Roundabout Magazine, June 2011 by Sally Mavin

The magazine of Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children and the UCL Institute of Child Health

June 2011

Staff survey results, see page 10

Making a splash! GOSH patients get snorkelling, see page 30

Contents

Two-year-old Jaden tucks into a bowl of jelly at the royal wedding street party, see page 23

A note from Jane Collins Chief Executive Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) is a member of a study group for the major children’s hospitals across the world. The majority of members are in North America, but also Australasia and mainland Europe. Being part of this group gives us access to information that we can use to benchmark ourselves and also learn how we can do better if necessary. Regulars

Features

A note from Jane Collins

In the news

A note from Professor Andrew Copp

Staff Survey results The results are in. Check out where we’re getting better and what we need to work on

A new website for GOSH We give you the low down on what’s happening online

Word on the ward Rainforest Ward

Faith in practice

Charity pages

Five minutes with Louise Horner

How sweet the sound Roundabout delves into the world of Radio Lollipop

Out and about

Focus on Clinical Research Facilitators Three new people helping GOSH and ICH staff get the research ball rolling

Free film show

Sports update

Social

The copy deadline for July’s edition is Thursday 9 June. However, to ensure space can be allocated you are advised to submit article proposals no later than Friday 3 June. Please note that submitting articles does not guarantee a place in the next issue. Submissions should be sent to Sally Mavin at sally.mavin@gosh.org Any articles submitted after this date will not in included in the July edition. Cover image: A patient takes part in a scuba diving lesson in Great Ormond Street Hospital’s hydrotherapy pool. Editor Sally Mavin, ext *643042 Email: sally.mavin@gosh.org Designer Kirsty Seidler, ext *643168 Editorial board Jo Barber, Communications • Helen Cooke, Workforce Planning • Anna Ferrant, Executive Office • Amanda Macbeth, Brand Marketing • Anthony Higgins, Transformation • Andrée Hughes, Nursing and Workforce Development • Adam Levy, Chair of Staff Side • Seth Edwards, Brand Marketing • Lesley Miles, Marketing Communications and Community Fundraising. Printer: Jigsaw Colour, www.jigsawcolour.co.uk Charity logo ©2007 Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity. Registered charity no 235825.

Each year the chief executives of these hospitals meet. I haven’t always managed to get to the annual meeting but have just come back from this year’s, which was held in Dublin. All the hospitals represented provide specialist care, although we are the only one without an Accident and Emergency department. We want to provide the best possible care anywhere in the UK at GOSH and also make sure the children who come here have outcomes (something I wrote about last month) that are within the top five in the world. Whatever country we work with we have more similarities than differences, although one important difference I have always noticed is that the vital role of the nurse seems to be less recognised outside GOSH.

of care just like us, but they were able to demonstrate that doing the right thing by the patient saves money. In Montreal a neonate who becomes infected with MRSA costs five times more than one who doesn’t and in Colorado, MRSA colonisation in neonates costs $52,000 more because it increases the length of stay by 28 days. This was the most robust evidence I have ever seen that doing the right thing for the patient saves money. We also discussed the basic but important issue of hand hygiene (washing with soap and water or using alcohol gel to clean your hands) which might surprise you. Experience everywhere is that doctors as a group are less likely to clean their hands and I am afraid that this is also our experience at GOSH. Before medical staff take umbrage, I know many individuals comply with ‘bare below the elbows’ and clean their hands each and every time they touch a patient, but not everyone does. Of course as CEO I need to make it as simple as possible, so if it isn’t please tell me. Getting the basics right is so important. It is better for the children in our care and saves money.

A major theme this year was, not surprisingly, making sure that high quality care is delivered as efficiently as possible, because all of the members are facing reduced funding. The discussion was how to manage these difficult years and still provide high quality care. Through the hard work of the Finance team and managers and clinicians in the units we understand our costs better than ever. However, our US colleagues are streets ahead because until now, (and this is changing) they have been able to bill for each item used. They are gradually moving to a price for a bundle

Managers’ Toolkit Your questions answered Continuing our monthly tip from the online toolkit for managers, Roundabout brings you another much-asked question. Don’t forget to visit the site for many more useful bits of advice. You can find it by scrolling down the Commonly Used Links on our intranet, GOS Web. How do I make a change to someone’s pay, contractual or personal details (eg address)? Ask your HR Manager for advice about changes to pay or contract. Dependent on the circumstances you may have to draft a paper for consultation or simply discuss the changes with your employee. Once this has been agreed with the employee and HR if necessary, make a formal notification of changes through the electronic Service Request System (SRS). Every unit/department has a number of SRS managers who are authorised to make changes for their staff. To find out who has this responsibility for your team, for more information on the system or for training contact the Workforce Planning and Information team on ext 5699 or at workforce@gosh.nhs.uk Departments who would like to update or include information about the services they provide in the toolkit should contact Sarah Wimhurst on ext 8301 or email wimhus@gosh.nhs.uk

In the news

Learnabout

The story of Mason Lewis, who is the UK’s smallest lung transplant patient, was reported by BBC Breakfast, ITV News, Five News, Sky News, The Times, Independent i, The Sun, Metro, Daily Star and many other regional and local press. Mason, age four, was just three feet tall when he underwent a double lung transplant at the hospital. His parents thanked the clinical team and the donor family; they also encouraged people to sign up to the organ donor register.

Thanks to external funding, Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) will be offering Continuing Personal & Professional Development (CPPD) for band 1–4 staff.

The Daily Mail reported the story of Kayleigh Fitzpatrick who had her damaged windpipe rebuilt at the hospital using cartilage from her ribcage. BBC News online reported that patient Jasmine Page had returned home to Birmingham. An expert team from Great Ormond Street Hospital carried out her heart transplant at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. This was the first time the procedure had been done there and only the third time a team from the hospital has carried out a heart transplant elsewhere. The Daily Telegraph featured patient Darcey Fryer-Bovill. Darcey’s parents wanted to raise awareness of the condition retinoblastoma, a cancer of the eye, and encourage people to be alert to the symptoms.

