Nottinghamshire Healthcare
NHS
NHS Trust
JULY 2010
about mental health and learning disability
Human Library and Time to Change join forces to fight stigma see page 5 Main: Human Library 'book' Stuart is borrowed by Amanda Farr, High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire. Left: Sue Baker, Director, Time to Change, Rob Greenhalgh, President, Students’ Union, The University of Nottingham, Professor Saul Tendler, Pro Vice Chancellor, The University of Nottingham, Amanda Farr, High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire and Professor Clair Chilvers, Chair, Nottinghamshire Healthcare pledge to fight the stigma of mental health
FACING THE FUTURE CDW CONFERENCE HIGHBURY CELEBRATION ANNE ROBINSON HOTEL SERVICES AWARD NETBALL SCHEME
MESSAGE
FROM THE BOARD We are now mid-way through a three month period of assessment by a Monitor team to determine if Nottinghamshire Healthcare is fit to become accredited as equivalent to a Foundation Trust (eFT). The team of assessors has been visiting all areas of the Trust and interviewing members of staff, service users and our partners to assure themselves that we are legally constituted, well governed and financially viable. They have been concentrating on our Cost Improvement Programme, looking at workforce, demand for our services and the quality of those services. The Board is convinced that we have the standards and the skills to achieve this eFT accreditation. Reaching this stage is the result of a great deal of hard work from every member of staff, so thank you. We will update you as soon as we know the outcome. Well done to the successful candidates elected recently onto the Members’ Council and thanks to everyone who voted. The Governor Members are now undergoing their induction and the first meeting of the Council will take place at the end of September. More details about the Governor Members, who they are and what they will be doing, will feature in a future issue of this newsletter. Finally, the Centre for Trauma, Resilience and Growth has just celebrated its 10th anniversary with a hugely successful conference featuring nationally and internationally renowned trauma experts and opened by Terry Waite CBE. You can find out more about the event in the next edition of Positive.
Ruth Hawkins, Executive Director, Finance & Performance
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Painting the way to recovery Inpatients at Highbury Hospital have been busy decorating some of the fencing which surrounds the building work on the site. They have been taking part in a graffiti art project designed by the Occupational Therapy team to encourage patient participation, creativity and provide an outlet for expression. The graffiti was carried out over a number of sessions over a two week period and officially unveiled at the beginning of June by Janet Sheard, Executive Director of Nursing and Allied Health Professionals. She said: “I was delighted to be asked to unveil this artwork. It’s marvellous; bright and eye-catching and very impressive and the patients have obviously enjoyed doing it and gained a lot from it.”
Tim Catchpole unveiled the artwork with Janet Sheard.
gain a sense of achievement from their contribution which in turn will help maximise confidence and self esteem which is all beneficial to their recovery. Senior Occupational Therapist Esther Lovett said: “This project has been a great success. The patients have really enjoyed it and seemed to get a lot out of it. Some individuals who don’t usually take part in group activities have joined in and had a really positive experience.
It was hoped that the project would give patients the opportunity to be creative while exploring and expressing themes around their recovery such as being well and staying well. Participants could also
"The journey to recovery is sometimes a long and difficult one, but experiencing social interaction through a joint activity, and recovering confidence and self-esteem, are things that will help."
Below: l-r Viv Kilbourne, Professional Lead, Sarah Barsby, Catherine Convey, Occupational Therapist, Janet Sheard, Executive Director of Nursing and Allied Health Professionals, Esther Lovett, Senior Occupational Therapist, and John French, Support Worker
The graffiti art is currently on display on fencing near to The Maples and will move close to the Learning Disability department when building work is completed.
Moving Forward in the Forensic Division The Moving Forward Benefits Realisation Project draws upon the objectives and strategies developed within the Directorates of the Forensic Division and is aligned with wider Trust developments, the known strategy of commissioners and the overarching capacity plan for High Secure Services. The underpinning themes are of modernisation: shared clinical drivers, financial performance, the workforce, the estate, risk management, key performance indicators, and the patient experience. The outputs from each of the workstreams, including the financial benefits and the implementation timetable are formally signed off by the ‘Moving Forward’ Project Director, Mike Harris. In September 2009, the project was extended to include all of the Forensic
Division, based on the Integrated Business Plan. Therefore, three additional workstreams were created, Wathwood, Arnold Lodge and Low Secure / Prison In-reach Service. The workstreams are: Workstream 1: Resource Management Workstream 2: The Hospital at Night Workstream 3: Site Utilisation and Ward Changes Workstream 4: Systems Integration Management Workstream 5: Integrated Care Pathways Workstream 6: Human Resources, Management Structures and Functions Workstream 7: Arnold Lodge Workstream 8: Wathwood Workstream 9: Low Secure / Prison In-reach Service
Productive Notts Productive Notts, the system wide approach to managing the emerging economic and political situation, recently hosted a Summit at which 180 senior leaders from the county gathered to learn more about this joint approach and to hear how organisations in other countries had managed similar challenges. The half day event was held at Eastwood Hall and was chaired by Mike Cooke. Guest speakers included Professor Graeme Currie, from CLAHRC and Professor Naomi Chambers from Manchester Business School. The panel and other speakers included the county Chief Executives and Chairs as well as Brenda Howard, Director of Transformation with the Productive Notts project and representation from GPs, other clinicians and the Local Authority. Productive Notts is a progressive programme that requires each
l-r Carolyn White, Chief Executive, Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Wendy Saviour, Chief Executive, NHS Nottinghamshire County, Peter Homa, Chief Executive, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Felicity Cox, Interim Chief Executive, Bassetlaw PCT, Andrew Kenworthy, Chief Executive, NHS Nottingham City, Professor Mike Cooke, Chief Executive, Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust
organisation to deliver its individual contribution – performance, efficiency, quality, innovation at the same time as high levels of patient and staff satisfaction. This is a bold, radical ambition but we believe those we serve; Nottinghamshire’s patients, service users, public and staff deserve nothing less. Political announcements are already showing the extent of the savings that need to be achieved and the new ways in which the NHS in Nottinghamshire will be working. Productive Notts is a framework for how we approach the tremendous challenges ahead in Nottinghamshire. More details will follow.
