Welcome to Cascade
20 March 2025
Getting to Good: Caring for our patients
How we are doing
What we are doing
• UEC – pressures remain but improvements seen throughout February in areas such as ambulance handovers, 12 hours waits and fit to sit times
• Elective recovery – focus on reducing 65 and 78 week wait patients. 65 week wait list expected to be cleared by Q1 2025/26
• Diagnostics – DM01 for the Trust, unvalidated position is 69.8%, overall increase by 13 % since January
• Cancer – focus and progress in reducing the 62-day backlog
• Phase 1 of RSH ED refurbishment due to be operational at end of March
• New UEC transformation lead nurse now in post
• Expanded theatre lists due to begin from 1 April; more than 3,200 patients seen in Planned Care Hub since opening
• Stronger Together – significant improvement in early transfers to discharge lounges
• Focus on deconditioning of patients to reduce length of stay
Ambulance trial under way
A new Offload to Assess (OTA) process is being trialled to reduce the amount of time patients wait for initial tests, and decisions to admit or discharge, after arriving by ambulance.
A dedicated OTA space has also been provided to increase privacy and dignity for patients. Initial feedback has been positive. Thank you to our MEC colleagues who are driving this improvement work through their transformation programme.
Our Clinical Support Services division is supporting our Stronger Together ambitions to deliver a better journey and experience for every patient, every time
The Pharmacy Team is introducing automated dispensing cabinets in the Emergency Departments at RSH and PRH. This new technology will:
• Release nurse time to care
• Automate ordering of medicines to ensure stock is always available as required
• Improve reliability of medicine availability on the wards and eliminate ad hoc ordering – saving time and removing missed doses
• Reduce the risk of misappropriation of medicines and provide a full audit trail
• Increase patient safety and reduce medicines waste
• Support the discharge process through the storage and management of TTO
Stronger Together: A sustainable future
Less than two weeks to go until the end of the financial year
• The Trust has an unplanned deficit for 2024/25 and we have had to make some difficult decisions to save money, but we have seen a slow down in non-critical spend - thank you
• We are making great progress on our Cost Improvement Programme and on track to deliver £34m of efficiency savings this year, which is nearly double that of last year
• Thank you to everyone who attended a managers’ briefing or focus group – we received some great ideas and feedback which we are working through
• We are establishing a Transformation Board to help implement staff-generated ideas to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and add value for patients. We have received 23 ideas so far. Get in touch if you would like to be involved
• Our Recovery Team is in place to listen and support yousath.strongertogether@nhs.net.
• We will share our plans for 2025/26 in more detail in April’s Cascade
Start planning for 25/26
We will work with you to:
£ Plan budgets now, and live within budget
£ Think about capital spend early in the year
£ Plan rotas now, including annual leave and training
£ Look for opportunities to add value for patients
Stronger Together: A sustainable future
Here is just one way we are focussing on quality, improvement and delivering value for our patients…
• To help us reduce waste and save money, we are replacing paper towels with hand dryers in our public toilets.
• Paper towels produce more waste as they cannot be recycled. Hand dryers have a much lower environmental impact.
• On average every £1 we spend on electricity equates to 40,000 ‘dries’ compared to 261 paper towels for £1.
• While the initial investment in hand dryers will be higher, the ongoing costs associated with paper towels add up!
Got an idea? Please share itsath.strongertogether@nhs.net
Hospitals Transformation Programme
The Hospitals Transformation Programme (HTP) is a key part of the overarching plan to transform health and care services across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and Powys.
Emergency Department remodelling
• Handover from contractors now complete
• Familiarisation visits and simulations now taking place
• Expected to be operational from 26 March
Main construction
• Internal works within block 31 ongoing – thank you to staff working near this area
• Installation of pile caps continues with further columns to be added over March
• Ground floor installation continues
Staff involvement
• Launch of internal rovingpop ups at both sites
• First pop up will take place on Wednesday 26 March, 3pm-5pm in RSH Outpatients – further dates available on the intranet
Next steps
• Next phase of ED remodelling will begin in April and expected to complete in August 2025
• Launching HTP master programme with divisions in April
• Work has commenced with the divisional teams to work on how the models of care will be delivered
Our estate: Car parking
Parking options at RSH
We have been working with Julia Buckley MP and other stakeholders, including Shropshire Council, who are now rapidly progressing a feasibility study on the potential use of the Mytton Oak site. This is an area of land near the hospital that has the potential to be used as overflow parking.
In the meantime, we still need more colleagues to use the Park & Ride.
Patient Park & Ride trial
Our trial at RSH for patients to use the Park & Ride has had some great feedback. Currently around 20-25 patients/visitors are using the service daily. We know this is an option our patients will use, so we will be looking to keep this option available to patients after the trial at a small fee in line with other Park & Ride services and allowing patients to use the
Staff parking charges are increasing from Tuesday 1 April. We have reviewed our bank rates and part-time hours rates and these can be found on the intranet car parking pages. If you need to apply for, or cancel, your permit please do it before Tuesday 1 April.