What can I gain from CPPD? CPPD will help staff in bands 1–4 achieve personal gains including improved knowledge and understanding to underpin their role, an ability to reflect on strengths and developmental needs and an understanding of how learning supports career progression. What’s on offer? A portfolio of essential learning and development opportunities has been commissioned for GOSH staff in the following areas: • Medical terminology • BAMEN Interpersonal Skills (BIS) programme to include communication skills, presentation skills, stress management, solving problems and making decisions • Boosting confidence • Career development programme ILM Level 3 • Effective business writing • English for life and work • Improving assertiveness skills • Local learning and development initiatives eg

Estates and Facilities learning programmes • Clear writing for minutes and agendas • NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications) – competence-based qualifications • Presentation skills • Basic signing and communication • Role specific learning: - Reception skills - Supervising Food Safety CIEH Level 3 - IT courses for Word and Excel. Staff Development Manager Alanna Smith is currently organising training days for most of the courses/programmes listed and dates will be advertised shortly. For further information about the Continuing Personal and Professional Development Band 1–4 funding project, please contact Alanna Smith on ext 8073 or etcentre@gosh.nhs.uk

Quality Minister

Staff Psychological and Welfare Service A reminder to all staff that a number of seminars are being run by the Staff Psychological and Welfare Service in June: • Application forms and CVs 1 June • Interview skills 1 June and 13 June • Career planning 6 June • Managing stress 8 June • Pre-retirement 9 June 4

To book a place on any of the seminars call 0845 155 5000 ext 9800 or email staffpsychologicalwelfareservice@uclh.nhs.uk The Staff Psychological and Welfare Service is funded by Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity.

Minister for Quality in the NHS, Earl Howe, recently visited Great Ormond Street Hospital. From left to right: eight-year-old Stephen, his father Anthony, Consultant Oncologist Dr Peppy Brock, Chief Executive Jane Collins and Earl Howe on Lion Ward

Paediatric Critical Care

A note from Professor Andrew Copp Director, UCL Institute of Child Health (ICH)

Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) intensive care staff recently made the exciting trip to Sydney, Australia, to attend the sixth World Congress on Pediatric Critical Care.

Education is an increasingly important aspect of the work done at the ICH. The ICH offers a wide range of training courses, including PhD and MD research degrees and taught courses leading to BSc or MSc qualifications. The whole area of education is overseen by the ICH’s Director of Teaching and Learning, Professor Christine Kinnon.

The delegation consisted of a multi-disciplinary team of five consultants, five senior nurses, eight junior doctors, the lead pharmacist and clinical psychologist. The opportunity was made possible through the generous support of the Great Ormond Street Trust and family donations to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. GOSH featured prominently in the conference agenda, with more than 40 research presentations being very well received by over 800 delegates from around the world. Following a colourful opening ceremony, the conference featured a week of leading-edge research on a wide and fascinating range of paediatric topics. One of the stated aims of this annual event is to improve the outcomes

of children suffering from life-threatening illness and injury, with many of the presentations focusing on the challenges faced by developing nations. The team spent the week dashing between theatres to hear compelling lectures and organised debates between some of the world’s leading experts. Of course, we were also sure to support our own team on the many occasions they were in the spotlight. All in all, it was a fantastic experience for all the attendees. The exchange of knowledge with other leading experts was hugely rewarding and is a great incentive for our continued research and development in the future. We would like to reiterate our gratitude to all those who contributed to this memorable event. For more information log on to www.pcc2011.com

During 2010–11, the ICH had 167 students studying for PhD or MD degrees. The PhD is an intensive three to four-year programme of research training in which each student aims to make an original contribution to the state of knowledge in their field, leading to the publication of journal papers. Two supervisors oversee each student’s research and in addition the ICH has a graduate advisory team led by Professor David Muller, which meets with each student annually. These meetings help to monitor progress and try to solve any problems that cannot be dealt with by the supervisors. We are under pressure from the funding bodies to ensure that PhDs are completed within four years and so it is vital that students have realistic goals and extensive support to ensure they produce a high quality thesis within the limited time available. Turning to our taught courses, the ICH teaches paediatrics to UCL’s 380 medical students via a paediatrics module led by Dr Eddie Chung that combines classroom teaching with clinical experience at hospitals in and around London. Added to this, the ICH offers two intercalated BSc courses for medical students in their third year. Dr Therese Hesketh and Dr Mike Rowson

run a highly successful BSc in International Health and this year a new BSc in Paediatrics and Child Health was introduced, led by Dr Paul Winyard. We hope to encourage more students to enter paediatrics after qualification, helping to counteract the recent decline in numbers of paediatric trainees. For more senior clinicians, the ICH and Great Ormond Street Hospital together run the largest academic training programme for paediatrics in the UK, with 24 Academic Clinical Fellows and 11 Academic Clinical Lecturers currently in post. At postgraduate level, the ICH runs a number of Master’s level courses, for example in Paediatrics and Child Health (mainly for registrar-level trainees), Global Health and Development, Advanced Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy and Clinical and Applied Paediatric Neuropsychology. We also offer a one-year MRes course, which covers many aspects of paediatric research and prepares students for PhD degrees in due course. This is a large educational activity and is making an important contribution to the training of child health professionals of the future. Moreover, teaching income now makes up more than 30 per cent of the ICH’s total revenue, a vital component of our financial wellbeing. I am extremely grateful to the many staff who work so hard in our educational programmes.

Executive Safety Walkround diary The right path to the right care By Tony Higgins, Communications and Engagement Officer Making sure patients receive safe, reliable treatment and decreasing their length of stay are cornerstones to the provision of care at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH). One way to ensure this is to apply an integrated care pathway (ICP), but what exactly does this mean? An ICP outlines the care a patient should receive from a multidisciplinary perspective, giving a clear timeframe for that care so the patient can move smoothly and progressively though the hospital. ICPs have been used on some wards for the past few years and are starting to be employed across the Trust where appropriate. To help demystify them, Nathan Askew, Ward Manager on Sky Ward, explains how helpful he and his team have found them: “An ICP prompts staff to ensure they’re doing everything they need to do,” says Nathan. “It can give patients and parents an idea of where they should be in their patient journey. It also streamlines and improves discharge and reduces length of stay just by doing simple things like ordering TTO (to take out) medication three days before discharge so that by the last day families are not waiting around for it.” A flexible process If this implies an ICP is a rigid formula, it’s not. Although an ICP helps reduce unnecessary variations in patient care, there is still a degree of clinical flexibility within them to allow for individual patient conditions. “The idea is that children undergoing the same procedure – even though every child is different – will have a similar plan of care,” says Nathan.

“About 85 per cent of children with a particular condition get what they need when they need it. So if the child should eat on day one and they don’t because they’re vomiting then we just add it into day two. If after five or seven days on the pathway they’re not where they should be then the pathway ends and they transfer on to a normal nursing care plan. We have that flexibility so it’s not like you have to eat after 12 hours.”

