The Pulse Winter 2022

North West Anglia

WELCOME FROM THE Chief Executive

Welcome to the Winter edition of The Pulse – our final edition of 2022.

It is an appropriate time to reflect on what a busy year it has been. Our teams are now preparing for an even busier winter with the anticipated extra demand winter illnesses will place on our urgent care services. In addition, our staff are working hard to reduce our waiting lists which sadly grew as a result of disruption during the pandemic.

I am proud to say that our staff continue to go over and above for our patients every day. We were able to recognise their achievements in our annual awards ceremony which took place in October 2022. It was fantastic to bring staff together face to face for the first time since the pandemic began in early 2020. You can read some of the brilliant stories of how our staff care for our patients, and each other, on page 4.

In November 2022 we held our first North West Anglia Hospitals Charity Ball and were joined by 280 guests from local businesses and the community, plus our fabulous patron Craig Revel-Horwood and charity supporter Warwick Davies. The night was a huge success, the highlight of which was an impromptu Charleston dance lesson for our guests from Strictly star Craig. The night raised £27,500 which will all go directly to benefit our patients and staff to purchase items that make the hospital environment more comfortable. We’ve captured the highlights of the evening on page 5.

As we look towards 2023, there are lots of exciting things happening in our hospitals. In particular, we are looking forward to the opening of our new Main Theatres building on the Hinchingbrooke Hospital site. The construction works are progressing well and we have provided an update on this on page 3.

Finally, if you have picked up a copy of this magazine during a visit to one of our hospitals, why not sign up to become a member of our Foundation Trust? As a member you can receive a free copy of The Pulse every quarter – either by post or email – so you can keep up to date with what’s happening in your local hospital.

Becoming a member is free and easy to do –either call our communications team on 01733 678024, email: nwangliaft.membership@nhs.net or visit our website (www.nwangliaft@nhs.uk) to complete the online application form.

Caroline Walker Chief Executive Officer

Contact Us

The Pulse magazine is compiled by the Communications Team at North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust. 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

First patient recruited to the RSVHarmonie study at NWAngliaFT

Stamford and Rutland hospital attracts huge support for Bra Bank Hospitals’ Charity mascots step into the limelight

Annual Outstanding Achievement Awards

It was strictly about the fundraising at Hospitals’ cha-cha Charity ball

REACHING NEW HEIGHTS IN THE THEATRES BLOCK CONSTRUCTION

In June 2022 Hinchingbrooke Hospital welcomed the arrival of a huge tower crane which has taken the build of our Main Theatres Block to new heights. Now, as the works progress, the foundations are mostly complete and the crane is supporting the build of the concrete superstructure. By early 2023, the building will be watertight, before moving onto the next element of the build which will link the new theatres to the Treatment Centre and main hospital site.

The Theatres Block construction is scheduled to be completed by Autumn 2023 and will boast 7 state-of-the-art operating theatres, as well as a dedicated paediatric recovery area and space for the latest robotic technology to future proof our healthcare facilities.

Timelapse footage has been recording every step of the build and is being shared on our social media channels and recently-launched microsite, which can be accessed via the Trust website www.nwangliaft.nhs.uk.

Looking ahead to the future of Hinchingbrooke

Hinchingbrooke Hospital turns 40 in 2023 and is one of four hospitals in the East of England affected by structural issues relating to the concrete panels used in the construction of some of the walls and roof. These panels, made of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) were identified in a site-wide survey carried out by structural engineers when the issue first came to light.

Our crane gets a name!

Recently we launched a competition for our patients and the public to name the 36-metre-high tower crane, which can be seen across the Huntingdon skyline.

Members of the public, patients and staff submitted entries to name our crane and the finalists were chosen by our Theatres team. The winner received an artist colouring set and the name will be displayed on the crane.

Jason Knaepel, Theatres Manager, for Hinchingbrooke Hospital said: “As a team we are excited to see the construction work progressing at pace for our new Theatres and we really want to give the local community a chance to get involved with the redevelopment of our hospital site. The suggestions that we received have been great and it was difficult just choosing one winner.”

Congratulations to Nick Day from Spalding who came up with the winning name ‘Hinchy the Winchy.’

The crane, which can carry a maximum of 12 tons and has a jib reaching 60 metres long will be on site until March 2023.

To ensure we keep a very close eye on the issue, our Estates and Facilities team are working on an ongoing rolling programme across the affected areas of the hospital so we can be aware of any faults as soon as they arise, implement safety measures and carry out remedial works to known structural faults.

Arshiya Khan, Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, said: “I am really pleased to see that we have been able to complete the recent works on our maternity unit and Special Care Baby Unit. These are two of many areas that we are working on at the moment as part of our ongoing programme across areas of the hospital.

“Our redevelopment of the Hinchingbrooke site is continuing with the build of a new Main Theatres Block. We are also looking to the future for Phase 3 of our exciting redevelopment programme, which is dedicated to building a new hospital on our site by 2030. We have already been holding workshops with our staff to gather their expert view on what we need to best care for our patients in the future. Our vision is gaining momentum as we look at our next steps by writing our Business Case and we will be engaging with the public once we have more details to share.”

