Patient First - Autumn 2013

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Trust Board ward visits p3 Are you prepared for winter?

Executive Team Update, p13

“You have to stay positive and push yourself to get better. You have to remember what you couldn’t do a week ago and believe you will keep improving.”

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Welcome to the Autumn edition of

Patient first!

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Contents p6

This edition of our magazine is packed full of news for all of you.

You can read about husband and father, Neil Durrant, who battled encephalomyelitis earlier this year, and Stephany Morgan whose life got back on track after she was referred to our Chronic Pain Unit.

There is also information about events we have held and NHS developments and initiatives, including: a recent innovations day held by our Trust, the NHS Family and Friends Test, and money raised for our neonatal department.

As always, you can try your hand at our quiz, try the delicious recipes from our very own League of Friends cook book, and find practical advice about local services available to you.

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Don’t forget, we would love to hear from you – all your feedback and suggestions are gratefully received, so please contact us.

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We hope you enjoy our autumn edition of Patient First and we look forward to hearing from you!

Best wishes and see you in winter…

T he Pati ent F irst tea m

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Contacts 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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Grand Innovations Day Read about an event to highlight some creative ideas coming out of our Trust

Staff Stars Awards 2013 Don’t miss your chance to nominate a member of staff or team who you think has gone above and beyond expectation

Schoolgirls raise money for cancer support group Find out how three local schoolgirls raised funds for the Gynae-Oncology Support and Help group, and what they have planned for the future

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If you have a story to tell us, please contact us.

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GRAND INNOVATIONS DAY Earlier this year, the Trust held a Grand Innovations Day at Tunbridge Wells Hospital.

The event involved an overview of innovations within the Trust over the past seven years, given by Dr Syed Husain, the Trust Lead for Innovations, as well as inputs about how ideas are turned into reality and collaborative working.

Attendees had the opportunity to view some of the items that have been developed as a result of ideas submitted by staff, such as the Maidstone Birthing Couch, biopsy forceps and the Kanga Kardi baby wrap.

On the road to recovery…

Members of Trust Board make regular ward visits

Read about Neil Durrant’s battle with the lifethreatening condition encephalomyelitis and how, despite his illness, he was determined to be at his daughter’s birth

Coping with chronic pain Hear the story of Stephany Morgan who has suffered chronic pain for more than 20 years, and learn how our Chronic Pain Team have helped get her back on track

Autumn recipes Try our delicious, warming recipes – perfect for an autumn evening!

Find us @MTWnhs #patientfirst Like us and join in the conversation www.facebook.com/mymtwhealthcare

Dr Husain said, “The day was really well attended and it was a great opportunity for staff to find out more about innovations and how they can submit ideas which one day may become a reality, just as their colleagues have done.

“We were joined by NHS Innovations South East (NISE) who we work closely with to develop ideas and concepts which will be of benefit to staff and patients alike.”

Dr Alan Kennedy, from NISE added, “MTW has produced lots of great inventions which will benefit patients throughout the NHS and beyond. The Grand Innovations Day gave us a chance to show everyone just how far an idea can go.”

Members of our Trust Board make regular visits to wards across Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Hospitals, as well as to Tonbridge Cottage Hospital, which houses a specialist Stroke Unit.

During the visits, members of the Board see how the ward is running first-hand, speak with staff and wherever possible, patients, about their experiences, and listen to any feedback they may have.

Terry Coode, our Director of Corporate Affairs, is seen in the photo, visiting the Intensive Care Unit at Maidstone.

He said, “It’s vital that, as members of the Board for the Trust, we stay in touch with what is happening on the frontline of our services. It’s hugely helpful for us to speak directly with staff and patients about their thoughts on the services we provide, so we can continually look to improve.”

The other members of the Trust Board are: Executive Team - Glenn Douglas (Chief Executive), Angela Gallagher (Chief Operating Officer), John Headley (Finance Director), Paul Bentley (Director of Strategy and Workforce), Paul Sigston (Medical Director) and Avey Bhatia (Chief Nurse) and, NonExecutive Directors – Tony Jones (Chairman), Sylvia Denton, Kevin Tallett, Phil Wynn-Owen and Steve Tinton.

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NEWS FROM YOUR

MAIDSTONE HOSPITAL LEAGUE OF FRIENDS RAISES £3709 The Summer Fun day held at Maidstone Hospital in September raised a fantastic £3709.44.

There were stalls including cakes and books, as well as a dance display, lots of fun games and refreshments.

Another stall at the event was ‘Bluey’s Bikes’. Bluey’s Bikes raises money for the Maidstone Hospital League of Friends by repairing and then reselling second hand push bikes.

Since May 2012, £3000 has been raised as a result of donated bikes being repaired, serviced and resold, all of which will be donated to the Maidstone Hospital League of Friends.