Safari Day Care 10am, 7 June Claire Newton (Executive), Anna Cornish (Corporate Facilities), Roisin Mulvaney (Clinical Governance and Safety), Toral Pandya (Transformation) Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) 10.30am, 14 June Fiona Dalton (Executive), Stephen Moxley (Corporate Facilities), Charlie Magness (Clinical Governance and Safety), Elizabeth Ball (Transformation)

Robin Ward 10.30am, 21 June Jane Collins (Executive), Martin Nightingale (Corporate Facilities), Erin Healy (Clinical Governance and Safety), Toral Pandya (Transformation) Woodland Ward 10.30am, 28 June Barbara Buckley (Executive), Margaret Hollis (Corporate Facilities), Salina Parkyn (Clinical Governance and Safety), Elizabeth Ball (Transformation)

Helping families According to Nathan, having clear stages and agreed steps also assists patients and families: “We can say, ‘this will come out on this day, this will be turned off on this day, you’ll be walking by this day’. It’s actually quite nice to be able to say that to them.” A better process Nathan has been successfully working with Health Information and Language Manager Beki Moult on making sure ICPs are clear and accurate and has some final remarks for anyone thinking of using them on their ward: “There are so many benefits to an ICP. Not just for the children and families, not just in shortening their stay but it will also give them a guideline of where they are in their patient journey at GOSH. As nursing staff, medical staff and allied health professionals, there is also so much paperwork involved in the job now that it’s nice to have a clear guide of what you need for that day but also a central place to record all of that by everybody.” For further information on ICPs, please contact Health Information and Language Manager Beki Moult on ext 8558 or moultb@gosh.nhs.uk

The Friends Garden – a restorative space? From June 2011 to May 2012, PhD student Angie MacDonald will be researching the use and experience of the Friends Garden on Level 7 of the Octav Botnar Wing. It is a case study in her research project that looks closely at the role of gardens in contemporary UK healthcare.

Angie is interested to know how the Friends Garden enhances Great Ormond Street Hospital’s working environment. Please complete the online questionnaire at www.surveymonkey.com/s/ NHDLQZJ You can also find paper surveys in the garden or contact Angie by email on am125361@falmouth.ac.uk 9

Staff survey Late last year we asked you to complete a Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) staff survey. Around 340 people returned their questionnaires out of a selected sample of approximately 850. Here’s what you had to say.

What we do well Our results are compared to other acute specialist hospitals, which often show good results in these surveys. In 2009, we performed as well if not better than other acute specialist trusts in 25 out of 38 key indicators, including: • staff agreeing that their role makes a difference to patients • staff having a good quality appraisal in the last 12 months • staff feeling they are supported by their immediate manager • staff who would recommend GOSH as a place to work or be treated • staff feeling that they can contribute to improvements at work • staff feeling motivated at work • percentage of staff reporting the errors or near misses they see • staff feeling valued by their work colleagues. We’ve improved on last year in seven key areas, including: • job satisfaction • the support staff get from their immediate manager • the percentage of staff who have been appraised in the last 12 months • staff receiving health and safety training. What we do less well We are doing less well than the average specialist hospital in 13 out of 38 areas, including: • the amount of work-related pressure and stress staff feel • the percentage of staff who witnessed potentially harmful incidents in the last month • staff feeling that they have an equal chance of career progression or promotion • the quality of work and patient care staff feel they are able to deliver • the percentage of staff who say hand washing materials are always available.

There are three areas in which staff feel we are doing less well than last year: • the perception of effective action from the Trust towards violence and harassment • the impact of health and wellbeing on the ability to perform work or daily activities • the percentage of staff feeling pressure in the last three months to attend work when feeling unwell. Although our results show that staff from all demographic groups have a similar experience of life at GOSH, staff from black and minority ethnic (BME) groups are not nearly as confident as others about their opportunities for career development. What next? The results of the staff survey are always a snapshot of how a relatively small group of staff felt on the day they completed the form. Their experience may not always reflect yours. But the numbers of people who respond mean that these results are an important indicator of how staff feel about a wide range of issues, and that gives us areas for action. After every year’s staff survey results are published, they are discussed at Trust and Management Boards (the two groups which are responsible for setting the direction of the Trust and making sure actions are agreed and carried out). A range of actions are agreed to address the issues that have been raised. Action on equal access to career progression The Equality and Diversity Group has already discussed the findings relating to equal access to career progression, and is asking the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Network to consider some proposals. The Education and Training team are also looking at how they can support more exploration of equality issues in their management development programmes.

continued overleaf 10

Barretstown camp Do you know a patient or family in need of a well-earned rest? Barretstown Camp offers therapeutic recreation programmes for children and young people with serious illnesses and their families. Families and young people come to Barretstown from Britain, Ireland and throughout Europe for family-centered breaks, specialist weekends, bereaved family weekends and summer camps. Founded by the actor Paul Newman, Barretstown is a member of the Hole in the Wall Camps Association in America and is based in County Kildare, Ireland, approximately 30 minutes south of Dublin. Who can go? Children and young people come to Barretstown with a wide range of illnesses, but primarily cancer and serious blood diseases. More about the camp criteria can be seen on the website at www.barretstown.org Action on health and wellbeing We need to ensure we work together to provide a healthy hospital not just for the children and families we care for but for ourselves. We are currently finalising our health and wellbeing strategy, which pulls together the many activities in the hospital, from the staff physiotherapist to how we record sickness absence. This will allow us to ensure that they are all working effectively together to support staff. We will be reviewing the Staff Psychological and Welfare Service (formerly Oasis) to ensure that staff get the most appropriate support in a timely way. The Health 4 Life campaign continues to promote free and discounted health opportunities to GOSH staff, from pilates sessions and football to dancing. Look out for information on upcoming events in the GOSH all user email or in Roundabout.