Construction site of the new Theatres Block

Outside shot of the Theatres Block construction

Newly named ‘Hinchy the Winchy’ crane

Winner of our Name the Crane competition, Nick Day and his two daughters

Staff from hospitals across our Trust have been honoured for their dedication, commitment and going the extra mile through a series of coveted awards.

Winners from across Peterborough City, Hinchingbrooke, Stamford & Rutland Hospitals, and our satellite sites at Ely and Doddington, were celebrated at the Outstanding Achievement Awards that took place in October, the first time the annual event has been held in person since 2019.

Around 150 members of staff and volunteers were invited to the glittering evening at The Holiday Inn, Peterborough, hosted by BBC Radio Cambridgeshire DriveTime presenter Chris Mann. Nominees and winners on the night all received personal thanks from Trust board

Highly

executives, who shared their individual stories with the audience. In addition, the Trust’s charity patron – Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood – sent a pre-recorded video message of congratulations.

Some 11 awards were presented to outstanding recipients in a number of

categories; including team of the year, Unsung Hero, Behind the Scenes Superstar –with all winners and praised for going over and above the call of duty.

Many of the awards reflected the challenges individuals and teams rose to and overcame during the pandemic, and a series of Health Hero awards were voted for by patients and the public.

Caroline Walker, Chief Executive at the Trust, said: “Celebrating staff and all the amazing things they do in their roles is one of the best parts of my job. I feel incredibly proud to work with every single member of staff and these awards have been a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the many individual and team achievements.

“My huge congratulations to all our nominees and winners.”

Highly Commended - Ryan Maughn, Security Officer

Living Our Values Award – Putting Patients First

Winner – Kelly Quinn, Receptionist

Highly Commended – Jane Jackson, Receptionist

Highly Commended – Natasha Steels-Webb, Critical Care Outreach Practitioner

Health Hero Award – Stamford & Rutland Hospital

Dr Rebecca McKay, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

Health Hero Award – Hinchingbrooke Hospital

Melody Dawkin, Head of Phlebotomy

– Michelle Fox, Carly Pask and Amy Williams, Palliative Care Nurses

Highly Commended – Sue Cunnington, Radiotherapy Admin Manager

Health Hero Award – Peterborough City Hospital

Habib Tafazal, Consultant Breast Surgeon

Team of the Year winners: The Chaplaincy Team

Our 2022 Annual Outstanding Achievement winners with CEO Caroline Walker and BBC Radio Cambridgeshire presenter, Chris Mann

Commended for Working Positively Together: Megan Marshall and Lucy Whittaker

FUNDRAISING AT HOSPITALS’ CHA-CHA CHARITY BALL

An evening of glitz and glamour has helped to raise over £27,500 for North West Anglia Hospitals’ Charity thanks to the generosity of the local business community.

Sequins, sparkle, VIP guests and the unveiling of some cute and cuddly mascots were all part of a glittering charity ball to further boost funds for the charity, who serve Peterborough City, Hinchingbrooke, and Stamford & Rutland Hospitals.

Money from the charity is used to fund improvements and projects of all sizes to improve both patient and staff experience.

Kicking off an evening of incredible entertainment for over 280 guests at The Holiday Inn, Peterborough was The Collaboration Choir, followed by a threecourse dinner, raffle, auctions and a Charleston masterclass delivered by Strictly Come Dancing judge, and Hospitals’ Charity patron, Craig Revel Horwood.

A huge supporter of the Hospitals’ Charity, Craig also helped to officially unveil the trio of mascots who over the coming weeks and months will be visiting North West Anglia’s hospitals to give patients, staff and visitors a boost.

Craig said: “Since I became the Hospitals’ Charity patron at the start of the year, I have had the privilege of meeting so many fabulous members of staff in a wide variety of roles, and see first-hand the amazing 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 huge testament to how much the NHS is valued locally and regionally.”

Hospitals’ Charity supporter Harry Potter and Star Wars actor Warwick Davis was also among the guests, who was accompanied by his daughter Annabelle.

Philip Fearn, Charity Project Manager for North West Anglia Hospitals’ Charity, and one of the charity ball organisers, said: “It was an incredible night, and huge thanks to every single person that played a role in making it the wonderful occasion it was.

“The staggering amount raised will be added to the Hospitals’ Charity funds and will make such a difference to dozens if not hundreds of patients, visitors and staff.”

In addition to the generosity of those attending the ball, the Trust would also like to thank everyone who donated raffle and auction prizes – which were sold under the watchful and expert eye

of celebrity auctioneer David Palmerall the volunteers who helped on the night and all the sponsors, including main sponsors Progress Health and Prospect Healthcare.

IT WAS STRICTLY ABOUT THE

Head of Education, Scott Topping, Assistant Chief Nurse, Laura Stent, Assistant Chief Nurse Theresa McCarthy and Charity Project Manager, Phillip Fearn with Strictly Star Craig Revel Horwood and the charity mascots

Warwick Davis with his daughter Annabelle Hospitals’ Charity patron, Craig Revel Horwood

NEWLY REFURBISHED SPECIAL CARE BABY UNIT OPENS AT HINCHINGBROOKE

The youngest patients at Hinchingbrooke Hospital will now be cared for in our newly-refurbished Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) following a complete overhaul of the facilities.