Digital Update: Patient Engagement Portal & Vitals
DrDoctor is the patient portal that allows patients to access their hospital referrals, read letters and view appointments online. The project begins with a small pilot in the Ear, Nose and Throat department and further roll-out is expected later in 2025.
What will patients be able to do with the Patient Portal?
View electronic appointment letters (via a link sent in text message and through NHS app)
Receive appointment notifications and reminders via text/email through DrDoctor
Inform us if they can no longer attend an appointment (adds to a worklist in DrDoctor)
See referrals, appointments and appointment letters in NHS app
Would you like to get involved?
After the pilot we will be looking for other teams to join the project, attend workshops and get involved. Please email sath.patientportal@nhs.net
Receive their letters in paper format if digital letters are unopened
Getting to Good: NHS Staff Survey
The NHS Staff Survey results 2024 are out. Thank you to everyone who has taken part
We have improved in the following areas:
• ‘We are compassionate and inclusive’, ‘We each have a voice that counts’, ‘We are always learning’ and ‘We work flexibly’
• Our mindset to approaching flexible working
• Civility, respect and inclusion
• Supporting inclusion and equality and diversity, with elements of our Workforce Race Equality Standard and Workforce Disability Equality Standard having improved
Areas we need to focus on:
• Recognising and rewarding our colleagues
• Divisional year-on-year results show a slight decline (although MEC has improved)
• Staff morale
• Health and wellbeing
• Supporting our staff with MSK problems
What are we doing to improve our culture?
• Continuing our cultural and leadership improvement journey
• Focusing on health and wellbeing
• Working closely with divisions and teams to develop action plans
• Collaborating with the system and partners to scale up in areas such as education and training
• Continuing to listen to your ideas and suggestions
Getting to Good: NHS Staff Survey
Please prioritise the upcoming staff briefing sessions to find out more
Getting to Good: Creating a great place to work
Menopause
On International Women’s Day we were proud to launch a menopause support programme for colleagues. To find out more about this, and some upcoming menopause sessions, visit the intranet.
Loop
From Friday 30 May, you will no longer be able to access your Employee Online account. It will be replaced by Loop. This will affect how you view/book annual leave, view rosters, make shifts requests or book bank shifts. Find out more on the intranet.
Neurodiversity
You told us that we could do more to support colleagues with neurodivergent needs. This includes awareness, education and understanding reasonable adjustments. In 2024 our Neurodiversity at Work Programme launched with more guidance and toolkits.
NHS Pension Scheme
NHS Pensions has created a new Employer Toolkit to keep members of the scheme updated. You can view and download materials from the Employer Toolkit here: Media Library.
Information Governance
Do you care about what you share? Back to basics
Protect people’s data from offline to online
• Unlocked screens are a real threat to patient data – TAP OUT (Windows L)
• Weak passwords are a real threat to IT accounts and patient confidentiality – use three words that make no sense e.g. ‘dogpigvan’ with numbers caps etc, something that cannot be associated to any data you use elsewhere. These are more difficult to crack. Do not use a generic password for all logins.
• Tailgating:Allowing unauthorised individuals into RESTRICTED areas is a significant threat to our staff/patients and the organisation.All of us have a role to play – don’t be afraid to challenge - STOP AND ASK FOR ID. If at any point you feel threatened, call security.
• Poorly compiled/messy and unsecured notes are a real threat to patient data security and our organisation – disorganised filing leads to costly mistakes that can jeopardise patient care, confidentiality and legal compliance, secure all data appropriately. The IG Team offers records management and secure data handling training (on LMS) to assist all colleagues.
Who can you trust?
Criminal elements are always watching and listening for ways to access information. Be aware of what you share in public spaces and on social media.
Getting to Good: Risk management
The Risk Management Team supports teams Trust-wide with clinical and non-clinical risks. They provide assurance that the Trust is providing high quality care in a safe environment and that it is complying with legal and regulatory requirements. Below is a table that demonstrates how each division is managing its risks that affect its achievement of the Trust’s strategic objectives.
Getting to Good: Supplier Representatives Policy
All colleagues have a role in providing safe, effective and economic products and services to patients in their care.
It is vital that any new or amended products are introduced in conjunction with the Trust’s Procurement Team and in strict accordance with the Trust’s policy.
This includes free of charge and trial products.
The policy applies to all clinical and nonclinical staff and supplier representatives.
Suzy Thompson, Consultant GeriatricianSpecialist interest in Parkinson’s disease
Liz King, Consultant Geriatrician –Specialist interest in Parkinson’s disease
Jo Dorling, Clinical Nurse Specialist
Erica Capps, Associate Specialist and Falls Expert
Georgie Hughes, Clinical Nurse Specialist
The Parkinson’s Service provides support for patients with Parkinson’s Disease aged 65 and over (or CFS5+) through a referral process accessible via the Care of the Older Adult section on the intranet.