Action on handwashing The Infection Control team and the Trust’s Handwashing Group have been looking closely at the results, and some of you will have responded to their recent survey. What do you think? Do you think we’re working on the right priorities? What do you think would make the biggest difference? Would you like to get involved in any of the work, even just by sharing your experience? Contact Helen Cooke to share your views (in confidence, if you prefer) either by phone on ext 8225 or by email cookeh@gosh.nhs.uk

What about medical care? Barretstown has a well-equipped medical facility on site which is affiliated with Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children, Dublin. The medical centre is staffed by at least two paediatric doctors and four paediatric nurses throughout the duration of the camp, and is fully equipped for necessary routine and emergency procedures. The Barretstown medical team observes the medical regime advised by each child’s doctor. To find out more about Barretstown, check out the website www.barretstown.org If you know a family who might like to take part, contact Senior Staff Nurse Nicola Williams on ext 8833 or willin@gosh.nhs.uk

What’s on offer? Barretstown camp offers a whole range of exciting activities for children and young people to sink their teeth into. From horse riding, fishing and canoeing to arts and crafts, theatre and music, there are dozens of ways to get involved. What’s more, attending the camp is completely free. Barretstown book and pay for flights, and all food and accommodation is provided.

For information on the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Network, please contact Alanna Smith on ext 1110 or by emailing smitha4@gosh.nhs.uk If you’d like to see the results in more detail, visit GOS web and click on Bulletin and Noticeboards.

A new website for GOSH It’s official, Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) will soon have a brand spanking new website and intranet. In the first of a two-part series, we’ll be giving you the lowdown on what’s been happening behind the scenes. This issue, we look at the new hospital website, due for launch in September. Website and intranet: what’s the difference? An intranet is a private computer network which is used to securely share information within an organisation. Unlike websites, which can be accessed by anyone, an intranet is internal. In other words, only GOSH hospital and charity staff can access it. A website on the other hand acts as a ‘shop window’ for the organisation, providing information to both staff and the general public.

Getting in the know The overall aim of this project is to combine the Trust, Charity and Children First for Health websites into one website for an improved user experience. However, creating a new website requires a lot of preparation. Before setting out, it’s important to understand exactly what’s needed. Who will be using it? What information do they need? How should we organise that information and what should it look like?

Designing the site Once the team had the information they needed, they created a clickable prototype of the website. This was then tested with various users to find out how they expected the site to behave as they used it and filming their eye movements to see where their attention was drawn to on the page. This helped the team identify any problems with the navigation before they started to design the site.

GOSH’s Digital team carried out extensive research with over 400 people to find out who the main users of the three GOSH websites mentioned above are and how they want the website to work. This research involved talking to GOSH staff, patients and parents through surveys, focus groups and one-to-one interviews.

The look and feel – including colours, text, and pictures – was then laid over the tested page layout. This is when things really started taking shape. When these and the internal pages were ready, the team did one final round of one-toone testing with clinicians, nurses and patients to assess their emotional response to the designs. This helped suggest any final tweaks needed before they start to build the site.

Why is research important? By dedicating time and effort into background research, the team was able to create a website which meets the needs of the people who use it. For example, when asked what information they were most interested in, more people wanted information about conditions than anything else. When asked how they would like to be grouped, most people said by audience, such as parents, children and medical professionals. This insight helped the team to work out how the website should be structured.

What are the benefits? The new GOSH website will be a hugely useful tool for staff to give patients, families and other clinicians information about coming to GOSH, the services we provide and the conditions we treat. It will also make information much easier to find and share, either by emailing, printing or via social media. It will also be a hugely useful tool for staff to give patients, families and other clinicians information about coming to GOSH, the services we provide and the conditions we treat. How does this affect me? GOSH’s Editorial team is busy working on a whole range of content for the new website, including condition fact sheets, practical information about GOSH and ways to fundraise for the hospital. To ensure this information is accurate, the team will be contacting clinicians and other staff members. We’re running a packed and hectic schedule, so your co-operation is very much appreciated.

If you have any questions or comments about the project, don’t hesitate to contact the team by emailing onesite@gosh.org The new website is funded by Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity. Next month, read about the new intranet project which is getting underway.

Look out for the new GOSH w ebsite launching at the end of Septe mber 2011!

Example homepages for the new Trust and Charity website

Getting the content ready The final stage is to build the website and get all the words and pictures ready. GOSH’s inhouse Web Developer and Editorial team will be working on thousands of pages to get them up to scratch for when the website’s launched.

How sweet the sound

Know a patie nt that needs cheeri ng up? Get them to re quest their favourite song by phoning ex t 6762 during the live show.

By Rachel Tomkys, Junior Editor

You might not know that outside the Activity Centre lies a former Jubilee Line tube carriage. Inside it you’ll find a converted studio, and it is from here that Radio Lollipop is broadcast to hundreds of children in the hospital every hour. Radio Lollipop at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) has been running since 2004 and is staffed entirely by volunteers. The organisation believes in the healing power of play, providing smiles and laughter to children at a time when they need it most. On the wards Radio Lollipop doesn’t just work its magic over the airwaves; it also has a physical presence around the hospital. Each week a team of volunteers go round a set list of wards armed with board games, crayons, paper, and lots and lots of stickers. “Basically what we do is play games, tell stories or make a big mess everywhere”, says presenter and comedian Iain Lee. “What better way to spend your time than playing games with kids for two hours?” Wards can contact the station and request a visit for a particular patient who may need cheering up. Georgina Atsiaris has been a Radio Lollipop volunteer for over three years. She says: “What’s great is when you have a patient that’s not too sure at first, but then by the end of it they’re having so much fun it’s difficult to leave them.” There’s no denying the smiles they bring to children’s faces, which all help to make their stay more fun and less frightening.

On the airwaves Patients can listen to the radio through their television, usually through channels 19 or 21. The service is self-sustaining and runs 24/7. There are three live shows a week and during these, patients can ring ext 6762 and request their favourite songs. The live shows are usually themed, which varies depending on the presenter. “I did a circus theme once,” says Christina Michalos, Chair of Radio Lollipop London. “We pretended to set up a tightrope and had a competition running where children had to guess how far the person on the tightrope would walk before they fell off.” Behind the scenes There are over 150 volunteers working for Radio Lollipop London, which covers GOSH and Evelina Children’s Hospital. “The calibre of volunteers is very high and also very varied,” says Christina. “I’m a barrister, so for me this is a completely different world.” If you are interested in becoming a Radio Lollipop volunteer, take a look at the website at www.radiolollipop.org And don’t miss out – tune in! The live show takes place every Monday and Wednesday from 6–8pm and Sundays from 4–6pm.

The facts • Radio Lollipop was founded in 1978 at Queen Mary’s Hospital for Children in Surrey. • It is now an international organisation, with stations in America, Australia, New Zealand, and across the UK.

