June - July 2024
InTouch
Patient Panel chair awarded British Empire Medal
This is Us Week
Robotic surgery at PAHT
Welcome to InTouch magazine – your insight into the latest news and updates from across PAHT.
In this edition, you can read more about Ann Nutt, chair of the Patient Panel, being awarded a British Empire Medal in His Majesty The King’s Birthday Honours –congratulations to Ann on behalf of all at PAHT (p.3).
You can take a look at the summary and photos of This is Us Week – a fantastic opportunity to recognise, celebrate and develop our people (p.4-5). The recordings are available for you to view on AlexNet if you would like to catch up.
Additionally, you can read about one of our nurses at PAHT, Charlotte Collings, who has received an accolade from the Royal College of Nursing (p.6), and the amazing introduction of robotic assisted surgery at our hospital (p.7).
Other highlights include the launch of the ACT NOW in a sickle cell crisis pilot campaign at PAHT (p.8), introducing our new visitors’ charter (p.9), and congratulating both our DAISY Awards winner for May, Shreya Pawar (p.10), and our end of life care volunteers for reaching the finals of a national awards programme (p.13).
You can also read the latest feedback from our patients (p.14); wellbeing tips (p.15), and much more.
This magazine is for and about you, our #PAHTPeople –please contact the communications team if you would like to see your team featured, at paht.communications@ nhs.net
I hope you enjoy the read.
Best wishes
Lance McCarthy Chief executive
Patient Panel Chair awarded a British Empire Medal in His Majesty The King's Birthday Honours
Dear all
I am delighted to share the news that Ann Nutt, chair of the Patient Panel here at PAHT, has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in His Majesty The King’s Birthday Honours announced on 15 June 2024
Our award-winning Patient Panel, which celebrated its tenth anniversary last year, was established by Ann and supports our patients and people across our hospitals.
The BEM has been awarded in recognition of her work with the NHS; and is a prestigious award given for an outstanding achievement or service to the community that has had a long-term, significant impact.
Ann said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been awarded a British Empire Medal. It is a privilege to represent the people and patients cared for at PAHT and
to also work in partnership with the people who care for them.
“The volunteers who make up the Patient Panel are enthusiastic and it is their commitment that brings so much to local people and patients. My thanks go to the members of the Patient Panel and everyone who has supported me.”
Ann will receive her honour at one of a number of investiture ceremonies to be held later in the year.
Ann is an advocate of local people and her connections to groups across the area that PAHT services are a strong positive link for the hospital and I am delighted she has been recognised for all her hard work and commitment to NHS patients.
On behalf of everyone at PAHT I would like to extend our congratulations to Ann.
Lance McCarthy Chief executive
Celebrating This is Us Week...
Thank you to everyone that joined the sessions for This is Us Week, both in-person and online.
It was an opportunity to recognise, celebrate and develop our people, with more information about the sessions on AlexNet >
Colleagues also shared their hidden talents and happy places, hosted information stands, played the digital games and sent in messages of thanks to colleagues.
You can watch the recorded sessions on AlexNet here >
Take a look at colleagues enjoying the sessions, hosting their information stands and the photos they have shared, below.
Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Award of Merit awarded to PAHT nurse
Charlotte Collings, a nurse at PAHT, was recognised for her outstanding contribution to the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) at a special event hosted by the RCN at the ICC in Newport, South Wales on 2 June; and honoured with the Award of Merit – the highest honour for service to the RCN that can be given.
Charlotte, who works as a recruitment and retention nurse, joined the RCN in 2011 and has been the vice chair of the Eastern Region Board since 2020. She also chairs the internationally educated nurses (IEN) sub-working group for the region and in 2022 successfully debated at the RCN Congress for the prior experiences of IENs to be recognised; which led to the development of a national RCN workstream to address this. She is highly regarded within the RCN as an expert in internationally educated nursing issues and practices; and is often called upon for support and guidance.
