www.kirklees-pct.nhs.uk
Issue 12 January 2008
News and views from Kirklees Primary Care Trust
Exciting new mobile theatre at Holme Valley As this newsletter went to print the first day-patients were being treated in a super high-tech mobile operating theatre at Holme Valley Memorial Hospital, Holmfirth.
This is only the second PCT in the country to hire one of these £1 million units. The aim is to cut waiting times drastically for day case patients needing dermatology, plastic surgery and podiatric surgery treatments for bunions, mole removal etc.
Mike Potts, Chief Executive, said: “It is excellent news that Kirklees PCT is one of the first PCT’s in the country to use this ground-breaking service and it will be of great benefit to patients in reducing their wait for these treatments. In accordance with the NHS Plan, this is one of the ways in which the PCT is looking to provide services that were previously only available in an acute setting closer to home.”
We’re on the look out for more people from across Kirklees with long term conditions to join our successful ‘Expert Patients Programme. We’re looking for people with conditions such as diabetes, asthma, arthritis or heart disease to attend a free course that provides a set of tried and tested skills which have been shown to lead to many benefits for people with long term health conditions – helping people feel better and more in control of their lives.
Staff had to pull out all the stops, firstly to pave the way for the unit’s arrival and then they had just one week to prepare and equip the temporary facility.
The PCT decided to bring the unit to Holme Valley after demand for these treatments grew. Patients will be referred for treatment at the unit by their GPs. By the time the unit leaves the hospital in mid-February, more than 250 extra patients will have been treated.
Expert patients wanted
Those taking part will learn ideas and techniques about relaxation, healthy eating, exercise, and dealing with anger, fear, frustration, isolation, fatigue and depression. L to R: Julia Calcraft, Norma Davies and Pam Linton
plastic surgery treatments will be carried out by the General Practitioner with Specialist Interest for plastic surgery, Dr Colin Wright. The chassis-mounted unit, supplied by Vanguard Healthcare, makes use of sophisticated technology and is Continued on page 2
Marilyn Horton, User Involvement Manager, said the Expert Patients Programme, which has been running since October 2003, has helped many people to cope with stress levels induced by their illnesses and given them a lot more confidence. Some participants have even managed to go back into full time employment. Continued on page 2
inside
Dermatologists will be carrying out the dermatology treatments while the podiatric surgery will be carried out by specially trained podiatric surgeons. The Festive cheer for children and mums - 3... Prizes for Leadership Challenge team - 4... In the Spotlight - 5... Money advice for local parents - 7... Chlamydia screening steps up a gear - 8... New faces in IM&T training - 10... Stroke unit opens in Dewsbury - 11
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Vanguard are also supplying two qualified and experienced theatre nurses to assist the NHS surgeons. The day surgery team at the hospital will be working closely with the team in the mobile theatre. Pam Linton, Day Surgery team leader, who has wide experience of working in theatres, has worked in mobile units before, at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary and at The Nuffield Hospital. She said: ”It’s exactly the same as a theatre used for hip replacement operations or open heart surgery. There is no difference just because it is mobile.” And she continued: “But it’s a first for the PCT and it’s so exciting. We are just busy getting it all sorted now to make sure we are ready to receive our first patients. The staff are really looking forward to the unit’s opening after all this preparation. Everyone has worked so well together to make sure we are ready.” Pam has been working closely with Norma Davies, Lead Nurse for Vanguard, and with Julia Calcraft, Hospital Matron. Julia said: ”We’ve all had a lot to do in a very short time. Pam and I have been the people who everyone is asking about the mobile unit (Julia and Pam were featured in the Huddersfield Examiner) but so many people have worked hard behind the scenes to make it possible. We really want to thank everyone who has contributed, from Finance, NHS Logistics, Supplies, Portering, Estates, Catering to all the admin and clerical support and numerous others. We couldn’t have done it without you!” Ian Monaghan, Business Development Director at Vanguard Healthcare said: "We are delighted to be working with such a progressive organisation as Kirklees PCT. Making these additional operations available at the community hospital in Holmfirth means that people get their operation on time and healthcare delivery is kept close to the community". More information about Vanguard Healthcare can be found at http://www.vanguardhealthcare.co.uk
In the meantime however……… Helena Corder, Director of Corporate Services, has not exactly been inundated with people offering to be a Green Champion.
re fu tu
The next big step will be introducing paper recycling. There will be more information about this in future issues of Talkabout.
doesn’t have a recycling bin. I feel very strongly that if this service was provided in each surgery BON ACTIO N AR people would be more willing to recycle more of their waste. “I am more than al NH en Sw gre aware that a orking for a campaign to reduce the amount of CO² emissions is under way at the moment but I also feel that the issue of recycling is being overlooked and would reduce the carbon footprint significantly.” er
As the New Year gets under way there is a lot of work going on behind the scenes within the PCT to prepare for further developments in the local health economy’s 10% less campaign to reduce our carbon footprint.
c r lo You
built to Department of Health standards. Once on site it expands on two sides into a much larger clinical area creating rooms for anaesthesia, operating and first-stage recovery.
Carbon Action 2008 C
Exciting new mobile theatre at Holme Valley continued
In the December newsletter she asked anyone who was interested in becoming a Green Champion to discuss their thoughts with their manager initially. The plan is for the Champions to have one or possibly two meetings a year with their main tasks to be as green as possible day to day within the organisation and to encourage colleagues to follow suit.
Helena replied: “I’m really pleased that Jillian feels so strongly about this and I welcome the fact that she has volunteered to be a Green Champion. I understand her frustration about the lack of recycling and I can assure her that it will be brought in.
