Patient First - Autumn 2012

#patientfirst autumn 2012

“What happened taught me that you have to make the most of what you’ve got.”

Cancer support group reaches 21 year milestone p4 New arrivals! Read all about new parents’ experiences p10

Read trauma patient Leah’s amazing story p8

patient first

Welcome to the second edition of Patient First!

September 21st marked a whole year since our hospital at Tunbridge Wells officially opened – and what a year it has been. Across both our hospitals, we saw more than 119,000 patients in A&E, treated around 102,000 inpatients and held over 418,000 appointments for outpatients (including appointments at clinics outside the two main hospitals), not to mention the 5,500 plus babies born. It’s been a very busy, but very exciting 12 months.

In this autumn edition of Patient First, you can read the amazing story of Leah Debus – the first trauma patient to be treated at Tunbridge Wells, on the day the hospital officially opened; plus there are first-hand accounts from a number of new Mums and Dads who had their babies at the Maidstone Birth Centre and at the Tunbridge Wells Maternity Unit; and a range of other news to keep you up to date with what has been going on at your hospitals.

We hope you enjoy this brand new Patient First magazine – as always, we would love to hear your feedback and your stories, so please get in touch. See you again in winter!

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One year on

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News from your hospitals

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Cover feature - Leah’s story

Read an overview about Tunbridge Wells Hospital’s first year from Chief Executive Glenn Douglas.

Read articles about Crafty Chin Wagger’s hospital projects, the state of the art training facilities within the Trust and a recent garden makeover at Maidstone.

Read the incredible story of Leah Debus who was involved in a serious traffic collision which changed her life forever.

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Parent features

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Maternity art project

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Autumn eating

Hear all about the experiences of three sets of parents who had their babies at Maidstone Birth Centre and Tunbridge Wells Maternity Unit.

Find out how two local photographers came to have their work displayed in Tunbridge Wells hospital.

Get in the mood for darker evenings and colder weather with these irresistible autumnal recipes.

Th e Patie nt F irst tea m Contacts If you have a story to tell us, please contact us.

Communications Team: 01622 225858 Communications email: mtw-tr.communications@nhs.net For any general enquiries or advice, please contact our Trust switchboard or visit our website.

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust switchboard: 0845 155 1000 Website: www.mtw.nhs.uk

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patient first

A YEAR ON

A

Glenn Douglas, Chief Executive

year on from the opening of our new Tunbridge Wells Hospital, and I have to say, I think things have gone very well.

There were always going to be teething problems, but I think 12 months down the line, the majority of these have been ironed out and we are working hard to ensure that our patients receive the best possible care.

As we all remember, a year ago there was a lot of controversy over the moving of the main Women’s and Children’s Services, including maternity, to Tunbridge Wells.

In actual fact, this transition has gone particularly well, with more than 5,000 babies being born at Tunbridge Wells in the last year, and the popularity of the Maidstone Birth Centre growing by the minute. To put that into context, we thought in the first year of the Birth Centre being open, we would have around 200 babies born there. We have almost doubled that expectation with nearly 400 babies having been born at the centre since last September.

Feedback has been exceptionally positive and the popularity of the centre shows that we have retained the loyalty of the vast majority of mothers to be who live in the area our Trust serves. You can read more

about some of our Mums’ and Dads’ experiences further on in the magazine.

Another area of debate, initially, was the focusing of Trauma treatment being at Tunbridge Wells. Again, this has actually been really successful.

However, from a trauma perspective, we are seeing reduced mortality rates and that is down to the way the service is being run and the way trauma patients are being treated and cared for. Again, you might want to read Leah Debus’s story in this edition of Patient First – she was in fact our first Trauma patient at the new Tunbridge Wells Hospital.

A&E has been extremely busy and, particularly at Tunbridge Wells, we have seen far more patients than we could have anticipated so it hasn’t been without its ups and downs. That said, it’s going well and we are working hard to make sure A&E at both hospitals runs smoothly.

An innovative measure we have taken to help that process is the publishing of A&E average waiting times on our website – and

we’ve had really positive feedback about it.

Overall, feedback, in general, about the new hospital has been very good and those who visit from around the country from a professional point of view, are quite envious of the facilities we’ve got.

I think we would all agree that the new Tunbridge Wells Hospital, is a huge step forward from the old Kent and Sussex and Pembury Hospitals and in the main, the last twelve months have gone far better than I perhaps thought they would, with some real success stories for our Trust. However, there’s no room for complacency so we will always aim to ensure that every one of you, our patients and visitors, have a good experience and the best possible care we can provide in the future.

Maidstone site development

old site and enhance patient services.

A new £2.9 million Urgent Medical and Ambulatory Unit opens this year. The unit promises to provide fast-track diagnosis and treatment for patients with urgent medical problems.

Work starts next year on one of the biggest projects the hospital has seen to modernise its medical and surgical wards. The six-year

programme of works will create more single rooms and discrete fourbedded bays for patients, improving privacy and dignity.

Other service improvements are also planned to ensure Maidstone Hospital continues to remain one of Kent’s key providers of healthcare.

Watch out for a special exclusive look at these developments in the next edition of Patient First.

Patients will benefit from higher standards of care at Maidstone Hospital in the future thanks to ambitious redevelopment and improvement plans.

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust has agreed a £20 million plan that will modernise the 30-year-

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NEWS FROM YOUR H Crafty Chin Waggers offer support to cancer patients Crafty Chin Waggers was the brainchild of two friends who wanted somewhere to meet up, chat and participate in some craft projects.

