Stamford and Rutland Hospital has its own history dating back almost 200 years.

The infirmary – as it was originally known – was completed in 1828. Many artefacts, fascinating health records and documents, medical instruments, books and uniforms are currently housed in the hospital’s museum.

Treasures from Stamford’s rich healthcare history range from the 1800s, the war years and the birth of the NHS – with artefacts including meeting minute records, started on 5 July 1948 – and into the 2000s.

The museum is open to visitors by appointment only. If you are interested, please contact Lynne to arrange a visit l.lelliott@nhs.net.

CORONARY CARE CELEBRATES BEING AT THE HEART OF HEALTHCARE FOR 30 YEARS

Marking a milestone in caring for heart patients locally, Peterborough City Hospital’s Coronary Care Unit (CCU) is celebrating its 30th anniversary.

The eight-bed unit opened its doors at the former Peterborough District Hospital in July 1993 – which meant that for the first time, patients received care in a dedicated area, instead of a general ward.

Fast forward 30 years, and numerous patients are treated and cared for in the current 12-bed unit each year, by a team of dedicated, trained specialist cardiac nurses and cardiology consultants.

The 2023 anniversary coincides with the 75th birthday of the NHS – making the occasion all the more poignant.

Lead nurse Catherine Laventure said: “This is a significant milestone for the coronary care unit – which has really shaped and transformed the cardiology services offered to patients locally over the past three decades.

“Having a dedicated coronary care unit allows trained specialist nurses to identify

One of our own nominated for NHS Parliamentary awards

The NHS Parliamentary awards are taking place on 5 July.

Acting Director of Midwifery and longstanding member of our nursing staff, Annette Parker, was nominated by local MP Paul Bristow, under the Lifetime Achievement category. “I was absolutely speechless to learn I’d been put forward for this prestigious award,” says

Annette, known to most as ‘Netty.’ “I am extremely proud to have dedicated my career to the NHS and I’ve worked in some interesting and extreme conditions over the years. It is wonderful to be recognised for my work.”

Shortlisting took place on 15 June and Netty was pipped to the post by another worth candidate in the eastern region, but she deserves a huge round of applause for her continued dedication to our NHS. Thank you so much for all you have done Netty!

and manage any complications a patient may develop – ensuring that the patient’s care is streamlined and escalated appropriately.” A number of the original team are still working in the unit, including Janet Graham, acute coronary syndrome sister, who joined the unit as it first opened.

She said: “It felt very much like the start of a new era. Previously patients had been looked after on an acute medical ward, and now we were to offer them bespoke care in a specially commissioned unit.

“However, as we celebrate 30 years of CCU, this is not a time to look back but to look forward. There will be many changes and challenges ahead within the NHS, but one thing I know is that, providing we continue to work as the team we are, there may be a few more bumps ahead but cardiology is in safe hands for the future.”

Colleagues are planning a black-tie event later this year to celebrate the 30-year milestone as well as recognising the many individual and team achievements.

Lighting up blue for NHS75!

Our main hospital sites in Peterborough and Huntingdon will be joining high profile buildings across the country to ‘light up blue’ to mark the NHS’s 75th birthday! The main entrance at Hinchingbrooke Hospital and the Women & Children’s unit entrance at Peterborough City Hospital will be lighting up in blue on July 5 as part of nationwide celebrations. Hospitals, sports stadiums, universities, cathedrals and civic centres around England will also be taking part, alongside the London Eye, The Shard, Wembley Stadium, House of Commons and the BT Tower to name a few.

PARK RUNNERS PUT THEIR BEST FOOT FORWARD TO MARK NHS 75

Are you ready to step out to support this summer’s NHS 75 with a run, jog or walk?

The NHS in England has teamed up with parkrun UK to mark the occasion and is ready to welcome participants at a number of local venues.

A number of Trust staff are expected to lace up their trainers to take part – including our Chief Executive Officer Caroline Walker.

Caroline said: “We hope ‘parkrun for the NHS’ will help encourage people to consider being more active - which we know is good for body and mind.”

Also planning to take part is regular parkrun participant Michael Southwood, an Emergency Department Charge Nurse at Peterborough City Hospital.

He said: “This is a fantastic way of not only celebrating the amazing NHS milestone, but it is a perfect opportunity to get together with friends, family, fellow runners and novices to enjoy the wonderful local open spaces we have around the area.”

This year’s 5km event for the NHS is encouraging people to take part in parkruns and junior parkruns

over the weekend of July 8/9, with participants able to pick from a number of locations locally.

• Peterborough – Ferry Meadows

• Crowland (near Peterborough) –Snowden Field

• Huntingdon – Hinchingbrooke Park

• Whittlesey – Manor Field (Manor Leisure Centre)

• Rutland Water

• March – West End Park

The events are free to join, but registration is necessary via www. parkrun.org.uk.

So, don your best NHS blue running gear and get involved! And don’t forget to share your photos and tag us on our social media channels – details on page 16.