Babies requiring specialist care will benefit from brand new facilities, including a parent’s room and dedicated space available for any new mum, who may be bed-bound, to be wheeled from Labour Ward to be with their baby.

SCBU moved across to Aspen Ward for 9 months, while specialist teams refurbished the unit and addressed the structural issues. The ward was completely stripped back to redesign the overall layout, including installing a new nurses’ station, rewiring, installing new gas lines, air conditioning, and decorating the staff room and parent room. A dedicated space has been created for immobile parents to spend time with their baby. These new facilities will create a better patient experience for babies and parents, plus a better working environment for staff.

Deborah Milham, SCBU Ward Manager, said: “Our staff, patients and parents have been really good at adapting while we moved our service to another area and

then back again. The new unit is fantastic and we are so pleased to be back in and able to make use of the new facilities.

“The parent room is a great addition and the dedicated space for any bed-bound mum to lie with their baby is something

Midwifery-Led Birthing Unit reopens

Women looking for a water birth will now be able to have full use of the newly refurbished MidwiferyLed Birthing Unit facilities at Hinchingbrooke Hospital following recent building works.

The refurbishment was undertaken to address structural issues with the roof and at the same time improve the services for patients and staff. This included creating a staff room, soundproofing the walls and redecorating.

The works meant the birthing pool was out of action for three months, but it is now

open for women wanting the option of a water birth.

Rowena Chilton, Deputy Head of Midwifery, said: “Our staff have worked really hard to ensure that the works took place, whilst continuing to support women in labour on the unit. I am so pleased that this has now been completed and we can reopen the Primrose Suite and birthing pool facilities. I would like to thank our staff and families visiting the department in recent months for their support throughout the process.”

that we have always wanted to provide. Previously parents would have to sit with staff having their lunch and mums had to be mobile before they could move across to the ward to see their baby, so this really does improve our patient experience for all parents on the unit.”

New mum enjoying the newly refurbished parent room

STAYING WELL THIS WINTER

You can help us to prepare for winter and support keeping everyone healthy this season. There are lots of things you can do to help us, help you including:

• Be winter ready and stock up on cold and flu medication, painkillers and other over-the-counter remedies for common ailments.

• Boost your immunity this winter and have your flu and Covid-19 vaccinations when offered.

• Access the right services and support when you need it, think 111First and access support online at www.111.nhs.uk.

• Prevent the spread of infection by continuing to practise good hand hygiene, mask wearing and social distancing (all required when attending hospital); and

• Look out for loved ones, friends, and neighbours.

Boost your immunity this winter Team NWAngliaFT have once again rolled up not one, but both sleeves to have a double boost this season. Staff have been receiving both their Flu vaccination and Covid-19 boosters as part of a Trust-wide campaign to BOOST immunity this winter.

Dedicated clinics have been created across the Trust to deliver this season’s staff vaccination programme which aims to protect more than eight thousand members of staff.

Covid-19 boosters and Flu vaccines are the most effective way to boost our natural immunity and protect ourselves from these viruses. Most adults and children will be eligible for a flu jab, Covid-19 booster, or both. So, book your vaccine appointments now and BOOST your immunity this winter.

Covid-19 vaccines are available to anyone over 16 through the national booking service or walk-in spots. Boosters are also available for people over 50 or health and social care workers, as long as you are 182 days since your second dose. For more information and how to book visit www.nhs.uk/book-a-coronavirusvaccination/.

Keeping little ones protected from respiratory viruses

Every winter we see a rise in the number of children with colds and respiratory viruses; some years worse than others. This winter is particularly bad with large numbers of babies/infants and young children unwell and hospitalised with bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways). This can be caused by many different viruses but one particularly common one is RSV (respiratory syncytial virus).

The early symptoms are similar to a cold; other symptoms which might develop are a temperature, a dry cough, difficulty feeding and rapid or noisy breathing and in small children difficulty in breathing seen as sucking in under and between the ribs. In most cases and in older children and adults, this is a mild illness, with sufferers getting better in two or three weeks, but occasionally it can be more serious and some children with severe symptoms need hospital treatment.

What to look out for and when to seek help: If you are worried about your child, see your

GP or call NHS 111, especially if your child has taken less than half their usual amount during the last two or three feeds, or they have had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more; if your child has a persistent high temperature of 38C or above; or if your child seems very tired or irritable.

In an emergency or if your child is having marked difficulty breathing, or your baby’s tongue or lips are blue or there are long pauses in your baby’s breathing then call 999 for an ambulance.

Protecting from respiratory viruses

The younger the baby the more at risk they are so good hand hygiene is important. Keep away from non-family members who have coughs and colds and avoid crowded, indoor spaces.

There is an international study looking at protecting infants from RSV with a single antibody injection; Peterborough City Hospital are taking part and more information can be found on the HarmonieRSV website https:// rsvharmoniestudy.com/en-gb

Trust Sepsis Week

The Sepsis Team at the Trust recognised National Sepsis Week earlier this year. A selection of educational Sepsis videos were made for staff, recorded by our very own staff members. There were cake sales and cakes on wheels which went around to the clinical areas whilst the Sepsis Team raised awareness of sepsis and distributed handouts. The money raised will go to the Hospital’s Charity Sepsis fund, which helps the team help our staff and patients by funding for quality improvement projects that will spread the word about Sepsis.