The group was established in March 2009 and over time, has grown from approximately 16 members to around 37, with an additional 40 people supporting the group from home.

Crafty Chin Waggers provides a safe, relaxed and friendly meeting place for people in and around Mereworth to come together and take part in crafts and projects, such as the making of

heart-shaped cushions for breast cancer patients.

Fiona Andersen, Breast Care Nurse Specialist, based at Maidstone Hospital, said: “The cushions are used by women who have had mastectomies, breast reconstruction and lymph glands removed from their armpits. Men also receive the cushions after mastectomies, but these are normally rectangular rather than heart shaped and in plainer, more neutral colours.

“The cushions, which are beautifully made, provide physical comfort as they help to prevent the arm rubbing on the new wounds and are very much appreciated by our patients who are touched that someone cares and has thought about them during a difficult time.”

Pamela Lippett who set up the group with her friend Tina Reynolds, said: “Our members buy and donate all of the materials used for making the hearts and do not take any reimbursement. They do this

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New members are always welcome!

Thank you!

Party to celebrate milestone birthday of cancer support group On Saturday 11 August, Maidstone Hospital’s Breast Care Support Group celebrated its 21st ‘birthday’ by way of a party, which was held in the Academic Centre at the hospital.

The group, which has been running since 1991, was established by breast care nurse specialist Pam Wright and patient Sadie Sharp. Since its creation, the group has been well attended and supported, with between 20-40 attendees at each session.

The group meets once a month, for two hours on a Saturday morning and often a speaker is arranged to ensure the sessions are interesting, informative and useful to those who attend. Talks have covered a wide range of topics, including acupuncture, reflexology, art therapy and philosophy. In addition, the Breast Care Nurse Specialists from Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust attend every session and are on

because they enjoy the project and can see how much good is done by those involved in caring for cancer patients.

“The project has also involved those with no previous sewing experience and it has been really rewarding for them to learn a new skill and produce something which will be of real benefit to someone else.”

Previously the group has also supported Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust by knitting clothes for premature babies.

Crafty Chin Waggers is a self-funding group and through fundraising efforts, the group has been able to purchase three sewing machines. However, donations of machines, fabric and other craft materials are always welcome and very much appreciated. If you have items to donate, please contact Pamela by email on: pamelalippett@craftychinwaggers or visit the group’s website at: www.craftychinwaggers.com

A huge thank you to everyone who came along to the League of Friends Fun day at Maidstone Hospital on 8 September – you helped to raise over £4,000!

Last month’s crossword answers hand to answer questions and support the group as they are needed.

To celebrate the landmark birthday, decorations were put up and the group enjoyed a buffet, a glass of bubbly and a special cake, plus a toast was given by Peter Jones who attended with his wife Sue Jones. Both are consultant breast surgeons based at the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Breast Clinic and have supported the group for many years.

If you would like to find out more about the group, or are interested in attending, please phone 01622 225743.

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HOSPITALS State of the art facilities for medical staff to test their practical skills Have you ever wondered how a medical professional first starts to practice suturing, or intubation or even keyhole surgery?

The answer lies within the Clinical Skills Rooms and Dinwoodie Simulation Suite at Tunbridge Wells Hospital and within the Academic Centre at Maidstone Hospital.

The state of the art facilities offer junior doctors, medical students, nurses, midwives and other healthcare professionals the chance to ‘try out’ their skills on artificial limbs, heads, and even interactive manikins (a lifesized anatomical human model used in education).

Epidurals can be practised on artificial backs, a range of chest sounds can be listened to via an artificial torso, intravenous cannulation can be done on a prosthetic arm and pads of ‘skin’ can be used for suturing.

However, possibly the most realistic training can be given in the Dinwoodie Simulation Suite where an interactive manikin, who breathes, blinks and has a heartbeat and pulse, lies in bed waiting for treatment. His condition can be controlled from a room adjoining the suite, and he can speak, groan in pain and demand things from those treating him. The manikin is hooked up to equipment which monitors his heart rate and oxygen levels and these can also be controlled to simulate real situations which could occur, to spontaneously test the staff

taking part in the training exercise.

Emma Moran, Simulation Facilitator for Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust said: “The equipment we have in the Clinical Skills Rooms allow staff the opportunity to practice specific skills such as suturing, catheterisation and cannulation. However, the simulation suite allows the skills of an entire team to be practiced and tested, not only from a clinical point of view but just as importantly from a communications point of view – all in a pressurised environment. It’s the closest any healthcare professional can get to a real life situation and therefore an excellent way of helping them develop their practical skills, decision making and team work.”

Dr Paul Moran, Consultant Anaesthetist and Trust, lead for simulation, said: “We are very proud of the training facilities we have at both Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Hospitals – we have the very best equipment to ensure our staff receive the best possible training so we can maintain and improve the safety of our patients.

“While the Trust has made significant investment into the equipment we have, we were also very lucky to receive £150,000 funding from The Dinwoodie Charity, who assists the medical profession in England by enhancing the opportunities for postgraduate Medical

Grammar school students attend hospital careers day A group of 47 AS & A-level students from Invicta Grammar School in Maidstone spent a day at Tunbridge Wells Hospital in September to find out more about potential careers in healthcare and medicine.

The students heard and took part in presentations, workshops and practical activities involving doctors, nurses, midwives, allied health professionals and administrative staff, who are all keen to encourage a new generation into the health service.

The practical sessions took place in the facilities described in the article above so the students were able to observe demonstrations of specialist training equipment and clinical activities, such as how to take a blood sample, as well as participate in practical sessions, including resuscitation skills on some of the training dummies.

education and training.”