Bikes are always required and can be collected from you, so if you have one to donate please contact Bluey’s Bikes on 07711 760677.

All funds raised by the League of Friends at both of our hospitals are used to buy items and equipment which will benefit our patients.

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HOSPITALS… MAIDSTONE HOSPITAL’S DISCHARGE LOUNGE IS ON THE MOVE

Foundation Trust membership prize draw winner announced We are delighted to announce the winner of our Foundation Trust iPad competition is Ann Church from Yalding!

Ann signed up to our Foundation Trust membership scheme earlier this year and was automatically entered into the prize draw.

She said: “This is brilliant! I have always wanted an iPad and will definitely be using it to go online and for photos and videos - I’ve got a big handbag so I can take it everywhere!”

If you would like to sign up to our membership scheme and have a say in the future of Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, please visit www.mtw.nhs.uk/about-the-trust/mymtw.asp

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Oh no they didn’t!

(Oh yes they did!)

Our children’s units at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Hospitals recently received a visit from the Starlight Children’s Foundation, who staged an interactive performance of Sleeping Beauty for patients and visitors.

Vicki Belton, Play Specialist on the Riverbank Unit at Maidstone Hospital, said, “It is known that entertainment and play can significantly improve a poorly child’s hospital experience and that it helps to distract them from their illness and treatment. Starlight is a fantastic charity and each year we look forward to the arrival of the Starlight summer panto and the fun and laughter it brings our young patients.”

The charity also grants once-ina-lifetime wishes to children with serious and terminal illnesses. For more information on Starlight Children’s Foundation, visit www.starlight.org.uk.

The Discharge Lounge at Maidstone Hospital is going to be moving to a new purpose built facility in November.

The new unit will be situated on the ground floor, between Clinic 4 and the helipad site (near A&E).

It is a comfortable and pleasant area which is available for patients awaiting transport home following discharge from a ward.

In the new facility, there will be reclining chairs and beds available to ensure our patients are kept comfortable while they wait. Patients will be supplied with refreshments and meals/snacks during their stay in the lounge – and the lounge is always staffed.

The Discharge Lounge also accommodates patients awaiting transfer to care homes, discharge medications to be dispensed, collection by relatives and those waiting for a final input from services that will not stop discharge (for example, a dietician review or advice).

Wherever possible, wards will discharge patients into the care of the Discharge Lounge staff by 10am.

The Discharge Lounge is open from 8am – 6pm Monday to Friday and can be contacted on 01622 225299.

Last chance to nominate for annual staff awards Don’t forget to get your nominations in for this year’s staff awards…

You can nominate any member of our staff who you think goes above and beyond expectations, within their roles at our hospitals, for a number of awards.

For more information about the award categories and to nominate, please visit www.surveymonkey.com/s/RXTCQFY and complete the online form, or ask for a form at our hospital reception desks. Please note, anonymous nominations cannot be accepted and all nominations must be received by 11 October.

All winners and runners up will be announced at the official Staff Stars Awards Ceremony on 15 November.

MTW SHORTLISTED FOR TWO NURSING TIMES AWARDS Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust (MTW) has been nominated in two separate categories in this year’s Nursing Times awards.

Our Trust has been shortlisted from hundreds of applications in the Critical Care category for enhancing the psychological care of critically ill patients in Maidstone ICU, and in the Infection & Prevention and Control category which relates to raising the profile of how effective oral care can reduce cases of hospital acquired pneumonia.

Representatives from the Trust will give presentations to the award panel in September, for both of the categories, and the winners will be announced at an official ceremony in London on 30 October.

Avey Bhatia, Chief Nurse, at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, said: “We are very proud to have been shortlisted for awards in two separate categories for this year’s national Nursing Times Awards.

To be shortlisted in one category is an honour, but to be shortlisted twice is unbelievable, and a real achievement for our Trust.

“By being shortlisted in categories relating to critical care and infection prevention and control, we have demonstrated the commitment and enthusiasm our nurses have with regards to enhancing nursing care for the benefit of our patients and their relatives. It also shows how the Trust encourages nurses to facilitate improvements in practice, allowing them the opportunity to achieve their full potential, while focusing on providing the best possible care.”

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My time and experience with MTW As a member of staff and also a patient I would

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HOSPITAL WORKHOUSE CHAPEL OPENED UP FOR HISTORICAL TALK On 12 September, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells

SCHOOLGIRLS RAISE MONEY FOR CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

NHS Trust took part in the National Heritage Open Day project for the first time.

The old workhouse chapel at the Tunbridge Wells Hospital site was opened up, and over 50 people

like to take this opportunity to praise MTW for

attended to look at the building and enjoy a talk on

their hard work, diligence and care, which I was

the development of the hospital from a workhouse

very fortunate to experience during two recent

through to it becoming part of the NHS.