If you would like to donate, please follow this link: https:// www.nwangliaft.nhs.uk/northwest-anglia-hospitals-charity.

FIRST PATIENT RECRUITED TO THE RSVHARMONIE STUDY

The Trust has recruited its first young patient to the RSVHarmonie study, which looks at how babies can be protected from RSV, a common and sometimes serious infection.

This little man was born at around 32 weeks and stayed on the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for 29 days for respiratory and feeding support. It was during the doctors’ rounds where the benefits of this vaccine and how the study is looking at whether it protects babies from the serious complications of RSV was explained and the opportunity given for him to be enrolled.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is the most common winter illness that affects nearly all babies prior to their second birthday. Most of the time this can cause a mild illness, like a cold, however for some babies it can be more severe.

The Trust has been protecting their most vulnerable infants for many years with regular antibody (Palivizumab) injections but have not been able to offer protection to other infants. If this study shows that all infants are protected this could make a huge difference to these infants and their families as well as children’s wards across the country.

Dr Katharine McDevitt, Consultant Paediatrician and Principal Investigator for this study, said: “This study is very exciting and important – at this time of year our children’s wards are full of infants hospitalised with RSV and sadly, every year, some of those

children will need urgent transfer to Paediatric Intensive Care. Infants who have had RSV then remain more vulnerable to further hospital episodes with respiratory illnesses and wheezing. We are very excited to be recruiting infants to this study in Peterborough and look forward to recruiting more.”

Infants can be recruited and randomised on the day of birth right up to the day before their first birthday and for families of newborn infants that would like this, the team will try and enable it whilst still on the maternity wards so let your midwife know! It is fantastic for Peterborough City Hospital to be involved in international paediatric research.

Making Research Happen: Implementing Evidence into Practice

Thank you to everyone involved in the November Conference, Trust volunteers did a splendid job of helping the event run smoothly.

Guest Speakers including Professor Jo Cooper (Head of Nursing Research – Transformation,

CNO) and staff from across the Trust showcased their work. Presentations were included from other specialties including radiology, pharmacy. A poster competition of staff projects was also on display with Kerrie Turner’s winning best poster.

Become a Research Champion

Research Champions can be 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 become a Research Champion and volunteer to help spread the word about health and care research, help research and healthcare staff understand more about the experiences of those who take part in research then please contact the Research and Development department by calling 01480 847511 or email nwangliaft. rddepartment@nhs.net. We’d love to meet you.

First baby recruited to RSVHarmonie study

DISCHARGE LOUNGE CREATED TO IMPROVE PATIENT EXPERIENCE AT HINCHINGBROOKE THIS WINTER

Patients who are ready to be discharged from hospital will now be able to wait in a dedicated Discharge Lounge at Hinchingbrooke Hospital.

The lounge provides a comfortable space with the care of a nursing team for patients awaiting medication and discharge letters. This, in turn, frees their hospital bed on the ward to be cleaned and made ready sooner for the next patient.

The newly-created Discharge Lounge at Hinchingbrooke Hospital is located on the 1st floor near the Medical Short Stay Unit (MSSU), with easy access for ambulance transport or friends and relatives to collect their loved one. In total, 13 patients will be able

to wait there at any one time, with space for 10 chairs and 3 beds. Free refreshments are provided throughout the day.

Arshiya Khan, Deputy Chief Executive, said: “We always see an increase in the number of patients requiring urgent and emergency care over the winter period and as a result we put in place different options to try and ensure this does not negatively impact upon our patients’ experience.

“We are using the learning from the running of the Discharge Lounge at our Peterborough City Hospital site, but we are confident that having this facility at Hinchingbrooke will mean that we can ensure a faster turnaround for patients who need a hospital bed.”

New dementia-friendly blue doors installed at Hinchingbrooke Hospital

New blue doors have been fitted to the toilet facilities at Hinchingbrooke Hospital to help improve the experience for people living with dementia, and their carers.

The doors were installed thanks to a generous charitable donation from a resident in Huntingdon who wanted to support the development of a more dementia-friendly environment and purchase new dementia-friendly aids for patients and staff to use.

Blue is known to be one of the last colours to leave our sight as it deteriorates. So not only will the blue doors help a person living with dementia make sense of the world around them, it will also help people with delirium, sight problems or frail older people.

Alison Gray, Dementia Specialist Nurse at North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Transforming our clinical environments into dementia-friendly spaces will have maximum impact on the health and wellbeing of our patients, both mentally and physically. Their immediate surroundings can make all the difference to their quality of life.

“The blue door with the yellow signage provides a more identifiable way to the toilet, and the inside of the door is also blue with clear yellow signage saying: ‘Way Out,’ which helps to avoid confusion. This has been a great help on the wards for inpatients.

“We are extremely grateful to the donor and look forward to sharing our other dementia-friendly initiatives that have been made possible as a result of this amazing donation.”