The Academic Centre at Maidstone Hospital, which opened in June 2010, also provides facilities for training and learning. It houses the Maidstone simulation suite, where multidisciplinary simulation training is already taking place. The centre also includes a 150 seat tiered auditorium which can link up to other facilities around the world, teaching rooms, libraries and offices.

The International Minimal Access Centre for Surgery (IMACS) is also based within the Centre.

Dr Moran added: “We are currently looking at expanding the facilities we have at Maidstone, to replicate some of the new equipment we have available in the Clinical Skills Rooms at Tunbridge Wells – and we hope to be able to do this within the next year or so.

“Good training translates directly into better care for patients. Our facilities in both hospitals give us outstanding facilities for teaching and learning which will hopefully appeal to medical trainees from all over the world, and encourage them to work for our Trust, and to provide the best possible care for our patients.”

Lost something If you have recently attended one of our hospitals and have lost a personal item, please contact the Hospital Services Manager, Phil Dwyer, on: 01892 633680 as many items are handed in and can be claimed back by the owner.

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m o re NEWS FROM YOUR HOSPITALS Former Matron, 90, visits Tunbridge Wells Hospital to see how things have changed since she started nursing in the 1940s Staff at Tunbridge Wells Hospital heard a first-hand account of how nursing has changed since the Second World War, when former Kent & Sussex Hospital and Pembury Hospital Matron, Joan Page, came to visit.

Miss Page, who is now 90, was given a tour of the Hedgehog Children’s Ward and was also able to look round other parts of the hospital before meeting with Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Chief Executive, Glenn Douglas.

She was shown around the hospital

by Emergency Planning Manager, John Weeks, who is currently writing a book about the history of our hospitals, and Claire Spence, Patient Experience Matron.

In Hedgehog Ward, Miss Page spoke with Rochelle Gilder, who runs the unit.

She was shown the single rooms within the ward, the play areas for the children and the high dependency rooms. She particularly liked the murals in the ward, which were designed by a 14 year old student last year after she won a competition with her artistic efforts.

Miss Page said: “I did my children’s training in 1942 in the Queen Elizabeth Children’s Hospital in Hackney, London, during the war. We treated children for almost everything – measles, pneumonia, rubella and of course injuries, some sustained as a result of the war going on. You never really knew what you would be faced with.

“Medicines such as antibiotics and steroids were not readily available until after the war so we were faced with some big challenges in terms of treating our patients, and of course we also had very little equipment to help us.

“And it wasn’t just the treatment which was very different to how things are now, we were also very limited in the facilities we had.”

Miss Page moved from the Queen Elizabeth to Guy’s Hospital in 1945 and then in 1949, she joined the Royal Free Hospital as a Sister.

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Miss Page added: “When I was at the Royal Free Hospital, generally, parents would come to visit their children in hospital once a week on a Sunday, because many of them lived in the country and it was very difficult to travel in to London on a regular basis.

“There were no playrooms either, children had to play with each other on the ward, and occasionally, if some children were not going to be receiving visitors, I would take them to my office and we would have a tea party.

“I think the play rooms in Hedgehog Ward are wonderful and it’s good that parents can stay with their children in the single rooms.”

While at the Royal Free Hospital, Miss Page was given permission to work in Denmark for six months. A few years later, she made her move from London to Kent.

She joined Kent & Sussex Hospital as Deputy Matron from 1958, and then in 1962, took over as Matron.

Shortly after her appointment, the General Medical Council carried out an inspection of hospitals in the area and decided there could only be one training school in Tunbridge Wells. As a result, Kent & Sussex and Pembury Hospitals were amalgamated and Miss Page became Matron of both.

Miss Page worked a variety of long shifts, as well as interviewing and training new members of staff. She worked many Christmas Days and would always ensure she saw each patient in each hospital, personally – around 700 of them.

And perhaps that’s not a surprise coming from someone who decided on a career in nursing when she was a little girl.

Miss Page said: “I decided I wanted to be a nurse following a serious bout of pneumonia when I was 10 years old.

“Unbelievably, I was taken ill with it again two weeks into my career as a nurse but I recovered and thoroughly enjoyed my chosen profession, particularly the interaction with patients and the training and teaching aspect too. ”I think the new Tunbridge Wells Hospital is worlds apart from what I was used to during my career, but it’s a lovely

building and a lot of thought has been put in to the facilities within it.

“And as a recent orthopaedic patient, I am pleased to say the staff are splendid and the food is absolutely wonderful!”

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust Chief Executive, Glenn Douglas, said: “We were delighted to welcome Miss Page to our hospital and it was fascinating to hear from someone with so much experience, in so many different aspects of nursing.

“The stories she told us were not only fascinating but sobering too when you think of the lack of medicine and equipment available to medical professionals during and after the war.

“We are very lucky to have such fantastic facilities in our area and as a Trust, we want to use them to maximum benefit and ensure we constantly aim to improve our services and our patients’ experiences.”

Follow us!

Our Facebook and Twitter sites are gradually building friends and followers but we would like more, so please join us!

You can join us on Facebook by searching for ‘Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust’ or alternatively, you can go to: www.facebook.com/ mtwhospitals And on Twitter @MTWnhs You can find out about what we’ve been up to and see lots of our latest photos. A recently added album to our Facebook page shows old photos found in our archives, some of which are of the Kent and Sussex and Pembury Hospitals during the Second World War.