One person who did get in touch was Jillian Webster, Practice Nurse at Fieldhead Surgery, Golcar. She is willing to become a Green Champion but feels that the recycling issue is being overlooked.
Posters and stickers are now available for the workplace but in the interest of being green they will only be issued for buildings, offices and departments where staff really want them and have decided to be as green as possible.
Said Jillian:”I regularly take home cardboard, plastics and other recycling to put in my green bin at home, and have even taken it to the tip, because the surgery
If you would like to volunteer as a Green Champion or would like posters and stickers for your workplace please email Helena on Helena.corder@kirkleespct.nhs.uk
G re e n t ip
“Unfortunately there is a lot to do and we can’t do everything at once but we will get there.”
It’s a myth that leaving fluorescent lights on uses less energy than turning them off.
Expert patients wanted continued
“People who have learned to live with and manage a chronic illness usually have a good understanding of what makes their condition better or worse,” said Marilyn. “Going on an Expert Patients Programme means they can share those experiences with others who have a similar illness as well as picking up ideas for improving their wellbeing. The Expert Patients Programme has been a life-changing experience for some participants.” “Courses will be running throughout the year across Kirklees and we want people
with long term health conditions, or those people looking after someone with a long term health condition, to take part in the programme”, added Marilyn. More than 400 people from all over Kirklees have already completed the programme and become Expert Patients, with 16 going on to train as tutors. Healthcare professionals can refer people for the course or people can self-refer. The next course starts on 31 January at the Brian Jackson Centre, Huddersfield from 10am until 11.30am. For more information contact: Marilyn Horton on 01924 351423 or e-mail: marilyn.horton@kirkleespct.nhs.uk or Susan Bateman on 01924 351431 or e-mail susan.bateman@kirkleespct.nhs.uk
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Festive cheer for children and mums For the fifth successive year PCT staff have raised money to buy Christmas presents for the children who are living in the Dewsbury Women’s Refuge Centre over the Christmas period. More than £350 was raised in total and the money was used to buy a gift and selection box for each of the 17 children in the refuge as well as a food hamper which included everything for Christmas Day - fruit and vegetables, cheese, crackers, party poppers, games and lots other goodies. Liz Butterfield, who was one of the organisers, said: “We wanted to make Christmas a happy occasion for children and their mothers who may not have been looking forward to it this year. “All the staff feel very strongly about this and are happy to put money in the collection rather than sending Christmas cards to one another.” Sue Scott, supported housing worker at the refuge, collected the gifts and said: “Staff at the PCT have been really generous again this year. They have provided wonderful presents for the families at the refuge. We had a really great Christmas day,” said Sue.
A reminder! The deadline for entering the NHS Health and Social Care Awards is midnight February 8. Have you sent in your submission? Organised by the Department of Health and the NHS Institute for Innovation and Technology, the Awards are aimed at frontline staff – clinical and nonclinical – and reward true innovation. The Yorkshire and Humber Regional Awards Ceremony will take place in April with the national final being staged in London on July 2 to coincide with the 60th Anniversary of the NHS. More information from www.healthandsocialcareawards. org
Left to right: Sue Scott, Nicola Nuttall, Marilyn Horton, Kathryn Gould, Liz Butterfield, Kath Smythe, Janet Woodhead.
Mike wishes you a Happy New Year I would like to thank you all for your hard work and support over the last twelve months and wish you a happy and enjoyable New Year. Together, I believe we have achieved an awful lot and are now in a position to meet the challenges of 2008. As far as ongoing work during 2008 is concerned, you will probably be aware that the Operating Framework which sets out the priorities for the NHS for 2008/09 has now been published. These priorities are to be delivered in the 60th anniversary year of the NHS and set out issues and system changes that will help transform services locally in collaboration with partners. The second stage of the NHS Review (Our NHS, Our Future) will set out how we can deliver the vision as set by Lord Darzi, which focuses on improving the quality of care, working with staff, patients and the public to ensure this is developed and owned by all. My commitment to communicate with staff continues through the monthly informal buffet lunches, Talk Time events and team meetings. The Chairman, PEC Chair and I intend to continue to visit GP practices over the coming months. We have been warmly welcomed at practices and these visits have given us excellent insight into the roles of practice staff and the issues that are high on practice agendas. Another interesting initiative you may be aware of is that health care
organisations in Kirklees and Calderdale have pledged to cut their carbon emissions by launching a green campaign. '10% less' has been organised by the Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust (CHFT), Kirklees Primary Care Trust (PCT), Calderdale Primary Care Trust and the South West Yorkshire Mental Health Trust (SWYMHT). Key staff from each of the participating organisations have been given advice and training on how to reduce water, gas and electricity consumptions to communicate to staff. Helena Corder, Director of Corporate Services, said: "The PCT is committed to reducing carbon emissions which in turn will improve the health of people living throughout Calderdale and Kirklees. We are doing a number of things including reviewing our green travel policy, encouraging staff to walk and use public transport more and looking at general recycling. "Posters are also being displayed around our premises to remind staff to save energy by turning off light switches and equipment at the end of the day." With your continued hard work and commitment, I am sure we can all look forward to another busy but rewarding year ahead.
Once again, a Happy New Year to you all.