Three school girls have handed over a cheque to our Chief Executive, Glenn Douglas, as a donation to the GynaeOncology Support and Help group (GOSH).

serious illnesses. Also, for the excellent research

Emily (10) and Rachel Gadd (8), who

experience and qualities that MTW were able

are sisters, along with their friend,

to offer me.

Megan Carr (10), raised the money

I discovered after a routine mammogram that I had a lump

through a cake stall at their school

in my breast, an invasive ductal carcinoma, and attended

summer fair in July.

the Radiology Department under Dr Ali Sever, Consultant

Vickie Gadd, Emily and Rachel’s

Radiologist, who performed the Microbubbles technique on

Mum, who is a Macmillan Gynae

me pioneered at the Breast Care Unit at Maidstone Hospital,

Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist at

where radiologists can identify and biopsy the sentinel

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS

node. I was then admitted the next day and due to the

Trust(MTW), and helps run the GOSH

above technique, the operation was as a day case where the

group, said: “The girls came up with

Surgeon (Mrs Jones) removed the offending lump and lymph

the idea completely by themselves and

nodes. After one month this was followed up by radiotherapy

while they asked for help with making

for four weeks. I then saw Dr Russell Burcombe, Consultant

the cakes for the fair, they did much

Oncologist, and was given the all clear. We discussed my future care and decided, again following the findings of a

Advertisement

of the other organisation and work

was admitted with a very low haemoglobin of 6.0gm/

1 7 2 1 1 1

dl and falling. After receiving blood transfusions and

Together we make it work

research study (ATAC study) that I be put on Arimidex, our drug of choice due to my past medical history, for the next five years. Nearly two years later I am still all clear.

My second illness occurred one year later when I

Receptionist Nurses Doctors Specialist Consultant Cataract operation New novel

further investigations it was arranged that I have a right

on their own. They have done a brilliant job.”

The girls, who attend Madginford Park Junior School, sold hundreds of cakes at the fair, even providing shortbread biscuits for those not keen on cake, along with a variety of toppings for their visitors to decorate the biscuits with.

hemicolectomy for a Dukes B adenocarcinoma of the recovery many thanks to the care of the staff at MTW. At follow-up I was told that the tumour had been removed

for the stall at the school fair so the girls could maximise their funds, and

to raise money for that. He will actually be climbing the mountain with us, so hopefully we can raise as much as possible.”

MTW Chief Executive, Glenn Douglas, said: “We are very grateful to the girls for their fantastic donation. The money they raised through their own ideas and

designed some leaflets to help them

them and a great help to us, and will

£65 to their dance school, Directions

promote their cakes and biscuits.

help support our patients at a difficult

Megan said, “We first got the idea to

I have to say that I have to thank the staff of MTW and

Their school waived the normal fee

Hospital for bowel cancer so we want

to the GOSH group, and the other

new mirrors.

chemotherapy, once again – all clear.

school too.”

our Dad was treated at Maidstone

endeavours is a huge achievement for

Performing Arts, to go towards some

successfully and I did not need any further therapy such as

the support group and for our dance

Emily said: “We really want to raise more money next year. Last year,

another Year 5 friend, Agnes Kung,

They raised £165, and donated £100

caecum* under the care of Mr Charles Bailey. I made a good

‘Dad will actually be climbing the mountain with us, so hopefully we can raise as much as possible..’

And their fundraising doesn’t stop

time in their lives. Well done girls, and

here. Next year, the girls, along with a

good luck for next year’s expedition!”

group of friends and

raise money when we saw a cupcake

family, plan to climb

GOSH is the only support group of its kind in

for the results of research carried out at MTW. I retired in

book in our school library and thought

Mount Snowdon to

Kent and is run outside ‘normal working hours’

September in very good health.

that we would really like to make

raise money for the

by the Gynae Oncology Specialist nurses. Last

some of the cakes in it. After that, we

MTW Bowel Cancer

year, they won an MTW Staff Award in the

thought about what we could make

Support Group (the

Supporting Others category, as a result of their

the cakes for, and we came up with the

Semi Colon Club) and

tireless work and commitment to their patients.

idea of the cake stall to raise money for

Bowel Cancer UK.

Frances Mossie

Former Administrator for the Comprehensive Local Research Network for Kent and Medway Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Hospitals

*an operation to remove the right side of the colon following bowel cancer.

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Case Study

ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY… 38 year old Neil Durrant, from Coxheath, thought he was coming down with flu when he felt unwell at work in May this year. Two days later, he started to lose the feeling in his lower body and after attending Maidstone Hospital A&E, it became apparent that the problem was much more serious than he could ever have imagined.