Charge Nurse in ED, Michael Southwood

Chief Executive Caroline Walker putting her best foot forward

Celia Kendrick – Head of resilience and emergency preparedness

It was while visiting a family member in hospital and observing nurses at work that Celia Kendrick thought: ‘I could do that!’ She enrolled into the Peterborough and Stamford School of Nursing aged 18, following in the footsteps of her sister who was a nursey nurse on the then-called special care baby unit (SCBU).

Training became a mixture of school-based learning and putting the theory into practice on the relevant wards. Having qualified in 1983, Celia gained experience and an insight into a number of different areas, but it was A&E which became her passion.

Celia said: “It was fast paced, and every day was different; you could be dealing with anything from small injuries that needed stitching, right up to saving lives. There is no greater feeling on earth than saving someone’s life.

“During my early days in the department, we had only one consultant (Dr Robin Glover), and the overnight doctor would go off shift at midnight, leaving just two nurses who would see and treat all the patients, write up the notes and leave them on the consultant’s desk to check in the morning.”

During more than three decades of working in A&E – as a staff nurse, sister and lead nurse – Celia has been involved with a number of trailblazing initiatives that have shaped training across the UK and globally. A chance finding of a ‘major incident plan’ document tucked away in a ward drawer in 1983 paved the way for her interest and subsequent career turn in emergency planning.

She said: “I was fascinated and showed it to Dr Glover, and with his support, I became involved in emergency planning alongside my day job – re-writing plans, arranging exercises and study days, some of which were later to be adopted by the rest of the country.”

In 2004, Celia was instrumental in producing and launching an initiative that has changed the way hospitals deal with major incidents. The Hospital Major Incident Medical Management & Support (HMIMMS) course is now being taught all over the world –including in countries preparing for FIFA World Cup and Euro tournaments - delivered by Celia in her spare time.

Having spent more than four decades working in the NHS locally, Celia – who was appointed Head of Resilience and Emergency Preparedness in 2016 - has seen more than most; implementing a decontamination procedure following the 9/11 attacks, working a 26-hour shift to ensure that the A&E department at the old hospital could close and reopen as a new Emergency Department at Peterborough City Hospital, opening in 2010, and delivering a revised plan and response during the challenging pandemic.

She said: “Who would have predicted when I started nursing aged 18 all the amazing things I have achieved, people I have met and places I have visited in 44 years.”

As part of this year’s NHS 75 celebrations – we would like to honour all our staff but give a special mention to those long-serving colleagues who have given many years’ dedicated service. Here are the stories from just a few of them.

Lynda Whittle – diabetes inpatient specialist nurse

As one of the Trust’s longest serving members of staff, Lynda took her first steps in a career she had always wanted to pursue as a 16-year-old cadet nurse based in Stamford in 1976.

“Nursing was something that I knew I wanted to do, and I was determined to do it,” said Lynda – who has been instrumental in shaping service improvement for inpatients with diabetes during her career with North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust.

Living in a nurses’ home with other young nurses was fun, she recalls – even with a night sister on duty - but the training was very hands on, spending only short periods in nursing school, the rest spent caring for patients on the wards, documentation was limited then as was regulation surrounding moving and handling.

“It was just a case of getting on with the job,” said Lynda, “I was always (and still am) very patient focussed, and I enjoy every aspect of nursing.” Driven by her passion for the role, Lynda trained to be an enrolled

John and Sandy Ellington met at work 44 years ago, married, and have been working together at our Trust ever since.

Sandy had always wanted to be a nurse. She horrified her mother as a child by helping a homeless person who had fallen over, taking him into their kitchen and dressing his wounds! She had taken her nurse’s entrance exam before doing her school exams and knew she had been accepted. She did her training at Peterborough District Hospital, beginning as an enrolled nurse in theatres.

John passed his entrance exam for the navy at age 15 and went into the navy as a medical assistant. He came out of the Navy a year later and applied for a job as a theatre technician, did 2 years training and went straight to a job at Peterborough District Hospital.

They met while they were training, just before Sandy went into Theatres, but not as colleagues. John had a motorbike accident, he came round 3 days later to the doctor bending his broken ankle, shot upright with the pain and grabbed the doctor by the tie! “Sandy walked around the corner at that very point!” said John.

He asked her out and they were married a year later in 1982. They worked together for the next 30 years in Theatres. Sandy did her anaesthetic training and as they had no children, they worked weekends, nights

nurse, qualifying in 1980 and then engaged in more training to become a registered general nurse in 1993.

A promotion to deputy sister followed and Lynda developed a particular interest in diabetes, and through working with the community diabetes team and

reviewing evidence-based research, Lynda was instrumental in putting together a business case (approved by the Trust) for an Inpatient Diabetes Nursing team –created in 2010.

“I knew that this would enhance our patients’ care, reduce length of stay of diabetes patients and provide much needed education for staff; helping to make this change was a vision of mine,” said Lynda.

She also has experience as a clinical nurse educator, “Education for nurses in the clinical setting is key to their learning and development, it was a role that I really enjoyed.”

“The Trust is now one of a few in the country which provides a service seven days a week – even during the pandemic which was a hugely challenging time for our small but supportive team.”

As Lynda celebrates 47 years’ service with the NHS – she has come out of retirement and enjoys a work life balance which allows her to continue making a difference to patients’ lives while spending quality time with her own family.

