I am pleased to share with you the summer edition of The Pulse. There are so many examples of great work taking place in our hospitals, that it’s a challenge to fit all the news into this publication! Our staff have really been stepping up and standing out over the past few months - making improvements to patient care and experience, raising funds and awareness for worthy causes and hosting royal guests, on top of caring for our patients.
On pages 4 & 5 you can read the latest exciting update on the construction of our new, state-of-the-art, theatres at Hinchingbrooke Hospital, which are almost ready to move in to. We hope to complete our first operations very soon – once the commissioning works are completed. Our staff cannot wait to care for patients in such amazing facilities.
The team at Hinchingbrooke are still on a high following a visit from HRH The Princess Royal in April. As patron of the Royal College of Midwives, The Princess Royal visited our maternity wards and met new parents and their babies as well as maternity services staff. She also met one of our wonderful Chaplains, Roger Cresswell, who was celebrating his 80th birthday that week – what a fantastic birthday treat that was! Read more on page 7.
I would like to welcome our new Deputy Chief Executive Charlotte Williams, who joined the Trust in May. Find out more about Charlotte’s role and her experiences so far on page 3.
Finally, I would encourage you to join our members’ meeting on Tuesday 23 July where our Heart Failure Team will share some very important information on ways to spot the early signs of heart failure to prevent the disease developing untreated. Our team is one of seven pilot sites in the UK to take part in the British Society for Heart Failure’s community programme to detect heart failure sooner and reduce deaths. Take a look opposite for how to join the session.
Have a great summer and keep a look out for the autumn edition of the Pulse in October.
Hannah Coffey Chief Executive Officer
Next phase of Hinchingbrooke Redevelopment Project
Maternity staff curtsey in style for royal visit
Cha cha charity patron unveils new hospitals’ charity hub
Patient and surgeon team up to spread awareness around prostate cancer Who is your Health Hero?
WELCOME TO NEW DEPUTY CHIEF EXECUTIVE CHARLOTTE WILLIAMS
In early May we welcomed Charlotte Williams to the Trust as our Deputy Chief Executive.
Charlotte has joined us from Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust where she was Chief Strategy and Improvement Officer.
In her new role, she is the executive lead for Strategy, Transformation, Digital and Organisational Development. She is also the organisational lead for the North Place Health and Care Partnership, which is hosted by our Trust.
Charlotte said: “I am really pleased to be part of TeamNWAngliaFT and am feeling warmly welcomed, energised and inspired already by the kindness and commitment to each other I have experienced. Our Trust has some wonderful facilities and I have loved learning about our huge range of clinical services, how we work with charities and the voluntary sector, as well as meeting some of our very own volunteers.
“In my first few weeks I have heard about the exceptional training we provide to nurses, medical students and midwives, and learned a little of the research and innovation that
thrives here. I’ve been so impressed by the commitment of our divisional management teams, and the compassion taken in care for people with dementia, and those who we have the privilege to look after as they approach the end of their lives. I have spent time with doctors in training, with teams within my own portfolio and with partners in our integrated health and care system. I really can’t wait to learn much, much more as I get out and about in the Trust and across our North Place area.
“There are some exciting times ahead for our hospitals, not least of all the chance to build a new hospital on the Hinchingbrooke site and to progress our digital strategy, to improve communication and decision making, and make patient care safer, more inclusive, and flexible. An important aspect of this is a new and modern electronic patient record that will support clinicians in delivering quality care and increasing their time spent directly with patients.
“I am delighted to be part of #TeamNWAngliaFT and aim to serve our patients, our local population, and all my colleagues in building a better future.”
Membership
As an NHS Foundation Trust, we have members of Our Trust alongside governors, who all have a say in how our hospitals are run.
If you would like to become a member, you will need to be at least 16 years old and live within our membership area of Greater Peterborough, Huntingdonshire or Stamford and South Lincolnshire. Membership is free, and open to all patients and visitors.
Visit our website and search ‘become a member’ www.nwangliaft.nhs.uk
Upcoming Members Meeting
Our next Members’ Meeting will be held online on Tuesday 23 July at 5pm. We will be hearing from Kathy Simmonds, Lead Heart Failure Nurse, about what heart failure really means and how to spot the early signs, which can be treated and managed well.
Our Heart Failure team is one of seven pilot sites in the UK to be taking part in the British Society for Hearth Failure community programme to detect heart failure sooner and reduce deaths. It is aiming to save 10,000 lives per year reducing deaths from heart failure in the first year of diagnosis by 25% in 25 years.
Find the link to join the meeting by searching for Members’ Meeting on our website.
Questions on the subject of heart failure can be sent in advance of the meeting, by email, to nwangliaft.trustboard@nhs.net. Please ensure emails are sent by 9pm on Sunday 21 July.