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Hospital garden gets a makeover

Bethan Gorvett, one of the team leaders overseeing the project, said: “The young people have really enjoyed working on this project to improve the courtyard garden and we hope it will bring some joy and happiness to patients and their families who may be experiencing difficulties or stresses in their lives.

“In addition to the garden project, we have received some prize donations, from local shops, towards a raffle we will be holding - proceeds from this will go towards buying toys for paediatric patients at the hospital.”

The seven young people, Tasha (16), Dylan (16), Frankie (16), James (16), Phoebe (15), Aidan (16) and Josh (16), along with their two team leaders, Bethan Gorvett and Lara Delaney, worked at the hospital from 6 August to the 10 August, when the project was completed.

Jeanette Rooke, from Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Estates Department, said: “The garden looks brilliant. It has gone from being a mass of overgrown shrubs to being a very pretty, vibrant space which everyone can enjoy.

“We are so pleased these young people chose to come here and help their local hospital – they have worked extremely hard on the project.”

One of the courtyard gardens at Maidstone Hospital has undergone a makeover, thanks to a group of local young people.

The Year 11 students (aged 15 and 16) became involved in the project via the government-led National Citizen Service initiative which is being run by the charity CXK in Kent & Medway, in partnership with the National Youth Agency and 02 Think Big. The project aims to support young people to develop their life skills, take on new challenges and encourage them to become more involved in their local community.

Through information and talks given at local schools, these students and others, chose to get involved in the programme when they finished school earlier this year.

All seven young people who worked on the garden were from different schools across Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells and did not know each other prior to getting involved in the project.

After an induction day to meet one another, the young people spent five days on a residential adventure course in Yorkshire where they learnt team building skills and became involved in other outdoor activities. before On their return, the young people were given five days to plan their project, which had to be of benefit to their local community.

The result was the garden project at Maidstone Hospital.

after

Birth Centre 1st birthday party On 25 September, the Maidstone Birth Centre celebrated its 1st birthday, by way of a very well attended tea party.

Many of the families who had their babies at the centre over the past year came along to help celebrate the Birth Centre’s success – over 100 in total.

Staff from across the Trust also came along to support their colleagues and enjoy the party.

Birth Centre Midwife Zoe Manclark created a birthday cake for the party which featured hundreds of tiny icing models of babies – in fact, there was one icing model to represent every single baby born at the Birth Centre in the last year!

During the party itself, the Birth Centre welcomed another two new arrivals, both baby boys.

Birth Centre birthday cake

Special focus on care for dementia patients Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust has appointed a new Head of Nursing and lead for dementia care – Sally Smith.

She will be working alongside our clinical staff and linking in with community partners such as Social Services and mental health teams in the area, to improve care for dementia patients when they are admitted to hospital.

Some of her main priorities include: raising awareness of dementia care, improving education and training for staff who have contact with dementia patients, improving the ward environment for the patients, assessing patients’ medication, facilitating timely discharge from hospital and ongoing community support.

Sally said: “There is a lot to do and I am really looking forward to it. My main aim is to really raise the profile of dementia care so we can be as supportive as possible to our patients’ needs.”

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Determined to live LIFE TO THE FULL Mum of two, Leah Debus, never imagined when the new hospital at Tunbridge Wells officially opened on 21 September last year, that she would be the first trauma patient to be treated there.

But a near-death motorcycle collision on the same day didn’t only cost Leah her right leg, but also changed her life forever.

I

“ t was just a normal day,” said Leah, “It was a Wednesday, and Wednesdays are bike night so we had been to the Oak Dene bike café at the A20 that evening.

We only stayed for about an hour and on the way home, we took an unusual route due to a traffic accident. I was riding my own motorbike and was with my partner at the time, and two other friends.

“I remember the sound of the crash and I remember being aware of flying through the air and then hitting the floor. The most vivid memory I have after that is of intense pain from my ribs all the way down my right side.”

Having been riding in front of Leah, her then partner, Nicky Murphy, and another friend had ridden on ahead so didn’t see the accident happen.

“My natural reaction immediately after the crash was to try to get up but my friend, Alison, who was the only one to have seen what

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happened, rushed over to me and told me to stay still. She told me that my right leg was not in a good way and kept me calm while other people nearby called for help.

“I remember being completely terrified at that point, I didn’t know how badly injured I was but I did know, instinctively, that it was very serious. I felt claustrophobic with my helmet on but knew I needed to keep it on until someone had checked me over.”

Two paramedics arrived at the scene in a car shortly afterwards, by which time, Leah’s partner and other friend had also realised something was wrong and had turned round, only to get caught up in the traffic now building up as a result of the collision Leah had been involved in.

The paramedics with Leah began to check her but it was when they removed her motorbike leathers from her right leg that they realised how serious it was. Her leg had sustained extensive damage - the impact of the crash had severed the artery in her thigh and she was losing a lot of blood fast.

“I remember hearing one of the paramedics calling for an ambulance, saying it was urgent and that he wasn’t sure they could get me to hospital in time. I just remember, at that point, thinking, this could be it. I might die. I actually felt completely calm and it was then that the determination started to kick in. I suddenly started thinking about the fact that if I

died, I wouldn’t see my girls again, and the fact that my Mum needed me. I decided I just couldn’t go and if I could remain calm, that maybe it would help me to get through it.”

Leah was taken to the brand new Tunbridge Wells Hospital, which had officially opened earlier the same day. There, she was rushed through to the Trauma Unit, where Orthopaedic Consultant, Dr Mike Fordyce, was waiting.

