Living our values: Employee of the Month

LIVING OUR

Staff support during COVID-19 gets award nomination

Colleagues from Organisational Development (OD), Psychology and Occupational Health, and Practice Education Facilitator (PEF) teams received national recognition at the Patient Experience Network National Awards, for their work on staff support and wellbeing during COVID-19.

Our PEF Team was nominated in the Patient Experience Advocate for the Future category. Their Grown Our Own Nurse Programme produced a fantastic first cohort of aspiring nurses who supported qualified colleagues throughout COVID-19. Our OD, Psychology and Occupational Health teams were shortlisted in the Patient Experience Network category, which celebrates the programme of work focusing on staff needs – be that emotional, physical, educational, and spiritual – and how this contributes to improved patient experience. The teams opened staff wellbeing hubs, introduced a dedicated staff psychology service and created a digital wellbeing support pack for staff during the pandemic. Dr Jane Hutton, our Consultant Clinical Psychologist, said: “It’s such an achievement to be shortlisted for this award. It was a big team effort and shows how much can be achieved when you come together. “There was so much stress and anxiety at the beginning of 2020. As the year progressed, we were able to reflect on and further develop the support available to our staff. There have been many examples where the support of the staff psychology service has made a real difference to those who may have been in distress.”

VALUES

Over 7,000 miles for each transplant needed

After nine days of cycling, running, climbing, rowing and much more, #TeamLUHFT have successfully completed the Race for Recipients challenge – racking up over 7,000 miles to represent each person waiting for a lifesaving transplant.

The challenge, which took place over Organ Donation Week 2021, saw 94 colleagues from across the Trust complete an impressive 7,562 miles over 1,017 hours. The brilliant effort meant that Liverpool University Hospitals came second in the leaderboard of 19 trusts.

Brigitte Dupont, Clinical Lead Organ Donation at Aintree, helped to sign up staff at LUHFT to the challenge: “I am so proud of everyone who took part in the Race for Recipients challenge - it was a brilliant team effort. During the week it was close at times as to who may take the top spot! “I hope that through the challenge we have helped raise awareness of organ donation, by shining a spotlight on the significant number of patients who are waiting for lifesaving organ donations across the country. I’d encourage everyone to share their wishes around organ donation with their family, giving them the certainty to support your decision if and when the time comes.”

Our Employee of the Month from St Paul’s Eye Unit.

Congratulations to our Employee of the Month Stephanie Parkinson, Assistant Practitioner at St Paul’s Eye Unit.

Stephanie was presented with her award after being nominated by a patient. The patient said: “Stephanie carried out her duties perfectly considering the added pressures of coronavirus. She listened to my worries which meant so much. I think this is one of the most important qualities someone in her position can have. “I haven’t had many positive experiences at hospitals, but Stephanie made me feel comfortable and relaxed. She thoroughly deserves to be recognised for her efforts.”

Epic cycle raises funds for trauma patients

Colleagues from the Major Trauma Centre at Aintree have raised £1,232 for a charity by running, cycling, and walking, to support our patients who have experienced significant injury.

Day One is a charity supporting survivors of major traumatic injuries. It originated at Leeds Teaching Hospital, and Liverpool University Hospitals is the first external major trauma centre to be supported by the charity since it launched independently in May 2021. As part of fundraising event, 75 Miles in July, two relay teams from LUHFT and LTH cycled 100 miles between Leeds and Liverpool. The cyclists from Aintree were Simon Scott, Clinical Director for Major Trauma, Jon Blackshaw, Consultant Anaesthetist, and Brian Finlay, Physiotherapist. Simon said: “It was a great experience to cycle 100 miles. It was definitely challenging at points, but a real achievement! I am very proud of my colleagues in the Major Trauma Centre who took part in this event – whether it was cycling, running or walking – everyone’s efforts have contributed to making a difference to the patients we care for.”

Several other fundraising events also took place for the charity. A team of 13 runners from #TeamLUHFT won a virtual relay race, covering the 94-mile distance between the two cities in a time of 14 hours and 3 minutes. On the hottest day in July, Major Trauma colleagues John Fletcher, Linzi-Joy Harrison, Emma Lathom and Claire Norris also walked a round trip from Aintree to Southport Hospital, raising £750.

As part of the Big Green Week event our nature ranger hosted a fun Bug Hotel competition, and the final designs didn’t disappoint.

Fiona Megarrell, LUHFT nature ranger, said: “All the staff involved put in so much effort into designing and building the bug houses and it really shows. “These safe havens for insects will be nestled around Broadgreen, the Royal and Aintree hospitals. Well done to all for doing your bit for nature!” Also, during the Big Green Week around 1,000 crocus bulbs and evergreens were planted, turf laid, and a bee and butterfly friendly flowerbed was created. Keep an eye on our staff Facebook page to find out how you can get involved and enjoy the green space within our hospitals.

Bug hotels are the bee’s knees

New Royal website launched

We have now launched a Building Our Future Together SharePoint website where you can find updates and resources on the new Royal Hospital, and other projects we’re investing in across the Trust estate.

It also has information on our integration of service plans so you can keep up to date with the development of our services. The website will be updated regularly, visit the intranet home page to view

the new Royal site.