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Prizes for Leadership Challenge team A six-strong team from our Patient Care and Professions directorate was amongst the prize winners at the end of a tough, day-long Leadership Challenge organised by Nursing Times magazine Congratulations to our team -Tracy Small, Sue Smith, Maria Freer, Karen Poole, Neill McDonald and Karen Armitage. Their cluster, (four teams) scooped the media award and were runners-up in the best cluster category. Primarily for nurses, the event was supported by the Department of Health and the Institute of Innovation and Improvements. Although a first for Nursing Times it was based on the success of similar ‘challenges’ held for other professions and attracted 40 teams from Primary Care and Acute Trusts all over the country. Each cluster formed a fictional healthcare economy. Our team was a hospital foundation trust (FT) and other teams represented either a district general hospital, a mental health and social care foundation trust or the PCT. Each member of the team took on a role - Director of either, Nursing, Resources, Operations or Human Resources and Patient and Public Involvement plus Communications Manager or Non-Executive Director. The main focus of the day was to develop a strategy to reduce the levels of MRSA bacteraemia and clostridium difficile that, for the hospital FT, were on target to be above national averages. Other health concerns in the area were sexual health, obesity, smoking, alcohol abuse and mental health. Discussions took place, and plans developed, on how the organisations could work together to meet Government targets and improve the health of the population. Further challenges were delivered to the team through the day. These involved: • responding to allegations of sexual abuse and patient neglect.
Our successful team receive their award from Chief Nursing Officer, Christine Beasley (centre).
• preparing press statements with partner organisations and attending joint press conferences • dealing with a serious complaint from a local MP • a blocked sluice causing a serious flood • an outbreak of legionnaires’ disease with patients admitted to our team’s hospital. If all this wasn’t enough they also had to: • deal with the consequences of an outbreak of diarrhoea and vomiting among inpatient mental health patients whose hospitality needs were met by the hospital FT service • secure further funding to meet this • write a strategy to reduce binge drinking And, finally they had to: • Address diversity issues related to inappropriate referrals. This in turn produced a human resources strategy and the matching of the workforce with the diversity of the population it serves. The challenges were time restricted and the team members were all assessed throughout the day. All the Directors of
Nursing presented their strategies on reducing health care acquired infections and dealt with questions. All the marks were totted up and the prizes were announced and presented by the Chief Nursing Officer, Christine Beasley So had our team and their new “colleagues” met the challenge? Karen Armitage said: “Our cluster had a very successful day, winning the media award and, although not winning overall, it was extremely rewarding to be runners-up in the best cluster award. At 7p.m. the team began the long journey home - tired but with a sense of achievement having met the ‘challenge”. They recommend the event as an excellent team building exercise which demonstrated how skills used were transferable across organisations and where time management and organisational skills were pushed to the limit. With insight into how they could have achieved best cluster status rather than runners-up, the team is challenging the next Kirklees PCT team that enters to do better!
Another chance to shine There is yet more prize money up for grabs for NHS staff innovations. In addition to the NHS Health and Social Care Awards, there is a regional competition organised by Medipex, which is the NHS Innovation Hub for the Yorkshire and Humber region. Prize money totals £8,000 and there are four categories: medical devices and
diagnostics, software and ICT, assistive technology and rehabilitation, publications and training materials. The deadline for entries is 5pm February 29 and the finalists will be invited to an awards ceremony and dinner on May 14. More information and online entry from www.medipex.co.uk
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t h ig l t o p s e h t In
This month we talk to Denise Boyd, Deputy Director of Provider Services.
I have responsibility for the seven localities where the teams provide the operational delivery of care. This includes district nursing, health visiting, school nursing and the community hospital at Holme Valley etc. I am also responsible for business development and service improvement within Provider Services, which is supported by a small, but exclusive team.
What are the best things about your job? I like the people I work with. They are good people with diverse skills and very different personalities. We have some fun! I also enjoy the challenge and diversity within the job – no two days are the same.
… And the worst? The worst thing about my job is the endless stream of emails and my struggle to be technology-efficient!
How would you describe yourself in three words? Fun, over forty
What do you like doing in your spare time? I cram in as much as I can. I like entertaining friends (eating and drinking lots). I am a keen (but not very good) skier on both dry slopes and snow. I do a variety of crafts with big ambition and little natural talent! I am also an avid reader and listener to ‘80’s music…..
What is your pet hate? Injustice. I have a strong sense of justice and hate to see people suffering any form of injustice.
Where was your best holiday? My honeymoon in Barbados – gorgeous husband and gorgeous place.
If money was no object, what would you buy? I would buy a ski resort and all the slopes – for a select few people –for a day.
And finally, if you could change one thing about the world, what would it be? Cruelty to animals.
“Expert Witness” is highly commended Health Practitioners Gill Addy, Janine Lees and Learning Disabilities Nurse Karina Hepworth have been Highly Commended in national awards for their work with the Kirklees Youth Offending Team (YOT). Their “Expert Witness” programme was one of 36 short listed entries from an original 600 in the Care Services Improvement Partnership (CSIP). Awards Congratulations are in order because even though they were pipped at the post in the Health and Social Care in Criminal Justice category they were up against formidable opposition. They were congratulated on their work by the CSIP directors and judges.
emphasised that we work within a multiagency team that serves this population of young people and that the team works together in a creative way. “Safeguarding is seen as a key thread through our work, involving the young people by honestly stating to them about consent and information sharing and how an agreement is made between the worker and young person before work commences, again designed by the clients.”
received from this vulnerable group of young people, as they continue to work with the health team even when their order is complete at times. A number of our young people/ family members supported our application in writing and this was greatly appreciated.” The event allowed time to network and appreciate the work that other teams are doing across the country to meet the needs of their clients.
And she added:”Overall our entry was client centred and described the positive feedback
Gill said:”We described how the young people we work with have moulded and been responsible for the way we work with them, making what we do relevant to their lives. The health assessment is tailored to their needs by asking questions relevant to their lives. “In our entry we described the team as having diverse skills to meet the needs of the young people. The post of Learning Disability Nurse came from a recognised gap in provision, which now serves to provide interventions for the young people and their families who are involved with the youth justice service in Kirklees. We
Left to right: Gill Addy and Janine Lees Moorhouse both Health Advisors, Karina Hepworth, Learning Disability Nurse, Kirklees Youth Offending Team.