“Mr Fordyce, my consultant, was fantastic. He was calm but completely honest with me and told me that I needed to immediately undergo surgery to amputate my right leg. My body was shutting down and the surgery had to

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ly “I received absolute ct, amazing care. In fa I cried when I left.”

English Literature degree so she can including getting back on happen straight away. I actually fulfil her ambition to be a secondary signed my own consent form before a motorbike.” school teacher.

After Leah left hospital, she being taken to theatre. I hadn’t lost “I have always been a positive went to stay with her Mum for a consciousness up to that point.” person but that’s even more the while and she received her first Leah was in theatre for several prosthesis exactly two months after case now,” said Leah, “What hours. Her right leg was amputated the crash, on 21 November, at the happened has made me a happier above the knee, and she was Disablement Service Centre treated for a badly bruised pelvis. person – I have my girls with me, at Medway Hospital.

She woke up in Intensive Care the and although I am no longer in Leah said: “I had to re-learn how following day having been placed a relationship with Nicky, we are to walk and I had to completely in an induced coma overnight, with still close friends. He, my girls, trust my prosthetic leg. When her daughters Kate (16) and Laura my Mum, so many friends and my you walk, you obviously can’t feel (13) at her bedside. ‘biker family’ have been a massive your foot touch the floor so have “I remember being so happy to support in the last 12 months and to trust that it has and that the see my girls, and also, very hungry!

I want to thank them all from the I was moved on to the Trauma bottom of my heart.

Ward the following day and “They have made it so I spent four weeks there, “I had to learn how to walk much easier for me to recovering and undergoing and I had to completely understand that I have physio to help me adapt to to learn to do things in a losing my leg. trust my prosthetic leg.” different way now and I have “I loved my room on the ward, the privacy I had and the to accept my limitations. en-suite, and I received absolutely But everyone has limitations, ableprosthesis will hold you up like amazing care. In fact, I cried when bodied or not. your leg would have done before.

I left. The staff had become like “What happened taught me that It’s hard, but I was absolutely family and had helped me through you have to make the most of what determined to get used to it and so much. The physiotherapists, in live my life to the full.” you’ve got. Would I go back and particular, were brilliant and got And that is exactly what Leah is change what happened that day? me out of bed within days of the doing. She got back on a horse No, I wouldn’t.” accident. It was really important for in April and in September she me to learn to adapt as quickly as rode a motorcycle on her I could. I have always been a very own for the first time since active person – the accident. She will also I love horse-riding, walking, cycling, soon be taking part in a riding my motorbike and my job tandem parachute jump for was a support worker for adults the organisation, ‘Bike Tours with learning disabilities which is for the Wounded’. And all a surprisingly physical role. I knew that’s not to mention the full from immediately after the accident time studying she has taken up that I wanted to continue to do as to complete an access course which will take her on to an many of those things as possible –

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FIRST-TIME MUMS Earlier this year, two first-time mums chose to give birth to their babies at the Maidstone Birth Centre. Would their experiences be as they’d hoped, or would some initial concerns turn out to be justified?

Here they share their experiences…

Sarah-Louise, Mark and Ruby Jessica Tunbridge Wells based Sarah-

Louise and Mark Wheatley welcomed their first child, Ruby, into the world on 18 July 2012 at 6.58am, one week late and weighing in at 9lbs 2oz.

Sarah-Louise said, “When we discovered I was pregnant, Mark and I assumed that the baby would be born at Tunbridge Wells Hospital, as it is the closest to where we live. However, during an antenatal class, I heard about the Maidstone Birth Centre and in order to be aware of all the options available to us, we decide to book a tour.”

Sarah-Louise and Mark visited during one of the scheduled tours held by the Birth Centre staff, where they were able to view the facilities, en-suite bedrooms and communal areas, as well as ask questions and discuss possible concerns.

“We loved the homely feel of the centre and were very impressed with the bubbly, helpful staff we met during the tour. We definitely both liked the Birth Centre and I felt very at ease there but we didn’t want to rush into a decision, so we also went to see the maternity department at Tunbridge Wells Hospital.”

The couple liked the hospital and were impressed with the facilities and individual rooms available, but ultimately decided that they preferred the environment at the Birth Centre, as they were keen to avoid the birth feeling too clinical.

The relevant checks were carried out and it was confirmed to the couple that there seemed to be no reason why their baby shouldn’t be born at the Birth Centre.

Mark added, “As much as I loved the Birth Centre, part of me was hoping that Sarah-Louise would choose Tunbridge Wells Hospital as I 10

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had concerns about the transfer time from the Birth Centre, to hospital, should it be needed.”

Whilst his concern was understandable, Mark’s worries were unnecessary as Sarah-Louise’s labour and delivery went well, with no complications.

Sarah-Louise said, “The facilities are incredible and there is the most wonderful atmosphere in the Birth Centre.

There are various options to help manage the pain, one method being the birth pool. I specifically chose the Birth Centre as I wanted to avoid pain relief, such as the epidural, which isn’t available there.”

Not long after Ruby’s birth, her Grandparents were able to visit, as the individual en-suite room set-up means that visitors are able to come at a time to suit the parents, rather than being restricted to normal visiting hours.

“What was particularly nice, was that the same staff stayed with SarahLouise throughout labour and they were all fantastic.”

“Our visitors were overwhelmed by the Birth Centre and made so many positive comments about it to us. As soon as they saw it, they could understand why we chose to have Ruby there.

“I stayed in for one night and because all the rooms are private and sleep two people, Mark was able to stay with me, rather than having to leave Ruby and I alone.”