HINCHINGBROOKE HOSPITAL REDEVELOPMENT TAKES THE NEXT STEP IN THE PROCESS
In May 2023, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care announced the inclusion of the redevelopment of Hinchingbrooke Hospital as one of the 40 hospital schemes in the New Hospital Programme (NHP). Since then, our Project Team have been progressing our plans. Deborah Lee, Senior Responsible Officer, for the Hinchingbrooke redevelopment, said: “As we design our hospital, we are working closely with our staff, patients, partners and local communities to ensure we understand what matters to them. All of this takes time, but I know from my previous experience it will be worth it in the long-run when we deliver a brand-new, state of the art hospital.
“To be able to access the funding which is required to develop the new hospital, we must follow a set process and build a case which demonstrates that we have considered all possible options and selected the best option.
“The first step for us is to achieve approval of the Strategic Outline Case (SOC). This sets out why a change is needed, reviews the options and sets out the preferred way forward. We are currently working on our SOC and hope to present this to our Trust Board in September 2024.”
• The SOC confirms the strategic context of the proposal, makes a robust case for change and uses stakeholder input to identify a preferred way forward.
• Approval of the SOC starts with the Trust governance process, culminating in approval by the Trust Board.
• Support from the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Integrated Care Board will be based on an assessment of the needs of the wider health and social care system.
• NHP, NHS England and Improvement (Regional and National Teams) and the Department of Health and Social Care will
provide feedback on the SOC and approve the release of the funding required to progress to the next stage with the Outline Business Case (OBC), followed by the Full Business Case (FBC).
We will continue to share our updates with you at every step of the way. Keep an eye out on our social media channels, website and in the local media for invitations to the next public engagement sessions.
Architects and staff work together on hospital plans
Architects commissioned to work on the plans for a new Hinchingbrooke Hospital have been meeting with staff from all clinical areas to discuss how our new hospital might look. The plans are in their infancy, however this input from staff is vital when pulling together the requirements of each department and how they interlink. This artists impression shows us how Hinchingbrooke could look in 2030.
An artist impression of what the new Hinchingbrooke Hospital could look like
FINISHING TOUCHES ARE TAKING PLACE IN BRAND NEW THEATRES BLOCK
Surgical staff were given the opportunity to take a look inside the brand-new theatres block. Building work started in the summer of 2022 and is nearing completion as the team from Graham Construction fit the final elements inside.
The surgical teams have been given a glimpse of what the seven state-of-the-art operating theatres look like inside, including:
• seven large operating theatres, with enough room for the latest technology including the introduction of surgical robots if required,
• a dedicated paediatric waiting room and recovery area,
• integrated hoists installed into the ceiling to aid staff moving patients to and from the operating table,
• audio visual screens in two theatres to provide detailed imagery for surgical staff and provide trainee staff with a detailed display of the operation taking place,
• three operating theatres with laminar flow technology, which provides an ultra-clean
environment required for certain surgeries, such as orthopaedics or implants,
• dedicated obstetric theatre,
• large recovery areas with panoramic windows to provide natural light into the building,
• two isolation rooms for patients who are at risk of infection or present an infection risk to others,
• large staff rest area and kitchen, with panoramic windows and much improved showering facilities for staff to switch off, rest and relax during breaks.
Jason Knaepel, Divisional Operations Manager for Theatres, said: “The new theatre complex project has been a fantastic experience. It has given our theatre staff and stakeholders the opportunity to be directly involved in vastly improving the perioperative environment for our patients and ultimately the care we provide.
“We are very much looking forward to showcasing our facility and treating our first patients in the coming months.”
Shining the Spotlight on Bill Laver, Theatres Manager at Hinchingbrooke Hospital
“I joined the Trust in December last year, and as a Theatres Manager about to move into a new operating theatre block, I couldn’t have timed it any better. The team are really excited to be moving into a brandnew facility and it will be all handson deck when we move in.
“This will be a fantastic upgrade from our current facilities and is a great opportunity for us to meet our current and future population needs as the Huntingdon area grows and develops.
“I have had a few opportunities to look inside our new theatres and it is great to see it all coming together. The team have been involved from day one in the design, from the layout of the department, through to the colour scheme of grey and yellow. We will have better facilities and amenities for our staff and our patients, and the experience for patients will be hugely improved.
“Each of the seven theatres will provide us with an increased and better utilisation of space, that will improve patient flow, and it will definitely make it a more desirable place to work. This investment in our new theatres shows an investment in our future and we are looking forward to celebrating with our staff when we move in.”
BIll Laver, Theatres Manager at Hinchingbrooke Hospital
A sneak peek of what the new theatre will look like
MATERNITY STAFF AND NEW PARENTS
THE PRINCESS ROYAL AT HINCHINGBROOKE
From
Southern Africa to Hinchingbrooke – and a meeting with Royalty - for nurse Nomsa
Growing up in an area of Southern Africa where the nearest clinic was over a 20 mile walk away, Nomsa Ndela dreamt of being a nurse, believing she could bring the health care service closer to her community.