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What a success... but still more to do!
Did you know that Kirklees PCT’s specialist Stop Smoking Service current quit rate is 79%, which shows a significant difference compared to the national average of 50%. This highlights the success and importance of the Stop Smoking Service within the area. Our key message is that smokers are four times more likely to quit if they get NHS support. The service offers: • Free, confidential and expert advice from dedicated NHS professionals • Choice of individual or group appointments • Help in obtaining nicotine replacement therapy on prescription • Advice on how to stay stopped • Continued support from specialist staff Stop Smoking Groups can also be set up in the workplace if employees want support to stop. So if you hear of anyone wanting to do this ask them to contact the service. A Smoking and Pregnancy Service offers advice and support to pregnant women from a specialist trained advisor/midwife The Smokefree Homes initiative makes it easier for people to make their homes smoke free with the help of friendly giveaways that do the talking to help encourage family and friends to think about the benefits of a smoke free smoke Group and one to one support sessions are also available throughout the week across Kirklees. One of the latest initiatives is members of Lowerhouses Health Walk in Newsome trying to quit with the help of a drop-in support session after their walk. For seven weeks the group will meet up for just an hour and get help to kick the habit from their local NHS Stop Smoking Team. A special course “Help To Stop Smoking” is running at Longley Baptist Church in Lowerhouses, starting on Tuesday 22 January 2-3pm. For more information about Lowerhouses Stop Smoking Course, ring Kath Stewart on 01484 347695 or 07950 386020. For more information on the Stop Smoking Service contact 01484 344285.
Busy New Year for ambulance crews New Year 2008 was the busiest ever for the Yorkshire Ambulance Service in the district. The West Yorkshire communications centre in Wakefield, which covers the Kirklees area, received a total of 1,090 calls on January 1 – 10% more than the same day last year and 40% more than an average Tuesday. Calls relating to the Bradford, Calderdale and Kirklees areas accounted for 489 of these calls – 65% more than an average Tuesday and 2.3% more than the same day last year.
Ambulances in Bradford, Kirklees and Calderdale responded to 413 calls of which 224 were life-threatening. Highest hourly demand was between 2am and 3am, when there were 43 calls. On an average Tuesday the service receives 297 calls from the people requiring an ambulance in the area. There were 63 calls for breathing problems, 53 for chest pains and 42 for falls.
Blue Badge changes The Blue Badge scheme provides a range of parking concessions for people with severe mobility problems who have difficulty using public transport. The scheme operates throughout the UK and Europe. The department for transport has amended the eligibility criteria for getting a disabled parking permit, also known as a Blue Badge. The changes were brought in from October 2007. Kirklees Council staff at Gateway to Care sites are aware of the changes and are trained to support people through the application process” The new regulations say you are eligible to get a Blue Badge if you are aged over two years and: • receive the higher rate of the mobility component of the disability living allowance • are registered blind • receive war pensioners’ mobility supplement • drive a vehicle regularly, have a severe congenital disability in both arms, and are unable to operate, or have considerable difficulty in operating, all or some kinds of parking meter • are unable to walk or have difficulty in walking because of a permanent and substantial disability Children under the age of two maybe able to get a badge if they are: • suffering from a condition which means they always use bulky medical equipment which can be kept in a motor vehicle but cannot be carried around with them without great difficulty • suffering from a condition that means they must always be kept near a motor vehicle so that they can be treated for that condition in the vehicle or taken quickly in the vehicle to a place where they can be looked after More information from Gateway to Care or Social Services Information Point on 01484 223000 or 01924 325070, email gatewaytocare@kirklees. gov.uk Carers can also call Kirklees Council Carers Gateway on 01484 226050 or email carers.gateway@ kirklees.gov.uk
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retirement
t h ig l t o p s e h t n I
Money advice for local parents The Parent's Guide to Money, being trialled in Yorkshire and the Humber, is a comprehensive guide to all the financial aspects of the arrival of a baby and parenthood. The Parent's Guide is a free “one-stop” information pack of leaflets, contained in a baby proof folder. The leaflets deal with a range of financial information which might concern new parents such as budgeting, benefits advice, childcare costs, maternity and paternity rights, savings and work. The Guide also includes a CD-ROM for use on a PC with a number of easy-touse calculators to help balance family finances.
This month former colleagues of Dorothy Morris, Public Health Departmental Secretary have put her in the retirement spotlight. On December 18 2007 Dorothy Morris said farewell to her colleagues in the Public Health Directorate at Beckside Court, Batley. More recently Dorothy was based at the Public Health Resource Centre, Woodkirk House, Dewsbury and District Hospital, where over the past ten years she has seen many changes, worked with and met many staff from both the PCT and Acute Trust. She continues to work a few hours each week for the Chaplaincy at the hospital, although it has to be said she will be very much missed by her colleagues in Public Health.
What was the best thing about your job? The huge variety of lovely people that I have met throughout the years and also working with the youngsters kept me up to speed with the latest trends i.e. music, fashion etc.
…And the worst? Taking delivery of 20 boxes of leaflets, five minutes before you’re due to go home!
How would you describe yourself in three words? Old aged pensioner
What are you looking forward to doing? Having Botox
What is your pet hate? I could fill this whole magazine with pet hates. I am a founder member of the Grumpy Old Women brigade! But those people who invite the whole world to listen to their mobile phone conversations would be high on the list.
Where was your best holiday? Crete in 2002, where, indirectly through this holiday, I met my lovely partner.