• The first Radio Lollipop show was broadcast at Great Ormond Street Hospital in 2004. • The live shows are broadcast on Mondays and Wednesdays 6–8pm and Sundays 4–6pm.

Wireless asset tracking is here

Introducing Dr Nick Lessof By Alan Mayers, Senior Editor

Three months into his role as the named doctor for child protection at Great Ormond Street Hospital, general paediatrician Dr Nick Lessof has a clear sense of what he hopes to achieve: “I want everyone in the hospital to feel they have access to the child protection training they need and know that we have an open door and plenty of tea,” he says. Since arriving from his previous role at Homerton Hospital, Dr Lessof has replaced Dr Vic Larcher as the hospital’s named doctor for child protection. The position is a formal role which, as well as providing advice for clinical staff in the Trust, also ensures the hospital is meeting its statutory obligation to safeguard children by providing the correct procedures and training. These duties are achieved together with the named nurse, Jan Baker, the Child Protection team and Social Work department. “My role is to provide child protection advice for anybody in the hospital who needs it,” says Dr Lessof. “I also look after the safeguarding of children, which includes child protection but is also a bit broader and perhaps isn’t so well understood. I hope to increase awareness of this and ensure we have a child rights approach to our conduct. “I want us to concentrate on the journey of the child through the system and listen so that the child’s voice is heard. These things are genuinely a challenge, but they are really about putting the child first and always. “If people are worried about a child’s safety, they should come and talk to us and we will work through the issue together.”

Child protection

with

in the hospital Great Ormond Stre et Hospital believe s every child has a right to protection. Ensuring the wellb eing of our patient s underpins all that we do as an orga nisation. It is therefore cruc ial that all staff sh are a responsibility to guarantee the safe ty of children in our care by being aw are of the four catego ries of abuse: phys ical, emotional, sexual and neglect. For more informat ion, please read th e Trust’s child protec tion policy, which can be accessed via th e document library or via Clinical Site Pr actitioners.

Concerned about a child? Please contact: The Children’s Social Services Team – ext 5321/8896 Dr Nick Lessof, named doctor for child protection – ext 1293 or via switchboard Jan Baker, named doctor for child protection – ext 5126, bleep 0650 Out of hours (nights, weekends and bank holidays) contact a Clinical Site Practitioner – ext 8169, bleep 0313

Have you ever needed essential equipment and not been able to find it? Or perhaps spent increasing amounts of time chasing the location of equipment, adding stress and delays to your busy schedule? Maybe, you have had to cancel appointments or defer care because equipment that was supposed to be available is simply missing. The wireless tracking project team has implemented a solution that means any item holding an RFID tag can be tracked. Once tagged, the system can locate assets to within two meters. The system also allows users to interrogate the location history of tagged assets, visually depicting where assets have been and for what duration of time. So far, 1,000 items have been tagged. User feedback has been very encouraging. Rhian Lant in Ophthalmology commented: “Since tagging the light source, we have had fewer incidents of it going missing. We believe it has been a deterrent to staff from leaving or taking it to inappropriate areas.” Head of Decontamination, Margaret Hollis, says: “The Trust’s recent investment in mattress replacement has also seen benefit. Tagging the bed mattress covers ensures the annual bed cleaning and maintenance programme is achieved.” What do we need from you? The project team feels that this project will provide many benefits, mainly: • make patient care easier to administer with faster equipment provision. • save money due to less wastage and purchasing of unnecessary equipment. • improve safety by ensuring equipment is serviced at the right time. Workshops and drop-in sessions are being organised for those who need training. For more information please contact the Project Manager, Jilani Gulam, on jilani.gulam@gosh.nhs.uk The asset tracking system is funded by Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity.

ward e h t on Word Rainforest W ard Summer is here, which means it’s picnic season! This month Roundabout went along to Rainforest Ward to ask some of the staff: What would make your ultimate picnic?

“Nice sunny weather in a good park with lots of my friends. And no picnic would be complete without sausage rolls.” Nattallie Alwash, Ward Sister “It would involve champagne and nibbles in Windsor. I would ask all of my mates and also the England Rugby team!” Kelly Sheehan, Staff Nurse “I would go to Hyde Park with my university friends and drink lots of wine and eat loads of party rings.” Cheryl Rose, Staff Nurse “Regent’s Park is a good picnic spot so I would go there and have champagne and smoked salmon. My picnic date would be Usain Bolt – if he doesn’t run off!” Ivette Bolton-Williams, Senior Staff Nurse

About Rainforest Ward: This ward is for children with metabolic or digestive disorders. Due to the nature of these conditions, the children on this ward often have long stays in hospital. For your ward to feature here, email Sally Mavin at sally.mavin@gosh.org or call ext *643042. 19

Out & about June

Hampton Court Palace Festival Hampton Court 8–18 June Bryan Adams, Jools Holland, James Blunt, Westlife and Simple Minds are just a handful of the acts set to perform in the main courtyard of the magnificent Tudor Palace this year. Guests are invited to dine in the State Apartments before the show, or take advantage of the stunning palace gardens for a picnic. A spectacular firework display over the river Thames will bring the event to a close. Log on to www.hamptoncourtpalacefestival.com for a full programme list and to buy tickets. Out of This World Free event British Library Throughout June This exhibition charts the history of sci-fi and its influence on our culture by bringing together a collection of fascinating novels, comics and manuscripts. Each interactive area focuses on concepts such as alien worlds, future worlds, virtual worlds and parallel worlds. Visitors can also design their own alien, take part in a sci-fi quiz and listen to a series of talks with wellknown science fiction writers such as Iain M Banks and Audrey Niffenegger. Take a look at the website for more information: www.bl.uk

Travel Photographer of the Year Free Royal Geographical Society event Until 10 June Whether you’ve a passion for visiting the far flung and exotic, or if you prefer to venture a little closer to home, you’re sure to see something you like here. Take a look at the winning images from the prestigious international Travel Photographer of the Year awards. As well as the exhibit, there are three days of lectures and workshops, giving travel and photography lovers the chance to learn from leading experts and brush up on their own techniques with useful tips. For more information on guest appearances and opening times go to: www.rgs.org Wimbledon Championships Starts 20 June All England Lawn Tennis Club Game, set, match! The global stars of the tennis courts flock to Wimbledon this month to battle it out for the coveted championship titles. Tickets for Centre and Number One courts were distributed by ballot last year, but there will be tickets for all courts available daily for enthusiasts who don’t mind queuing. Watch Serena Williams attempt to gain her fifth singles title, while in the men’s corner, Rafael Nadal will be fighting off the competition to try and secure a hat trick. Strawberries and cream anyone? Check out the official website for more information: www.wimbledon.com