Her dreams were realised in 2009, when she began her nursing journey in Zimbabwe, working in a city hospital for nine years after qualifying as a registered nurse, working on both medical and surgical wards.
But the desire to make a difference through nursing led to a difficult decision for Nomsa, before eventually joining the Trust in 2022.
And one of her recent highlights was being chosen to meet HRH The Princess Royal during a recent visit to Hinchingbrooke Hospital in Huntingdon.
Nomsa explains: “In December 2019, I started the relocation process, but all plans were put on hold in 2020 as the world was hit by the pandemic. I never gave up but continued to apply for nursing jobs until I received an invitation for a job interview from the Trust.
“I joined the Trust in March 2022 leaving behind my husband, nine-year old daughter and a 21-month-old son. This was the hardest decision I ever made but the process required me to travel alone and get settled
Nomsa Ndela meeting HRH
The Princess Royal
before bringing my family over.”
As a qualified midwife in Zimbabwe, Nomsa says she is looking forward to completing the 18 months midwifery training and then register with The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
In her current role as a Maternity Recovery Nurse, she cares for women post caesarean section or post any other procedures performed under anaesthetic. She also offers emotional support to women and
their birthing partner’s post traumatic deliveries, as well as supporting with breast/ artificial feeding.
Nomsa added: “On arriving in the UK, life was like a roller coaster but luckily I had support from my managers and colleagues who have grown to be like family. I still enjoy putting smiles on patients’ faces and I’ve gained vast knowledge and experience. I love my job and enjoy the teamwork within the department.”
PARENTS TREATED TO A VISIT BY HINCHINGBROOKE HOSPITAL A right Royal birthday treat for our Roger
As milestone birthdays go – they probably don’t come much bigger and better than meeting a senior member of the royal family whilst going about your day job!
That is what happened to Roger Cresswell – our oldest serving member of staff and popular member of the chaplaincy team when he turned 80 a few weeks ago.
Roger was working a shift at Hinchingbrooke Hospital during a VIP visit from HRH The Princess Royal. As part of the visit, Roger was presented to The Princess Royal, an honour which came as a complete surprise to him on the day.
His special milestone was also marked with a lunch for himself and his wife Julia, arranged by grateful colleagues at the Trust to thank him for all his hard work and dedication.
Roger began working for the Trust in 2018 but had been volunteering for chaplaincy services more than a decade before.
Prior to joining the Trust, Roger enjoyed a 34-year service in the RAF, working in supply and logistics, and is a regular supporter of Armed Forces Day, as well as fundraising for our Special Care Baby Unit and Adult Critical Care Unit.
Meet the Team - Cancer Data Team SPOTLIGHTING OUR TEAMS
Playing a pivotal role in the journey of every single Trust cancer patient is the Cancer Data Team, which works behind the scenes to help shape the future of cancer services.
The five-strong team – with a collective Trust experience and length of service of almost 70 years – is responsible for collating and validating all cancer data for our hospitals.
This can range from logging GP or dentist patient referrals at the time of diagnosis, to charting waiting times and following the patient pathway during and after their treatment. The statistics are used to piece together a national
picture of waiting times and treatments across all cancer specialties.
The data is also considered by the government as part of its planning when it comes to awareness and funding of particular cancers – where screening demands often rise following high profile diagnosis cases, including the recent diagnosis of His Majesty King Charles and the Princess of Wales.
The team (pictured) says it is proud to be able to make a difference to cancer pathways and feels part of something much bigger – with its work helping to shape the future of cancer and celebrate the progression being made.
Stamford & Rutland Hospital Reception Team
Front and centre at Stamford & Rutland Hospital is the Reception and Outpatients Administration Team.
Colleagues Kelly, Sarah, Helen and Carolyn are normally the first members of staff that patients see upon arrival at the hospital; whether they are attending a planned appointment or require treatment in the Minor Injuries Unit (MIU).
No two days are the same for the established team, which sees an average of around 200 patients arriving for clinics each day, alongside many others who are booked in for day treatment, blood tests or requiring the MIU service.
The patient and public facing team also make the six-week appointments for patients across all specialities of the hospital. The team say they are proud to provide a positive experience for all patients and their families.
Kelly and Carolyn (pictured) are able to bring their special education needs background to the role, using their skills and intuition to seamlessly manage situations where young patients may feel anxious or overwhelmed.
Carolyn said: “For us, patient experience is everything – we are their first port of call and want to make their experience at Stamford & Rutland Hospital as stress free and as easy as possible.”
Meet our Safeguarding Team
The Trust’s Safeguarding Team work tirelessly across all of our hospitals to create a safe and supportive environment for patients and staff, prioritising their protection and ensuring their voices are heard.
Mandy Park, Head of Safeguarding at North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, commented: “Compassion, patient focus, and a steadfast commitment to working positively together are at the heart of everything we do, our responsibilities are to safeguard vulnerable
adults, children, and unborn babies.