What was the funniest experience/ incident you had whilst working for the PCT? Comparing the different tastes of fruity condoms for a rep, all in the line of duty of course.
If money was no object, what would you buy? The things you really need can’t be bought, like good family and good health. I have all those so feel lucky. However, a private yacht would be nice.
If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be? I would banish all illness but then you’d all be forming a queue at the job centre, so instead I’d pick up our lovely island and place it somewhere in the Mediterranean Sea.
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has funded and developed the guide, working closely with parents and the professionals who work with them. The guide is being trialled in the Yorkshire and the Humber region, in partnership with the Strategic Health Authority and the regional Government Office, before being rolled out across the country. Smaller trials are under way in Tower Hamlets (in London), Brighton and Blackburn. Midwives will distribute the jargon-free guide to expectant mothers. Health visitors, Children's Centre staff and other support workers will provide additional advice to young parents. The Government Office for Yorkshire and The Humber (GOYH) is supporting the guide as part of its commitment to delivering the 'Every Child Matters' agenda and in particular, to ensure that every child, whatever their background or their circumstances, has the support they need to achieve economic well-being. GOYH represents ten Government Departments in the region, including the Department for Children, Schools and Families.
Dental news Ian Osborne GDP at Golcar Dental Surgery retired (and closed the practice) on November 30 having worked in the profession for many years. He will continue part time at the Scissett practice for a short time. Nick O’Donovan GDP is now the service provider at Dewsbury Dental Centre, formally owned by Colin and Judith Best and known as Best and Best Practice.
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Chlamydia screening steps up a gear
re ia Sc myd la h C
enin
g Pro
me gram
Starters
PCT staff are urging young people in all areas of Kirklees to take a simple test to check if they have the sexually transmitted infection, Chlamydia.
Calderdale and Huddersfield Chlamydia Scree ning Programm e
FREE
They are offering a free and confidential screening service as part of a national Chlamydia screening programme targeting sexually active15-24 year olds. Before Christmas they stepped up the publicity and this will continue over the next few months – look out for advertising and promotional activities.
Chlamydia
screening
for under 25’s
Anyone wanting to be screened can drop in at a screening centre and provide a urine sample and the results will be sent by phone, text or letter two weeks later. It’s that easy. For 70% of Chlamydia infected women and 50% of men there will be no obvious symptoms. That’s why it’s important that people take up the screening offer. It’s a very common infection and can be treated with a one-off dose of antibiotics.
Movers & shakers
Chlam
ydia Scre
ening
Progra
mme
Enquiries and advice about testing venues
:
Calderdale and Huddersfield Chlamydia Scree ning Programm e
Tel: 01484 344 320 Email: chlamydia.s creening@kirklee spct.n
hs.uk
Without treatment Chlamydia can result for both men and women in pelvic and abdominal pain, an abnormal discharge, irregular bleeding, pain during intercourse and ultimately infertility. There is also a risk of an infected pregnant woman passing Chlamydia onto her baby. Rachel Spencer, Senior Public Health Manager, said:” Our target is to screen 8,000 sexually active 15-24 year olds by March 31 next year. So far we have screened 1,000, so we have a way to go. We will be stepping up the campaigns in the New Year to try and reach more young people.” She added:” Nationally 10% of those screened have positive results. In Kirklees the figure is currently less than 7%. Whilst the figures aren’t huge the consequences for anyone of carrying the Chlamydia infection without treatment could be disastrous.”
Effective Partnership Working Liz Butterfield, Head of Knowledge and Learning, was guest speaker at a reception for local employers organised by Dewsbury College. Liz explained the benefits of partnership working with particular reference to NVQ training programmes in Business Administration and Customer Service currently being undertaken by PCT staff through Dewsbury College. Chief Executive, Mike Potts, attended the reception confirming the PCT’s commitment to offer flexible training programmes in the workplace enabling employees to gain nationally recognised qualifications in their chosen vocational area. Congratulations go to Jane Clifford, Administrator (Dewsbury Drug Action Team), Jayne Rayner, Training Administrator, Chantelle Harrison, Administrator (Corporate Services) and Ann Wood, Administrator (Long Term Conditions - Eddercliffe Centre) who were presented with NVQ level 3 awards in Business and Administration by Hilary Woodall, Deputy Principal. For further information on training options contact Liz Butterfield at Beckside Court – 01924 351452 or email Liz.Butterfield@kirkleespct.nhs.uk
Michelle Stanley, Administration Officer, Karen Pearson, HIPS, An Pickles, Diabetes Admin Assistant, Edward Bradley, PBC Information Performance Analyst, Andrea Daley, PBC Information Performance Analyst, Harpreet Chahal, PBC Information Performance Analyst, Susan Oats, Continence Advisor, Vanessa Costello, Data Quality Facilitator, Neil Rollinson, Secretary/Receptionist, Laura Campbell, Assistant Director of Workforce. Commissioning and Policy, Stephen R Graham, Provider – Information Performance Analyst, Maria Andrews, Community Staff nurse, Mark Preston, Finance Manager – Financial Accounts, James Drury, Programme Director (Community Hospitals Programme), Victoria Wainwright, Finance Officer – Provider Services, Sarah Muckle, Senior Public Health Manager, Claire Thornton, Community Staff Nurse, Nicole Phair, Bank Nurse, Leanne Doddy, Health Visitor, Julie Williams, Macmillan Clinical Nurse Specialist for Nursing Homes, Caroline Teal, Bank Auxiliary Nurse, Annette Simpkin, Bank Auxiliary Nurse, Usman Tariq, Finance Officer, Rachel Birks, Bank Staff Nurse, Lesley Whittaker, Community Evening Nursing Auxiliary, Anthony Makrill, Staff Nurse, Sheila Carr, Community Evening Nursing Auxiliary, Rebecca Butterfield, Bank Staff Nurse, Catherine Elliott, Health Visitor, Tracey Valentine, Admin Officer, Mary Beth Gingoyon, Health Visitor, Bhavini Limbachia, Finance Officer Financial Services, Sharon Ashby, Admin Officer, Imran Khan, Managment Accountant Commissioning, Natalie Bushby, School Nurse Assistant, Sarah Rayner, Bank Auxiliary Nurse, Nicola Duncanson, Health Visitor, Gemma Turtle, Clinical Governance Audit Facilitator & User Experience Co-ordinator, Deborah Audsley, Personal Assistant Community Dental, Kerry Rollinson, Community Staff Nurse, Deborah Howgate,Community TB Liaison Nurse.
