LUHFT Life - October 2022

Boost for LUHFT stroke patients

new Royal move

Celebrating our AHPs

cover

Welcome

Dear colleagues,

We’re at a very exciting point in our journey together here at #TeamLUHFT, as the 24day move into our new Royal Liverpool University Hospital is well underway. It’s great to finally see patients now receiving care within the new hospital, as our outpatients’ department was the first service to become operational on 4 October.

Throughout this month wards will be transferring inpatients to their new single bedrooms, and at the end of October we move our emergency and urgent care services into their new and vastly improved facilities. We’ve reached this significant milestone thanks to the hard work of the many teams involved in preparing for the move, and ensuring we could move our patients and staff safely. I know this is a huge undertaking and your work is very appreciated.

Over at Aintree Hospital, we’ve been able to go-live with the first of our approved service reconfigurations - the new Hyper Acute Stroke Unit. The HASU is dedicated to caring for people in the critical 72-hour period after a stroke occurs, and you can read more about this on page 6.

There is so much currently going on in the organisation, meaning there is also a lot to celebrate! The shortlist for the Our Future Together staff awards will be revealed on 24 October, and from reading the hundreds of amazing nominations submitted, I know it’s going to be an incredibly tough job for our judges to pick the winners. You can find out more about the awards ceremony, and how you can be there too on page 7.

On 14 October, our Allied Health Professional colleagues will be celebrating their achievements on AHP Day. I’ll be attending the special event at Aintree Racecourse, which will showcase the brilliant work that our AHPs do every day here at the Trust.

As we approach winter, it’s important that we continue to do everything we can to protect our patients and colleagues. A simple way you can help is by getting your flu vaccination and COVID-19 booster. You can find out more information on how to receive these vaccinations in Liverpool News and on the Trust’s staff Facebook group.

Finally, I’d like to remind colleagues that our staff survey is now live. This is your opportunity to have your voice heard and share your thoughts on both the positives and what can be improved here at LUHFT. We’re committed to making a change, but we can only do that if we understand your views and experiences. The survey closes on 25 November, and you can find a link to take part in your inbox.

I hope you have a great October. Best wishes,

Building Our F

Building Our Future Together is our programme of change and transformation at LUHFT. It includes estate developments, structure changes and service integration, to support our ambition to work together to deliver outstanding healthcare.

Faith blessing for the new Royal ahead of opening

Faith leaders from across the city region joined together to bless the new Royal during a ceremony which took place on 28 September 2022, the first day of moves to the new building.

Leaders from the Church of England, Greek Orthodox, Islamic, Jewish, Roman Catholic and Sikh communities read prayers of blessing at the event, which was attended by staff and colleagues from partner organisations including NHS England, local universities, and local authorities, who were also given guided tours of the building and had the opportunity to hear

from clinical and service leads about the benefits the new hospital will bring for patients and staff.

A recording of the faith blessing is available to view on the staff intranet and staff Facebook group.

The event also included performances from the Lighthouse Choir, part of a charity which works with local communities to tackle the root causes of social disadvantage, and Pamela Ashcroft, who works as a Medical Secretary at the Royal.

New development to enhance patient care at Broadgreen

A new High Volume Low Complexity Unit has been developed for Broadgreen and will be fully operational from early 2023. The unit will be an alternative treatment room to main theatres for LUHFT patients and will also provide care across Cheshire and Merseyside for those who require a procedure under local anaesthetic. The unit will be built adjacent to the main theatre complex and will help to release theatre capacity at the Broadgreen site. In addition, the build will provide neighbouring Trusts with increased capacity to improve efficiency by having high volume theatre lists which involve the treatment of low complexity procedures.

uture Together

The end of an era

Colleagues are saying a fond farewell to our Royal Hospital as we begin an exciting period for healthcare in Liverpool, moving into our new, state-of-the-art hospital just down the road.