“As a Safeguarding Team we work as a “Think Family” team, ensuring steps are taken by children, and adult practitioners to identify wider family needs which may extend beyond the individual they are supporting. As a team we are committed to protecting vulnerable patients, ensuring their Human Right of living free from abuse is at the heart of all we do. We ensure that children have a safety net around them whilst in the hospital and that there is a
robust plan that includes all muti-agencies, before a child is discharged. The Maternity Safeguarding Team are specialist midwives, who work together to ensure that robust processes are in place to protect expectant mothers and their babies from risk of harm.
“I’m incredibly proud of all practitioners within the Safeguarding Team, and everything they do in keeping our patients safe, which takes great personal strength and persistence in making a difference to patients’ lives.”
DIGITAL MILESTONE: CELEBRATING OUR WEBSITE’S FIRST ANNIVERSARY
A Year in Review
As we mark the first anniversary of our Trust’s website, we reflect on a year of significant digital transformation. Our new website, redesigned in 2023, has served as a source of information and just one of many bridges connecting us with you - the community we serve.
Features that make a difference
• Accessibility Tools: To make sure our content is available to everyone.
• Responsive Design: A seamless experience across all devices, including mobiles.
• Developed Resources: Renovation of our news blog, links to our Hospitals’ Charity website and Freedom of Information media browser – meaning you can quickly access information which has been requested before.
• Improved User Interface: A complete site remapping and improved user interface – we’re all about making our website experience the best for you.
Milestones Achieved
• User Engagement: Almost 800,000 visits!
• Content Expansion: New content including news, pages about our services and other exciting areas like our future plans and the North West Anglia Hospitals’ Charity!
• More features: We’ve focussed on sharing great news about our people and the exciting developments and events going on across our hospitals!
Do you have any suggestions about how we can improve? We’d love to hear from you! Email us on: nwangliaft. communications@nhs.net
Scan the QR code to check out the website.
Become a Research Champion
Research Champions are patients, carers, members of the public and people who have taken part in a research study before, as well as those who haven’t. Something they all have in common is that they are passionate about getting more people involved in research so that we can develop better care and treatment for everyone.
If you would like to be a Research Champion and volunteer to help spread the word about health and care research, and help our staff understand more about the experiences of those who take part in research then please contact the Research & Development department by calling 01480 847511 or email nwangliaft.rddepartment@nhs.net. We’d love to hear from you.
Become a member of our Patient and Public Involvement Panel
We’re proud that our Trust is active in research. Health research is how we learn more about illnesses and people’s health, and we know that hospitals that do research have better patient outcomes, for example higher survival rates, shorter hospital stays and less complications following discharge.
We are looking for people to join our patient and public involvement panel. What does that mean? It means that patients, carers, family members and the public contribute to how Trust research is designed, conducted and disseminated. No experience is required, and by joining the panel it will not mean that you will have to participate in research studies..
If you would like to find out more information about this panel or would like to put yourself forward, please email nwangliaft. rddepartment@nhs.net.
HOSPITALS’ CHA-CHA CHARITY BALL RAISES OVER £30,000 DURING
NIGHT OF GLITZ AND GLAMOUR
Sequins, sparkle, VIP guests, cuddly mascots and a fantastic fusion of local musical entertainment were all part of a glittering charity ball in aid of North West Anglia Hospitals’ Charity.
A massive £30,000 was raised during an evening of glitz and glamour, when guests were also invited to a ‘strictly confidential’ showbiz Q&A with charity patron and Strictly Come Dancing judge, Craig Revel Horwood.
Craig said: “Since I became the Hospitals’ Charity patron a couple of years ago, I have had the privilege of meeting so many a-maz-ing hospital staff in a wide variety of roles, and seeing first-hand the wonderful work they do.
“I am delighted to be patron, and the success of the ball and the massive amount raised through incredibly generous support is a huge testament to how much the NHS is valued locally and regionally.”
Proceeds from this year’s event (sponsored by Progress Health) will be ploughed into a newly established ‘Volunteer Fund’ which will assist the Trust’s army of volunteers to enhance the range of services they offer; including rapid response, spending time with end-of-life patients and ensuring the welfare trolley – which visits hospital wards with medical and comfort items – is fully stocked.
Hospitals’ Charity Hub officially unveiled by Strictly star Craig
Complete with glitter ball and bright décor, the brand-new Charity Hub at Peterborough City Hospital (PCH) has been welcoming visitors since its grand opening a few weeks ago.
Strictly Come Dancing judge, and Hospitals’ Charity patron, Craig Revel Horwood joined our charity mascots to unveil the impressive new facility.
He said: “It was wonderful to visit Peterborough City Hospital again and see this fabulous new hub that’s been created to ensure everyone knows about the charity and what we’re about.”
The Charity Hub, which is located just inside the main atrium at the front of the hospital,
has been funded through charitable funds and a generous sponsorship from PCH service providers, Progress Health.