Referrals can be submitted by email to the designated contacts at PRH and RSH. The Parkinson’s Disease nurses provide resources such as bedside laminated prompts for staff, patient leaflets, and assistance with queries Monday to Friday. Staff are encouraged to identify Parkinson’s patients on Careflow and set alerts for better tracking, review, and discharge coordination. The team is also collecting feedback for a national audit and welcomes ideas for service improvement.
Please note Parkinson's Disease service users under the care of Neurology need to be referred via a separate Neurology referral form.
New colleagues and new roles
Joe McCloud
Divisional Medical
Director for Surgery, Anaesthetics & Cancer
Joe has been a consultant surgeon at SaTH for over 17 years and is looking forward to the challenge of the divisional medical director role and working with colleagues throughout the Trust to improve services for our patients and colleagues.
Gavin Moore Library Services Manager
With background as a Library Manager at South Warwickshire University
NHS Foundation Trust and diverse roles in NHS and university libraries, Gavin is excited to lead the Library Team and ensure staff and students are connected to the right information for learning, improvement, innovation, patient care, and research.
Charlotte Jack Therapy Centre ManagerClinical Support Services Division
Charlotte will provide strategic leadership to ensure the delivery of highquality services that meet the needs of patients and referring agencies. She is a passionate Occupational Therapist and has worked in several organisations to drive forward transformational change and innovation.
Dean Ames
Electrically Biased Multiskilled Technician
Dean has joined the Estates department at PRH to support the Electrical Maintenance Team. He has over ten years experience within the industry and has completed 20 years with BT.
Dean is really looking forward to getting involved and hopes to become a valuable asset to the department.
Laura Swannick
Colorectal Cancer Care Project Manager
Laura was previously a Medical Secretary, became a Medical Secretary Supervisor/Office Manager in Medicine and then progressed onto Colorectal Cancer Care Project Manager. It is an exciting time for the Colorectal Team, and she is thrilled to be joining them on this journey.’
Recognising our colleagues
Congratulations to Jan Meredith who works in ITU, RSH who has been shortlisted for ‘Practice Supervisor of the Year’ in the Student Nursing Times Awards. Jan has been an exceptional education champion and supported so many students over her career.
Emma Colley and Sarah Millington who both work in ED, PRH will be joined by 15 other colleagues to take part in the ‘Great Tommy Sleep Out’ in aid of homeless military veterans. They will spend the night sleeping outside, on the Wrekin, to raise money for the Royal British Legion Industries charity.
Julie Griffin and June Harris, who both work as domestics in the Lingen Davies Centre are retiring at the end of March after a collective 54 years’ service between them. Thank you to both for their time with both patients and colleagues who will miss them.
Congratulations to Sam Funge who has been nominated at Medical Education Manager of the Year and to Dr Dodiy Herman who has been nominated for the Outstanding Contribution by a Team or Department in the Medical Educators of the Year Awards
Inclusion: News and events
We are in the holy month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic Calendar, and the most holy month for Muslims.
There is support for colleagues who are fasting on the intranet, as well as information for colleagues and patients on how to stay healthy during Ramadan.
Equality and Diversity
Recording equality and diversity data in ESR enables us to improve staff experience as well as demonstrate compliance with equality legislation. Please ensure you keep your section updated.Access the online training on how to Record my Equality and Diversity details and a ‘How to’ Guide.
Direct
Portal Link to Equality & Diversity
Upcoming staff network meetings
Multi Faith & Belief staff network meeting
MS Teams, Thursday 24 April , 12-12.45pm
DAWN staff network meeting
MS Teams, Tuesday 25 March, 1-2pm
Race, Equality & Inclusion staff network meeting
MS Teams, Wednesday 23 April, 11am12.00pm
LGBT+ staff network meeting
MS Teams, Friday 11 April, 1-2pm
Looking forward: Key messages
Please prioritise the NHS Staff Survey results staff briefings
Please continue to use the two Park & Ride services and encourage patients to use the pilot service at RSH between 10am-3pm.
Please get involved with, and support, Stronger Together
Please attend the HTP roving pop ups to find out more
Last chance to have your flu vaccination. Email karen.mann2@nhs.net
Did you know there is a Loop app? Download now via your app store Windows 11 migration continues
Neurodiversity Celebration Week (17-23 Mar)
Nutrition and Hydration Week (17-23 Mar)
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (21 Mar)
Bowel Cancer Awareness Month (April)
StressAwareness Month (April)
Easter (18-21April)
We are here to help and support you
If you would like to raise a concern, you can contact our FTSU team Contact
sath.ahealthieryou@nhs.net for support if you are facing pressures due to rising cost of living
Familiarise yourself with the health and wellbeing support available – details on the intranet
Thank you for listening
Please cascade this briefing to all members of your team within the next two working days – please capture any questions raised during your briefing and submit here.