For some, the Royal Liverpool University Hospital, which opened in 1978, is all they have known for most of their

working lives. For Amanda Mulhaney, Associate Director of Nursing for Gastroenterology and Helen Byrne, Deputy Ward Manager for Dialysis, and Maria Coleman, Ward Sister for Dialysis, it is a building full of many happy memories. And despite being eager for an upgraded enhanced facility and a better environment, they will sorely miss the old Royal.

Amanda Mulhaney said:

I started my nurse training at the old Royal in 1989. You would struggle to find a member of staff who hasn’t got a family tie to the old hospital – my twin brother is a patient here. It plays a huge part in our heritage. The building may be going, but the memories will never fade. The time has come for a fresh start and the whole city is excited to see our new state-of-the-art hospital in action.

Helen Byrne said:

I remember my first day in this building like it was yesterday. I’ve made lifelong friends here and have some very special memories. In July 1979, at the age of 18, I lined the corridor to welcome Princess Alexandra when the old Royal wasn’t long open. It would be wonderful if our new hospital also had a Royal visit to mark a new, exciting era of healthcare for Liverpool.

Maria Coleman said:

When I move into the new Royal I will have experienced three generations of nursing, having moved to the old Royal from Sefton General in 1979. I’m just as excited now as I was at the age of 18 to begin working in a newly built hospital. I’m looking forward to getting started.

Boost for stroke patients as new service launches at Aintree

A new service designed to improve outcomes for stroke patients has launched at Aintree University Hospital.

The Hyper Acute Stroke Unit (HASU), which serves North Mersey, went live in September and is dedicated to caring for people in the critical 72-hour period after a stroke occurs.

It brings together the hyper-acute stroke care that was previously based at the Royal, Aintree and Southport hospitals.

After the first 72-hours, up to half of patients will be able to leave hospital to continue their recovery at home, and patients who aren’t ready to go home will be given further care at either Aintree, Broadgreen or Southport hospitals, depending on which is closest to where they live.

Locating the centre at Aintree, on the same site as The Walton Centre, means significantly more patients should be able to receive a specialist emergency procedure called thrombectomy, which is most effective when started as soon as possible after a stroke and must be done within six hours of arriving at hospital.

The comprehensive stroke service proposals were developed by clinicians from LUHFT, Southport & Ormskirk Hospitals and The Walton Centre and were subject to formal public consultation and an extensive assurance and approval process.

Dr Claire Cullen, Stroke Consultant at Aintree University Hospital, said: “The new stroke service at Aintree is fantastic news for our local communities, who will now benefit

from improved hyper-acute stroke care and a service that has been designed so that patients experience the best outcomes possible following a stroke, when specialist intervention is key and every moment counts.”

Dr Paddy McDonald, Stroke Consultant at Southport & Ormskirk Hospitals, said: “This service was developed by people who care for stroke patients and really understand what a difference timely diagnosis and treatment can make. Some journeys to hospital will take longer but this is in return for faster, specialised and joined up care once you arrive, with a proven better outcome for each patient’s future health. It’s an approach we know has already been shown to improve care for stroke patients in many other parts of the country.”

Recognising our outstanding staff at the Our Future Together Awards

As well as values-based awards, colleagues will also be awarded for Trust Safety, Leading Light, Team of the Year, Employee of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and the Patient’s Champion award, voted for by patients, families, members of the public and foundation Trust members.

to 300 nominations were submitted this year for consideration and the shortlist will be revealed at the end of this month.

Our Future Together Awards are a celebration of the outstanding achievements of our staff across the whole Trust, including those who deliver exceptional service, live the Trust values, and work together to support patients and fellow colleagues.

Awards will be presented at an official ceremony at the ACC Liverpool (M&S Bank Arena) on Friday 9 December, from 6pm-1am. The night will be a particularly momentous occasion as we reflect together on all of the fantastic work we have achieved so far as part of Building Our Future Together and look forward to the future of LUHFT.

Shortlisted teams and individuals will be invited to attend along with those who wish to celebrate the occasion as part of their festive celebrations. Guests will be invited to attend a drinks reception and three course dinner, followed by the awards ceremony.