Find out more about North West Anglia Hospitals’ Charity here: https://www.nwangliaft.nhs.uk/north-west-angliahospitals-charity.

Staff ready to receive patients in the newly designed discharge lounge

Staff member showcasing improved toilet facilities for people living with dementia

RELAUNCH OF THE BIRTHREFLECTIONS SERVICE FOR WOMEN AND FAMILIES

Maternity Services at Peterborough City and Hinchingbrooke Hospitals have relaunched their BirthReflections service, which provides a confidential and safe space for women and their families to explore their pregnancy, birth, and postnatal experience.

This service is for anyone who has received their maternity care at our hospitals and women can self-refer or be referred by their midwife, health visitor, obstetrician, or GP. This can be done at any point after the birth of your baby.

Emily Witney-Fahey, Professional Midwifery Advocate at the Trust, said: “We’re really pleased to have relaunched our BirthReflections Service, every birth is unique and personal to our women. For some, having a reflective discussion with a midwife around any aspect of their maternity care, from antenatal to postnatal can help to bring clarity, understanding and hopefully resolve any unanswered questions they might have.”

To self-refer online for maternity care at either Peterborough City or Hinchingbrooke hospital please visit www.mypregnancynotes.com. You will need to have an email address to register and use My Pregnancy Notes. By self-referring through My Pregnancy Notes you will also get access to the full functionality whilst you wait to hear back regarding your booking appointment.

Neonatal Voices Partnership launches in Cambridgeshire

North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust Neonatal Voices Partnership (NVP) have officially launched within the community.

The NVP have launched parent support groups at Peterborough City and Hinchingbrooke hospital and are a multidisciplinary working group, led by service users. This group provides a feedback mechanism for families to ensure the Trust neonatal units hear the voices of parents, service users and their families. The partnership between the Trust and the NVP enables co-production between staff, service users, and other stakeholders, to improve and develop local neonatal services and consists of a Chair and two Vice Chairs from each unit.

Tracy James, Lead for Neonatal Services at the Trust said: “Parents can spend up to 3 months on the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit or Special Care Baby Unit and the importance of support cannot

be understated. The NVP is run by exneonatal unit parents for previous and current neonatal unit parents with close involvement with our Neonatal Services. We value the input from the NVP to help us gain valuable feedback for our service, to support and advise on service improvement and constructively challenge us.”

Kelly Phizacklea, NVP Chair, said: “No parent plans for their baby to spend time

on a neonatal unit and it can be a truly traumatic experience. Our aim is to work with staff and families to co-produce service improvements in an attempt to make the neonatal journey as positive as possible.”

Parent support is an invaluable part of the ethos of the Neonatal Voices Partnership, and the neonatal units. The Neonatal Voices Partnership is open for all families who have stayed on the neonatal units.

IMPROVING PATIENT EXPERIENCE

NEW PATIENT EXPERIENCE RESPONSE VOLUNTEERS

The Volunteer Services Team at Peterborough City Hospital is looking for Volunteers to join the team in a brandnew role. The new Patient Experience Response Volunteers will be deployed across the hospital to help out where needed, assisting staff in giving patients both practical and emotional support. Duties will include spending time with patients to offer companionship, helping with refreshment rounds and generally signposting patients to services within the hospital.

Sarah Woodford, Response Volunteer Coordinator at North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, said: “This is a great opportunity for anyone considering a career in the NHS or who has some spare time

and would like to put that to good use. Volunteers at our Trust reflect our local communities, and range in age from 16 to 94. They all share a passion for helping people. We currently have opportunities for those who want to make a real difference to the lives of our patients and give invaluable support to our staff.”

Kim Crichton recently joined Amazon Children’s Ward as a Volunteer, after reaching a time in her life where she has more spare time. Kim found going back to work after 16 years at home a bit daunting, but quickly realised volunteering would suit her perfectly.

To read Kim’s full story, find out more, and apply go to: https://www.nwangliaft.nhs.uk and search ‘Volunteering.’

Enhancing the support for children and their families

Two members of the Trust Playteam, Jessica Wiseman and Lois Cartwright are working towards their foundation degree in Health Play Specialism to become Health Play Specialists. This new apprenticeship pathway to become Health Play Specialists can be done alongside their current job roles and both Jessica and Lois have successfully finished their first year and are currently working towards completing their second year.

Health Play Specialists supports children and their families during medical interventions by using distraction and preparation, offering age and developmentally appropriate play, advocate for children and making their time in hospital as positive and fun as possible.

Jessica Wiseman, Play Assistant at the Trust said: “Without the support from the Trust, Zoe, and the mentors, none of this would have been possible for me and Lois, and we will both be forever grateful for this opportunity. It allows us both to climb in our careers, but also to be aware of more techniques and ways to support our patients and families and to be the best we can be for them.“

Lois Cartwright, Play Assistant, at the Trust added: “Working with the Health Play Specialist we have learnt to provide specialised play which creates a positive outcome for children who struggle with hospitalization or procedures. In order to form this outcome, we have learnt to create professional relationships with both patients and their family, whilst working closely with the multi-disciplinary team. I would like to echo how grateful I am to our team, and everyone involved in supporting this amazing opportunity.”