Here, read how Neil coped with a potentially life-threatening illness, a stay of nearly seven weeks in hospital – and find out how his on-going recovery is progressing.

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s the head green-keeper for Dale Hill Golf Club in Ticehurst, Neil Durrant has always been active, fit and healthy so it was unusual for him to feel unwell enough to have to go home on Friday 24 May this year.

“I felt like I was coming down with flu,” said Neil, “and I actually felt bad enough to have to go home half way through the day. When I got home, I went to sleep and then on Saturday, got up and decided to go in to work and hoped I would feel better.

I didn’t and I ended up coming home again half way through the day. I realised something was definitely wrong with me when I woke up during the night on Saturday and I physically couldn’t get out of bed to go to the toilet. I felt like I was losing the feeling in my legs.”

The following morning, Neil was taken to Maidstone Hospital A&E by his twin brother, Gavin, while his heavily pregnant wife, Lisa (32), looked after their three year old son, Finley.

“I was seen really quickly in A&E and taken straight to Majors.

I remember that the staff who treated me actually did look very worried which seemed a bit strange, particularly as I had thought I would probably be given antibiotics and sent home,” Neil said.

From A&E, Neil was taken to the Urgent Medical Ambulatory Unit (UMAU) where he was told he was going to be transferred to King’s Hospital in London.

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Neil said, “By this time, Lisa had come to the hospital. The staff in UMAU were excellent and they were looking after her as much as they were looking after me. It was a bit surreal being told I was going to King’s as we still didn’t really know what was actually wrong with me but whatever it was seemed to be serious.”

Neil was taken to King’s Hospital in London by ambulance where he was met by staff in A&E and taken for an MRI. He was given an anaesthetic prior to the MRI because the muscles in his lower body were in spasm and he had no control over the movement.

Following the MRI, Neil was admitted to King’s Hospital and by the time Lisa returned the next day, he was in Intensive Care and had lost all feeling from his neck down. Over the next four or five days, Neil had another two MRI scans and three lumbar punctures (a procedure where a needle is inserted into the lower spine). The results showed an infection in Neil’s brain and spine.

Neil said, “At this point, the strange thing was that I didn’t feel ill - the flu symptoms had gone.

But, I was completely paralysed from the neck down. I couldn’t eat so had a feeding tube and my vision was very blurred. More than anything, I felt irritable, I couldn’t do anything and I couldn’t move.”

After a number of days in Intensive Care, it was established that Neil was suffering from encephalomyelitis (a disease which affects the brain which usually occurs following a viral infection), which was believed to have been caused by mumps.

“I had suffered with mumps at the age of 12 and the doctors thought the virus had probably been in my system since then, had come back, and in turn had caused the encephalomyelitis,” said Neil.

Following the diagnosis, Neil underwent plasma exchange procedures for five days in a row. Plasma exchange involves a process where plasma is separated from other components in a patient’s blood. During the procedure, the plasma is removed and replaced with a substitute and the red cells, white cells and platelets are returned to the patient.

He remained in Intensive Care in King’s Hospital for three weeks, until, eventually, his condition started to show signs of improvement and he was

transferred to a separate ward and began physiotherapy to help him start to use his hands, and learn how to eat again.

On June 14th, Neil was transferred back to Maidstone Hospital and onto Culpepper Ward, which had a private room he could use while he recovered.

“It was such a relief to be back at Maidstone and so much closer to home and my family and friends,” said Neil, “Lisa had been travelling to King’s Hospital daily for over a month, and with the baby due in a matter of days, it was just too much.

“While King’s Hospital is fantastic, the staff at Maidstone are amazing.

They truly care.”

They did everything they could to accommodate requests I made, and they went above and beyond where they needed to in helping me and Lisa. A good example of this was the fact that they organised for me to be taken over to Tunbridge Wells Hospital, on 19 June – my birthday, to see my daughter being born. Lisa was booked in for a planned caesarean section so one of the sisters on Culpepper ward, Victoria Lewis, arranged for me to be taken by ambulance so I didn’t miss it. She and another nurse, Gloria, came with me and looked after me all day. They even came into theatre while Phoebe was born. I can’t ever thank them enough for doing that.”

Lisa, said, “The staff at Maidstone knew it would help Neil hugely to be able to come to Tunbridge Wells while Phoebe was born.

Considering that just two weeks before, he was still in hospital in London and I had begun to think there was absolutely no way he would be there when I had Phoebe, the fact that he was there is incredible. I think it actually helped Neil recover, and we can’t thank Victoria, Gloria, and the others who helped make it happen, enough.”

Neil was finally discharged from Maidstone Hospital on 12 July. He was still unable to walk but could stand for around a minute, with the help of a frame. He began twice weekly physiotherapy sessions and made good progress.