Leavers James Ricketts, Nikki Sullivan, Sue Trail, Carol Byrne, George Allsopp.
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Proof of a good service Kirklees Young People Friendly has awarded its first five “kite marks” to organisations offering sexual health services for young people.
There are already a number of schemes operating in other districts e.g. ‘Low down’ in Sheffield, ‘Young People Friendly‘ in Havering and ‘Effo’ in Cornwall.
This is a scheme designed to highlight excellent access to welcoming sexual health services for young people in any setting across Kirklees.
The Kirklees Team will support organisations to complete a formal accreditation process and offer training to help services successfully obtain the kite mark.
The kite-marked services are: • New College, Open Door Service, • Huddersfield Technical College, Choices Centre, • Young Dewsbury, Youth Centre, • Holmfirth High School, Spectrum Drop in and • Kirkburton Health Centre They all took part in a 12-week pilot scheme during which they examined their own services and the criteria and processes for the kite-marking scheme itself. Kirklees Young People Friendly is run by the PCT’s Public Health/Sexual Health Team and is based on the Department of Health’s ‘Your Welcome’ quality criteria for making all health services more accessible to young people. The guidance is based on nine principles of good practice including accessibility, confidentiality, environment, marketing, staff training, values and attitudes. All of these are extremely important for developing and delivering accessible sexual health services. The Your Welcome quality criteria are based on extensive national research which shows that young people are not accessing services for a variety of reasons, including fear of a lack of confidentiality, they feel that they are judged and made to feel embarrassed and ashamed and often services are not open and available at the times that are appropriate for young people.
There was also a competition for young people over the summer to choose the name for the scheme and to design the logo. The winner of the competition was Luca Corradini aged 14 from Holmfirth High School. Kirklees Young People Friendly was officially launched in December at the National Coal Mining Museum when the five pilots were awarded their kite marks. Emmerline Irving, Health Improvement Practitioner Specialist (Sexual Health) says all the pilot sites worked really hard and deserve congratulations. She went on to thank them and all those who contributed to the launch event. Recruitment for the scheme begins this month and aims to accredit as many organisations in Kirklees as possible. The scheme is for any agency delivering a sexual health service to young people, from health centres and practices, youth centres, school nurse services and the voluntary sector. All those that are successful and receive the Kite Mark will be heavily promoted through the RSHE Newsletter, Teenage Pregnancy, and Feeling Fruity Poster and via the Kirklees PCT Sexual Health website that will be launched this year. For more information please contact Emmerline Irving on 01484 347680 or email emm.irving@kirkleespct.nhs.uk
Glynn Collins (Huddersfield Technical College),Emm Irving ( HIPS - Kirklees PCT), Lucy Crowther (Kirkburton Health Centre), Alan Hodgson (representing Young Dewsbury for Young People's Service), Lorraine Kiernan (Huddersfield New College), Kate Birch ( Huddersfield New College).
Congratulations
Kirkburton! Kirkburton Medical Centre is the only GP practice with the new Kirklees Young People Friendly kite mark. This demonstrates that the Teenage Advice Clinic provided there is an excellent example of a welcoming and easily accessed sexual health service for young people. The service is not new but it was one of the pilot sites for the kite marking scheme. Now, hopefully, thanks to publicity more people will know about and take advantage of its nonjudgemental approach. Practice Nurse Janet Ferguson and School Nurse Lucy Crowther run the sessions which cover sexual and other health issues. They and their colleagues are delighted to be pioneers in this field. Janet Atkinson, Practice Manager, said:”We pride ourselves on being open, honest and confidential. We’re here to listen, not to tell. Obviously other practices have sexual health sessions for young people but we are prepared to see young people even if they are not patients here because we know that teenagers sometimes don’t want to go and ask for help where they might be recognised. We think it is important that they get the help they need. “We ask with a slip of paper which aspect of the service they want so they don’t even have to say it out loud and we have discreet, credit card sized information leaflets. We’ve got posters here and where young people go around the village. Our local high school, Shelley College, also promotes the service.”
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New faces in IM&T Training If you are about to take up some IT desktop training you are likely to come across a new face or two. The Desktop Applications section has a new manager, two new training officers and two new training assistants and they are all happy to help with your training needs. The new manager is Chris Dunne and the desktop team comprises six trainers and an administrator. All the trainers are experienced and have teaching or training qualifications as well as a range of IT qualifications.
Location, location, location There are training suites at Calderdale Royal Hospital, Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, Castleford and Normanton District Hospital, Fieldhead Hospital and Kirkdale House at St Luke’s Hospital, Huddersfield. Training rooms have between eight and 10 PCs all with network and Internet access. Additionally, there are smaller open learning rooms at Calderdale Royal Hospital and Huddersfield Royal Infirmary. Training rooms are used for classroom based tutor-led courses and for bookable open sessions where you can come to work on a qualification, skills from a tutor led course or your own project, all with a tutor there to support you. There are also regular open learning sessions at Dean Clough, Halifax, Dewsbury Health Centre, Mill Hill Health Centre and Golcar Clinic, and we are always on the lookout for small separate work areas where a few people can be trained at the same time.