New NHS App Service

We’re excited to announce that our Trust is now live with the NHS App, which is becoming the ‘front door’ to the NHS, with new features for patients to manage their hospital appointments. The NHS App already provides users with a range of services, including the ability to:

• Receive appointment notifications and appointment reminders (if this is a applicable to the speciality)

• Order repeat prescriptions

• Book GP appointments and online consultations

• View their GP health record

• Download their NHS COVID-19 pass

• Manage appointments or clinic appointment with a specialist when they are referred by their GP, through the NHS e-Referral Service

At our Trust, NHS App users can view their appointments, access supporting information via a single point of contact, helping to improve patients’ experience of using our hospitals services by supporting patient led appointment management. Download the NHS App now and encourage our patients to do the same. For more information visit www.nhs.uk/ nhs-app.

Kim Crichton, volunteer on Amazon Ward

Lois Cartwright, Play Assistant on Amazon Ward

Jessica Wiseman, Play Assistant on Amazon Ward

STAMFORD AND RUTLAND HOSPITAL ATTRACTS HUGE SUPPORT FOR BRA BANK

Stamford and Rutland hospital staff have thanked members of the local community for binning their bras in the ongoing fight against breast cancer.

The hospital, part of North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, has collected a staggering 78 boxes of unwanted bras – weighing a combined 391 kilogrammes - in the Bra Bank scheme since February 2020.

It is estimated that this has raised £274 for research into secondary breast cancer.

The bank is emptied on a regular basis and cash raised from the recycling and redistribution of the bras continues to support the work of the Against Breast Cancer charity.

Many of the bras are given a new lease of life and are recycled by small businesses in developing

countries in Africa and around the world.

As well as preventing them from going to landfill, they are donated to women in countries including Togo, Ghana and Kenya, where bras remain expensive to produce locally.

Stamford and Rutland Hospital Matron Caroline Wood (pictured) said: “Myself and the team would like to say a massive thank you to all the ladies of Stamford and surrounding areas who have and who continue to support this worthwhile initiative.

“Not only does the incentive help to fund vital and potentially life changing research, but actively changes the lives of many women in developing countries.”

The Bra Bank is located just inside the main entrance of Stamford and Rutland Hospital.

Matron, Caroline Wood, with Bra Bank at Stamford and Rutland hospital

Staff Wellbeing Garden officially opens at Stamford Hospital

Staff at Stamford and Rutland hospital can now enjoy time in a space of serenity and relaxation following the completion of the wellbeing garden, after a year-long refurbishment. Through the pandemic, it became clear that staff didn’t have a space away from the busy hospital. Thanks to Stamford Charitable Funds, who donated £22,287 to the project, the garden is now a fantastic place for staff to find a moment of peace during a busy day.

Caroline Wood, Matron for Stamford Hospital said: “It’s amazing to see the garden in all its glory following the hard work of so many volunteers. It was a real community effort to get the garden to where it is today and we hope that this will give staff the opportunity to take a few moments to relax and enjoy the outdoors, which will also support their health and wellbeing.”

The project was also worked on by Sam Kettle of Stamford Landscapes who designed and worked alongside volunteers to produce the garden and local artist, Michelle McLeod,

from Murals and More. Michelle has been on board since the beginning of the project and designed the beautiful seasonal murals as a lasting tribute for hospital staff.

Caroline added: “I just want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who helped with this project. Thank you to our North West Anglia Hospitals’ Charity for their donation and all the businesses who have donated their products, loaned equipment and given so much of their time to help build this new and improved space.”

FOCUS ON PETERBOROUGH COMMUNITY CANCER NURSES

The Peterborough Community Cancer Nurses have been made a permanent fixture at Peterborough City Hospital after forming in 2019 at the start of the pandemic.

The team (which consists of a lead community cancer nurse, 5 specialist community cancer nurses and a support worker, plus administrative support) work in partnership with GP Practices within Peterborough and Cambridgeshire to support to patients who

have received a cancer diagnosis and their families in the community.

The service provides specialist oncology/ haematology nursing interventions as well as emotional, practical, and psychological and works closely with patients to help support them through their diagnosis, treatment phases and into living with and beyond cancer.

Sarah Sheppard, Lead Community Cancer Nurse at Peterborough City Hospital, said:

DrDoctor – Digital Letters

Patients at North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust now have the option to receive digital letters regarding their appointment.

This digital system was rolled out in the Trust around two years ago and allows patients to view their appointments and appointment letter online via their phone, tablet, or computer through a secure patient portal. Patients can also request to reschedule their outpatient appointment.

DrDoctor is a digital health company modernising how hospitals and patients communicate. They provide a convenient way for patients to manage outpatient appointments while reducing costs,

saving time, and developing better overall experiences for patients.

Since collaborating with DrDoctor the Trust has saved around £33,046 and avoided 4,551,780 grams of CO2, which is the equivalent of planting 207 trees.

• We send patients a text message when they have a new digital letter to view online

• Patients can follow the drdoctor.thirdparty. nhs.uk/nwangliaft link and login with their name, date of birth and postcode to view and download their PDF letter

This is an optional service, patients who prefer paper letters can still receive their

“It’s great news that we’ve been made a permanent fixture at the Trust, the team thrived during the pandemic and worked extremely hard to keep our vulnerable patients safe at home whilst continuing to provide a hard standard of care.”