Natalie Brooks, RCN Eastern Board chair and registered nurse nominated Charlotte for the Award of Merit, she said: “I am delighted Charlotte has been recognised, not only for her outstanding contribution to the RCN and the work she undertakes to support the
nursing family; but for her willingness to stand up and use her voice to ensure IENs have a voice within the RCN too.
“Charlotte always thinks of others and how she can support them and has developed some outstanding learning events. She has also raised items at the RCN Congress around IENs and successfully called for change and better working conditions; and this Award of Merit gives recognition to the amazing contribution she makes."
Charlotte said: “I was so surprised, but very humbled, to receive this Award of Merit from the RCN. I have always
prided myself on supporting those around me throughout my career and am very touched to have been recognised in this way.”
Sharon McNally, chief nurse and deputy chief executive, said: “A huge congratulations to Charlotte for being honoured in this way. It is wonderful that her RCN work, her support of internationally educated nurses and her impact across the RCN has been recognised. Congratulations Charlotte, this Award of Merit is very well deserved.”
To find out more about the awards, visit the RCN website here >
State-of-the-art robotic assisted surgery set to transform care at PAHT
A new surgical era is underway at PAHT following the introduction of a state-of-theart surgical robot.
The advanced robotically assisted surgical tool, called the Da Vinci Xi, made its debut to perform the first gynaecological surgery on 21 May
Dr Fay Gilder, medical director, said: “We are delighted that robotic assisted surgery has arrived at PAHT to revolutionise patient care and experiences. The cutting-edge technology marks a significant advancement in the provision of specialist surgical care for the people and community that we serve.
“Our highly-skilled surgeons, who have received extensive training on how to use the surgical robot, sit at a console to control the robotic arms in the same way they would when carrying out open or laparoscopic surgery or conventional surgical methods – at no risk to the patient. The difference is that the robot has four arms which carry the camera and surgical instruments.”
Ms Vardhini Vijay, consultant colorectal surgeon and clinical lead for the robotics steering group, said: “Robotic surgery allows surgeons to perform many types of procedures with more precision, flexibility and control than is possible with traditional methods. The
robotic system also allows for better 3D visualisation, giving surgeons the ability to perform delicate and complex procedures that may be difficult or impossible with other methods.
“Lengthy surgical procedures when performed through open surgery or traditional methods can also be physically demanding for the surgeons. With robotic surgery, longer and more complex surgery can be performed with less discomfort.
“The Da Vinci system has more than 20 years of patient outcome data with benefits including reduced complications, reduced requirement for intensive
care stay, reduced blood loss and reduced length of hospital stay.”
Mr Ajay Sooknah, operations lead for the robotics steering group, said: “The successful delivery of robotic surgery has been a multidisciplinary effort over the last 18 months with input from the sterile services team, IT department, theatres and clinicians. We are excited to offer this innovative surgical technique for general,
colorectal and gynaecology patients, with the aim of introducing other specialities.”
Ms Jyothi Rachna, clinical director for obstetrics and gynaecology, said: “I am excited to be performing the first robotic assisted case at PAHT. This technology will be of great benefit to our hysterectomy patients with decreased blood loss and reduced length of stay.”
Mr Adam Hussein, clinical lead for colorectal cancer, added: “Robotic surgery will be a significant benefit for colorectal cancer resections as it facilitates precision oncological surgery and provides enhanced views deep in the pelvis.”
ACT NOW in a sickle cell crisis: New pilot campaign launched at PAHT
Around 15,000 adults and children are living with sickle cell disorder in England. Their bodies produce unusually shaped red blood cells that can potentially block blood vessels and require emergency treatment.
PAHT is one of 15 sites across the country participating in the official pilot of the ACT NOW acronym to improve patient experience and clinical outcomes for adults and children experiencing a sickle cell crisis. Through this pilot programme, clinical staff at PAHT who provide care to adults/children who are having a sickle cell crisis, are adopting a new approach.