Sports and Social Committee GOSH Book Group

A Week in December by Sebastian Faulkes The novel is set in London, the week before Christmas 2007. Over seven days we follow the lives of seven major characters including a hedge fund manager, a professional footballer, a young lawyer and a tube driver whose Circle Line train joins these and countless other lives together in a daily loop. The novel pieces together the complex patterns and crossings of modern urban life. As the novel moves to its gripping climax, they are forced, one by one, to confront the true nature of the world they inhabit. “As and when you ponder bankers’ bonuses, read this book. It is a dark satire on contemporary life in London, where personal satisfaction is derived from the destructive, and virtual and real lives become blurred. Highly researched and entertaining in a bleak way. This book is best read with comforting chocolate to hand.” Daniela Hearst “A Week in December was a rather chilly read about different Londoners living completely different lives, in different worlds. Common for all of them is their way of coping with reality by escaping to the virtual, detached, unreal world.” Petra Thomson Review rating: The Sports and Social Committee is funded by Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity.

GOSH free film show This month’s free film show will take place on Monday 6 June in the Ground Floor Lecture Theatre at Weston House. For our younger audience we have Gulliver’s Travels (PG) at 6.15pm. Mail room worker, Lemuel Gulliver, has been stuck in the same job for the past decade. He believes he’s a loser; a view shared by most of his peers. After finally reaching his limit, he decides to declare his love for the beautiful travel editor, Darcy Silverman. True to form, Gulliver chickens out at the last minute, announcing instead that he’d like to write a column. Darcy accepts and sends him on an assignment to the Bermuda Triangle. While there, Gulliver becomes shipwrecked on the island of Liliput, where he towers over its inhabitants. For the first time in his life, Gulliver has people looking up to him.

At 8pm we have Easy A (15). High school student, Olive Penderghast, finds herself the victim of gossip when she lies to her best friend about a weekend rendezvous with a fictional college freshman. Olive quickly develops a promiscuous reputation which, to her surprise, she welcomes. Her world soon spins out of control however, as her lies continue to escalate when she attempts to help her classmates. Olive must find a way to save face before she gets expelled.

Faith in practice Festival focus Shavuot Date: 8 June (first day) Faith: Jewish

This two-day festival takes place seven weeks (fifty days) after the first day of Passover. This also marks the start of the wheat harvest and the end of the barley harvest. Shavuot celebrates the Hebrews receiving the Torah on Mount Sinai. It is considered a highly important historical event. Lifestyle implications Prayers are often said, particularly around dawn, to thank God for the five books given to Moses by God, also known as the Torah. Synagogues are decorated with flowers to remember the flowers on and near Mount Sinai. While there are a variety of explanations given for the practice, dairy products are also eaten during this festival. Salutations “Chag Sameach” (KHAHG sah-MEHY-ahkh), which means “happy holidays” is said. This is a common salutation for any festival of joy within this tradition. Shavuot at GOSH While there are no specific celebrations planned in the hospital for Shavuot, Jewish chaplaincy is always available through our weekly Jewish visitor Mrs Rose Pizer, or our volunteer Jewish rabbis. For more information, contact the Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care department on ext 8232. Reflection This month we celebrate two festivals that have a distinctive relationship. Shavuot is a Jewish festival marking the time that the Hebrews

Passover marks the start of the wheat harvest and the end of the barley festival.

received the Torah on Mount Sinai. Pentecost is a Christian festival marking the coming of the Holy Spirit and the ability of people of all languages to hear of salvation in their own language. This Christian experience is said to occur when the disciples were celebrating Shavuot. More significant though is the role of revelation in these festivals. In both cases, meaning was made and understanding given. Perhaps the toughest part of dealing with illness is finding meaning. Why has this happened? Sometimes we get answers to these questions, other times we continue to search. Perhaps during this season, no matter what we believe in, we too can find meaning in what is going on and, learning from that, develop hope and understanding to keep us going. Contact Jim Linthicum, Chair of the Great Ormond Street Hospital Multi-Faith Group for Spiritual Care on ext 8232. Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity helps fund the chaplaincy.

Other festivals in May 2 June – Ascension Day (Christian) 8 June – First day of Shavuot (Jewish) 12 June – Pentecost (Christian)

16 June – Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev (Sikh) 19 June – Trinity Sunday (Christian) 21 June – Summer Solstice (Pagan)

Clockwise from top left: Patients Jaden; Camiron; Rafal and Amelia

A right royal bash! On 29 April, Great Ormond Street Hospital got right into the royal wedding spirit by holding their very own street party inside the hospital restaurant. Bunting, Union Jack plates and copious amounts of jelly were brought together to get the festivities going. Head of Facilities Anna Cornish wasn’t sure how many children would be able to attend so was “thrilled when the restaurant was full of very enthusiastic and participatory patients and their families”. Many of the patients told Anna that they were pleased to have something fun to break up what can be a rather slow bank holiday.

Anna would like to thank the large group of staff who enabled the event to happen, from the caterers and cleaners, to the Patient Environment Co-ordinators (PECs) and the Children’s Hospital School at Great Ormond Street and UCH who provided the crown making materials! Supported by the Facilities team the volunteers were also out in full force, giving up their day’s holiday for the occasion. The day finished with a successful game of pass-the-parcel where everyone was a winner. Watch this space for more events coming up!

GOSH revealed What’s in a name? By the Museum and Archive Service The Mildred Creak Unit is an integral part of Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), providing world-class treatment to children and young people with mental health problems. But who was Mildred Creak and how did she make such a lasting impact? Origins of the hospital Mildred Creak was born in 1898 into a Quaker family in Liverpool, the daughter of an engineer who had worked on the Mersey Tunnel. She qualified in medicine at University College London in 1923, after which she took a qualification in the new field of psychiatry. She began her career at The Retreat in York, before helping to found the first children’s department at the Maudsley Hospital, where she worked from 1929–42. During the Second World War she spent three years in India with the Royal Army Medical Corps, reaching the rank of Major. Early psychiatry services at GOSH Although child psychiatry had emerged in the 1920s with the pioneering work of Donald Winnicott and others, it had been regarded with suspicion by the medical establishment at GOSH, where what today would be seen as psychiatric cases were still treated by general physicians. However, the end of the war brought a more progressive approach, and in 1946 Mildred Creak was appointed as the first consultant psychiatrist at the hospital. This was a double first, as she was also the first woman to attain a consultantlevel post. The hospital had first employed women doctors as an emergency measure during the First World War, but by the late 1930s had only gradually begun appointing a small number of women to junior clinical posts.