Facing the Future – Local Services ‘Facing the Future’ is the five year project which is driving forward improved efficiency across the Local Services Division, to ensure that the needs and expectations of people using services are met and that the highest quality of care is delivered. The project has considered existing services, current practices and use of resources and has identified five areas to help achieve efficiency, each with a workstream to take this work forward. These are: • Mobile working and information management – efficient access of IT and information management systems • Lean care pathways – enhancing the patient journey and experience of services • Effective management, procurement and service structures – delivering cost effective services of the highest standard with the most efficient use of resources • The Estate – achieving a modern estate that is fit for purpose and matches the needs of services and the people using these • Out of area placements – considering how to deliver care currently provided outside of the local area nearer to patients’ homes For more information about the ‘Facing the Future’ project, to share your views or to get involved, please contact Charlotte Whyman, Acting Head of Human Resources, Local Services, on 0115 9529494 or charlotte.whyman@nottshc.nhs.uk
Positive July 2010
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Assertive Outreach conference considers tension and dilemmas A Trust-organised conference in May brought together service users, carers and professionals from around the UK to discuss some of the tensions and dilemmas associated with assertive outreach and to look at where the service goes from here. The conference, held in May, got off to an exciting start with opening addresses from Michelle Malone, County Service Manager, and Steven Coles, Clinical Psychologist, summarising the themes for the day. The setting of the grand hall at Life at the Centre in Nottingham lent a formal air to the initial proceedings, which was supported by the eager audience. The next event was
also well received as Bob Diamond, Clinical Psychologist, and peer support workers Peter Robinson and Kevin Beard shared the history and personal experience of peer involvement. Geoff Shepherd, Senior Policy Adviser, spoke on recovery and what this means in practice, sharing his many years of experience of direct work within the NHS and in national research, particularly around the value of employment in promoting recovery. The vigorous debate on the controversial topic of community treatment orders resonated with ‘tension’, the theme for the day. The afternoon followed with workshops on coming off
of assertive outreach teams across the UK and abroad. By the end of the day the delegates had Left to right: Yvonne Troccolo (Administrator), Michele learnt about recovery, Malone (County Service Manager), Steven Coles (Clinical Psychologist), Amie Staples (Social Worker), Debra Goode risk, advance (Community Psychiatric Nurse), Geoff Culpin (Team Leader). directives, medication (Guy Holmes, community treatment orders, Clinical Psychologist), coming off medication, peer therapeutic risk taking support, the past, the future (Christine Collinson, Clinical – and why assertive outreach Psychologist), advance is like chips! statements (Penny Arnold, Making Waves) and recovery The conference was made dilemmas (Assertive Outreach possible through the hard team members). This was a work and ideas of Assertive chance for the attendees to Outreach team members, take a lead in exploring these with particular thanks to topics and challenging the administrative staff Yvonne facilitators. Troccolo, Lynne Hinde and Jenny Poole. Funding came To round the day off Caroline from Nick Daibell, County Cupitt, Clinical Psychologist, Adult Mental Health General spoke on the past and future Manager.
Holly Lodge clients join Fire and Rescue service Holly Lodge day services centre in Newark has built up a relationship with the local Fire and Rescue Station team, and is now able to offer its clients regular educational visits around the station. Holly Lodge supports adults with challenging behaviour associated with a learning disability. Staff Nurse Joanne Hammond said of a recent visit: “It was fantastic to see our most challenging clients participate in such a hands on experience.”
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Human Library makes Time to Change Open books were in abundance at a Time to Change Human Library event held in May at The University of Nottingham. Over a hundred visitors, including Amanda Farr, the High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire, and Professor Clair Chilvers, Chair of the Trust, also took the opportunity to formally pledge their support to the Time to Change campaign – England's most ambitious campaign to end the discrimination faced by people who experience mental health problems, as well as improve the nation's wellbeing. “The human libraries are fantastic events,” said Laura May, Time to Change Marketing Officer. “The basic premise of our campaign is social engagement, so events like this are perfect. It’s the best way to learn, not only about mental illness, but that it can affect anyone.” Visitors to the Human Library were able to select from ‘books’ on a number of topics, ranging from depression and psychosis to eating disorders. Readers then got 20 minutes with their ‘book’ for a face-toface conversation about their specialist topic. The emphasis on face-to-face interaction makes the Human Library a powerful tool for breaking down stigma and prejudice. Sue Baker, Director of Time to Change borrowed Trevor and learnt about his experience of psychosis. She posted her reflections on the time spent with Trevor on the organisation’s website, commenting that she would never forget it. You can read Sue’s blog at: www.time-tochange.org.uk/get-involved/ourcampaign/blog/campaign-trail Jodie Burden, a 22-year-old PhD student of psychiatry, helped set up a support network on the University campus for people with eating disorders. She explained why she was acting as a book for the first time: “The benefit of events like this can’t be underestimated. It gets the core Time to Change message out, and even if you only help a few people learn how to respond to mental health issues, it’s a start,” she said. “It’s about letting people know that they can respond to someone with a mental health problem just like anyone else.”