He said, “Progress does sometimes seem slow but then if I think to just a week ago,

there are things I couldn’t do then which I can do now so things are moving forward slowly all the time. Not that long ago, if I had tried to reach something on the floor while sitting down on the sofa, I would have fallen forwards because I had no core strength, but now, I can do that quite comfortably. I can get myself up the stairs and, slowly, I have some sensation returning to my lower legs, although I still can’t feel the soles of my feet. But, I know it will all come back with time. I am a determined person and I have been told there is no reason that I won’t make a full recovery. So, there is a very positive end to all of this.

“The hardest parts of dealing with what happened have been the loss of dignity when I was paralysed, and the frustration associated with not being able to move or function as I did before. I couldn’t have got through any of it without the massive support Lisa gave me, and also the support I received from our families, particularly in terms of all the visits they made to London and all the help they gave us in looking after Finley.”

Lisa said, “All the time Neil was ill, I couldn’t let myself think that it might not be okay so I concentrated on trying to make sure he didn’t get bored while he was in King’s and unable to move around. I made sure visits were planned not to coincide with others so he had a stream of visitors rather than lots all at once. I knew he was missing Finley badly so we used the computer for them to have Face Time every day, and I think that helped them both.”

Neil added, “We have been very lucky to have had fantastic treatment – I can honestly say that, at Maidstone, the lady who cleaned was as nice and as helpful as the consultants who were treating me.

“I know I have got a long road ahead but if there’s any advice I can give to anyone going through something similar it’s to stay positive and to push yourself to keep improving. You have to remember what you couldn’t do a week ago, or two weeks’ ago and you have to absolutely believe you will get better.

“Before this, I hadn’t been to the doctor’s for 15 years – I’m hoping this is the last time I have to go for at least another 15!”

What is encephalomyelitis?

Encephalomyelitis is a general term for inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis or post-infectious encephalomyelitis is an immune mediated* disease of the brain which usually occurs following a viral infection. Only around eight people in every one million get this condition every year so it’s rare.

Sister Victoria Lewis said, “Neil was admitted to Culpepper ward following his transfer from London.

“Lisa was due to have a c-section soon after his arrival and we were all aware how important such an exciting event was to him, so, with a bit of organising, we were able to sort out transport and nursing support, enabling Neil to travel to Tunbridge Wells Hospital.

“It was an honour to be even a little part of such a special time and we were all delighted that Neil didn’t have to miss the birth of his daughter. Baby Phoebe is beautiful. Lisa remained so calm throughout and was up and about the next day.

Fortunately, not long after the birth, Neil was able to return home to his lovely family and we wish them all well.”

Symptoms can include fever, headache, drowsiness, seizures and partial paralysis of the lower limbs.

70 to 90% of those who develop the condition make a full or partial recovery. *This means resulting from a dysregulation of the normal immune response.

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What is an ITU within a hospital?

An Intensive Treatment Unit (ITU), also known as an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is a special department of a hospital that provides intensive care medicine.

Intensive Treatment Units cater for patients with the most severe and life-threatening illnesses and injuries; that require constant, close monitoring and support from specialist equipment and medication, in order to maintain normal bodily functions.

They are staffed by highly trained doctors and critical care nurses who specialise in caring for seriously ill patients.

Both Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Hospitals have ITU departments.

Last year, Maidstone ITU team won ‘Team of the Year’ and the Kent Messenger’s Hospital Heroes awards at the annual Staff Awards for their commitment and professionalism, after numerous nominations.

WHAT ARE MUMPS & MMR? Mumps Mumps is a contagious viral infection that used to be common in children.

It’s most recognisable by the painful swellings located at the side of the face under the ears (the parotid glands).

Other symptoms include headache, joint pain and a high temperature.

MMR vaccine MMR is a safe and effective combined vaccine that protects against three separate illnesses - measles, mumps and rubella (German measles) in a single injection. The full course of MMR vaccination requires two doses which are generally given within a month of a child’s first birthday and then before starting school (between the ages of three and five).

If you would like more information about mumps, the MMR vaccine and other conditions and treatments, please visit www.nhs.uk/conditions

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Well Done Gary!

We would like to offer our sincere thanks to Gary Batchelor who earlier this year took part in the Paris Marathon to raise money for the neonatal department at Tunbridge Wells Hospital.

In August 2012, Gary’s sister gave birth eight weeks prematurely to a little girl, Jessica.

She weighed just 4lbs 11oz and as such, required help, care and support from the neonatal team.

Gary said, “During Jessica’s birth, witnessing the support from the staff during this difficult time was very comforting and reassuring especially to know that she was in the best possible place to be cared for. Being able to hold Jessica for the first time and seeing the start of my sister’s family flourish was beyond words and I wanted to do my utmost to possibly be able to give something back.”