“I have seen many changes over the years, nurses are now seen as professionals in their own right; better recognised and have many more opportunities open to them.”

and Christmas shifts. “So long as we were together, that was ok,” said Sandy.

In 2009 John was offered a position as a full-time medical equipment manager. After a serious injury to his ankle a year later, John came back to create a Trust-wide medical equipment team.

Just before they were due to retire, in 2020, Covid struck, and John was exceptionally busy. Sandy relocated from Radiology and took over the very important job of monitoring the oxygen levels across the Trust twice a day. Of course they were very busy, alongside procuring equipment all over the country, with hundreds of items

coming in to manage, both retiring and coming back just a week later to continue their vital work to help the Trust function over this unprecedented time. Now they work together in the medical equipment team and they are very happy. Sandy said: “It’s been 44 years this year at the Trust and I’m still loving every minute.”

John said: “This hospital has given me everything in life – happiness, wealth, security and a wife. You don’t need anything else.”

Come and join our volunteers at Hinchingbrooke!

We are looking for people to come and join our friendly volunteering team at Hinchingbrooke. Just by giving a small amount of time makes a big difference to the experience and wellbeing of our patients, their loved ones and carers and our staff.

Jo Travers, Volunteer Coordinator at Hinchingbrooke Hospital, commented: “Volunteering provides a sense of achievement whilst doing something positive for your local community. Whatever your background, experience or interests, we are sure to have a role to suit you!”

To find out more, view our website or to apply visit: https://www. nwangliaft.nhs.uk/join-our-team/ nwangliaft-careers-hub/otheropportunities/volunteering/.

CELEBRATING VOLUNTEERS WEEK 2023

Volunteers Week is an annual celebration of the contribution millions of people make across the UK through volunteering in their communities. Volunteers week was an ideal time to thank our amazing hospital volunteers for all of the time they donate to our hospitals, helping both staff, patients and carers.

Carol North, Head of Volunteering said: “To celebrate the week we shared case studies about our volunteers, which showcased different volunteering roles and hopefully encouraged new volunteers to sign up. Some members of our Executive Team also went along to help our volunteers and experience what the volunteers help with. Then to finish the week off we held a tea party at the Stilton

Pavilion to say thank you to our volunteers. Steve Barnett, Trust Chairman came along to say a special thank you and hand out some long service certificates.”

Last year our volunteers donated 57,094 hours

On a national living wage of £9.50 this would equate to £542,397.94 of goodwill

Emergency Department Volunteers served up over 40,000 cups of tea last year

We have 48 Active Youth Volunteers who speak 20 different languages between them. We have closed recruitment for this at PCH because of overwhelming demand

Volunteer book trolley at Hinchingbrooke

Following the successful launch of the volunteer book trolley, we have found that our patients are very partial to magazines. This trolley is taken around the hospital by the volunteers offering books and magazines to patients, if they would like one.

We are asking for more magazines to be donated (please no books as we have plenty of these). Magazines need to be of appropriate content and in good order please. All magazines will travel home with the patient – they are not handed back or reissued to ensure Infection Control standards are kept. Please leave donated magazines with the volunteers at Main Reception ready to be taken up to the wards.

Blooming amazing gardeners

This year our Hinchingbrooke Hospital Volunteer Gardeners are entering the Britain In Bloom Awards after winning an award last year for Anglia in Bloom. Britain in Bloom is a nationwide gardening competition and we can’t wait to see what our amazing Volunteer Gardeners create. The Judging will take place at Hinchingbrooke Hospital on 20 & 31 July.

Carol North, Head of

Volunteering commented:

“Our ‘blooming brilliant’ volunteer gardeners at Hinchingbrooke and Peterborough City Hospital are looking for donations of plants, so they can continue making our public spaces beautiful!

“If you would like to make a plant donation, they can be left at our main receptions at both Peterborough City and Hinchingbrooke Hospitals and our volunteers will make good use of these welcome additions. Thank you.”

DADPAD LAUNCHES ACROSS MATERNITY

DadPad has successfully been launched within Maternity Services across the Trust to help engage and include new dads and dads-to-be.

The DadPad has been commissioned by Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Local Maternity & Neonatal System. Research has shown that dads need to be explicitly addressed in order to engage and feel included.

The DadPad app is completely free and provides dads with access to advice, local support, and guidance. DadPad enables dads to gain practical skills and information, providing them with a tool where health professionals can include, engage, and assess dad.

Rowena Chilton, Head of Midwifery at Hinchingbrooke Hospital, said: “It’s fantastic news that DadPad has launched across our maternity services. This is an invaluable resource for dads for pregnancy, around birth and postnatally. There are hard copies of the DadPad available when more support to engage dads is needed.

Rowena added: “Alongside the DadPad app there is a hard copy DadPad Neonatal

book that will support dads when their baby is admitted, planned or unplanned, to the neonatal unit. We’re also pleased to share that a co-parent pad has been developed to achieve full inclusivity and offers a bespoke resource for the LGBTQIA+ community which we’re really excited about as well.”