Eating disorders were among the health problems misunderstood by the public, she said. “Media portrayals tend to focus on women, when there are many men suffering with eating disorders. We thought John Prescott coming out as bulimic would start a sea change in attitudes, but it hasn’t really happened. Instead sufferers still tend to be defined by how much they weigh. That needs to go out the window for a start.” Jodie also emphasised how important the support of friends and peers can be for mental health and tackling stigma. “We’ve found that because students have moved away from their support networks, they may not have any close knit friendships. Our group acts as a bridge for people who are suffering so that they can get help. We’re here to help them get across that gap.” Claire Thompson, The University’s mental health advisor, said the Human Library event was evidence of a growing awareness of stigma. “When I started here three years ago, the information available on mental health was very limited. Now, suddenly, there’s all sorts. Events like this are key to that. They’re really, really good. We are constantly telling students that their mental health is important, and that challenging stigma is important.” Below: Some of the Time to Change pledges.
Above: Human Library 'book' Gladys. Left: Human Library 'book' Liza makes her pledge.
And she was delighted to host the event at the University, adding it was vital to ensure students developed good attitudes to mental health. “University students will be moving into careers that could take them anywhere. It’s our responsibility to ensure they take an understanding of mental health issues with them into the wider world. To get students to take time out can be really difficult, but we are definitely going to be looking at what else we can do with this idea,” she said. “There’s nothing more powerful than faceto-face interaction. It breaks down prejudice to speak to someone who has gone through so much. You come away thinking ‘wow, you’re amazing.’”
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Hari Sewell from the National Mental Health Development unity presents WRAP and RECC certificates to some of the successful participants.
Community development worker conference breaks through barriers he Trust’s Community Development Worker (CDW) team hosted its second annual conference last month. The event, titled ‘Community Engagement: Breaking through Barriers’, was chaired by Nick Judge, Commissioning Manager/ Clinical Advisor from NHS Nottingham City, and Julie Hall, Associate Director, Local Services, Nottinghamshire Healthcare.
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Janet Sheard, Executive Director for Nursing and Allied Health Professionals, began the day with an overview of the Trust’s commitment to the equality and diversity agenda and praised the CDWs for the significant contribution they had made to the Trust since the service was introduced in March 2008. Later, Aneela Asim, former CDW Service Manager, and Rosie
Spring celebration at Highbury Hospital A ‘spring celebration day’ at Highbury Hospital gave service users the chance to express themselves in various different ways by taking part in a number of creative workshops. The event, held on 23 April, was organised by the Spiritual and Pastoral Care Service. It kicked off with DJ skills and art workshops where service users could try their hands at
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scratching, recording, mixing, graffiti art or contributing to a group collage made with natural materials with the theme of spring. These workshops were run by a community arts organisation called SEND, which provides outreach courses, workshops and bespoke projects with the aim of developing creativity and providing positive learning experiences through music, arts and technology. Leanne Sutton, SEND’s Community Liaison and Development Coordinator, said: “The event was a great success. Not only did the participants enjoy
Hepple, Manager for the NHS Nottingham City CDW team, presented the CDW annual achievement report. They highlighted practical examples of activities relating to community engagement, capacity building, training and development. The highlight of the conference was the real life examples presented by service users, carers, support workers and community and voluntary sector organisations including Dynamite, Young Diverse Minds, EKTA, Nottingham African Women’s Empowerment Forum, the Alzheimer’s Society, Broxtowe community groups and the Worksop Polish Group. They spoke of the positive impact that CDW support has had on enabling better understanding of mental health issues within their communities, and emphasised the benefits of partnership working and how this has given communities a platform to have their voices heard.
promotes the therapeutic use of drumming for its holistic benefits. This was followed in the evening by a popular disco along with a buffet and a calming ‘chill out’ area.
having the opportunity to learn some new skills, but all involved gave some wonderful feedback and at the end of the day there were plenty of smiles and warm thanks.” Later on in the afternoon a lively drumming workshop was lead by the Therapeutic Drumming Foundation, which
Esther Lovett, Senior Occupational Therapist, said: “We all felt that the spring celebration day was a massive success with our service users and we thought the organisations involved were amazing.” The Spiritual and Pastoral Care Service
Walk 4 Life – Exercise Referral Coordinators Lisa Hart (l) and Evelyn Goodwin (r) with Dr Mike Harris, Executive Director, Forensic Services
Service users and carers were also able to share their experiences of being empowered to deliver race equality and cultural capability training and the difference that this had made to their lives. A tear-jerking drama performance came from the ‘iceandfire’ theatre company, raising awareness of the experiences of refugee and asylum communities coming to England, before Catherine Conchar, Head of Equality and Diversity, spoke about future ways of working for the Trust’s CDWs. CDWs are now located within individual directorates to ensure a focus on community engagement within each service. Feedback from delegates was very positive and many of the evaluations described the event as inspiring and certainly worthy of the title ‘breaking through barriers’.
hopes to be able to organise similar events in the future to meet people’s diverse spiritual needs. These include the need to express ourselves, to feel included and the need to be creative, to dance and to have fun. Many thanks to the Highbury Adult Mental Health Occupational Therapy team for all their help and facilitation, and to staff, volunteers, service
users and the organisations involved who all made this day one of springtime celebration. Left: A collaborative group collage made with natural materials and paints creating the word ‘beauty’. Below: The Therapeutic Drumming Foundation drumming workshop.