As a novice runner, Gary decided to train for the New York Marathon but due to the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy, the event was cancelled. Gary instead applied for the Paris Marathon, which he completed in April. As a result, Gary was able to raise a fantastic £800, all of which has been donated to the Trust.

Gary added, “I very much want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported me and kindly donated. Raising money for the neonatal staff at the Tunbridge Wells Hospital personally means a lot to me.”

New

HEALTH CARD TO PROTECT PATIENTS Hospitals, community nurses and other health providers in and around Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells have launched a campaign to protect people who are at increased risk of contracting the Clostridium difficile infection.

According to medical evidence, up to 20% of patients who contract Clostridium difficile (C. difficile), while in hospital or in the community, have had the illness before, and can be at greater risk of getting it again.

The majority of patients who contract C. difficile are carriers of the bacteria that can cause the potentially serious illness.

Between 3 and 5% of people carry the bacteria that cause C. difficle naturally and quite harmlessly in their gut.

Carriers can contract the C. difficile infection if the natural balance of the bacteria in their gut is disturbed by antibiotics. Strong antibiotics can destroy all the good bacteria in their gut, leaving the C. difficile bacteria to multiply, causing the illness.

GP practices and hospitals in both areas are now issuing known carriers of the C. difficile bacteria, and patients who have had the C. difficile illness, with special health cards.

The cards are the size of a bank card. They are specially designed to fit inside in a wallet or purse for the person to show their doctor if they need medical care.

The cards alert medical professionals to the fact that the patient has previously had C. difficile, or is a carrier of the bacteria, and could be at risk of developing the C. difficile illness if they are given strong antibiotics.

Appropriate care can then be given that greatly reduces the risk of the patient redeveloping C. difficile if antibiotics are needed.

BABY BOOM

The Birth Centre has welcomed its 800th baby. Jenson James Evans was born at 5.30am on Friday 23 August, weighing 7lbs, and took the title of 800th baby by virtue of arriving three days ahead of his due date.

Proud parents, Maidstone couple Kelly Reeves, 24, and Josh Evans, 23, are pictured in one of the Birth Centre’s private family bedrooms with baby Jenson, seven hours after his birth.

Kelly said she chose Maidstone Birth Centre because of the staff and friendly atmosphere.

Also, on Monday 22 July, 13 babies were born at Tunbridge Wells Hospital and the Birth Centre at Maidstone - meaning they share a birthday with royal arrival, Prince George. Pictured below right is one of the babies, Zach Hobson, with his mum Vicky.

The Friends and Family Test The NHS Friends and Family Test is an important opportunity for you to provide feedback about the care and treatment you receive in our hospitals so we can improve our services.

Since April this year, ward and A&E patients have been asked one simple question - “How likely are you to recommend our ward

to friends and family if they need similar care or treatment?”

From October this year, the question will also be aimed at women who use maternity services, and in the future, it will be asked of all people using any NHS services.

We will ask you the question when you are discharged or within the 48 hours that follow.

Of course, you don’t have to provide an answer but we are always very grateful if you do - as your feedback is a very important part of the process to constantly improve the services we provide.

For more information on the Friends and Family Test, please visit www.nhs.uk/friendsandfamily

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COPING WITH CHRONIC PAIN… 44-year-old Stephany Morgan, from Snodland, has been receiving care and treatment from the Chronic Pain Team at Maidstone Hospital since January 2013.

Here, she shares her journey so far…

Twenty two years ago, Stephany fell from her loft, banging her hip on the rafters as she fell. She suffered severe bruising and was in significant pain, but believed that it would pass so didn’t seek any medical assistance at the time.

Since that day, Stephany has been in constant pain and noticed that the change of seasons always made the pain worse, particularly around her hip and groin.

For 12 years, she had numerous appointments with her GP and with a physiotherapist in an attempt to reduce the pain, but with no success. Eventually she was sent for an x-ray, which came back clear, so a CT scan was carried out.

In 2005 doctors discovered a bursa* in Stephany’s psoas muscle which they believed to be the cause of the pain and so, following a Clinical Assessment Review, the bursa was removed.

patient first

Unfortunately, she continued to experience regular pain following the procedure so a second CT scan was carried out which showed that another bursa had formed, which also needed to be removed. During this procedure, Stephany suffered some nerve damage, which caused the outside of her thigh to become numb.

In June 2012, the pain had become so unbearable, Stephany accidentally overdosed on her pain medication and was admitted initially to Maidstone Hospital and then to Tunbridge Wells Hospital for ten days.

During her stay, Stephany was visited by the acute pain team and upon discharge she continued attempting to deal with the pain she was experiencing.

In January 2013, however, Stephany became overwhelmed by the pain, whilst also dealing with other personal issues and suffered a form of break-down.

Stephany said, “I was at rock bottom.