The hub is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday and can be visited by anyone who would like to know more about how to support our hospitals, fundraise or donate to a fantastic cause.
Manned by charity volunteers, you can receive advice on how to support or donate to our hospitals and get guidance or direction to the most appropriate person or department. We also have an exciting range of new charity merchandise such as water bottles, pin badges and tote bags – with all profits coming going directly to the charity.
CANCER WELLBEING SERVICE RECEIVES TEE-RIFIC DONATION FROM LOCAL GOLF CLUB
A tee-rific donation of £20,000 has been made to Peterborough City Hospital’s Cancer Wellbeing Service by a local golf club.
Milton Golf Club selected the service to receive the annual fundraising donation in recognition of the support it provides to anyone affected by cancer.
The incredible amount donated to The North West Anglia Hospitals’ Charity is the most raised to date by the club, some of whose members themselves have benefitted from the Cancer Wellbeing Service in some way.
Former captains, players and other representatives from Peterborough Milton Golf Club presented the cheque to the Cancer Wellbeing Service manager Lisa Deacon (pictured centre).
Lisa said: “We are delighted to receive such a generous donation, and privileged that the largest amount ever raised by
the golf club has come to the service and will benefit so many people from in and around Peterborough.
“The Cancer Wellbeing Service provides practical and emotional support to people affected by cancer, as well as their family and friends.”
Cake sale boost Hospitals’ Charity funds
You have to hand it to our Infection Prevention and Control colleagues –they certainly know their cakes! The tasty treats tickled the tastebuds of many visitors and staff at Peterborough City and Hinchingbrooke hospitals, helping to raise £340 for the North West Anglia Hospitals’ Charity.
The fundraising event also had a more serious message to coincide with World Hand Hygiene Day, helping to promote the importance around clean hands.
The team had all the know-how at its fingertips, and shared some of this with staff, volunteers, and visitors to the Trust, with advice on ways to keep hands clean; explaining the correct ways of handwashing (with soap and water preferred over hand sanitising gel) and sharing some interesting facts about the spread of bacteria.
Were you among the many people who tried the Semmelweis machine?
It uses a UV glow to measure hand washing technique. Visitors were invited to run UV gel into their hands, using the same technique as washing, and insert into the machine which highlighted areas missed, giving a score out of 100.
Stamford scrub nurses walk a marathon for cancer charity
Well done to colleagues and walking buddies Clare Humphries and Racheal Lane who stepped out recently to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Swapping their scrubs and regulation footwear for charity t-shirts and walking shoes, Clare and Racheal put their best feet forward to tackle one of the UK-wide Macmillan Mighty Hikes walking events.
Taking in the stunning vista of the Norfolk Coastline, the 27-mile route started at Cromer beach and continued through Salthouse Marshes, Norfolk Coast Path, Wells-Next-TheSea before the finish line at Holkham.
Team name Scrubbers24, Clare and Racheal – who are based at Stamford & Rutland Hospital – have raised over £800.
Cancer Wellbeing Service Manager, Lisa Deacon, receiving cheque from Milton Golf Club
EYE PATIENTS SUPPORT PROJECT TO HELP AFRICAN COMMUNITIES SEE MORE CLEARLY
When it comes to everyday tasks such as reading a book, following written instructions, or threading a needle, most of us pop on a pair of glasses to help see more clearly.
But spare a thought for the tens of thousands of children and adults in rural Africa whose education and livelihood are impacted by poor eyesight.
However, thanks to retired local business couple Peter and Anne Corder – supported by an army of volunteers – hundreds of pre-loved specs are helping to make a huge difference to the lives of people in communities in Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi through the Specs for Africa project.
The donated glasses have enabled more people to resume close-up work as part of their everyday lives; from repairing fishing nets and doing weaving and beadwork to sell baskets and jewellery, to helping with cooking, education, and hairdressing.
The appeal for help has been extended to staff and patients using the Trust’s ophthalmology services – and the response has been incredible.
Dozens of pairs of glasses have already been dropped into the branded collection boxes in the eye departments at Peterborough City, Hinchingbrooke and Stamford hospitals.
These are being processed, cleaned, repackaged in microfibre pouches (so the cases are not required) and delivered to people in communities who need them most.
Steve Joy, Divisional Operations Manager for Ophthalmology and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, said: “This is a fantastic and very heartwarming initiative. We are in the fortunate position within our hospitals to provide excellent eye health care to local people and applaud any scheme that can help improve the lives of those who cannot easily access services of their own.”
You can drop off your pre-loved glasses and sunglasses in the collecting boxes at your nearest hospital. To find out more about the project please visit @specs_for_africa on Instagram.
New Rapid Assessment and Treatment bay now open
In a bid to improve patient experience for those arriving at the Peterborough City Hospital emergency department by ambulance, a new Rapid Assessment and Treatment (RAT) bay has opened.