Mark said, “I was so pleased that I got to spend Ruby’s first night with her and I wouldn’t have wanted to leave Sarah-Louise. It was really special spending the first night as a

family and I don’t think I would have slept if I’d had to go home!”

Both Sarah-Louise and Mark believe that they made the right decision and can’t stress enough how wonderful the staff in the Birth Centre were.

“What was particularly nice, was that the same staff stayed with Sarah-Louise throughout labour and they were all fantastic.” said Mark. “They were comforting and reassuring and we both knew that they wouldn’t take a risk and that if intervention was needed, they wouldn’t hesitate in seeking assistance. Sarah-Louise was really well looked after and the staff made sure that we were both kept informed and understood what was going on.

“Even after the birth the staff went above and beyond, helping Sarah-Louise with breast feeding advice.”

Sarah-Louise said, “We would particularly like to thank midwives Lorraine and Kelly, who brought Ruby into the world. They were both fantastic and we are very grateful to them.”

Sarah-Louise concluded, “My experience at the Birth Centre was an excellent one and both Mark and I would whole-heartedly recommend it to future parents. If we have any more children then I would definitely return to the Birth Centre, should I be able to.

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“I can understand concerns people may have and you have to be comfortable with the decision you make, but I would urge others to arrange a visit and go and see the facilities for themselves before making their decision.”

Victoria, Steve and Harrison Joseph Maidstone couple Victoria and Steve Smith’s first baby, Harrison Joseph, was born on 10 July 2012 at 12.06am. He weighed 7lbs 1oz and was four days late. Both Victoria and Steve liked the name Harrison, but as a huge Star Wars fan, Steve was particularly keen to pay homage to the original Han Solo, Harrison Ford!

Victoria said, “I’d heard about the Birth Centre and was really intrigued to see it, so we took a tour to find out more. Steve and I couldn’t believe how calm and relaxed it felt as soon as you walked through the door and I loved the décor and facilities available. The staff we met were lovely and I felt confident in them and believed that they would look after me.

“We were pretty sure that we wanted to use the Birth Centre but towards the end of my pregnancy I started to have a few doubts and concerns. I was worried that I would want pain relief in the form of an epidural and started to wonder what would happen if I needed emergency treatment.”

Steve added, “It was important to me that Victoria made the ultimate decision about where to give birth as I wanted her to feel relaxed and happy about the situation. I did share her concerns but I also felt confident in the

“It was very much a tailored service and I couldn’t have felt more secure and relaxed.” service we would receive.”

On 9 July, whilst out shopping, Victoria started to feel unwell and had to return home. After a few hours, Victoria and Steve decided to go to the Birth Centre to seek advice, as they believed that labour had started.

“Once we got to the Birth Centre, I was checked by the midwife and was told that I could go home if I wished, as I still had some time to go, but was welcome to stay if I would rather. We decided to stay put and got settled in our own, beautifully decorated, home-fromhome bedroom.

“I used one of the birth pools and was able to give birth to Harrison in it, which was an amazing experience.

“The staff were really keen to give us the experience we wanted and asked lots of questions to ensure that we were happy and that they weren’t making assumptions about what we wanted. It was very much a tailored service and I couldn’t have felt more secure and relaxed.”

Victoria and Steve were both pleased with the decision they made and feel that the Birth Centre was the right choice for them.

“The Birth Centre really is a home from home, and offered us the privacy we wanted, without us feeling isolated. The staff are there when you need them but aren’t intrusive. They helped with breast feeding and showed us the best way to change a nappy and since Harrison’s birth I’ve also attended a breast feeding group which is held in the Centre.”

Steve added, “We have no regrets and our experience at the Birth Centre was exactly what we wanted. We can’t thank the staff there enough as they were fantastic on the day and were supportive and caring following Harrison’s birth.

There would be no hesitation in recommending the Birth Centre to others as we cannot fault it.”

400 babies and counting!

Consultant Midwife Sarah Gregson said, “The Birth Centre is a purpose built unit, staffed by midwives, where mothers can give birth and learn how to care for their babies in a relaxed, home-like setting.

“When plans for the Birth Centre were being developed, it was estimated that approximately 200 women would choose to give birth there during the first year. However, one year on, and I am delighted to report that 400 babies have been born there, which is testament to its fantastic staff and facilities and the welcoming, relaxed atmosphere.

“Research shows that Birth Centres are as safe as hospitals for women with a straight forward pregnancy.

The research also indicates that women are more likely to achieve a normal birth and are less likely to require a caesarean section. In addition, they are also more likely to be satisfied with their experience.

“The Birth Centre is staffed by experienced midwives, offering one-to-one, continuous care in labour. It has two large birthing rooms, each with a pool and plenty of birthing aids such as bean bags, birthing balls, music and complementary therapies.

“There are four comfortable bedrooms, three with double beds and one with twin beds, so a family member or friend can stay at all times. There is also a kitchen/diner, lounge area and a small garden for parents to use.”

To find out more about the Birth Centre, as well as other maternity services available at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, please visit: www.mtw.nhs.uk/maternity This baby girl was the 400th baby to be born at the Birth Centre on 28 Spetember.

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FROM HEARTACHE TO HAPPINESS… Following a number of tragedies, Glen and Eva Conway questioned whether they would ever be fortunate enough to start a family and began to consider other options. Thanks to some first class care, they have now welcomed baby Elijah into their lives and couldn’t be happier. Here they share their emotional story…

S

evenoaks based Glen and Eva Conway’s first baby was born on 22 August 2012 at 4.30pm. Elijah was born following an emergency caesarean section and weighed in at 7lbs 1oz.