Pedometer challenge gets Rampton Hospital moving Patients and staff taking part in a walking challenge at Rampton Hospital are competing to be the first to travel 874 miles – the equivalent of the distance from John O’Groats to Lands End. The challenge was designed by the Healthy Living Steering Group to initiate positive lifestyle changes and an increase in the amount of physical exercise taken by patients. Wards have been placed in directorate teams and each team is competing to be the first to complete the challenge and win a treadmill for their ward. The challenge was launched on 24 April with advice and information from the Physical Healthcare, Fitness, Recreational and Motivational teams at the Hospital. Participants were given a Walk 4 Life T-shirt and pedometer and patients also had the opportunity to have a go at Wii Fit, ten pin bowling and a cycling challenge. Pedometer step totals are now collected on a weekly basis and converted into mileage. The results are displayed on a map of the British Isles in the Hospital’s recreational hall. The first team to complete the walk will be rewarded with a fruit hamper for each ward in the team. The ward in that team that achieves the most mileage will also win a piece of cardiovascular equipment. Evelyn Goodwin, Exercise Referral Coordinator from the Healthy Lifestyle Team, said: “We had a great uptake for the challenge with many patients and staff eager to get moving. We hope that this challenge will prove an enjoyable way of bringing health benefits to patients and staff alike.” Five weeks into the challenge the white team (personality disorder) was in the lead, with the red team (women’s service) hot on their heels. But with more than 675 miles still to go, the competition is wide open. Watch this space for the final results.
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When Gerry met Anne Healthcare Assistant Gerry Molumby had a day out of the ordinary recently when he met TV presenter Anne Robinson. Gerry, who works at Sycamore Grove, Mansfield (Adult Learning Disability Directorate), interviewed and photographed Anne, who is second generation Liverpool Irish, for an Irish Community newspaper.
Left: Anne Robinson Above: The signed mouse mat
She gave Gerry a 'Weakest Link' mouse mat and a greeting card offering best wishes to staff and residents at Sycamore Grove.
"Anne is a mouse when in her own home and although a good wit, she is not as fierce as her TV persona is interpreted," said Gerry.
In focus: issues and services for deaf people with a learning disability A conference organised by two members of Trust staff brought together over 90 delegates from Ireland, Spain and Austria as well as the UK. The ‘Sense and Sensibility Conference: Responding to Deaf People with an Intellectual Disability’ was held on 10 May at the East Midlands Conference Centre and was organised by Dr Kevin Baker, Clinical Psychologist at Nottinghamshire Healthcare and the National Deaf Mental Health Service in Birmingham, and Dr Jennifer Clegg, Consultant Clinical Psychologist at Nottinghamshire Healthcare and the University of Nottingham, with support from the Institute of Mental Health. The event aimed to explore the issues that face deaf people with a learning disability and the services that serve them. The keynote speech was given by Neil Glickman, a psychologist from Massachusetts, USA, who has just published a book on how to work therapeutically with this client group. The book is titled ‘Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy for Deaf and Hearing Persons with Language and Learning Challenges’.
Human Library education event success A group of Human Library ‘books’ and ‘readers’ met on Monday 24 May for an event designed to encourage those with mental health issues to get into education. The session was held at the Middle Street Resource Centre in Beeston and was organised by the Education Managed Information Network. It lasted for just two hours, but with ten ‘readers’ and 30 minutes for each conversation, it was an intensive time.
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Neil’s presentation and his workshop on the following day provided a clear description of the difficulties experienced by deaf people with additional disabilities and ways that the professionals involved in their care can adapt therapeutic approaches successfully. The keynote speech was followed by presentations from Dr Jennifer Clegg, Sally Austen (National Deaf Mental Health Service, Birmingham), Dr Sue O’Rourke (St. George’s Healthcare Group), and a joint presentation from Dr Sara Rhys-Jones (Cardiff West Community Support Team) with Dr Kevin Baker. Each of these presentations addressed issues relating to themes such as perspectives of disability, challenging behaviours and communication, the criminal justice system, and how staff respond to deafness and learning disability. The organisers are now negotiating with Oxford Press to publish papers from the conference as a textbook which would be one of the first in the world in this highly specialised clinical area.
‘Books’ from Castle College, New College Nottingham and Nottingham University all came along, as well as a Trust Education advisor and three service users in education. All the ‘books’ found the experience helped improve their mental health. The morning also achieved its aim with three people signing up for courses. The Human Library was organised by Stephanie Kings, Clinical Studies Officer, and Michael Osborne, Service User Volunteer. Maggie Abrahart, Research Assistant, Institute of Mental Health, assisted as ‘librarian’, helping with ‘book’ selection and ensuring all were returned in their original condition. For information on human libraries contact 07890 871769 or mike.osborne@yahoo.co.uk.
The Hotel Services Management Team. Left to right: Susan Brown, Louise Williams, Mandy Turton, John Heath, Mark Davies, Sarah Campbell, Karen Hall.