The evening will be hosted by TV and radio presenter, Jordan North, best known for his drive time show on BBC Radio 1 and appearing as the runner-up on I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! 2020.

Explore your staff support offer

One of our priorities is to provide colleagues with the tools and resources that allow you to take great care of yourself and others.

Our Life at LUHFT staff support offer brings together all the support available at the Trust and also national NHS support too.

Elaine Butchard, Interim Chief People Officer, said: “Our priority at LUHFT is ensuring that we have the right things in place to support you. One of the key things that you have been telling us throughout all our staff surveys and big conversations, is

that we need to make sure that we’re doing our best to look after you. To look after your physical, psychological, financial wellbeing and also to help support you during your whole career journey here in the organisation. This is why we have created a Life at LUHFT package that includes all the support available to you.

“I recognise that households are facing a very challenging time. I want to assure all staff, whatever your role, you can access the support, help and advice available. We want to make sure that we care for you whilst you

support us to provide great care to patients.”

The Life at LUHFT offer focuses on four main sections: your physical wellbeing, mental wellbeing, financial wellbeing and working life. Whether you need physiotherapy support, financial awareness support, an eye test or support from the psychology service and counselling – there is a wide range of support options for you.

To find out more information visit the Staff Hub or email Occupational Health: occupational.health@ liverpoolft.nhs.uk.

New end of life facility offers tranquil space for families

The Cherry Blossom Suite is now open in Aintree on the first floor, near the chapel.

The suite is for relatives and friends who are spending a significant period of time at the bedside of a dying loved one, that wish to take a short break.

The facility offers a calm and tranquil space with access to a shower/toiletries and light refreshments.

Tina Willis, Palliative and End of Life Project Lead, said: “Many families and friends spend long periods of time in the hospital with their loved ones during the dying phase. It is important to support and provide facilities for the comfort of those important to the dying person.”

To allow for as many families to benefit, time spent in the room will be limited to approximately 90 minutes. To check availability and reserve, contact either reception (who hold the key) on ext. 2060/5892.

Initial hours of opening are 8am-6.30pm Monday to Sunday.

It’s time to make your voice count

The NHS Staff Survey has returned for 2022 and this year we’re encouraging more staff than ever to take part. The survey is a crucial part of our work to improve working life at LUHFT and helps us to commit to the ‘People’s Promise’ which strives to ensure we all have a voice that counts.

The survey is confidential and no one else at the Trust will know that you have taken part, making it the perfect opportunity to be honest in your feedback and about the changes you’d like to see in our workplace. Every staff member, including bank staff, will be invited to take part in the survey. This year, the survey will begin on 3 October and will run until 25 November 2022 and can be completed in work or

You’ve said

We need to improve colleague experience in order to help you feel valued, learn and grow at LUHFT.

You’ve said

You didn’t feel there were enough opportunities to have your voice heard. You didn’t feel involved in decision making.

You’ve said

There aren’t enough opportunities for you to develop and grow at work and that appraisals aren’t happening consistently enough.

on a home device. Each member of staff will receive a unique email link in order to take part.

This year’s survey comes at a time of great change for the Trust, so it’s paramount that we understand your experiences and views in order to see where more change is needed. Please spread the word and encourage your colleagues to do the same, as there will be cash prizes available for top-performing teams across each site!

We’re committed to making a change and have been working to make improvements based on what you told us in last year’s survey. Some of the positive changes that we’ve made so far are highlighted below:

Together we’re doing

To give colleagues the best start when joining our organisation, we’ve designed a ‘Welcome to LUHFT’ new starter experience including a virtual welcome session and supportive resources, with a 30-day check in to see how you’re doing.

Together we’re doing

We’ve created Big Conversations so that you can share your ideas with senior leaders. We also hold a staff brief to give you a space to ask questions to our leaders.

We are compassionate and inclusive

Together we’re doing

We’re creating a new way for you to have your appraisal which is more flexible, person-centred and will help you to have meaningful and quality conversations with your line manager.