Topics and app & hard copy book cover:

• Localised information (app only)

• Health visitor team

• Feeding

• Holding

• Crying

• Sleeping

• Changing

• Cleaning

• First aid

• Supporting each other

• Legal information

• Parenting advice and support

• Getting to know your baby

• Child development and milestones

Maternity takes a step forward with Caring for You Charter signing

Our Maternity Services across the Trust have become the latest hospital to sign up for the Caring for You Charter.

Maternity have taken a positive step forward with their commitments to their health, safety, wellbeing, and culture in the workplace. This programme aims to improve RCM members’ health, safety, and wellbeing at work, so they’re able to provide safe high quality maternity care for women, babies, and their families.

As part of International Day of the Midwife celebrations, Heads of Midwifery Nicky Griffin and Rowena Chilton signed The Royal College of Midwives’ Caring for You Charter alongside Kirsty Cottam, RCM Workplace Steward and Sam Starbuck, RCM Rep.

By signing the charter, we are committing to promote a positive and inclusive culture, ensuring a positive experience for all new starters and have healthy and safe working environment.

Nicky Griffin, Head of Midwifery for Peterborough City Hospital, said: “Over 140

NHS organisations have signed the charter and are committed to implementing the Caring for You initiative and I’m really proud to be able to say our Trust is one of the NHS organisations who have signed and are playing their part.”

Rowena Chilton, Head of Midwifery for Hinchingbrooke Hospital said: “This is fantastic news for us and a step in the right direction to help improve the workplace for our colleagues.”

For more information on the Caring for You campaign, visit https://www.rcm.org.uk/caringfor-you-campaign.

The rooms on the Midwifery Led Birthing Unit (MLBU) at Peterborough City Hospital have been refurbished to create a more relaxed and inviting environment for labour.

Kerri Melero, Lead Midwife for the MLBU, decided to refurbish these rooms after losing the birth unit so it could become a Covid bay during the pandemic. The team decided to give it a fresh start and overhaul to promote the area, including giving the rooms in the unit new names. Staff got to vote on these names and they’re as follows: the Midwife Led Unit became the Willow Birth Centre with five rooms: Maple Room, Juniper Room, Olive Room, Oak Room and Sycamore Room.

Kerri said: “The rooms have all been refurbished with comfortable beanbags and couches that promote active labour and enable our women/birthing people to be in the birth positions of their choice. Each room is low lit with beautiful ceiling lights and Bluetooth speakers are available in every room to enable women/ birthing people to play their own playlist. The unit has a large birthing pool available plus an oversized bath that can be used in early labour.”

Midwife-Led Birthing Unit rooms get a brand new look

Hinchingbrooke future is secured with new hospital funding

On Thursday 25 May we received the fantastic news that Hinchingbrooke Hospital has been added to the New Hospital Programme.

Caroline Walker, Chief Executive for the Trust, said: “This is a hugely exciting time for us as an organisation and I know that our Redevelopment Team is looking forward to engaging with you all as we develop our plans for the Hinchingbrooke Hospital of 2030.

“This news has secured the future of Hinchingbrooke, which has been experiencing ongoing structural issues with RAAC concrete for some time. Next, we will be able to begin the process of constructing a new hospital that meets the needs of our fast-growing population, subject to the normal business case process.

“We are already transforming our site with the construction of a new main theatres

building, which is on track to receive its first patients by the end of 2023 as well as developing the new Pathology and Pharmacy departments, in preparation for the new hospital, on the ground floor of the theatre block.

“Recently we marked a major milestone in the construction of the theatres build with a Topping Out Ceremony. This saw us place the final steel beam into the overall structure and our Project Team, Clinical Leads and Executive Team were given the

opportunity to see the inside of the building and look at the progress of the build.

“Now our builders will be making the overall structure watertight, with the glass and panelling going onto the external walls and the pipework and wiring installed internally.

“Now we look forward to working with staff, patients, local partners and communities to take forward the plans for the full redevelopment of Hinchingbrooke Hospital that will meet the needs of the population for decades to come. We will share our updates on the work to create our hospital for the future via a new communications campaign called Hinchingbrooke: The Next Chapter.”

Take a look at our website www.nwangliaft. nhs.uk to view more details, images and timelapse footage of the work that has taken place to far.

MEET THE CLINICAL LEADS

Laura Stent is the Assistant Chief Nurse for the Trust and has been working for the organisation for 18 years, with experience as a Paediatric Nurse, Ward Manager and Practice Development Nurse, before moving on as a Matron for Paediatrics, Pharmacy, Pathology, Bereavement, Imaging and Outpatients. In March 2020 she started her role as Assistant Chief Nurse, just as the pandemic began, which took her out of her comfort zone and into one of the most challenging times for the NHS.

She said: “I find it an honor to work alongside patients to action feedback and implement meaningful improvements. It is so important that we listen to our patients and learn from their experiences, striving to make improvements.

“The redevelopment of our Hinchingbrooke Hospital site is such an exciting time for us. This is going to impact on our local community in a positive way and there are lots of opportunities for Hinchingbrooke to lead the way.”