Desktop Applications Training We offer a range of tutor led courses which start with courses for absolute beginners and work progressively through introductory levels to advanced level in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, using Windows, email and the Internet. We also offer e-learning opportunities for some courses.
Qualifications We currently offer formal qualifications in IT with EqualSkills at introductory level and ECDL. The NHS Connecting for Health organisation, which funds ECDL, is changing its emphasis from March 2008 towards a more basic set of skills designed for all staff who have anything to do with electronic care records. This is an exciting new development which includes a fantastic set of e-learning materials covering IT skills for beginners upwards and includes the Internet and email as well as using simple applications. It also includes a certificate in heath information management.
Stop Press!! We are to become the only Microsoft Academy in Yorks and Humber SHA. This means we will be able to offer qualifications and training in Microsoft Office applications. This will fill the gap left by ECDL providing training at user and expert level in particular applications to suit your job. More soon! More information about courses, dates, times and locations are in our course booklet on the Intranet here: http://nww.this.nhs.uk/index.php?id=2556
All staff can be contacted by email on firstname.lastname@this.nhs.uk Shazia Naeem IM&T Training Assistant Shazia previously worked on the THIS desk. She now works between Calderdale Royal Hospital and Huddersfield Royal Infirmary.
Sheila Taylor IM&T Training Administrator Sheila is based at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary and enjoys meeting and greeting learners there.
Chris Dunne IM&T ETD Manager Chris is professionally responsible for all aspects of IM&T education, training and development across all organisations . He is also the Strategic Lead for Library Services. He has wide experience of THIS and has worked in retail. Richard Lupson Team Leader IM&T Training His main responsibility is qualifications in ECDL and EqualSkills. He previously taught people with physical and later learning disabilities and then IT from basic to “A” level. Nazia Suraiyya IM&T Training Officer Previously Nazia worked in Public Health. She teaches desktop applications based at Fieldhead Hospital, Wakefield. She is peripatetic trainer for the PCT in the Batley and Dewsbury areas. Sonny Patnaik IM&T Training Officer He has worked in IT for 13 years and is peripatetic trainer for Wakefield working out of Castleford and Normanton District Hospital. Mandy Williams IM&T Training Officer Mandy was previously Data Quality Facilitator for the PCT. It’s a return to IT training for her. She is based at Calderdale Royal Hospital and supports Calderdale PCT as a peripatetic trainer. Cathy Dightam IM&T Training Assistant Cathy was previously Clinical Peripatetic Audit Assistant for the PCT and peripatetic trainer for the Huddersfield area of the PCT. She provides training in common desktop applications through tutor-led courses and drop-in sessions, planned and bespoke for groups and individuals.
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Stroke Unit opens in Dewsbury Doctors, nurses and allied health professionals hosted a special stroke awareness event at Dewsbury and District General Hospital to mark the opening of the Stroke Unit and remind local people to think FAST about the condition. Every year an estimated 340 people in the North Kirklees area suffer a stroke and 160 people suffer a transient ischaemic attack (TIA), or mini stroke as it is sometimes called. At any point in time, around 2,900 people are living locally with stroke and around 930 people have moderate to severe disability as a result. At Dewsbury and District Hospital about 287 emergency admissions are as a result of stroke. Most of those affected are over 65, but one in five people under 65 can have a stroke. The hospital’s new Stroke Unit provides both acute and rehabilitation care and is the result of The Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust bringing together best practice and making sure dedicated stroke units are in place in each of its hospitals. The hospital stroke team was joined for the opening event by representatives from the Stroke Association who were helping to educate local people about FAST (Face, Arms and Speech Test) which helps people recognise quickly the key symptoms of a TIA or stroke. Dr Prabal Datta, Consultant in Stroke Medicine with the Trust, said: “Evidence from research strongly suggests that the outcome for people following a stroke is far better when they are managed in a dedicated stroke unit. “At the Trust we’ve carried out a lot of improvements in stroke services by bringing together best practice and putting in place dedicated stroke units at each of our hospitals. We have also introduced special TIA clinics to ensure our patients are seen within a week of experiencing TIA symptoms, with the majority of tests and appropriate treatment given on the same day. “This event is about sharing our progress with local people and making sure we continue to offer the best quality stroke care for our patients. We can help reduce the number of people who suffer from stroke by educating people to diagnose the symptoms rapidly so that patients get the appropriate treatment as quickly as possible from specialist staff. “Like heart attacks, strokes are a medical emergency. It is vital that we learn to spot the symptoms early and help to reduce the number of people that suffer from it.” Caitlin Edwards, PCT Service Manager, Hospital Therapies, said: “I’d like to thank everyone who was involved in organising the Stroke Unit opening – especially the Rehab Assistants. It took an enormous amount of hard work and planning and the result was an interesting, enjoyable and valuable event for all.”
For the non clinical among us… • Stroke is the third most common cause of death in the UK and the single most common cause of severe disability. Nationally more than 250,000 people live with disabilities caused by stroke. • A TIA happens when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted for a short while but then goes back to normal. A TIA may affect an arm or leg, drooping to one side of the face, numbness down one side or cause speech problems. It comes on suddenly and recovers completely – usually within minutes or hours and definitely within 24 hours. For one in five people TIAs can be a warning that a stroke is likely to occur and so should never be ignored. • It is recommended that people should apply the FAST test and act faster. • FAST F – facial awareness – can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped? A – arm weakness – can the person raise both arms? S – speech problems – can the person speak clearly and understand what you say to them? T – test all three symptoms! • If you think someone has had a stroke you need to ring 999.