We each have a voice that counts

The Staff Survey begins on 3 October 2022. Make your voice heard and help us to continue to improve.

For more information about this year’s survey, visit www.liverpoolft.nhs.uk/annual-staff-survey/

We are always learning

Celebrating our AHPs

This month we’re highlighting our Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) who all play a crucial role in treating, rehabilitating, and improving the lives of our patients.

There are nine different AHP sectors working across our Trust, which includes physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, dieticians, radiographers, operating department practitioners, podiatrists, prosthetists/orthotists and orthoptists.

Working with patients and helping them in worrying times is why I enjoy my job so much.

Making them smile, putting their fears to one side and aiding their journey through the hospital is most rewarding. Working with modern technology and new techniques makes the job not only fulfilling, but also extremely interesting.

Charlie Jackson, Deputy Governance Lead, Imaging

I’ve been a Therapy Assistant at Aintree for 23 years and I was only planning on staying for a month! I worked 10 years on Stroke and the rest of the time I’ve worked in General Medicine. Although my role as a Therapy Assistant has changed over the years for personal reasons, I still enjoy my work and have a very supportive team of Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists.

Karen Shaw, Therapy Assistant

I'm a Renal Specialist Dietitian. I help support patients with a background of renal issues, particularly those with chronic kidney disease who may or may not need regular dialysis. I work in both inpatients and outpatient settings.

“I love that my job involves a lot of investigating and problem solving around nutrition and biochemistry. One of the great things about my job is that I work very closely with the medical team, pharmacist and the rest of the MDT. Every day comes with new challenges, but we are all there to support each other despite our different backgrounds.

Sammi Liu, Renal Specialist Dietitian

Orthoptists are experts in investigating, diagnosing and managing eye movement disorders and problems with how the eyes work together (binocular vision). We also assess vision in patients of all ages and abilities. We monitor visual development in children and work with a range of other specialities both within and beyond ophthalmology and as a result we manage a wide variety of patients.

Vicki Wong, Orthoptist

I am Sara, a Speech and Language Therapist working on the stroke unit at Aintree Hospital. My role involves assessing and providing therapy for patients with communication and/or swallowing difficulties. I enjoy working collaboratively with the stroke multidisciplinary team to achieve the best outcomes for our patients. The role involves building a rapport with both patients and their families to support them during the acute stages of their stroke journey.

Sara Hatton, Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

I work in the First Response Team at Aintree as an Occupational Therapist. I work alongside a fabulous bunch of people, including physiotherapists, therapy assistants and assistant practitioners. We cover lots of different wards and assessment areas within AED which means no two days are the same; it keeps us on our toes! Our main aim is to assess people's functional ability to improve their safety, quality of life and independence as much as possible. We also see patients in their own homes after they have been discharged, which is a rewarding part of the job.

Sharon Mills, Occupational Therapist

As Operating Department Practitioners we are highly skilled members of the Perioperative Care Team, with the specialist knowledge needed to care for our patients in all three key areas: anaesthetics, surgery and recovery.

Working on our Aintree site, we are the regional Major Trauma Centre for the North West, and we provide the full range of services and clinical expertise for patients who are severely injured from all areas of the region. We have a fantastic team ethic and spirit, which reflects the city as a whole. Liverpool is a vibrant, forward-thinking city that welcomes people of all backgrounds. There really couldn’t be a better place to live and work.

Zoe Pennington, Operating Department Practitioner

Cure Team to help patients and staff quit smoking for good

Stoptober is back for its 10th year and the LUHFT CURE Team want to help all of our patients and staff quit smoking for good by taking on the 28-day stop smoking challenge.

Delivering their service with compassion, dignity and respect, the team are dedicated to ensuring that both patients and staff receive the care they need when it comes to stopping smoking.

The flexible, holistic service looks into the individual patient’s current lifestyle, in order to determine the level of care they require. During the dedicated appointments, attendees can plan their ‘quit date’ as well as get help exploring various nicotine replacement therapies. Patient progress is reviewed every session and people can attend for as long as they feel necessary.