Making an impact Once appointed, Dr Creak became renowned for her boundless energy and animated storytelling. She dramatically improved the hospital’s liaison with local child psychiatrists, and developed a much more detailed understanding of the links between physical and emotional factors in childhood illness. A significant accomplishment was her advancement of the classification and treatment of autism, developing pioneering American studies from the 1940s. Her work proved that autism was a physiological condition, and not a consequence of emotionally insensitive parenting, as had been widely believed in the past. Mildred Creak retired in 1963, but continued to research and lecture in her field around the world. It reputedly took two full-time male staff to replace her at GOSH. She returned to the hospital in 1972 for the opening of its new Psychological Medicine Unit, named in her honour, and also had an autism unit named after her at the Perth Children’s Hospital in Australia. Dr Creak died in 1993 aged 95, but her legacy is remembered in the Mildred Creak Unit in the Frontage Building. The refurbishment of the Mildred Creak Unit was funded by the Friends of the Children of Great Ormond Street, the GO Play Foundation and the Garfield Weston Foundation. The Mildred Creak Unit provides an inpatient facility to children aged seven to 15 with severe mental health disorders.

Opposite: Mildred Creak This page, clockwise from top left; living room, dining area, kitchen and roof garden.

Focus on Clinical Research Facilitators For many staff at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) and the UCL Institute of Child Health (ICH), thinking up a brilliant research concept is one thing, but getting that research project off the ground is a completely different matter. But all this is set to change as three new staff members are helping to make those research aspirations a reality. As the latest Research & Innovation (R&I) recruits, Danielle Wagner, Naomi Loyse and Rebecca Savage have each taken on the role of Clinical Research Facilitator. Their job? To support staff in research that benefits GOSH patients and facilitates paediatric research. The nitty gritty It goes without saying that when it comes to their area of work, clinicians and academics really know their stuff. But writing grant applications is a whole other ball game. “Some people aren’t sure what they need to do,” explains Naomi. “We help with the research application process which includes ethics approval, costings and governance. In addition, colleagues may have a brilliant research project but need us to find funding opportunities for them. It really depends on what is needed.” A day in the life Each Clinical Research Facilitator is responsible for a number of clinical areas within the hospital and also ICH units. Danielle says: “We’re based within our allocated clinical units, so our time is split between the hospital and the Joint R&D Office. Being partly in the clinical units and R&D Office means we’re able to meet with busy researchers from GOSH and ICH and find out their requirements.” So what is a typical day for a Clinical Research Facilitator? “The great thing about the job is it changes from day to day,” says Naomi. “We receive a whole range of queries from GOSH

and the ICH. Take grant proposals for example. The projects might be in a similar field, but the needs of the researcher will be different because people have strengths in different areas. It’s really about tailoring the service to the individual.” Getting the ball rolling Danielle outlines a key hurdle: “researchers are very busy people who often have areas of interest. We’re here to help guide them through the process and hopefully encourage them to begin something.” Benefiting GOSH Just a few months into the role, it’s clear there have already been many highlights. “Just the fact that we’re here in this new role is exciting,” says Naomi. In addition, it’s clear that the resource provided by the Clinical Research Facilitators also has a practical benefit. “The funding landscape has changed dramatically over the past five years,” explains Danielle. “In this very competitive world, proposals submitted need to be of the best quality, so in our supporting role, we aim to encourage best practice.”

The early bird catches the worm Danielle, Naomi and Rebecca are keen for anyone interested in research to get in contact. “Ideally we’d need you to get in contact as early as possible,” says Danielle. “Things take a long time to set up, so several months if possible is ideal. Naomi adds: “We will support researchers within GOSH and the ICH at any stage, but in today’s market it’s important to spend as much time as possible on your application. If you want meaningful feedback, get in touch as early as possible so we can help.” Interested? If you have a query around research and would like to get in touch with one of our Clinical Research Facilitators, please find contact details below: Danielle Wagner Ext 2684 wagned@gosh.nhs.uk Naomi Loyse Ext 2199 loysen@gosh.nhs.uk Rebecca Savage Ext 2620 savagr@gosh.nhs.uk

The Clinical Research Facilitators are funded by Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity.

So what do increased research projects mean for GOSH and the ICH? “Our main aim is to ensure our research benefits patients at Great Ormond Street Hospital,” says Naomi. But the bigger picture involves even bigger aspirations. Together, GOSH and the ICH aim to be top in the UK for paediatric research, and in the top five worldwide. From left to right: Naomi Loyse, Danielle Wagner and Rebecca Savage.

Charity pages We need to raise £50 million every year to help rebuild and refurbish Great Ormond Street Hospital, buy vital equipment and fund pioneering research. For more information please call 020 7239 3000 or log on to www.gosh.org

Are you Britain’s busiest mum?

Funding equipment At Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), we’re committed to improving the quality of care we provide sick children. But in order to do this, we must ensure we have the very best medical equipment. Medical equipment is expensive, but providing medical equipment suitable for young people, children and babies is even more expensive.

Pharmacy fridge £5,901 (for two) It’s crucial that medicines are stored correctly, especially those that must be maintained at low temperatures. These fridges include digital temperature control, forced-air cooling and an audio-visual alarm. They are also fully lockable.

FastPrep®-24 £6,200 This instrument is used in the molecular microbiology lab to take DNA extracts from patients’ fluids in order to identify which bug is causing a patient’s infection. It will be used across the hospital for all clinical departments.

Last year, Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity raised £2million towards new equipment for the hospital. But where exactly does this money go and how is it benefiting GOSH patients? This month, we reveal some key pieces of equipment that the Charity has funded.

Flake ice machine £2,206 This machine produces trays of small ice blocks used for the fast chilling of DNA samples. The samples are then analysed using techniques that can identify genetic disorders. In 2010, 1,200 patients benefited from this service.

Piezon scaler £2,914 (for two) This mobile dental equipment can be taken into theatres or wards and used to remove calculus (also called tartar) from the teeth of children who have trouble brushing, such as those who are long-term clinically sick or those with severe learning difficulties. 28

X-ray gowns £6,511 Xenolite x-ray gowns are protective aprons used by the clinical and scrub staff in operating theatres. The wearing of these gowns is compulsory as they are used to protect the staff from radiation while a patient is having their x-ray taken.