Hotel Services picks up national award The Hotel Services management team, Local Services has won a national NHS award. The team picked up the Health Estates and Facilities Management Association (Hefma) ‘Facilities Team of the Year’ at an award ceremony held in Harrogate in May. The team was pleased when they found out before the conference that they had been shortlisted to the final three, but was overjoyed when they heard that they had won. The award recognised a number of
key work achievements including: • Winning a £2 million a year Hotel Services contract, bidding against private sector companies. • Introducing and expanding our ‘Options’ catering brand to a number of Trust and PCT premises. • Supporting service users with employment experience in our catering departments. • Expanding our provision of ‘in-house’ accredited training courses to further develop our staff. • Holding our own teambuilding and award events to recognise individual and team achievements.
• Implementing our own performance measures and showing ongoing improvements whilst achieving Trust cost improvement programmes. Mark Davies, Hotel Services Manager, Local Services, said: “Our Chief Executive has sent his congratulations and is extremely pleased, as are we, with this prestigious award. Without the great support, commitment, loyalty and hard work from all our Hotel Services staff, we would not have received this recognition, so thank you and well done to everyone in Hotel Services.”
Health Informatics Update: New Health Centre patient information system for Rampton On 24 May 2010, Rampton Hospital Health Centre went live with a new Physical Healthcare System, ‘TPP SystmOne’. The aim of the system is to provide an integrated, flexible and modern information system to manage and deliver current and future physical (GP) healthcare services to patients within the Hospital. The system will also make the day-to-day tasks of the Health Centre staff easier and more manageable. Benefits include: • Patients can be identified quickly with minimum data input and their records fully integrated across different care teams
• Referrals can be managed through controlled scheduling and care packages can be created for each patient • Service staff can create patient care plans to record goals, appointment frequency, action history and evaluation • All clinical activity undertaken with patients can be electronically recorded • Access to TPP SystmOne Community irrespective of staff location • The production of management information and reports including Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) to not only meet current requirements but also investigate and identify other areas to improve healthcare service delivery
• Data remains secure to ensure both the integrity of Information Governance and the physical security of the service users It has taken a huge amount of time, patience and dedication from the project team and health centre staff to get the new system to this stage, but the benefits will make this well worthwhile. Initial feedback from the Health Centre staff is very positive; they are finding the system more user friendly and the GPs feel there is more consistency due to this type of system being used widely in other GP practices, which has also enabled them to adapt easier.
Positive Positive January July 2010
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Work experience success for Year 10 students Earlier this year, two Year 10 work experience students spent a week in Duncan Macmillan House learning the ropes about life working at Nottinghamshire Healthcare. Amy Steels, a pupil at Fernwood Comprehensive School, worked with the Communications Team in May, while 15 year old Lily Weaver spent a week at the end of April with the Learning and Development Department. They each wrote about their experience: Amy I wanted to experience work within mental health in the NHS as I was intrigued to find out about mental health as a whole and the background which makes the Trust so successful. I study Information Communication Technology at school and so thought it would be a good idea to work within the Communications Team as I wanted to find out how much technology and communication the Trust relies on. I soon realised the Communications Team doesn’t just organise and control the technical information within the Trust as I’d first assumed; they also do a large amount of work with service users and take part in events.
On Monday I was shown how to write press releases, which are one way of showing positive views about mental health in the media. Then I spent my second day in an Executive Leadership Council (ELC) meeting, where I learned about the business side of the Trust and successful prison bids. I was also shown the ‘Sectioned’ documentary, which opened my eyes to what the NHS is really about, and I also supported the admin team, worked with the Human Library and helped produce anti-stigma posters and leaflets. My favourite part of the week was spending time at Highbury Hospital watching the patients creating artwork to brighten up the hospital. I learnt that without the NHS, mental illness would be a huge endless problem. The NHS helps a lot of people and helps them to rebuild lives, and this is what I see as rewarding.
At the end of the week, if I'm honest, I really wasn't that keen on leaving and Amy Steels outside going back to school as I The Resource at Duncan Macm illan House. thoroughly enjoyed my week and everyone there Thanks again to the Communications was so nice. Thanks to everyone who Team; I learned a lot and they have helped made me feel so welcome and kept me me focus on a job like this for my future. busy for the whole week, especially Kim Spencer, who took me under her wing and Lily kept me busy with lots of jobs. I had a great week with the Learning and Development department and was It was a great experience and has seriously welcomed warmly by the whole team. made me think about the career Throughout the week I was taught various opportunities available to me in the NHS skills, many of which were on the and particularly Nottinghamshire Healthcare.
Toothbrush exchange brings a healthy smile to Heather Close residents Service users at Heather Close Recovery Unit are on the right track for healthy teeth and gums, thanks to a ‘toothbrush exchange’ organised in May. Dental care is notoriously neglected in mental health services and inpatients within longterm residential facilities are at greater risk than the general population. At the toothbrush exchange all service users were invited to swap their old toothbrushes for a new toothbrush, toothpaste and mouthwash (provided by the County NHS Oral Health Promotion Team in Nottingham) Kerri Starr, resident and advice was provided on basic of Heather Close, shows off her dental hygiene, local dentists, smile, accompanied by ‘Tooth’. and claiming for free dental care.