The pilot was launched on 21 May and developed collaboratively with clinical experts and patients; it supports a rapid and effective response to a sickle cell crisis, covering necessary tests and continual assessment of pain levels. This approach
is referenced in the Royal College of Emergency Medicine’s best practice guidance and is part of the NHS’s broader commitment to
improving outcomes for people with sickle cell disorder.
Further information and training are on the NHS London website which you can access here >
If you have any questions, please contact Fiona Hikmet, consultant paediatrician (children) at fionahikmet@ nhs.net; Kameta Imaeva, consultant haematologist (adults) at kameta.imaeva@ nhs.net; or Philemon Otto, clinical nurse specialist (adults) at philemon.otto@nhs.net
New visitors' charter for our wards
A new visitors’ charter was introduced onto our wards on 17 June.
The charter outlines a clear and consistent approach to when visitors can visit the ward areas, what is expected of them and how ward staff will also help and support.
Following the introduction of our first visitors’ charter and extended visiting hours in January 2023, we sought feedback from both our patients and our people. Both groups welcomed extended visiting arrangements, but some patients said they would prefer more quiet/private time during their stay in hospital; and our people advised it would be beneficial to have more time to provide direct clinical care in the morning.
Under the new visitors’ charter, the extended visiting hours will now run from 11am to 8pm There are no restrictions for people visiting patients at the end of life or where assistance is needed for communication purposes such as learning disabilities, dementia and mental health. Separate arrangements are also in place on the maternity wards, and patients will be informed of those when admitted.
Most wards are able to accommodate two visitors at a time, some are only able to accommodate one due to space restrictions. Children under the age of 12 can only
visit with the agreement of the nurse in charge. The new arrangements can be flexible and patients can speak to ward managers to discuss their personal circumstances to ensure their visiting needs are met.
Pictured is the generic visitors’ charter that features at the entrances to our hospital. Wards have charters that specify if they have a policy of one or two visitors. The
posters are double sided so that they can be changed at any given time if visiting arrangements change.
There are also new visitor information posters displayed at the entrance to each ward.
Please see our website for full details >
Congratulations to our DAISY Award winner for May
Congratulations to Shreya Pawar, who works on Ray Ward, who is the DAISY Awards® winner for May.
She received a nomination from the mother of a patient for the compassion and support she recently gave to her son; and one from a colleague who says she always puts her patients first, shows them compassion, puts new team members at ease and is always ready to learn more and share her knowledge.
Shreya was presented with her DAISY Award by Sharon McNally, chief nurse and deputy chief executive, at a special ceremony arranged as part of the This is Us Week celebrations for colleagues.
Sharon said: “Shreya is a very deserving winner and she should be extremely proud to have been nominated by both a parent and colleague.
"I am thrilled to present her with the DAISY Award®. The nomination clearly demonstrates that she puts her patients at the heart of all she does.”
Shreya received the DAISY Award® certificate, a beautiful hand carved Healer’s Touch Sculpture from Zimbabwe, a pin badge, copy of the full nomination, a gift bag and
cinnamon rolls. The award also gives her eligibility for numerous professional development, education and wellness benefits as part of the DAISY Awards® programme.
For further information about the DAISY Awards, visit AlexNet here >
Learning Disability Week: ‘Do you
see me?’
Learning Disability Week ran from 17-23 June. This year’s theme was ‘do you see me?’ which is all about being seen, heard and valued.
It was also an opportunity to challenge the barriers people with a learning disability face and to celebrate the contributions people with a learning disability make to society.
Many people with learning disabilities and/or autistic people need support when using our hospital services and our learning disabilities team (pictured) are on-hand to help support patients in our care.
They also organised a range of activities throughout the
week. This included ward visits to highlight how we can enhance care for patients with a learning disability; an InTouch briefing focusing on caring for our patients who have a learning disability; and the team attended the Learning Disability Festival in Harlow Park to host an information stand.