Together we can make a good Trust great! Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust has launched a drive to recruit more local people to its membership scheme. The campaign features the slogan “Together we can make a good Trust great” to demonstrate to people across Huddersfield and Halifax that their views are important and can help to shape services for everyone into the future. The Trust became a Foundation Trust on August 1 2006 and a membership is an essential part of the new status. Becoming a Foundation Trust was recognition that the Trust is one of the top performing NHS organisations in the country. Sukhdev Sharma, chairman of the Trust said: “Everyone takes pride in our hospitals and this is reflected in the quality of our services and the recognition we get for them. “Our members play a pivotal role in the exchange of ideas between us and the community we serve. “We welcome and encourage people with all manner of skills, interests and experience to join us, and help us to shape the future direction of our hospital services.” Members must be aged 16 or over and live within the catchment area of the Trust (Calderdale, Kirklees and South West Bradford). The scheme is free to join and as a Foundation Trust member you can: • Have the chance to find out more about your hospitals, the way they are run and the challenges they face • Help the Trust work with local people to improve the care experience of patients and their carers • Elect representatives to the Membership Council • Attend special members’ events such as health fairs, open days and the Trust’s Annual General Meeting • Receive information through the free newsletter Foundation News To find out more about becoming a member call the membership office on 01484 347342, visit www.cht.nhs.uk and click on the Members section or e-mail membership@cht.nhs.uk.
Training and education February 2008
Conflict Resolution 1 Feb, 0915-1700, St Luke's House Public Health Practice Development Education Programme: How do you measure outcomes? 4 Feb, 0900-1230, Castleford, Normanton & District Hospital Feeding & Swallowing 5 Feb, 0900-1200, Beckside Court Health, Safety & Risk 6 Feb, 1000-1200, St Luke's House Infection Control 6 Feb, 1000-1100, HVMH 6 Feb, 1100-1200, HVMH 6 Feb, 1300-1400, HVMH 6 Feb, 1400-1500, HVMH Embracing Diversity 7 Feb, 1300-1600, Beckside Court Minute Taking 7 Feb, 0930-1630, Beckside Court LEO day 4 November course 7 Feb, 0900-1230, HRI Information Governance & Records Management 12 Feb, 1000-1230, Beckside Court Health, Safety & Risk 13 Feb, 1000-1200, Beckside Court NEW Immunisation & Vaccination 20 Feb, 0900-1230, St Luke's House HRI - Huddersfield Royal Infirmary HVMH - Holme Valley Memorial Hospital
A good read?
ok Boeview r
Learning for Action J Wiley & Son 2006 Professor Peter Checkland and John Poulter
When Sir Christopher Wren redesigned St Paul’s Cathedral following the disastrous fire of 1666 he engaged skilled craftsmen to construct an impressive eighteen-foot wooden model of his proposal. Even though the model did not win the approval of other officials, it allowed useful criticism by making Wren’s ideas very clear. More recently, radical work based at Lancaster University has developed a new kind of low-tech model for use in complex social situations. Managed by Professor Peter Checkland, Lancaster’s long-standing research programme resulted in Soft Systems Methodology (SSM): an approach to investigating opaque problems that employs models holding English phrases. By paying more attention than usual to both the issues under review and their use of language, participants in this style of research can stir critical discussion that fosters modest improvement. While Wren had a design in mind that he hoped would rank as a solution, SSM probes social issues where the idea of defining a problem and then finding a solution is inappropriate. The methodology assumes that organisations hold unique backgrounds and interests: individual agendas partially overlap but never entirely coincide. Hence, a group of six or seven phrases that make up a simple model in SSM do not represent a solution of how things ought to be. Each model is merely a rational diagram that supports learning without pretending to predict the future in a hazy world where past actions often generate unintended consequences.
Get involved
News and views from Kirklees Primary Care Trust
Remember, this is your newsletter and we’d like everyone to be involved. So, if you have anything you’d like to share please send it to: Communications team, St Luke’s House, Blackmoorfoot Road, Crosland Moor, Huddersfield HD4 5RH 01484 466044/466223 or email communications@kirkleespct.nhs.uk Deadline for articles for next issue is 1 February 2008
For example, consider the phrase ‘circulate the department’s professional journals’. If the allocation of expensive staff journals to readers proved problematical, this phrase might appear as part of a model used to question how the organisation handled such publications. How are the journals distributed at present? By whom? Who manages this activity? What counts as constructive change? Equally important, should this model - like Wren’s model - fail to generate favourable comments during debate it can be discarded and more pertinent matters explored. It is the people taking part (and not the methodology) who decide on the direction of a study. Learning for Action explains the history and logic of SSM in less detail than Checkland’s earlier books and so makes the principles an easier read. In an era of email overload, anyone desperately pressed for time can flick a few pages to the section that discusses the methodology’s 30-year development in just 10 minutes. Checkland and Poulter’s text includes research into major businesses and an exercise in restructuring hospital information flows. However, for the sake of readers unfamiliar with systems ideas, I think the book should have given more space to less comprehensive studies in smaller organisations. Neil Richardson, Corporate Services, St Luke’s House
okiew o Brev Why not share your thoughts on recently read books with your colleagues? You might be enthusing and encouraging them to read it too, or you could be warning them off! You could follow in Neil’s footsteps and review a non-fiction book or let us have your views on one of the latest fiction bestsellers. Obviously you’ll need to have the courage of your convictions and put your name, and for general interest, your job title or department, to your review. Please send reviews to the Communications Team (contact details on the left).