Throughout Stoptober, staff clinics are available during the following times and in the following locations:

• The Royal - Thursday 11am-2pm - Staff Hub (Go up escalator on first floor, turn left and in curved room on the right). This is a walk-in service.

• Aintree - Wednesday 11am-2pm - Staff hub (opposite AMU). This is a walk-in service.

• BroadgreenThis is currently an appointment only service. Please call the number opposite for details.

Over six million adults in England still smoke, making cigarettes responsible for 75, 000 preventable deaths a year and the leading cause of premature death in the country.

This year’s Stoptober comes as research reveals that those who get to 28 days without smoking are four times as likely to quit for good. Quitting smoking not only brings countless health benefits, but can also help financially, too.

If you would like more information about this year’s 28-day stop smoking challenge or would like to discuss quitting smoking, then you can contact the CURE Team on 0151 706 2205.

Improving patient care through flow

Wendy Lewis, our new Director of Patient Flow is keen to change the way we think about flow so that we can improve the experience of care for our patients.

“Patient flow is about how we support patients through our hospital services, and planning for their discharge from admission as our business as usual. It’s not about beds, it’s about people and about quality of care.”

Wendy has previously held regional and national flow improvement roles that started by running a successful project as a Ward Manager that received national recognition.

“I learnt improvement backwards really, I’d just done it by asking what’s the right thing for patients and staff, before I learnt any of the theory." Wendy said "I really love working with teams to help them understand their starting point with data to see how they can make improvements. My roles have always been to enable organisations to take abstract system level challenges and help translate it with the staff closest to the patients to make improvements within their daily work."

Wendy had been working in the system improvement team at NHS England designing and leading their regional flow improvement programme before taking up her role at LUHFT.

“I was delighted to have the chance to work at LUHFT. I’d really missed working in a hospital setting and could see so much potential at the Trust. Our staff are so dedicated to making improvements for our patients and each other. There is so much change taking place but it is an amazing

opportunity for us to work together to give our communities the care they deserve."

Working with our Executive Team, Wendy has set up a new flow improvement group. She will also be working closely with our Hospital Leadership Teams and newly appointed flow leads for each site to ensure we have the right solutions in place across the Trust.

“It’s important for me that people understand the ‘why’ of any of our plans. For example our patient review app isn’t just about compliance, it’s about understanding how the information we collect supports flow and enables patients to receive care in the right setting and to return to their own home safely and quickly.

“We need to take a full multidisciplinary team approach and plan our discharges from admission, alongside any treatment plans. It’s also important for us to keep patients informed, moving, hydrated and as independent as possible during their stay, so that we can work towards their discharges that enable our next patients to access the care they need without delay.

“We know winter is always challenging in the hospital, this year is unlikely to be any different. By improving our communication with colleagues, the pathways we use, simplifying our processes, and working together closely to take a ‘home first’ approach we can ensure we are in a better place to care for everyone who needs us this winter.”

Save the date! Join the next Staff Brief

LIVING OUR

Our values are ‘the way we do things around here’. They are the very core of who we are, for every colleague, patient and individual who comes into contact with us. Our values enable us to work together more effectively and to deliver great patient care more consistently.

We see examples of our values in practice on a daily basis, and each month we will celebrate individuals or teams who are clearly caring, fair and innovative.

Innovative community cancer service launched at LUHFT

At the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic an innovative new model of virtual personalised support emerged for cancer patients at LUHFT.

The Cancer Community Support Service was quickly developed to support patients and staff, focusing on psychological and mental health support. The model recognises the need for both clinical and non-clinical assessment. It includes a lead Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist using a network approach to utilise expertise and resources within established Macmillan Cancer Navigator teams based in the community.

The service also promotes the wider integration and collaboration of services across acute, primary and community organisations, supporting patients and their loved ones experiencing a cancer diagnosis by asking the question “What matters to you?”.