How to contact the team
If you have any queries or need any support or advice, contact the team (pictured, above) from 8am-4pm, Monday to Friday, using the following contact details:
y Sinead Juhas, learning disability assistant - use Alertive or call x 8195
y Tania Mustafa, learning disability assistant practitioner - use Alertive or call x 2218
y Karen Thomson, learning disability nurse specialistuse Alertive or call x 8742
The eighth edition of Our Journal – take a look…
We are pleased to share the eighth edition of Our Journal.
This edition features a host of updates, including on our blood transfusion team being recognised in the top ten hospitals nationally; a new surgical era at PAHT; our medical director hosting a new consultant development course; medical education updates; accolades for our colleagues and much more.
You can read the spring - summer 2024 edition via this link >
Thank you to the teams who have contributed to this edition. Please share Our Journal widely with your teams and let us know which developments we can profile in the next edition by contacting paht.communications@ nhs.net.
Introducing Learn from Patient Safety Events (LFPSE)
Changes to the Datix reporting system
When issues arise in healthcare, it is really important that we record them so that we can learn and make patient care safer. Recording patient safety events helps us to identify emerging risks and make changes to protect patients; it also helps us to understand how and where issues happen so that we can change the way we work.
From 6 June, a new national system was launched called Learn From Patient Safety Events (LFPSE).
y LFPSE will improve the quality of patient safety data collected from the NHS and other healthcare organisations
y The Datix system, formerly used at PAHT to record patient safety incidents, is connected to LFPSE so nothing changes in terms of how you report; the difference is in some of the information you are being asked to provide
Reporting a patient safety incident
From 6 June, when you report a patient safety incident, there are a few extra questions added to Datix which are mandatory to complete.
These extra questions are to ensure uniformity of information collected across
England, and were added by the National Patient Safety team for England.
All patient safety incidents will be immediately uploaded from Datix directly to the LFPSE system.
As part of this change, we ask you all to:
y Make every effort not to use abbreviations when you report an incident
y Whilst these may be understood within your specialty, the reports need to be understood by a wider audience
y Ensure patient, and other staff members’ identifiable information, is not included in the incident summary, as this will breach data protection regulations
Further information:
y You can download the poster here > for more information, or watch a short
video on the new LFPSE from NHS England here >
If you have any questions, please contact the Datix administration team by calling x 7172 or x 3287, or by emailing datixadmin@nhs.
net.
Volunteers recognised as finalists in national awards programme
End of life care volunteers at PAHT have reached the finals of a national awards programme.
The volunteers, known as the Butterfly team, have been recognised in the Palliative and End of Life Care Awards for the compassion, companionship and support they give to patients at the end of life, their family and carers.
The team were nominated for the development of the Butterfly Hub, a home-fromhome facility that enables families navigating the end of life journey of a loved one to have a private space away from the ward environment for reflection; and to take time to rest themselves during such a difficult time.
There are 16 Butterfly volunteers at PAHT, who are all specifically trained in providing compassionate support. The team are led by Nicki Harris, Butterfly volunteer coordinator, who since her arrival in November 2022, has been instrumental in developing the service and raising awareness across the ward areas.
The Butterfly Hub is also used by other services at PAHT including the bereavement midwife teams, mortuary team, chaplaincy team and more.
Nicki Harris said: “I am delighted that the Butterfly Hub
and its volunteers have been recognised for this award. We have developed the hub into a home-from-home facility; but its success is thanks to the dedication and commitment of our team of volunteers who give up their own time each week to support our patients, and their family/carers, at the end of life.”
Sharon McNally, chief nurse and deputy chief executive, added: “I am delighted that our team of Butterfly volunteers have been recognised in this way, which is testament to their commitment and dedication. On behalf of PAHT, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you for all the team does to support our patients at the end of life, and their family and carers.”