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interactive side using a computer to sort a variety of things, and also preparing for a big induction which was to happen in a week's time. On the Tuesday Kim Spencer and I travelled to the ELC meeting where we helped with some of the large amount of jobs there were to be done! For the rest of the day, we sat and listened in and although much of it went straight over my head, some was pretty interesting, particularly Janet Sheard talking about the Francis report and the role it plays in preparation for the Trust becoming equivalent to a Foundation Trust. I also took part in two courses about office ergonomics and basic life support, both of which I very much enjoyed.
Back in July 2009 an audit of dental care was carried out at the Heather Close Recovery Unit. It found that only 34% of service users were registered with a dentist and although 68% had toothbrushes, 24% did not brush their teeth daily. The audit recommended providing toothbrushes to all service users and educating them and staff about good oral health. Oral health is an important feature of recovery from mental ill health; it affects a person’s self-esteem, self-image, communication with others and ultimately quality of life. Decaying teeth, bad breath and toothache all have a detrimental effect on how an individual feels and how others view them. At the toothbrush exchange visual aids and a member of staff dressed as a giant tooth encouraged conversation and interaction, while a purple dinosaur with a set of dentures and giant toothbrush appealed to the ‘kid’ in all of us and helped demonstrate tooth brushing methods (while residents nipped at each others’ fingers with those pearly whites!). A prize was offered for a ‘tooth ticklers’ quiz, made up of interesting facts about teeth in the animal kingdom. The afternoon was a success and will be repeated. Support will be provided for residents needing to register with a dentist. The original audit is due to be repeated in July 2010.
This issue we meet Senior Probation Officer Angela Walker
Debate informs vote on community treatment orders
q What is your job title and what does your role entail? a I am a Senior Probation officer and am seconded to the Trust on a senior management placement. This is part of my two year NOMS Leadership programme entitled Accelerate 2. This develops BME and disabled staff to compete for senior management posts within the criminal justice sector. I have been based in substance misuse services at Oxford Corner. I have been doing some development work on the Alcohol Treatment Worker posts; a project between the Trust and Probation. I have also been attending Senior Management meetings and been involved in the Bradley Implementation project.
Recent amendments to the Mental Health Act have led to the creation of community treatment orders (CTOs). A person on a CTO needs to comply with compulsory treatment in the community or they can be recalled to hospital. Opinion is divided on the use of CTOs, with some people in favour and others against. In order to provide a constructive forum for sharing ideas on this topic a debate was held in Nottingham in May.
q How long have you been with Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust? a I am on a three month placement from 12 April to 2 July. q What do you see as your priorities for Nottinghamshire Healthcare? a Enjoying the three months and getting the most out of the experience as the opportunity won’t come around again! q What is your employment background? a I have been a Probation Officer for eight years and a Senior Probation Officer for six years. Prior to that I have worked in a shoe shop when at college, as a purchase ledger, laboratory assistant for the NHS in Sheffield, ward receptionist, management accounts administrator and a relief probation hostel worker. q What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given? a Treat people as you would like to be treated. What goes around comes around.
q&a q
What single thing would improve your working life at Nottinghamshire Healthcare? a Access to a computer!
q What is your favourite hobby? a Playing/umpiring netball. q What keeps you awake at night? a Snoring. q What is your favourite film? a Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? q What is your idea of bliss? a Reading on a tropical beach. q
What three words would you use to describe yourself? a Compact, petite and bijoux.
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What is your favourite holiday destination? a Mauritius
q What was the last CD you bought? a Alicia Keys’ album.
q Who would you take to a desert island? a Will Smith, Idris Elba and Meki Phifer.
q What is your greatest achievement? a Having my son and surviving Non-
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Hodgkins Lymphoma. I have been in remission for 18 years.
q What makes you angry? a Injustice and disrespect.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time? a Living abroad.
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Do you have a ‘claim to fame’? Played e-flat tenor horn in school orchestra at the National Festival of Youth finals aged 10.
q What are you most passionate about? q How would you like to be a My son and netball; playing and umpiring remembered? and sport in general and literature. a With affection! 11
The debate motion was ‘community treatment orders hinder strengths focused practice and the recovery of service users’. Anne Felton and Alastair Morgan, lecturers at the School of Nursing at the University of Nottingham, spoke in favour of the motion and against CTOs, while the motion was opposed by Andrew Molodynkski, Consultant Psychiatrist, and Claire Visser, Research Assistant, who both work on a research project titled: ‘The Oxford Community Treatment Order Trial’ at the University of Oxford. The debate audience was made up of a variety of mental health professionals, service users and carers who were attending an assertive outreach conference funded by the Trust. After the arguments from both sides and an opportunity for comments and questions, the audience voted anonymously for or against the debate motion. Once the votes had been counted, the chair announced that the majority of the audience supported the motion, with 49 votes in favour, 29 against and five abstentions. The Trust’s Mental Health Debate Forum is now planning two further debates. The first will take place on 19 July and will focus on the diagnosis of borderline personality disorder, while the second will consider risk and mental health services and will be held on 15 September. Both will take place at Duncan Macmillan House. To book a place at either debate please contact Jenny Poole on 0115 9529474 or email jenny.poole@nottshc.nhs.uk. For further information on the debate forum email Steven Coles at steven.coles@nottshc.nhs.uk.