Glen said, “Unfortunately, it has been a long and difficult journey for us and we have encountered much heartache on the way to Elijah being born.

“In 2006, whilst under the care of another Trust, Eva had a miscarriage at five months and unfortunately, her second pregnancy in 2008 ended the same way, with the baby miscarrying at 16 weeks.

“Obviously the whole experience was incredibly upsetting but our longing for a baby didn’t go away.”

The couple were referred to Dr Matthews, based at the old Pembury Hospital and were impressed by her positivity, helpfulness and caring attitude. In 2009, Eva fell pregnant again but

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sadly, suffered an early miscarriage.

Glen and Eva began to question whether they would ever become parents and so started to look in to other options.

Glen added, “I researched adoption and fostering and we were considering how we wanted to progress when, in December 2011, Eva discovered she was pregnant for a fourth time.”

The couple were delighted but also terrified that they might again encounter problems.

Eva said, “We were given lots of care and support by the team at Tunbridge Wells and at 16 weeks, I was given a cervical stitch to help me with the pregnancy. I received so much care and attention that it helped to relieve our anxiety and we started to hope that this time, everything might be okay.

“As a result of the service we received and the relationships we had built, we decided that we wanted to continue under the care of MTW and decided to have the baby at Tunbridge Wells Hospital.

In the early hours of 22 August, Eva’s waters broke and after a few hours, the couple arrived at Tunbridge Wells Hospital. Despite feeling slightly apprehensive, Glen and Eva were soon put at ease by the calm, reassuring nature of the staff who dealt with them.

Eva said, “I had lots of checks carried out both on me and the

baby but after a while the baby’s heart rate started to go up and down and there were a few concerns. I was seen by midwives and doctors and everyone was really reassuring so I felt in safe hands despite being nervous about what would happen.

“It was decided that the best course of action was for me to have an emergency caesarean as there had been problems finding the baby’s heartbeat.”

“I felt comfortable with leaving Eva and Elijah at the hospital in the evenings as I knew they were safe and were being well looked after. We both got the impression that the staff genuinely cared about their work and wanted to be there.”

Eva was quickly taken down to prepare for surgery.

Glen added, “I was initially terrified that something would happen to the baby and we’d have to deal with more heartache but the staff were brilliant at reassuring us and putting us both at ease. They seemed so calm and confident in what they were doing that I started to feel less anxious.

“The procedure went really well and there weren’t any complications. The moment we both first heard Elijah cry was the

patient first

best moment of our lives and we couldn’t have been happier.”

The couple had not found out the sex of their baby before the birth and Glen was delighted to have the opportunity to tell Eva that they had a little boy.

“Whilst I was recovering from the procedure, Glen was shown how to bathe Elijah which was incredibly helpful and throughout my stay, we were given advice and support with feeding and changing him.

“The night staff in particular were really helpful and supported me in caring for Elijah, as I had limited mobility as a result of the caesarean section.”

Glen added, “I felt comfortable with leaving Eva and Elijah at the hospital in the evenings as I knew they were safe and were being well looked after. We both got the impression that the staff genuinely cared about their work and wanted to be there.

“It was lovely to have the privacy of a single room and the facilities, such as the en-suite and television were fantastic. All our visitors commented on how impressed they were with the hospital and in particular the bedrooms, which were spotlessly clean!”

After five days, on Bank Holiday Monday, Eva and Elijah were able to leave the hospital and return home to Sevenoaks.

The couple said, “We were fortunate enough to have had an amazing experience and everything we have to say about it is positive. We have been to a number of other hospitals, but they don’t compare to Tunbridge Wells Hospital, especially in regards to care and support, which we have received from beginning to end.

“If we are lucky enough to have another child we

will definitely return to Tunbridge Wells as we wouldn’t want to go anywhere else now.”

MATERNITY ART PROJECT BRIGHTENS UP DEPARTMENT AT TUNBRIDGE WELLS HOSPITAL

T

he maternity department at Tunbridge Wells Hospital has recently benefited from a number of kind donations of photographs, which have been displayed throughout the department.

Carole Lewis, from Crowborough, donated four of her pieces to the Trust after her daughter Catherine Cook had her baby at Tunbridge Wells Hospital in October last year.

She first heard about the maternity art project when a presentation was given to the Tonbridge Camera Club, which Carole and her husband John have been members of since 2001.

Carole decided to submit some images for the maternity exhibition and was delighted when the team showed an interest in her work.

As a result of her daughter’s wonderful experience at the hospital, Carole donated her images as a thank you to the staff who took such great care of her daughter and granddaughter.

To view some of Carole’s work,

please visit the Members Galleries at: www.tonbridgecameraclub. org.uk Jacquie Morris, whose partner works for the Trust also donated an image after hearing that the maternity unit at Tunbridge Wells Hospital was looking for suitable photographs.

To view more of Jacquie’s work, please visit: www.briggsmorris.co.uk Sarah Gregson, Consultant Midwife, said, “The photos we now have on display in the maternity department are beautiful and have really helped add to the relaxing atmosphere and we would like to thank those who have donated their wonderful images for us to use.

“Funding for the project was provided by the League of Friends and we were also able to raise money for some of the artwork at our Midwifery Conference last year.”