Mr Amitabh Dwyer is a Consultant

Orthopaedic Surgeon and joined Hinchingbrooke Hospital in 2013, with a wealth of experience as the Clinical Lead for Trauma and Orthopaedics, Clinical Tutor for Cambridge School of Medicine and supervisor to foundation year medical trainees on rotation. He has also published over 30 scientific articles in international peer review journals and is the Principal Investigator for two national multicentre research trials.

He said: “I am passionate about our hospital and my focus is to transform and redevelop Hinchingbrooke Hospital into a centre of excellence for elective healthcare. Our aim is to use innovative methods to improve efficiencies and deliver high quality care for our patients. The redevelopment of our hospital will give us so many opportunities to future proof our organisation for the local community.”

Dr Pallav Bhatnagar is the Lead Consultant for the Emergency Department at Hinchingbrooke Hospital and has been working for the Trust since 2018.

He said: “When I was approached for this role I could see the vision and sense the passion and commitment in them to see Hinchingbrooke Hospital Emergency Department become successful. As it turned out, it was the best decision I could have made for I have met some wonderful people and made some fantastic work friends.

“Our health care model could bring huge benefits to our patients and our community with high quality care, jobs and training opportunities. This is an amazing opportunity for us and I am excited to be involved and facilitate this change.”

STROKE PATIENTS RECEIVE REFURBISHED FACILITIES TO IMPROVE CARE

Patients receiving rehabilitation following a stroke will now receive treatment in a newly refurbished department, thanks to a major refit.

The Estates and Facilities team at Hinchingbrooke Hospital have been working hard to provide essential maintenance across the hospital site, due to the ongoing structural issues. One area that required particular attention was the Stroke Rehabilitation department.

The original facilities had no natural light and were in desperate need of a complete refurbishment and the teams have risen to the challenge.

Amy Souchaud, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist, said: “The Estates team have done a fabulous job in refurbishing our department. It really was looking very sorry for itself. We had no natural lighting, so picturesque wall and ceiling lighting has

been installed to brighten the rooms. The whole department has been completely redecorated and we have installed new equipment throughout, which will provide our patients with better facilities to use on their road to recovery.”

The team are also awaiting more equipment to add to the department following a donation from North West Anglia Hospitals’ Charity.

It’s Hinchingbrooke’s 40th birthday and we want to celebrate with you!

Hinchingbrooke Hospital opened its doors 40 years ago this year and we want to mark the occasion with your stories of the care that you have received over the years. Were your children born at Hinchingbrooke? Did you have an operation that has changed your life? Did you want to share a memory that you will never forget? Or do you have some old photos that you are happy for us to share?

Our local hospital has been at the heart of the community for many years and we know that there will be plenty of things to celebrate. If you would like to be involved, please email us via nwangliaft. trustprojects@nhs.net with your story and any photos that you would like to share.

Sepsis Prevention And Response Committee (SPARC) looking for a patient representative

Sepsis is a medical emergency that can be defined by a lifethreatening overreaction of the immune system to an infection, being responsible for a death in the world every 2.8 seconds.

SPARC is responsible for ensuring North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust is compliant with statutory legislation, national standards and contractual requirements. This committee is also responsible for planning and driving the quality priorities to improve Sepsis recognition and management across North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust. The involvement of patients’ perspective is essential for a transparent, open and honest service, improving patient safety and experience.

In including a Patient and Public Voice (PPV) Partner, SPARC aims to promote a Trust culture that is patient and quality focused, whilst striving to continuously improve patient safety. With a PPV Partner joining, SPARC wishes to continue to promote and ensure meaningful engagement with patients and the public around quality of care, whilst obtaining assurance that lessons are learned, and actions are completed in response to incidents, investigations, reviews and audit results.

SPARC meets on the third Thursday of every month. By joining SPARC, our PPV Partner will be contributing in Trust’s governance on the delivery of local and national quality standards and provide input and feedback on Trust policies and strategies that impact on patient quality of care, always aiming to provide the best experience possible to all patients, and their families and friends.

To find out more contact Maria Finch, Head of Patient Experience by email mariafinch1@nhs.net or call 01480 416416.

ACCLAIMED CONSULTANT ELECTED TO PATHOLOGY SOCIETY HOT SEAT

Acclaimed consultant histopathologist Dr Suzy Lishman CBE is making history with her new post as president of the Association of Clinical Pathologists (ACP).

And as a former president of the Royal College of Pathologists (RCPath), Trust consultant Suzy is the only person to hold both esteemed positions.

Suzy - the brains behind the popular ‘Living Autopsy’ event - said: “I am delighted and honoured to be elected President of the ACP and look forward to contributing to the organisation’s work on training, member and public engagement and leadership development.

“My aim is to build on my previous roles and support closer working between the ACP and the RCPath, and I would like to engage with members on a more personal level, celebrating their professional and personal achievements.”

Suzy has won awards for her huge public engagement efforts and was instrumental in introducing National Pathology Week in 2008 and International Pathology Day in 2014, which is now celebrated across the world.

She is well known locally, and across the UK, for her unique approach to public engagement through the Living Autopsy (pictured), with one of her videos reaching over two million views on YouTube!

Using a live model, Suzy guides attendees through the process of a post-mortem examination, showing the real instruments used, explaining where incisions are made, how each organ is examined, and what tests might be carried out to discover the cause of death.