PAHT is proud to work in partnership with the Anne Robson charity to run the Butterfly volunteer service.
For further information, visit the website here >
Our patients said...
"I recently visited with my young child who has special needs. I was very worried about how she would cope with the X-rays and being examined, but I need not have. All the staff were so incredible and I feel like they really were amazing at not only helping my daughter's broken wrist, but making the experience as speedy and pleasant as possible. We were in and out within 2.5 hours which I think is amazing. The children's A&E, minor injuries and fracture teams were just wonderful. I cannot speak highly enough of their care and professionalism with my daughter and I am extremely grateful."
"I had an appointment in the urology department at Oak Unit, St Margaret's Hospital. I was very nervous, anxious and dreading it. This being the case, I feel I must tell you how wonderful your staff Margaret and Lisa were. They put me at ease the moment I was called in, they were thoughtful, caring and explained everything they were doing from beginning to end. They did not know I was staff, so I did not get any special treatment. I just thought you should know how lovely they are."
"I had a really traumatic experience which was made easier by the human empathy shown."
Wise about wellbeing
While you are caring for our patients, or supporting those who provide care, it is extremely important to remember to focus on your wellbeing and to check in with your colleagues too.
There are a wide variety of resources available to you to support your health and wellbeing. Each month, we share practical information and tips as part of our wise about wellbeing feature.
This month, we are focusing on the fantastic wellbeing sessions hosted as part of This Is Us Week, which you can now catch up on on our YouTube channel.
These included:
y Wellbeing o’clock with Here for you - psychological support service for our people - watch the recording here >
y Wellbeing o’clock with Vivup - understand the services our Employee Assistance Programme can offer you - watch the recording here >
y Retune (mental wellbeing) - watch the recording here >
y Wellbeing o’clock with Andy’s Man Club (men’s suicide prevention charity) - ending the stigma surrounding men’s mental health - watch the recording here >
You can access details of the full range of health and wellbeing resources on the staff health and wellbeing workspace on AlexNet >
Welcome to our new #PAHTPeople
In the last month, 59 new #PAHTPeople have joined us:
Hannah Kimberly
Afuang
Oluwafolahanmi
Afuape
Zain Ahmed
Adefunke Akinsanya
Chiamaka Aleke
Charlie Andrews
Folashade
Ayokunle Alli
Christina BaganJones
Isaac Barkah
Bianca Caministeanu
Eunesia Cesar
Manuel
Hridya Cheruvary
Pandinjarekkandy
Favour Davidson
Leonor De Sousa
Jisha Eapen
Susanna Mariya
Edakkalathur Benny
Chisanga Edris
Monrudee Ellington
Inas Gadelkarim
Zara Garvin
Tijo George
Helna George
Macie Gumble
Deborah Haward-
Grau
Sharen Hayward
Kelly Hayward
Chloe Kaminski
Soby Kayilthuruthil
Pankajakshan
Elizabeth Kayode
Rachel Keane
Mathilda Keenan
Lorraine Kent-Pert
Rebecca Kooyman
Antony Marlow
Ross McCabe
Leanne Montgomery
Anna Mosesson
Clivert Nde
Patrick Ogunsuyi
Ifeoma Okafor
Seun Olasunkanmi
Godwin Onyemaenu
Madhuka Panangama
Ralalage
Ileana-Adelina
Patrascioiu
Rishfana Rishfana
Omobolanle Saka
Safia Sed
Georgia Sheahan
Fernanda
Silveira Martins
Monteiro
Ahmed Soliman
Ketlyn Souza Costa
Jose
Alessandra Spiga
Samuel Tall
Suabra Umar
Marie Urbonas
Ruchir Vasaiwalla
Brydie-May Vinson
Vidushi
WickremeratneJansz
Anne-Marie Wolk
In this time, 38 people have left PAHT - thank you for supporting our patients and our people.