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patient first

Delicious autumn recipes Get ready for the chillier weather with these mouth-watering recipes from our very own Maidstone Hospital League of Friends Cook Book…

Pork and Apricot Casserole (serves 4)

Plum and Honey Cobbler (serves 4 to 6)

• 1lb of lean pork • 2 tbsp plain flour • 2 medium onions • 2 sticks of celery • 1 tsp dried thyme • 4 tbsp vegetable oil • 1/3 pint of orange juice • 1 stock cube • Freshly ground black pepper • 6oz dried apricots (cut into pieces)

• 4-6 tbsp clear honey • 225g self raising flour • 25g sugar • 50g butter or margarine • 1 egg (beaten) • 5-6 tbsp milk • 1kg ripe plums (halved and stoned)

Trim the pork and cut into 1 inch chunks then toss in the flour, salt, pepper and thyme (which should be mixed together in a bowl).

Fry the coated meat in the oil for a few minutes, turning to brown evenly, then transfer to a casserole dish.

Fry the thinly sliced onions and celery for about five minutes and add to the meat.

Add the stock cube to half a pint of water in the frying pan and heat to dissolve, add the dried apricots and the orange juice and bring to the boil.

Pour the liquid over the meat and onions in the casserole dish, mix well and cook in the oven for an hour or two.

Option: You could also add in sliced mushrooms and other vegetables, such as beans, peas or sliced courgettes, and garnish with a little parsley.

quick fire quiz

Place the halved and stoned plums in to a pie dish with the honey and cover with foil. Put in to the oven for 15 minutes.

Rub the fat in to the flour and add the sugar, stir in the egg and milk and mix to a fairly soft dough.

Roll out on to a floured surface to about ¾ inch thick and cut out scones about 2 inches wide.

Remove the plums from the oven, cool slightly and arrange the scones in an overlapping circle on top of the plums. Brush with milk and sprinkle with a little sugar.

Cook for about 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Serve piping hot with fresh cream.

The Maidstone Hospital League of Friends Cook Book is available from the The League of Friends Shop near the main entrance of Maidstone Hospital and is priced at £5.

Food

Geography

• What is the capital of Tunisia?

• Where were the 2000 Olympics?

• What is the main ingredient of guacamole?

• Circa which year was the first fish and chip shop opened in England?

History

Entertainment

• How many children did Queen Victoria and Prince Albert have?

• What year was the Battle of Hastings?

Literature

• Who are, arguably, the two main characters in ‘Great Expectations’ by Charles Dickens?

• Who wrote ‘The Da Vinci Code’?

Find the solution in our Winter edition of patient first

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Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/gas mark 6.

www.mtw.nhs.uk/patientfirst

• Which actress was married to Tom Cruise from 1990 to 2001?

• How many British number ones did Frank Sinatra have?

Sport

• Who has got the most caps for England in football?

• Who is Britain’s most decorated Olympian?

patient first

Choose well…

Get the right NHS treatment. If you’re not sure what’s best, phone before you go.

Self-care

Minor injuries units

NHS Direct

Edenbridge Hospital

Medical advice 24/7 www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk 0845 4647

Mill Hill, Edenbridge, TN8 5DA Tel: 01732 863164 Open 8.30am to 8pm, 365 days a year

Emotional support

X-ray available from Monday to Friday 9am to 2.30pm

Mental Health Matters helpline Confidential emotional support 0800 107 0160

Sevenoaks Hospital Hospital Road, Sevenoaks, TN13 3PG Tel:01732 470200

GP and dentist

Open 8am to 8pm, 365 days a year

GP out of hours

X-ray available from Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Call 03000 242424

Crowborough War Memorial Hospital

Dentist Contact your dentist directly, or if you have no dentist you can call: 0808 238 9797 Evening and weekends Dentaline 01634 890300

Southview Road, Crowborough, TN6 1HB Tel: 01892 603602 Open 8am to 8pm, 365 days a year Some GP practices also offer a minor injury service. To find out who, visit www.nhs.uk

Pharmacy To find out where your nearest pharmacy is, text ‘Pharmacy’ to 64746

Emergency Care Centres

Late night and Sunday pharmacies

Emergency

Maidstone Morrisons Pharmacy, Sutton Road – 01622 661750 Sainsbury’s Pharmacy, Quarry Wood, Aylesford – 01622 790223 Tesco Pharmacy, Lunsford Park, Larkfield – 01622 701449 Sevenoaks Sainsbury’s, Otford Road – 01732 469198 Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells Boots, Calverley Road – 01892 526486 Sainsbury’s, Linden Park Road – 01892 532569

and Accident and

For critical or life threatening emergencies, call 999 or go to your nearest Accident and Emergency, open 24 hours a day.

Maidstone Hospital, Hermitage Lane, Maidstone, Kent ME16 9QQ Tel: 0845 155 1000 Tunbridge Wells Hospital, Tonbridge Road, Pembury, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 4QJ Tel: 0845 155 1000

Riverbank donation Games, art supplies, wooden puzzles and a host of other toys have been donated to Maidstone Hospital’s Riverbank Children’s Unit by new town centre homeware store ‘Tiger’.

Ward Manager for the Riverbank Unit,

Mary-Ellen Gordon, said: “We are thrilled to have received so many lovely toys and supplies for the children who visit us. It will certainly help make their time here much more enjoyable.”

summer 2012

15

b a j e h t Get

e f a s u l f t Ge Are you at risk from flu?

Flu can be really serious.

Getting a flu jab can protect you all winter. It’s free if you are pregnant, over 65 or have a health condition such as severe asthma, diabetes, a chest, heart, liver or kidney complaint, or lowered immunity.

It’s quick, safe and free.

To book your jab, speak to your GP practice today.

jab The flu e iv can’t g you flu

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