The Community Cancer Nurse team works in conjunction with the Acute Oncology Service to help reduce the number of hospital admissions by reviewing patients in their homes.

letters by post as usual. For patients who wish to have a paper copy of their digital letter for a specific appointment can simply text PRINT to the +447860039092 number

If you want to view your letter online and receive a paper letter by post, you can request a paper letter by:

• Logging into your secure patient portal, going to the ‘Settings’ tab in the top right, and turn off the paperless option

• Reply PRINT to your text message notifying you that you have a new digital letter

Group photo of Peterborough Community Cancer Nurses

One of our community nurses with a patient

Dementia patients to benefit from crafters’ donation

Dementia patients at Peterborough City Hospital are to benefit from a £1,500 donation – thanks to the generosity of creative crafters. The Fitzwilliam Quilters raised the money through a raffle and donations of tutor fees from its Saturday workshops. Receiving the cheque on behalf of the Trust, Dementia Nurse Specialist Alison Gray, said: “We are hugely grateful to the Fitzwilliam Quilters for their generous donation which will be make a huge difference for our patients living with dementia.”

Donation of mini ECG machines

Heart patients can now benefit from new monitoring equipment following a generous donation from the hospitals’ charity.

The three hand-held wireless Alivecor mini ECG monitors are used as part of the Trust’s cardiac rehabilitation exercise programme and means that patients do not always need to wait for their GP or ECG appointment to confirm their heart rhythm.

The monitors are used to detect arrhythmias on patients, some of whom have recently had cardiac surgery or heart attacks so they are more at risk of Atrial Fibrillation (AF) - an abnormal heart rhythm which if left undiagnosed can carry a risk of dizziness, shortness of breath, palpitations, and stroke.

Emma Majewicz, Cardiac Rehabilitation Co-Ordinator, and Cardiac Specialist Nurse, said: “Rather than sending a patient with a suspected Atrial Fibrillation away to the GP for a confirmation ECG and prescription of anticoagulant and antiarrhythmic medications, we can now diagnose them more quickly and arrange with the GP the appropriate treatment.

“We all know how busy the GP surgeries are and it can take a week or two to get an appointment, so this saves time for both the patient and GPs and they can start their treatment and get back on the exercise programme more quickly.”

HOSPITALS’ CHARITY MASCOTS STEP INTO THE LIMELIGHT

Having made their first appearance at a glittering charity event in Peterborough alongside Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood, these cuddly characters are about to have their own moment in the spotlight.

The larger-than-life NHS themed Lion, Giraffe and Elephant have been unveiled as the official mascots for the North West Anglia Hospitals’ Charity.

Money from the charity is used to fund improvements and projects of all sizes to benefit patient, visitor and staff experience across all hospitals ran by North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust.

The aim of the adorable mascots (purchased by Progress Health on behalf of the North West Anglia Hospitals’ Charity) is to raise the profile of the charity, which has Craig Revel Horwood as its patron.

They have already made a number of appearances around the Trust, and a busy schedule is planned for the coming months. Watch this space ….

Philip Fearn, Charity Project Manager for North West Anglia Hospitals’ Charity said:

“We are thrilled to introduce our mascots. They will be popping up when staff and visitors least expect them in locations around our hospitals and in the community, bringing smiles and of course promoting the Hospitals’ Charity and raising awareness of how people can donate or fundraise.“

Mascots in the Amazon Ward outside play area

Mascots posing up a storm with Strictly star, Craig Revel Horwood

STAMFORD HOSPITAL PATIENT EXPERIENCE ENHANCED THROUGH CHARITY DONATIONS

An amazing £31,370 has been spent on enhancing the patient and visitor experience at Stamford and Rutland Hospital – thanks to donations from North West Anglia Hospitals’ Charity. Staff have also benefitted from a number of projects that focus on wellbeing and service delivery.

From transforming the garden and buying small items of equipment, to sprucing up public corridors and providing some areas with additional home comforts - money from the North West Anglia Hospitals’ Charity has paid for the improvements at Stamford and Rutland Hospital.

In the past six months, donations have helped to pay for:

• An interactive table for use by young patients in the children’s waiting areas – providing them with a fun distraction from pain and helping to reduce anxiety. The table is used by the medical team to build trust with patients through play. The table was officially unveiled by North West Anglia Hospitals’ Charity patron – Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood during a recent visit to the hospital.

• A space of serenity and relaxation for staff following the completion of the wellbeing garden. Through the pandemic, it had become clear that staff didn’t really have a single place to be able to retreat to during their breaks. The project was undertaken by many volunteers, including local artist, Michelle McLeod, from Murals and More and Sam Kettle, from Stamford Landscapes.

• Televisions in the hospital’s minor injuries unit and blood clinic waiting rooms to not only provide a distraction for patients but to also assist with patient confidentiality so that clinic conversations cannot be easily overheard.

• New planters around the public corridors have helped to soften the appearance of the hospital.