Genetic Analyzer £22,422 (upgrade) The ABI Genetic Analyzer enables us to read the exact sequence of a piece of DNA. We are using this machine to search for a mutation in the gene sequence of patients with inherited deafness. The hospital is the largest centre in the UK for testing of this kind.

No one seems to have enough time these days but new research suggests busy mums could actually save an average of 133 hours per year by using smartphones and mobile internet while on the go.* To inspire mums to be more tech savvy, Three, the mobile operator, has launched a nationwide competition to find the busiest mum in the country as part of its On the go campaign. Prizes include the chance to reclaim your lost time on a luxury family holiday and a makeover and photo shoot in OK! magazine. And for every entry to the competition, Three will donate £1 to Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity.

supportive and inspiring workshops for mums including best apps for kids and social networking. If you think you are Britain’s busiest mum or know someone who deserves the title, enter today at www.facebook.com/ThreeUK *Research conducted by Three in Nov 2010 with online mums site Bounty.

Led by celebrity mum and longtime charity supporter Denise Van Outen, the On the go campaign aims to educate, support and inspire mums to use smartphones and mobile internet to make useful changes in their busy lives. The campaign launched in May with an event for mums, the media and organisational partners including the National Childbirth Trust (NCT). The highlight of the day was a panel discussion with inspirational mums including Denise, journalist Lowri Turner and founder of JoJo Maman Bebe, Laura Tenison. The event also included a series of 29

GOSH patients get snorkelling

Five minutes with Louise Horner I only started at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) recently, joining the Brand Marketing team as the Digital Marketing Executive. Prior to this I organised and promoted student events at the University of East Anglia, where I had previously studied as a film student.

Children undergoing limb lengthening at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) enjoyed a new approach to their treatment in April with the first Discover Scuba Diving session organised by the Physiotherapy department. Staff from Diverse Scuba kindly gave up their time to run the sessions for free. After a pre-dive briefing and a bit of practice, the patients were breathing underwater and doing handstands, with some even managing somersaults.

Hydrotherapy at GOSH usually involves using water to assist or resist movements, helping patients regain joint range and strength. The water is warm to relax muscles and help ease any pain. The nearly weightless environment of the scuba diving session allowed patients the freedom to explore underwater, performing exercises without even realising. There were big smiles all round and not just from the kids. One person said: “Never have the tiles on the floor of the pool been so interesting!”

Kennedy Lecture Theatre, UCL Institute of Child Health Tuesday 21 June 2011 Chairman: Professor Andrew Copp, Director

What was your childhood nickname and how did you get it? Nicknames never really stuck when I was a kid. Titch was tried out for size by my friends but never caught on, thankfully.

What’s the most memorable place you’ve ever visited? Deadvlei in Namibia. My sister Rachel (once a GOSH patient) now lives in Namibia. We visited this location – a clay pan in the middle of the Namib desert – a few years back and found it to be truly stunning. It’s incredibly remote and almost otherworldly. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? As child I had three rather conflicting ambitions – to be either an architect, a dancer or a florist.

What’s your favourite thing about your job? The immediacy of it. It’s really gratifying to be able to speak directly with people whose lives have been changed by GOSH. It’s fantastic to put a message out on the web and immediately get positive responses back from patients, families and fundraisers.

Inaugural symposium

3pm Early nutrition and later health: an evolutionary perspective Jonathan Wells, Professor of Anthropology and Paediatric Nutrition 4pm Tea on the balcony 4.30pm Approaches to understanding childhood visual impairment Jugnoo Rahi, Professor of Ophthalmic Epidemiology and Honorary Consultant Ophthalmologist 5.30pm Reception in the Winter Garden

Along with a whole mix of digital marketing tasks, my role here is primarily focused on social media, including Facebook, Twitter and blogging. My job is to get word out about the brilliant work the hospital does and converse with a vibrant online community of GOSH supporters. With technology developing at an astounding pace my role is to keep up-to-date with social media trends around the world.

If you could visit any point in history, when would it be? Around the turn of the 20th century. I do an extensive amount of family history research in my spare time and while some genealogists focus on looking back as far as possible, I find the most satisfying era to investigate is one that’s more tangible. Visiting 1900 and experiencing society at that time would be fascinating.

Green Week Have you considered a Green Week in your ward or department? The Joint Environmental Committee can help! We can supply you with a green quiz for staff and families to complete, fun facts of the day, tips on how you can make your ward/department more green and even a visit from Envirolump, the environmental elephant.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what CD would you most want with you and why? I have eclectic taste in music, mostly along modern rock/pop lines, but I think that if I chose Holst’s The Planets I would never bore of it.

Please contact Sarah Lewis on ext 5509 or email lewiss2@gosh.nhs.uk for more information.

Sports update By Paul Ryves and Hayley Dodman

GOSH football bringing it home

Early season hat trick for GOSH netball

GOSH 1 – 0 Channel 5 With four games remaining in the season at the point of kick off, GOSH made a good start to the end of season run-in with a 1–0 victory over close rivals Channel 5. Historically a grudge match, there was no attractive football played as GOSH dug in hard for a physical battle.

GOSH 15 – 9 Old Ladies GOSH started the new season facing the Old Ladies, who they had beaten in a closely contested final game of the previous season. Despite a tight first half GOSH opened up a four-goal lead in the third quarter, extended to six in the fourth.

There were plenty of shots on goal either end. GOSH rode their luck a little in the second half as Channel 5 hit the post on a few occasions as did GOSH in the first half. However, it was Minhaaj Anzar’s first half goal that was the difference between the two teams. Anzar watched the ball carefully after a goalmouth scramble in the opposition’s box following a decent cross in from the right, and slotted home with a neat finish.

GOSH 34 – 6 Olswang (friendly) GOSH took on Holborn law firm Olswang in Lincoln’s Inn Fields for a pre-Easter friendly. GOSH dominated and limited Olswang to just one goal per quarter until the fourth, resulting in a 28-goal margin between the two teams at the final whistle. GOSH 25 – 11 Hot Choppers Hot Choppers were GOSH’s opponents for the third game of the season. A blistering start and accurate shooting gave GOSH an 8–2 lead in the first quarter. The team capitalised and extended their lead in the second, third and fourth quarters taking a 25-11 win.

The Sports and Social Committee is funded by Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity. 32