The newly equipped and refurbished area has replaced the modular build which was
installed on the site as a temporary measure, in February last year. The area is used for patients coming into the hospital via the ambulance bay, who require a bed whilst they wait for assessment.
Konstantinos Papakostas, Charge Nurse in the emergency department said: “Opening
the new RAT bay means we can improve patient experience by providing a more comfortable setting and it also helps us improve ambulance handover times. We are very grateful to all our staff and patients as we have worked towards this positive transition.”
Staff from North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust’s ophthalmology department with one of the Specs for Africa collecting boxes.
Also pictured, some of the many people who benefited from the project in numerous African communities.
PATIENT AND SURGEON TEAM
UP TO SPREAD THE WORK ABOUT PROSTATE CANCER
With ‘Men’s Health Week’ in the spotlight recently, Trust Macmillan Consultant Urological Surgeon Jyoti Shah MBE is continuing to spread the prostate cancer awareness message.
Miss Shah has spearheaded an initiative to invite men aged between 50-80, who have no known prostate cancer or have not had a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test within the past 12 months to come along to get tested at free community events.
These have included a Prostate Cancer Outreach Bus, which was visited by radio presenter and professional Master of Ceremonies Matt Biggin. At 58 years of age, having a PSA test was on Matt’s list of things to do.
But as he had no symptoms and was unable to get an appointment with his GP – Matt says this went down his own list of priorities. However, prompted by his partner, Matt visited the Bus and subsequently attended an appointment to have a PSA and blood test and an examination soon after.
He said: “I was told my PSA levels were high that I was booked in for an MRI and biopsy within a matter of days.
“I got the call to say test showed I had
Macmillan Consultant Urological Surgeon Jyoti Shah MBE being interviewed by Matt
prostate cancer, and I don’t think it really sank in. I had to face telling my family while trying to process news of the diagnosis myself – which had all happened very quickly from visiting the bus in February.”
Matt is now bravely and openly sharing his story – as he undergoes hormone injections while awaiting radiotherapy treatment. Part of that awareness has been an interview on his radio show moremuzicradio.com with Miss Shah.
Matt said: “It has been eye opening to learn how common this is. My message to men is to go and get checked. Yes, there may be a little embarrassment, but the checks are quick, easy, and painless. Don’t put it off or make the excuse of being too busy.”
Miss Shah said: “Prostate cancer is a silent killer, but it is a cancer that we can cure if we pick it up early enough.”
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK, with 1 in 8 being diagnosed at some point in their lives.
For men from an Afro-Caribbean heritage, the risk is 1 in 4.
Miss Shah said: “Because prostate cancer often doesn’t have any symptoms – men won’t appreciate the need to go and get checked for a problem that effectively doesn’t exist. However, because there are no signs, that doesn’t mean that it’s not there.”
More information about prostate cancer, the signs and support available, can be found on the Prostate Cancer UK website.
However, if men are concerned about their health or any unexplained symptoms, they should contact their GP.
Trust
CELEBRATING OUR VOLUNTEERS
CELEBRATING OUR AMAZING VOLUNTEERS AT THE TRUST
Volunteers at the Trust spent a week celebrating the amazing help they provide across our hospitals. National Volunteers Week takes place each year, but this year marked a milestone of 40 years, making it even more special.
The Trust has nearly 500 volunteers who between them have donated a staggering
73,763 hours in the last year – making an estimated 250,000 cups of tea in that time. With each brew comes a chat with the patient, making a huge difference to people in their time of need.
Carol North, Head of Volunteering at the Trust, commented: “We held a special thank
Meet some of our volunteers:
Ron and Mary who met volunteering at our hospitals and are now married.
Ron: “I started volunteering in 1999 after being talked into it by a friend who was a volunteer at the time. I had been widowed and had time to spare and wanted to do something meaningful.”
Mary: “I started volunteering in 2007, having lost my husband. I was visiting a friend who was a patient at the old Edith Cavell. On my way to her ward, I passed the volunteers office and thought, I could do that, so I knocked on the door and the rest is history.
“We both love meeting people and having lots of interaction. We work with a great team who are affectionately known as ‘Ron’s Angels,’ and we all have a shared interest in helping the community and the patients of this hospital. One of the best things about becoming a volunteer, for us, was that we found each other and were married in 2009 and will soon be celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary.
When Ron and Mary aren’t at the hospital, they spend their time together going to garden centres and making their garden grow. They also like doing crossword puzzles and enjoy going on cruises.
Penny and Lionel –Husband and wife team –Hinchingbrooke Hospital
“We joined Hinchingbrooke Volunteer Service in May 2022, as Ward Support Volunteers. We wanted to give back to the NHS after the pandemic, so threw ourselves into volunteering!”