• A specialist step in diagnostic imaging that helps the team with specialist orthopaedic imaging of patients’ lower legs, feet and ankles in a standing position. A colourful modesty screen to separate the staff and patient areas has also been purchased for the department.

• Therapy patients and staff are enjoying a number of home comforts as part of the service, thanks to a radio, coffee machine and kettle.

Caroline Wood, Matron for Stamford & Rutland Hospital said: “A huge thank you to the Hospitals’ Charity for their donations over the past few months. We have had some fantastic feedback from patients and staff, whether they have been large projects like the revamping of the garden to smaller items purchased

to help with patient and staff comfort and experience.

“We would also like to thank the Friends of Stamford Hospital for their ongoing support and regular donations that make such a difference to so many hospital users.”

Philip Fearn, Charity Project Manager for North West Anglia Hospitals’ Charity, said: “It’s great to see how the funds have helped so many patients, visitors and staff at Stamford and Rutland Hospital with a range of items purchased or projects completed that will go a long way to improve patient experience.”

If you would like to donate to the North West Anglia Hospitals’ Charity, you can do so by texting HELP4NHS to 70970 to donate £5 or 70191 to donate £10. All donations received are earmarked directly for patient or staff projects.

Demonstration of the new interactive table for our young patients

Staff at Stamford and Rutland with Craig Revel Horwood in the new staff wellbeing garden

North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust Public Meetings for 2023

2023 is upon us and we would like to invite you to our Public Board Meetings throughout the year. The dates scheduled for 2023 are:

Tuesday 14 February

Tuesday 11 April

Tuesday 13 June

Tuesday 8 August

Tuesday 10 October

Tuesday 12 December

We also have our dates for the Public Council of Governors for 2023:

Thursday 23 March

Tuesday 16 May

Tuesday 18 July

Thursday 16 November

More information about these meetings will be in the local press, on our website and on social media closer to the time. We look forward to seeing you there.

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

MEMBERSHIP 2023 DATES

Membership is open to all patients and visitors, if you’re at least 16 years old and live within our membership area of Greater 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 new on-line application form at: https://secure.membra.co.uk/Join/ Peterborough

This form will allow you to choose what information you would like to give us and includes what you are most interested in by becoming a member and how you would like to receive information.

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

If we have your email address, you will receive an invitation to our events, such as

our Members’ Meetings and our Annual Public Meeting (APM).

Our last Members’ Meeting this year is on 6 December. Please check local press and our social media for further details.

Next year, the dates for Members’ Meetings and the APM are:

Wednesday 22 February 2023 –Members’ Meeting

Wednesday 21 June 2023 –Members’ Meeting

27 September - Annual Public Meeting

Wednesday 6 December 2023 –Members’ Meeting

We look forward to receiving your membership applications and to seeing you at one of our meetings.

Welcome to our four new Public Governors

We are pleased welcome new members of our Foundation Trust who have been successfully appointed as Public Governors on our Council of Governors, following the recent election held in the Greater Peterborough constituency.

Welcome to:

• Dharshana Sridhar

• Andrew Sneden

• Anne Molesworth

• Andrew Small

We look forward to them joining us for the first Council of Governors meeting of 2023, which takes place on Thursday 23 March 2023 at 2pm at Peterborough City Hospital. Members of the public are welcome to join this meeting to find out more about the role our Governors play in supporting the running of our hospitals.

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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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.

A fun morning with a free meal at Hardwick Dene

Hardwick Dene Residential Home has brought back its popular community outreach days which give people an opportunity to come together to enjoy a fun day chatting to residents, enjoy some entertainment and a homecooked lunch.

Visitors can join staff and residents every Wednesday from 10.30am to 2.30pm in this large country house care home in beautifully landscaped gardens in Buckden, St Neots.

Home manager, Paul Fletcher, said: “We started the outreach days before Covid and they were very popular, so now is our chance to revive them so that more people can enjoy these days which are completely free for people in the community who would enjoy some social interaction, particularly those who are cared for in their own homes and perhaps do not see many people other than carers or nurses.”

Paul added that the days will be particularly welcome due to the cost-ofliving crisis and energy prices going up, as it will give people in the community a chance to take the pressure off by coming to use the home’s heating and lighting as well as getting a free home cooked meal and free entertainment.

People can come along with their families or can be picked up by Hardwick Dene’s minibus service.

“It’s also a good opportunity for

people to come in and get to know our staff and residents,” says Paul. “It benefits our residents as they get a chance to speak to different people and see some new faces, but it is also great for our visitors to come and have some tea and coffee, a chat and laugh, and enjoy hearing a singer as well as a tasty home cooked meal.”

In the past the home has even had some people deciding to come to Hardwick Dene after coming to the outreach days, because they have enjoyed it so much.

“It can be a soft entry into what life is like in our home,” says Paul. “People often comment on what a warm and homely atmosphere there is here. Our staff do their best to create a friendly and homely environment for everyone. There’s lots of laughter here. People get a feel for our home when they visit and whats more, we have a beautiful old building and lovely gardens.”

If you would like to come along and be part of Hardwick Dene’s popular outreach days, then get in touch with Joe on 01480 811322, or email activitieshardwickdene@gmail. com for further information.

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.

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