The team supports patients to take an active and empowered role in the way their care is planned and delivered, with interventions and care tailored around the things that matter most to them. It is also designed to work proactively with the cancer workforce, as well as patients and carers, to ensure each case receives a personalised approach, to overcome any barriers.

Anna Crofton, Assistant Director of Nursing for Cancer, said: “As clinicians we are often too far removed from the day-to-day life of the patient to understand the impact their diagnosis can have on them and their loved ones. The service is a shining example of personalised care. It is responsive to the individual needs of people living with cancer and their loved ones especially, now in the most challenging of times."

To discuss how the Cancer Community Cancer Service could help you and your team phone 07816365995 or email: cancercommunitysupport@liverpoolft.nhs.uk.

Lead Nurse for Cancer Community Support, Joanne McKinsey, alongside Gill Nolan, also from the Cancer Community Support Team.

Palliative care service makes a big IMPaCT

A new integrated service, aimed at supporting people with life limiting conditions, has been launched across Liverpool and South Sefton.

The Integrated Mersey Palliative Care Team (IMPaCT) service is the first of its kind in the UK and is made up of a group of healthcare professionals that deliver person-centred, co-ordinated palliative care across the city. The service is a partnership between LUHFT, Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, Marie Curie Hospice and Woodlands Hospice.

The consultant-led service provides a single point of referral for patients, carers and healthcare professionals to access palliative care support. The multi-disciplinary team hub is open Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm, with our hospital and community CNS teams providing a reduced out of hours service. A 24-hour telephone support service is also available to patients, carers and healthcare professionals from our on call team.

Kate Dreyer, Clinical Services Manager for IMPaCT said: “IMPaCT ensures that palliative patients have access to timely advice, assessment and treatment, day or night, reducing delays and helping to support patients in their preferred place of care.”

VALUES

Happy 92nd birthday Audrey!

Finance in for a fiver

Amazing work from our Finance Department has resulted in the team being shortlisted for five national awards in the Public Finance Awards 2022.

The awards, which take place on 29 November 2022, recognise the success, immense hard work and ingenuity of the individuals and teams who are driving public finance innovation.

Staff recently came together to help volunteer Audrey Joughlin celebrate her 92nd birthday, and reflect on her incredible 74 years of NHS service.

Audrey has committed almost her entire life to the NHS, she started working in the old laboratories of Smithdown Road Infirmary in 1948 – six months before the NHS was formed, and now comes into the Royal every Thursday to volunteer. Despite now being registered as partially sighted, she still gets a lot of joy making people smile.

Audrey said: “We can sometimes be a little too focused on our own problems, but thinking of others puts everything into perspective, and we have a lot more to be grateful for. If you meet everyone you see with a smile, you get one back – it’s wonderful to see how it makes their day, as well as yours.”

Significant step for LUHFT heart failure patients

The Heart Failure Team at Aintree has launched Liverpool’s first home IV diuretic service for frail patients with heart failure. The service is delivered by Nurse, Catherine Burt (pictured) from the Aintree Ambulatory Acute Heart Failure Unit and allows patients who would otherwise struggle to attend for ambulatory or outpatient treatment, to have treatment in their own homes.

Catherine said: “Having provided the home diuresis, I can see the benefits to our patients. Time is precious for our end of life heart failure patients and this service can ensure they spend as much time as possible with their family and friends.”

The categories the Finance Team are shortlisted for include: Achievement in Financial Reporting and Accountability; Digital Finance Project of the Year; Finance Team of the Year – Health; Good Governance, Risk Management or Prevention and Promoting Diversity and Inclusion.

Awards line up

Team LUHFT is in the running to scoop an impressive five awards at this year’s Nursing Times Awards. Taking place on 26 October, the nominations recognise the outstanding care we provide to our patients.

• The Infectious Diseases Team is up for three awards for their work caring for patients with High Consequence Infectious Diseases

• Emma Addie, Critical Care Matron, (pictured) is shortlisted for Nurse Leader of the Year

• The Intravenous (IV) Team is nominated for their work in the sustainability and transferability of ultrasoundguided cannulation.

BST