Jo Travers, Volunteer Coordinator at Hinchingbrooke said: “Between Penny and Lionel, they have already donated a fabulous 1,350 hours, served thousands of cups of tea and chatted to hundreds of patients! Penny and Lionel are unstoppable! They both currently support on the wards but have also helped with our staff vaccination clinics. Lionel helped our volunteer gardeners with their summer projects and Penny even carries on volunteering when she gets home by getting her sewing machine out and making mastectomy cushions and all sorts of other items for our patients! Penny and Lionel love their volunteering and it is a privilege to have them on the team!”
you lunch party this week to show our volunteers how grateful we are to them. We played games and had a disco, then certificates and badges were presented to dedicated long-serving volunteers. Thank you to each and every wonderful volunteer that gives up their time to come and serve our hospitals.”
Samuel Kirigi – Peterborough City Hospital
“I volunteer because I believe it is about how you touch someone’s life positively. It only takes ten minutes to prepare a cup of coffee for the patient, carer, or family member which means a lot to them and to me.
“I feel passionate about offering support to those that require it and I strongly believe that life is not all about me as an individual, instead it is about those around us and the things that you can do and make someone realise how precious they are. My volunteering is solely built on the smile I can put on patient’s faces even with the pain they could be in.
“In my role as a Learning Disability and Autism Support Volunteer, I like the fact that I can learn a lot from the people I support. Despite the health condition they have, they are super talented, super gifted and I’m learning how to play table tennis and cards from some of my service users. I like the kind of interactions I get within the role and enjoy meeting different minded people and helping me embrace the beauty of life.
“Finally, I am learning how to play piano so I can play in church. Playing the piano will also help me be a ‘friend of dementia,’ when I’m around patients who will benefit from piano tunes and sounds.”
HOSPITAL STAFF STEP OVER THE RAINBOW FOR PRIDE MONTH
Staff, patients, and visitors at Peterborough City Hospital now have the opportunity to travel over the rainbow in order to get to work.
This year, the Trust has added a splash of colour to two pedestrian crossings at Peterborough City Hospital in recognition of Pride. The brightly coloured rectangles have been placed alongside the existing zebra crossings outside the multi-storey car park and opposite the main hospital entrance.
North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust has a number of staff networks which are run by staff and co-led by the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Team, helping to shape culture and policies to create a more inclusive work environment for staff and improving the experiences for patients and their families.
Jo Bennis, Chief Nurse, said: “As the executive link with our LGBTQIA+ staff network, I’m really proud that we continue to support our colleagues, patients and local community – not only during Pride, but
always. We hope these rainbow crossings represent celebration, raise awareness, and serve as a reminder to our colleagues and visitors that we are an inclusive Trust.”
Since forming around five years ago the Trust’s LGBTQIA+ staff network has contributed to new policies and remained passionate about educating staff. It regularly delivers lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ colleagues to the executive board and is innovative in its approach to new working ways for staff across all of our hospitals.
Jo added: “I’d like to thank North West Anglia Hospitals’ Charity for funding this initiative and also to our Estates and Facilities Team and colleagues at Progress Health for helping make these rainbow crossings come to life.”
Plans are in place to install rainbow crossings at our Stamford and Huntingdon hospitals and we look forward to sharing the news of those soon.
LGBTQIA+ hosts number of ‘networking’ lunches in honour of Pride
As part of Pride, our LGBTQIA+ network held ‘lunch and mingle’ sessions for staff to find out about the LGBTQIA+ network, speak to some of the members, find out how the network works and ask any questions.
These lunchtime events were held across our hospital sites at Peterborough, Huntingdon and Stamford. Pride celebrates LGBTQIA+ people in all their diversity, raises awareness, and works to combat prejudice with education.
Thank you to everyone who joined us at these three events.
GIVE THANKS TO YOUR HEALTH HERO
Nominations are now open for the category of ‘Health Hero’ in our 2024 Outstanding Achievement Awards! We would love to hear from you if you’ve recently been treated at one of our hospitals, or know of someone who has, and you want to say thank you to an individual.
Every year we hold a special awards ceremony for our staff, as a way to showcase the amazing work they do and show them just how much they mean to our patients.
“Working in the healthcare profession isn’t always an easy job,” says Jo Bennis, Chief Nurse and longstanding judge for the Outstanding Achievement Awards. “But it’s so rewarding to know you have made a positive difference to someone, often at a really difficult time in their life. The Health Hero Award is our only publicly nominated category and it’s a special accolade because it’s come directly from the patient, their friends or family.”
You can make your nomination via our
website, by completing a brief online form that you can find on the homepage. Please give as much detail as possible about the person or team that you would like to nominate. There will be a winner for Peterborough City, Hinchingbrooke and Stamford & Rutland Hospitals. Nominations close at the end of July.
The awards ceremony will be held in October at Peterborough Cathedral, and we will bring you news of all our winners on our socials accounts later on in the year.
The Health Hero Award nominations are submitted by members of the public and voted on by the Awards judging panel. Here’s a look back at our 2023 health heroes.