I’d internalised and shut everybody out and although I thought I was coping, I wasn’t, and had lost all of my coping strategies.”

It was at this time that Stephany was referred to the Chronic Pain Team based at Maidstone Hospital, where she met Leslie Harman, Clinical Nurse Lead for the team.

Leslie arranged for Stephany to meet with her weekly at first and involved her family (daughters Katy, 20, and Hannah, 17, as well as husband Gary, 45) too, as Stephany’s condition had also had a huge impact on their lives.

It took until March for Stephany to begin to feel more stable and like her old self.

She said, “The care I’ve received has been amazing. With chronic pain you have to manage the sufferer, not just the pain and the way I’ve been managed is fantastic.

Stephany still has a long way to go in managing her pain but is feeling more positive and knows that she is now on the right path.

“My advice to anyone suffering with chronic pain is hang in there. Trust is so important and the person managing your pain really does understand what you’re going through – you need to believe what they’re telling you and have confidence in them.”

Stephany is having regular appointments with Leslie as well as sessions with a physiotherapist and psychologist. She has recently tried acupuncture and is hoping that things will continue to improve.

She said, “Managing the pain is hard work but some days are better than others. Thanks to Leslie, my family and I now feel that we have the strength required to get through this together.” *a fluid-filled sac or sac like cavity situated in places in tissues where friction would otherwise occur. Bursitis is the inflammation of a bursa. A problem arises when a bursa becomes inflamed. The bursa loses its gliding capabilities, and becomes more and more irritated when it is moved.

When the condition called bursitis occurs, the normally slippery bursa becomes swollen and inflamed. The added bulk of the swollen bursa causes more friction within an already confined space. Movement of an inflamed bursa is painful and irritating.

Chronic Pain Lead Nurse, Leslie Harman:

Integrated Pain Management at MTW

“I first met Steph after she was discharged from hospital following a significant flare in her complex chronic pain. She was immediately referred by the acute pain team at Maidstone hospital to me as it was essential that she was well supported through the difficult time she was experiencing.

The aim of the Integrated Pain Management service (IPM) within the Trust is to work in close collaboration with medical colleagues from within and outside of the organisation to improve outcomes for patients with pain, as well as their carers.

“Her plan of care involved regular medication reviews and adjustments, psychological support for Steph and also support for her family in coping with the condition.

“Steph’s road to recovery has been steady thanks to collaborative working with other agencies and medical professionals.”

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“I cannot fault the care, it has been first class. Leslie goes above and beyond the call of duty and the impact she has had on mine and my family’s life has been huge – I class her as a friend not as my nurse.”

www.mtw.nhs.uk/patientfirst

The Nursing Team for acute and chronic pain services merged in response to an end of year review which identified that both acute and chronic pain patients need specialised pain management support not only whilst in hospital but also following their discharge home.

The IPM nursing team offer advanced clinical competence and use highly specialised knowledge and skills to plan, deliver and evaluate programmes of care for patients. They are also skilled at communicating complex, sensitive and occasionally difficult information to patients and their families in a way that enables them to make an informed decision.

patient first

Executive Team U pd at e

AUTUMN

QUIZ

Angela Gallagher Chief Operating Officer

With colder weather fast approaching, it’s already time to start thinking about how prepared you are for winter.

As a Trust, we have plans in place to deal with the inevitable winter pressures that come upon us every year, to ensure we can provide the best possible care to you, your family and friends.

In October, we will be rolling out a flu vaccination programme for our staff. This programme aims to get as many of our staff vaccinated as possible, to help make sure they stay fit and healthy during the winter and are able to look after those people in our hospitals who are not very well and require our care and treatment.

Everyone over 65 years of age is now offered the flu jab through their local GP practice, as well as those people who have conditions such as chest or breathing complaints, heart complaints, diabetes kidney disease and those who are undergoing treatment such as chemotherapy (please speak to your GP to see if you should receive the flu jab). If you’re pregnant, you should also have the flu jab, regardless of the stage of pregnancy you have reached – this is because pregnant women are more prone to complications from flu which can be serious for both mother and baby.

This time of year, it’s also important to make sure you eat healthily, keep warm and stay active. There is lots of advice available through the NHS Choices website so please visit www.nhs.uk/livewell to read articles covering a huge range of topics to help you stay healthy.

During the next few months, we would also ask that you only visit our A&E departments if you have a genuine medical emergency. Lots of minor injuries and common illnesses can be treated quickly and effectively through alternative services such as Minor Injury Units, GP surgeries, or via NHS 111. See the inner back page of this magazine for details of local services available to you.

If you’re unlucky enough to suffer with winter bugs such as sickness and diarrhoea, we would ask you don’t visit our hospitals for 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped. Advice regarding what to do if you have these sorts of symptoms is always on hand via NHS 111 or your local GP.