Recovery strategy: the Bassetlaw experience Trust colleagues within Bassetlaw have always tried to offer services that are recovery orientated, so when the Trust was developing ‘personal recovery packages’, Bassetlaw colleagues were keen to find out more. Each Bassetlaw team identified a recovery champion, benchmarked their services on a range of recovery related statements, and developed a recovery orientated action plan. A recovery strategy meeting was also developed, intended to provide a forum in which examples of best practice could be shared and challenges around delivering recovery-based services could be discussed. All recovery champions attended training to introduce the approach, skills and values necessary to facilitate recovery and promote social inclusion for people with mental health problems. The course
included topics such as what is meant by recovery, the importance of hope in recovery, and using personal recovery plans and advanced directives. It also clarified the champions’ role as ensuring recovery was on the agenda at team meetings, encouraging reflective practice within teams, role modelling, teaching others about recovery principles and attending the recovery strategy meetings. In June 2009 the recovery strategy for the Trust was launched and the sector was pleased to see that the work already started was consistent with the Trust-wide approach. The launch posed some new challenges for Bassetlaw but also provided opportunities. More recently the recovery strategy meeting has undergone a review, and will now be developed into a wider discussion
forum, with two meetings a year to provide updates and discuss ‘business’ matters. At each forum a theme is chosen for discussion and the forums are open to all staff interested in learning about and discussing how recovery principles can be integrated into everyday working practice. The Bassetlaw sector will also be evaluating progress made within the teams, by rebenchmarking the recovery work that is being done and developing new action plans where appropriate. The teams hope to continue to try and improve the recoveryoriented services they provide by keeping the recovery focus in the sector ‘alive’ and on the agenda in a meaningful way. For further information contact Helen Simpson on 01909 712232, Clare Walker on 01909 712231, or Andrea Emmens on 01909 502210.
Local forum focuses on Mental Capacity Act Jo Higman (middle), MHRN East Midlands Clinical Studies Officer, on the ward with clinical staff at Highbury Hospital.
Community treatment order study moving forward on Rowan 1 As mentioned in the adjacent article, Community Treatment Orders (CTOs) have divided opinion. A study into the effectiveness of CTOs is now underway on Rowan 1. CTOs were introduced as part of the Mental Health Act in England and Wales from 3 November 2008, but since their introduction a lack of evidence to support their use has led to a great deal of discussion about their effectiveness. The Oxford Community Treatment Order Evaluation Trial (OCTET) is gathering evidence on CTOs across England to determine whether or not they are
effective. Jo Higman, Clinical Studies Officer for the Mental Health Research Network, East Midlands Hub, is running the trial on Rowan 1. Participants will be asked to stay in the trial for 12 months, and recruitment is ongoing until December this year. Jo is still looking for lots more participants to get involved. Suitable candidates include those on a Section 3 (or unrestricted Section 37), aged 18-65, with a psychotic illness and deemed to be in need of ongoing supervision. To find out more or to refer into the trial, contact Jo Higman on 0115 8231333 or email jo.higman@nottshc.nhs.uk.
Local charity the Radford Care Group has partnered with a private client solicitor from Berryman’s Solicitors to run the Nottingham Mental Capacity Act (MCA) Forum. Set up just over a year ago, the forum offers professionals the opportunity to share information and discuss ways in which the Mental Capacity Act 2005 has affected their work and their clients. It is supported by the Department of Health and Nottingham City Council and is regularly attended by a number of professionals working in mental health. Guest speakers to date have included Martin John, Public Guardian, Independent Mental Capacity Advocates (IMCAs) and Robert Nisbet, Programme Manager for Safeguarding & Dignity in Care (DH). For further information or to be added to the forum’s mailing list please contact Sarah or Jill at Radford Care Group on 0115 9786133 or email amanda.gale@berryman.co.uk or jill.davies@radfordcaregroup.org.uk.
Positive July 2010
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Conference to examine psychosis in context A one-day conference taking place in November will take a closer look at the importance of life experiences and the social world in shaping personal distress, including experiences called psychosis. It will consider the reasons why mental health services have minimised the importance of social context and will bring together people with lived experience, professionals and academics to share ideas and consider ways forward.
Some of the players at a training session at Bilborough College (l-r) Sylvia, Erin, Liz, Tracy and Vicky.
Netball scheme looking for players A netball scheme for Trust staff and service users is now up and running and looking for more players. The scheme was arranged by Michael Osborne, Service User Volunteer, after a suggestion from Trust Chair Clair Chilvers. Nine regular players now meet every Tuesday evening at Bilborough College Sports Centre from 6pm to 7pm. Three of those players are Jacquie Cooper, Support Services Manager, Tracy Anderson, Mental Health Act Assistant, and Karen Hall, Hotel Services Co-ordinator, all of whom have also been involved in organising the scheme. “The coach/trainer is first class and keeps the staff and service user players really on the go,” said Michael. “Everyone has enjoyed themselves immensely. It is a good way to have fun and keep fit at the same time.” The group is now looking for more players to join in. Please contact Michael Osborne on 07890 871769 or email mike2osborne@yahoo.co.uk for further information before attending. Please note there is a small charge of £2 per session to cover the cost of the court.