Health Hero Award –Stamford & Rutland Hospital
Dr Kerry Shalders, Consultant Dermatologist
Dr Shalders was nominated by one of her patients suffering from a debilitating skin condition that was causing them daily pain and discomfort. The patient described Dr Shalders as ‘amazing’, for the way she took time and effort to explain treatment options and listening when the patient was talking about the depths of their despair that the condition had caused.
The patient said they had been offered antidepressants by their GP which left them feeling dismissed and stuck with their condition forever. The patient said they finally felt understood, and reassured and by Dr Shalders, claiming that thanks to her they are now in far less pain and living with confidence, and a sense of freedom that they hadn’t felt in a very long time.
Health Hero Award –Hinchingbrooke
Hospital
Dr Rajiv Goonetilleke, Paediatric Consultant.
Praised for ‘going the extra mile’ and providing ‘genuine care’ to a family he has worked with for some 16 years, Dr Rajiv Goonetilleke picked up our Hinchingbrooke Hospital’s Health Hero award last year.
Not only did Dr Goonetilleke look after the nominator’s two children (both born with complex needs) but he went on to save the lift of one of the children when they developed meningitis.
The nominator described Dr Goonetilleke as becoming more like a family member as he would remember the children’s birthdays – and, on one occasion, even offered his wife’s services to help make a cake!
The nominator said: “He goes the extra mile at every appointment, and we are forever in his debt as he continues to provide exemplary care and support for us as a family. I wanted to thank him from the bottom of my heart for the genuine care shown to me and my family.”
Health Hero Award –Peterborough City Hospital
Helen Taylor – Neonatal Intensive Care Senior Sister.
Neonatal Intensive Care Senior Sister Helen was nominated for providing exemplary care, compassion and reassurance to a new mum who had given birth to twins at just 24 weeks. Sadly one twin did not survive.
Helen was named the Peterborough City Hospital Health Hero as a result of a heartfelt nomination by the twins’ mum. She said that Helen made both her and her partner feel safe in her care, helping them with the grief of tragically losing one baby whilst having to focus on their daughter who was fighting for her life.
The nominator said: “I was terrified, in a complete grief-stricken state and really didn’t know what to think or expect, but as soon as Helen came into the unit and took charge, we just knew we would be safe in her care.
“She has special qualities that only certain people possess, and she 100 per cent looked after us as well as our baby.
“The world desperately needs more people like Helen. If it hadn’t been for the strength and support shown to us that day and every day for the 16 weeks we spent on the unit, I have no idea how we would have coped.”
Helen Taylor receiving her health hero award
Dr Rajiv Goonetilleke receiving his health hero award
Deputy Chief Nurse Laura Stent accepting the award on behalf of Dr Shalders
North West Anglia Health
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Can’t go to Specsavers? They’ll come to you
We caught up with Kejal Shah who has been an Optometrist with Specsavers Home Visits for 8 years. She explains to us how this much-needed service works. So, tell me more about the Home Visits service…
Our at-home eye test is very similar to what you would have experienced in-store, just with a few adjustments and specialist equipment to make it home-friendly.
Optometrists, like myself, carry out the eye test, adjusting it to your individual needs. If glasses are needed, experienced colleagues will help with frame selection and then return to fit them. And, it goes without saying, all customers are supported with ongoing aftercare.
In response to demand, we’ve also now launched a new audiology home visits service. So far, we have home hearing services in 14 locations in the UK, with plans to expand this over the coming months. Who is able to benefit from a home eye test?
Put simply, it’s about bringing the service to your door, if you can’t get to one of our stores. So if you, a friend, or loved one, are unable to leave your home or care home unaccompanied, due to a physical or mental illness or disability, we can come to you.
There are a wide range of conditions and reasons why someone might not be able to leave their home. You can speak to us about your situation and we can help you understand if you or your loved one qualifies. What if someone is bedbound, or struggling with communication? Can you still help them?
The Home Visits service is designed to provide eyecare which is as individual as our customers are.
Some customers might be clinically vulnerable or they might be non-verbal or living with dementia. Depending on the situation, we might use pictures instead of letters for example. Even with a customer who is bedbound, we can change the position of the chart so we’re still getting completely accurate results. All the tests are adapted to fit the customer’s environment and comfort level. We can also speak to the customer or their loved one ahead of the visit, to address any questions or talk through the process.
Given that you provide such a personal and tailored service, does your care go beyond just an eye test?
Every colleague I know sees our services as something beyond just a job. Whether it’s sharing stories over a cuppa, popping something in the post for them, or passing them something out of reach, going that extra mile is such a rewarding part of our role. I only need to see a customer’s smile to know I’ve made a difference.
That’s a big part of what we do. Provide a personal service, tailored care and expertise, right to people’s homes, no matter what their situation – in homes, care homes or sheltered housing.
How do I find out whether someone is eligible?
You can head to our website at www.specsavers.co.uk/home-eye-tests which features a simple step-by-step guide to eligibility and a wealth of information. Alternatively, you can call 0800 0890144