Pathologists to trial Artificial Intelligenceassisted cancer diagnostics

We are delighted to announce that the Trust is one of only five in England to share in a £123 million NHS investment to use AI (Artificial Intelligence) to enhance and speed up breast cancer diagnosis.

The pioneering project will support pathologists by providing AI-based tools and insights that help detect and grade different types of breast cancer.

The study will see AI technology and computer intelligence join forces with human expertise to further enhance the histopathology service.

Preparations for the year-long study - which is due to start in October 2023 – are underway.

Pathologists will use Ibex’s ‘Galen Breast’ to analyse a total of 10,000 biopsies as part of routine practice and evaluate how the Ibex technology helps improve the quality, speed and efficiency of diagnosis.

The aim will be to see how this can reduce case review times, improve capacity, and impacts overall cost-effectiveness of breast cancer diagnosis and turnaround times for patients.

“The AI technology can view the digital slides – traditionally looked at down a microscopeaccurately, and intuitively order any required further tests before a pathologist even needs to view the case.

“This offers a quick and more efficient way of delivering the service, saving time for the pathologist while speeding up the review process for the patient.”

Trust director of pathology, Dr David Bailey (pictured) is leading on the project locally.

STROKE SURVIVOR TERRY IS HELPING TO GIVE A VOICE TO LOCAL PATIENTS

The Trust is very proud of all its volunteers –many of whom have an incredible life story to share.

This includes Terry Perks, a stroke survivor who is now helping to give a voice to local patients by volunteering on Peterborough City Hospital’s stroke ward.

From going to the gym three times a week and playing cricket, tennis and badminton regularly –Terry thought he was in reasonably good health. But with no apparent warning signs, fit and healthy, Terry suffered a stroke at the age of 61 – leaving him hospitalised, robbing him of his

independence, battling mobility issues and being unable to speak for six months.

Terry (pictured) now uses some of his spare time to support stroke patients as part of the hospital’s Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) service.

One of the main aims of Terry’s role –under the remit of SLT team leader Mel Lord – is to help raise awareness of aphasia (difficulty speaking, writing and often with understanding language too) as a result of having a stroke.

He said: “Having suffered a stroke myself, I can certainly empathise with the patients and really wanted to try and give something back for the care I received myself. I now volunteer with the service a day a week.”

Stamford hospital staff and patients pat a pooch to promote good mood

Everybody say ‘ah’! Canine companions are providing the paw-fect mood boosting and wellbeing support to our staff and patients at Stamford and Rutland Hospital.

Biddy the cocker spaniel – accompanied by her owner Jane McKnight (pictured) – paid a recent visit to the hospital as part of the national Pets As Therapy (PAT) service.

Jane, who is also a volunteer with North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, brought her fourlegged friend into the hospital to meet staff and patients; including a number of elderly patients at the Van Geest Ward.

Pets As Therapy is a national charity that enhances the health and wellbeing of thousands of people in communities across the UK. Stamford and Rutland Hospital matron, and dog lover and owner, Caroline Wood said: “It has been fantastic to welcome Jane and Biddy

Personal safety and security week

Earlier this year we held a week-long event in collaboration with local police and other community services, to provide advice, information and support on different elements of safety & security.

A recent NHS staff survey showed an alarming increase in the number of NHS staff who have experienced at least one incident of physical violence from patients, service users, relatives or other members of the public in the last 12 months. We have used this week to highlight the importance of protecting our staff and really want to send a message out that it won’t be tolerated.

The theme of the security week was ‘Not part of the Job,’ and the team handed out pens, postit notes, badges and personal safety alarms, funded by the North West Anglia Hospitals’ Charity, for the benefit of staff and to remind them that any type of abuse will not be tolerated and it’s Not part of the Job!

into the hospital – and to see the joy they have brought to the faces of patients and staff alike.

“PAT is a wonderful charity providing such a great service to people who are feeling anxious, lonely, nervous or just need something to brighten their day.”

New Ophthalmic Diagnostic Hub to open at Doddington Hospital

A new Ophthalmic Diagnostic Hub will open at our Doddington Hospital soon. The hub will be run by our highly trained technicians, who will carry out a variety of diagnostics, which will then be virtually reviewed at a later date by a clinician. This will increase accessibility to our ophthalmic services for a variety of conditions and will mean an increase in the ability for the acute hospitals to see more urgent or acute conditions while ensuring that appointments are offered to patients who meet the criteria for these virtual clinics.

Clinical Lead for Ophthalmology, Linda McInerney, said: “This is an exciting opportunity to expand our service and provide good quality care across the region.”

Biddy the PAT dog at Stamford Hospital with volunteer Jane McKnight

CONSULTANT PUTS TRUST ON THE MAP FOR STROKE RESEARCH

Dr Radim Licenik has put North West Anglia on the international research map after joining a European study which looks at stroke in young people. The study is run with Helsinki University as the main sponsor and is the only European study within the field to have taken place, with 19 centres across Europe taking part and NWAngliaFT being one of two sites taking part from the United Kingdom.