A ngela

Geography

Q. How many countries does the river Rhine run through?

Q. What was the country of Iran formerly known as?

History

Q. In which year did the Vietnam War end?

Q. In which year did the Titanic set out on its maiden voyage before striking an iceberg just a few days into the journey?

Literature

Q. Which famous horror writer

penned The Tommyknockers, Dolores Claiborne and Salem’s Lot?

Q.

How many Harry Potter books are there in the series written by JK Rowling?

Food/Dining

Q. Who are the two presenters of BBC’s ‘Great British Bake Off’?

Q. Which country has a national dish of goulash?

Entertainment

Q.

How many series of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ have there been, including the series for 2013?

Q. In how many films did Sean Connery play James Bond?

Sport

Q. Selhurst Park is home to which London football club?

Q. Which golf course will stage the 2014 Ryder Cup?

(Answers to be published in the Winter edition)

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patient first

patient first

Delicious autumn recipes Enjoy these mouth-watering recipes from our very own Maidstone Hospital League of Friends Cook Book…

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 111

Edenbridge Hospital Mill Hill, Edenbridge, TN8 5DA

Medical advice 24/7 www.nhs.uk/111

Tel: 01732 863164

Call 111

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 Open 8am to 8pm, 365 days a year

GP and dentist

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

GP out of hours

Spanish beans with chicken and chorizo 10oz can of cannellini beans 1 onion (chopped) 4 chicken thighs (skins on) 250g small potatoes (cut into chunks) 250g chorizo (chopped into chunks) 100g baby spinach 1 tbsp paprika Thyme sprigs, bay leaves and parsley (tied together) Place beans, onion, paprika, herb bundle and chicken in a heavy based pan and bring to the boil.

Rhubarb Oatmeal Crumble 1lb/450g rhubarb or other fruit 2oz/60g sugar 3-4 tbsp water Squeeze of lemon For the crumble…

2oz/60g flour 1oz/25g fresh coarse oatmeal 2oz/60g brown sugar 2oz/60g butter or margarine

Reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 45 minutes.

Remove the chicken, place on a plate and add the potatoes and chorizo to the pan.

Cook fruit with sugar, water and lemon juice until soft. Place in a deep pie dish.

Continue cooking for 30 minutes until the potatoes are tender.

Discard the skin and bones from the chicken and tear into pieces.

Mix together the ingredients for the crumble in the order given above. Warm the butter until soft (but not oily) before adding. Sprinkle the crumble over the fruit.

Return the chicken to the pan with the spinach and simmer for 5 minutes

Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F/200°C/gas mark 6 for 20 minutes or until crumble is brown and crunchy.

Serve with salad and crusty bread.

Serve with double cream/ice cream/custard.

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.

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www.mtw.nhs.uk/patientfirst

Tel:01732 470200

Call 03000 242424

Crowborough War Memorial Hospital Southview Road, Crowborough, TN6 1HB

Dentist

Tel: 01892 603602

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

Open 8am to 8pm, 365 days a year

Pharmacy

Emergency Care Centres and Accident and Emergency

To find out where your nearest pharmacy is, text ‘Pharmacy’ to 64746 Late night and Sunday pharmacies 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

Some GP practices also offer a minor injury service. To find out who, visit www.nhs.uk

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

Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells Boots, Calverley Road – 01892 526486 East Street Pharmacy, East Street, Tonbridge – 01732 770055 Sainsbury’s, Linden Park Road – 01892 532569

Summer edition

QUIZ Answers

• Geography Where is the volcano Mount Etna situated? - Sicily. Which city is the most populated in the world (with an approximate population of 37,126,000)? - Tokyo. • History Who was on the British throne at the time of the Spanish Armada?

- Queen Elizabeth I. Who became the British Prime Minister in 1937? - Neville Chamberlain (following Stanley Baldwin’s retirement in May 1937).

• Literature How many lines are there in a limerick?

- 5 lines. In children’s literature, who wrote ‘The Gruffalo’ and ‘The Gruffalo’s Child’? - Julia Donaldson.

• Food/Dining What shape is ‘farfalle’ pasta? Butterflies or bows. Bouillabaisse is a French stew containing what? - Fish. • Entertainment Which actress won the 2012 series of ‘I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!’ - Charlie Brooks. Which 1980’s television cartoon superhero lived at 29 Acacia Road? Bananaman. • Sport Who won the Wimbledon Men’s single’s championships every year between 1976 and 1980? - Bjorn Borg. In which sport would you find the terms madhouse, bed and leg? - Darts.

autumn 2013

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Receptionist Nurses Doctors Specialist Consultants Hernia operation Happy Grandad

a nd gr a nd so n

Together we make it work

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Hospitals