The programme for the event, titled: ‘Psychosis’ in Context II, will include sessions on understanding why the medical model persists, the paranoia network, user-led services and research, the influence of the pharmaceutical industry, questioning the status quo, alternatives to current practice and the alternatives to inpatient hospital services. Speakers lined up for the day include: Psychologist and mental health campaigner Rufus May; Mary Boyle, Emeritus Professor of Clinical Psychology, and author of “Schizophrenia: A Scientific Delusion?”; Peter Bullimore, co-founder of the Sheffield-based Paranoia Network and business manager of Asylum Magazine; Professor of Sociology and Psychologist Joan Busfield; award-winning researcher and psychiatrist Tim Calton; Jan Wallcraft, a freelance researcher and presenter/facilitator, whose work is informed by experience as a mental health service user and activist; clinical and community psychologist Bob Diamond, who has worked locally for a number of years to improve mental health services; and Fiona Venner, Project Manager for the innovative Leeds Survivor-Led Crisis Service. The conference will take place on 23 November at Life at the Centre in Nottingham. The cost is £55 although there are some free places available for people with lived experience, carers and the unwaged. To book a place, please contact Jenny Poole, Team Administrator on 0115 952 9474 or email jenny.poole@nottshc.nhs.uk. For any more information please contact Steven Coles at steven.coles@nottshc.nhs.uk or Sarah Keenan at sarah.keenan@nottshc.nhs.uk.
WHO WE ARE... WE NEED YOU! You may have picked up this copy of the newsletter not knowing what Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust is. We provide mental health and learning disability services for the whole of Nottinghamshire. We also manage medium-secure units in Leicester and Rotherham, and the high-secure Rampton Hospital near Retford.
Printed on Revive · 100% recycled paper
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If you have any ideas or suggestions for the newsletter, please contact Suzanne Aitken in the Trust Communications Team on 0115 955 5403 or via email at suzanne.aitken@nottshc.nhs.uk. We are always pleased to receive articles for possible publication, but ask that they do not exceed 300 words. If any individuals other than yourself are mentioned in what you write or featured in accompanying photographs, please make sure you check with them that they are happy to be potentially featured. Please note that the Communications Team has full editorial control and may have to edit articles appropriately. Therefore, if you want to see the final version please ensure you send your article in with plenty of time before the deadline and state clearly what you require. If you would like copies of any past editions of Positive, or if you are having any ‘distribution issues’ with the newsletter – whether you’re receiving too many copies, too few, or none at all then please contact us. If you would like your story in the September issue of Positive, please contact us by 13 August 2010. However, due to space constraints we cannot guarantee the publication of all articles received by the deadline. Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, The Resource, Duncan MacMillan House, Porchester Road, Nottingham, NG3 6AA. Tel 0115 9934545 · Fax 0115 9934546 www.nottinghamshirehealthcare.nhs.uk
Linda Fields, Manager of the Mental Health Act Team, and Stuart Lee, Estates/Capital Projects Officer, in the newlybuilt large sound-proofed meeting room.
New Tribunal Suite at Rampton Hospital A new Tribunal Suite opened at Rampton Hospital on 1 June 2010. The old tribunal room was deemed unfit for purpose some time ago because of the lack of space and facilities.
has a newly formed entrance off the main corridor, a waiting area, two meeting rooms for solicitors and visitors, an equipment room, and a large sound-proofed meeting room for the hearings.
The project to design and build a new suite started in early 2009, led by Lee Brammer, Head of Security. The feasibility study and specification plans were designed by Stuart Lee, Estates/Capital Projects Officer and Linda Fields, Manager of the Mental Health Act Team.
The main contractor who carried out the works, under the supervision of Stuart Lee, was Firbeck Construction from Carlton-inLindrick. Help in the later stages for the final touches came from the Mental Health Act Team – Jane Frost, Commissioning Officer and Sue Davies, Central Resource Office Manager.
The project involved converting the vacated Mental Health Directorate Offices into three separate areas – a new tribunal suite, central resource offices, and a store room for facilities. The suite
The Mental Health Act Team is responsible for the coordination and administration of all the tribunal hearings, of which there were 185 held in the hospital in 2009.
Conference to highlight innovative dementia practice A conference taking place at the University of Derby will highlight innovative practice and creative approaches to dementia care. The conference, entitled: ‘Kindling the spark – creativity in dementia: exploring creative approaches to dementia support’, is being staged by Leicester-based charity Trent Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) in association with Innovations in Dementia. The event will take place on 8 September and will feature an inspiring mix of presentations and workshops, an exhibition, film, drama, dance and a performance from a band demonstrating the value of music in dementia care. Dementia is one of the main causes of disability later in life, ahead of some cancers, cardiovascular disease and stroke.
It is estimated that there are currently 570,000 people in England with dementia, and an ageing population means numbers are set to rise to more than 750,000 by 2020. Direct costs of dementia to the NHS are approximately £3.3 billion per year. This conference will explore innovative approaches to enhancing well-being and unlocking the strengths and potential of people living with dementia. It is aimed at everyone involved in supporting the needs of people with dementia including all health and social care professionals, housing and voluntary agencies, nursing and residential care homes, as well as inspectors and commissioners of services. The event is supported by Derbyshire Mental Health Services and will be chaired
by Professor James Lindesay, Head of the Clinical Division of Psychiatry at the University of Leicester. Kevin Ball, Trent DSDC Dementia Care Training and Development Manager, said: “Innovation is being widely championed throughout the public sector and this conference will highlight some of the most creative approaches being developed to support people with dementia.” Registration for the event is just £145 (£105 for voluntary organisations). For further details please contact Pauline Drew at Trent DSDC on 0116 257 5017 or email info@trentdsdc.org.uk. A full programme and booking form is available at www.trentdsdc.org.uk.