The study looks at prospective data and genetics with the focus on stroke patients between 18 – 50 years of age. Once patients are recruited, they are followed up for ten years with some sites participating in specialised sub studies. NWAngliaFT are following up with the family study looking at traits of stroke or cardiac conditions.

Dr Licenik has a European fellowship which allows him to hear of upcoming trials outside

Shared Care Record goes live in our hospitals

North West Anglia NHS Foundation

Trust is the first partner organisation to go live with the healthcare systemwide project to introduce a Shared Care Record system across the local health and care community.

The Shared Care Record is a system that aims to improve care by joining up patient information which is currently held in separate patient databases by the different health and care services across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. It enables clinicians and care professionals to access up-to-date information about the individuals they are caring for.

Since the Shared Care Record went live in our hospitals, it means that care professionals can access a single, read-only view of information from an individual’s

existing patient records in GP, community and mental health services across the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough health system. This can be especially useful for staff in our emergency department, for example, as it gives them a more informed picture about a patient’s medical history should they be unable to communicate. This can make care more efficient, safe and timely.

Members of the public have been contacted to make their care record preferences in a public campaign that has been running in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough since September 2022. It is possible to stop sharing your information via the Shared Care Record system if you wish. For more information about My Care Record, visit: https://www.cpics.org.uk/ my-care-record.

of the UK and help get the Trust involved at an early stage.

Dr Radim Licenik, Consultant Stroke Physician at the Trust, said: “This is fantastic news for us a Trust, this study has enabled us to get our foot in the door for future international studies and take part in opportunities that might not come to us locally. It also gives us the opportunity for collaborative working with other partners across the globe.”

Welcome to our new Chief Operating Officer

We welcomed Michelle Cady to our Board of Directors as our new Chief Operating Officer on 1 April 2023. Michelle lives in Lincolnshire and started her career in Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps before joining the NHS and working in a range of acute clinical and leadership roles. Prior to joining our Trust, Michelle was Director of Strategy and Planning at Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust where she had also worked in other roles, in particular as Operations Director and Deputy Chief Operating Officer.

Michelle’s role oversees the delivery of operational services across our hospital sites at a time when we are working hard to reduce waiting lists that have grown as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL NURSES’ DAY

Friday 12 May marked International Nurses’ Day, to commemorate Florence Nightingale’s birthday.

The Trust celebrated our fabulous nurses with a heartfelt thank you message from Chief Nurse, Jo Bennis, and a special video message from our Charity patron, Craig Revel Horwood.

The Occupational Development and Practice Development Teams went round each of our hospital sites with little gifts and thank you cards to give out to nursing colleagues to share the love!

A cake sale in our atrium held by nurses raised an amazing £678 for our Hospitals’ Charity Trust.

We hope that all our nurses felt appreciated and enjoyed their special day. We are proud of the passion and commitment that they show every day, working hard to put our patients at the centre of everything they do. #ThankYouNurses.

Launch of InterN, a new app for Internationally educated colleagues

A new app for Internationally educated nurses, midwives and allied health professionals has been launched across the East of England. The app is called InterN Eastern Region and It provides digitally -driven information to support a persons’ career, continuing professional development and pastoral care, both at the start of their NHS journey and beyond. Every part of its design caters for internationally educated nurses, midwives and Allied health professionals employed by any NHS trust within the East of England , using the nursing cohort’s very own insight and experience to help build the product. The app brings inclusivity and diversity to the forefront and should build bridges between different staff communities. The international recruits can even download the app before coming to the UK to help ensure that pastoral care can begin remotely.

New NWAngliaFT website

Keep your eyes peeled for a brand new website coming to you in July! A completely new provider will bring new and improved graphics and a sleeker layout to help you access what you need to know about the Trust more easily.

The timelines have been very short for this project, which also includes the Trust’s intranet service, but the Digital Communications team, helped by the IT Projects and Communications teams, have pulled it together in just 10 months from start to finish.

The launch will be in July and work will continue on the website through the summer to tweak and update content to ensure the best impact for our patients and visitors.

Follow us on social media

Did you know that you can keep up to date with the latest news from your local hospital through following our social media accounts? We are on Twitter, Facebook and even Instagram!

Twitter

@NWAngliaFT

@PboroCityHosp

@HinchHospital

@Stamford_Hosp

@NWAngliaMat

Facebook

Peterborough City Hospital

Hinchingbrooke hospital

Stamford & Rutland Hospital

NWAngliaFT Maternity Services

Instagram

North West Anglia NHS FT

BECOME A TRUST MEMBER

Membership is open to all patients and visitors, if you’re at least 16 years old and live within our membership area of Great Peterborough, Huntingdonshire or Stamford and South Lincolnshire, you can help us by having a say in how we run our three hospitals.

Fill in our on-line application form here: https://secure.membra.co.uk/Join/ Peterborough

Membership is free, and members will receive a copy of The Pulse magazine, either by email or post.

You will also be emailed invitations to events, like our Membership Meetings and also our Annual Public Meeting (APM), which takes place on Tuesday 17 October. Our last Membership meeting of 2023 will be on 6 December. Please look out for further details in the local press, on our website and on our social media channels.

We look forward to receiving your membership applications and to seeing you at the APM this year.

Teaser for next issue: Autumn 2023

Thank you for taking the time to read this edition of Pulse, we hope you have found it both informative and entertaining. We enjoy bringing you news and achievements from around the Trust and sharing stories about out services and staff.

Look out for the autumn issue – out this September.

North West Anglia 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 North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust endorse any of the products or services.

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.

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Tel: 01302 714528

Experience the joy of fostering a child who needs you

Fostering is a way to provide a safe and caring family environment for children who can’t live at home.

There are children right here in Rutland who need care and support. Lots of these children will go back to their families after a while. This may take days or weeks – sometimes longer.

What we look for

Foster carers come from all backgrounds and walks of life. You don’t need to have a certain income or live in a big house. The most important thing is that you’re flexible not only with your time but also your willingness to look after a child in our care.

What we give you

We’re behind our foster carers every step of the way. We offer you professional training, practical support and financial assistance to help you:

• Money to cover everyday expenses and activities

• Annual £200 loyalty payment

• Regular support from a supervising social worker, so you’re never alone

• Expert training and an opportunity to develop new skills

• 24/7 support for mental health and wellbeing

• Fostering allowance of up to £1,000 a week for professionals who have transferable skills and would make fostering their career

How to find out more

You can email us at: fostering@rutland.gov.uk

You can call us for a chat on: 01572 720 942

You can visit our website at: www.rutland.gov.uk/fostering

GRAND VIEW CARE HOME

LUXURY CARE IN STAMFORD

Grand View Care Home will provide luxury “all inclusive” residential, dementia, nursing and respite care. This will be spread over three floors in a luxurious environment. “All inclusive” means you only pay a single weekly fee with no hidden extras. The views from the lounge and dining areas are a sight to behold!

All rooms at Grand View Care Home have en-suite facilities and there are areas within the home to sit and chat or relax. The large lounges and dining areas have outstanding views with floor-to-ceiling windows. There is a very large cinema room situated within the Home and activities will be provided for all our residents.

Our facilities allow residents to live and carry on enjoying the everyday routines that they cherish, including hair and nail appointments or catching up with friends in the vibrant bistro.

Personalised care will be given by highly trained, caring staff and will be managed by an experienced Home Manager. The Executive Chef, along with a team of staff whom will assist in the kitchen to make all homemade produce, will create food that has been locally sourced to ensure that a highly nutritious and varied diet is available.

Grand View Care Home is within walking distance of Stamford town centre so links with the community can be maintained.

If you would like more information regarding Grand View then please call 01780 432610, email us at manager.grandview@alysiacaring.co.uk or just drop in for a non-obligatory showaround, cup of tea and cake.

CARE DIRECTORIES

County, City and Borough Council care directories are comprehensive guides to nursing care, residential care and independent living support. Created for individuals and their families exploring the possibility of moving to nursing/ residential care or seeking advice and support to continue living independently at home.

NHS STAFF MAGAZINES

NHS publications are circulated throughout hospitals to staff, patients and visitors on a regular basis. Advertising within the publications enables companies to promote their services to NHS employees and are an excellent way to Increase their customer base within this very targeted audience.

Sheffield Children’s Hospital

Refurbishment

Client: Sheffield Children’s Hospital

Sector: Healthcare

Type: Refurbishment

Procurement Method: Tender

Location: Sheffield

Project Value: £3.5 million

Project Description:

A 12-month refurbishment project of Ward 6 at the Sheffield Children’s Hospital creating a newly transformed Cancer and Leukaemia ward. This involved a complete strip out taking the building back to a concrete shell. We also built an extension at the back of the ward to form new doctor office with kitchens and places for the staff to relax on their breaks, In the new ward area we created ensuite bespoke bedrooms, interactive playrooms, school rooms and more for the children, to make the stay as comfortable as possible. Around the back of the hospital in between 3 building we manufactured and installed a steel mezzanine plant deck at roof level, on this 2 new AHU and 2 new chillers were built servicing all ward 6 and the ED department sending fresh filtered air in the ensuites.

Our works included new mechanical and electrical installations, new partitioning and ceilings, replacement of all external windows on the entire hospital and roof coverings, all the joinery in the bedrooms was bespoke making the new rooms bright and welcoming, it is now a more comfortable place to stay.

The Solution:

Working a tricky shaped building can sometimes cause problems, luckily our teams knew how to solve problems quickly so as not to cause any hold ups. Biggest issue was the size of the void above the ceiling and fitting the vast ducts up there whilst also getting electrics and pipe work underneath, all the teams working hand in hand, so they all had enough space.

The design and build steel plant deck at roof level connects to three different building on four different elevations. The steel had to be crane lifted over the roof of the main hospital building and assembled from a crash deck in the void between all four buildings. This deck had to be designed and installed in phases this was subject to road closure restrictions to the main road in front of the hospital and the installation was completed while operations continued in all four of the adjacent hospital buildings.

Testimonial:

Project was very successful, work was done to the scheduled program and completed with respect to the hospital’s requirements. A safe and welcoming safe space was created for the children, along with quiet and calming space for the parents and staff.

North West Anglia Hospitals

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