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Issue 5 November 2013

One &All Royal Cornwall Hospitals

NHS Trust

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COMPETITIONS & PRIZES

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Multi-million pound Emergency Department Expansion

Pride and Achievement: The 2013 Extra Mile Awards

LIVES

NEWS / TRUST PEOPLE / GRAPEVINE / MEMBERS / VOLUNTEERS / patient story

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CONTENTS www.rcht.nhs.uk

One &All Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust

One and All is published quarterly every January, April, July and October. Copy date for each issue is approximately six weeks before publication.

DISCLAIMER Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that adverts and articles appear correctly. Edgemoor Publishing cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage caused directly or indirectly by the contents of this publication. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of its publisher or editor.

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My View 5

Trust People News & Views

7

In Focus Modernising and expanding services

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Grapevine Staff Photography competition, Thank Yous

15

Volunteering Awards, volunteers, donations

19

Membership News Get Involved

22

RCHT at 21 AGM & Annual Report

24

Did You Know?

Looking after Children in Care

26

Patient Story A lucky accident

28

Charitable Funds Gifts & Donations

30

Achievements Going the Extra Mile

Advertsing Zara Media 01392 201227 grant@zaramedia.co.uk

Welcome

TRUST VIEW

Infection Prevention - Louise Dickinson

Design Edgemoor Design 01837 659224 simon@edgemoordesign.co.uk

Cover Picture Cover Photo The Community Award Winners for 2013: Paediatric Oncology Team

CONTENTS Nick Macklin - first interview

Editorial Communications, Bedruthan House 01872 253216 oneandall@cornwall.nhs.uk

34

Welcome to the latest edition of One & All – our quarterly magazine for patients, staff,Volunteers, Foundation Trust members and anyone with an interest in local healthcare.

The magazine has been going for one year now and has received excellent feedback since we launched last Autumn.

Keep your comments coming in and let us know what you would like to see in future editions.

In this edition we are proud to announce the winners of our annual staff Extra Mile, Excellence and Innovation Awards. This is a fantastic event and an opportunity to recognise the many unsung heroes who make Royal Cornwall Hospitals great.

We also feature our latest site developments to expand, modernise and improve our services. Providing high quality care is what drives all of us and we are now starting to see the high standard environments and technology to meet our clinician’s ambitions and patient’s needs.

I hope you enjoy the magazine and thank you for your continued support.

Garth Davies Associate Director, Communications at RCHT. oneandall@cornwall.nhs.uk

INSIDE OUT Memory Lunch, Generous Donations

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WHAT’S ON Diary Dates, Spot the Difference

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One and All 3

TRUST VIEW

Nick Macklin, Director for Human Resources and Organisational Development therefore been devoted to developing the infrastructure to support the ‘Our People’ strategy as well as the metrics for measuring success. This strategy is critical to the Trust’s success and I am clear that if we are successful in managing and developing our staff we will provide excellent patient services.

Staff morale always seems to be a hot topic at RCHT. What have been your first impressions and what do you hope to see in the staff survey results this year?

You joined the Trust in April this year.

What have you identified as your top priorities?

I knew when I joined the Trust that there were immediate priorities such as improving staff engagement, the staff survey results and reducing sickness levels. Through developing the Listening into Action programme we have started to see improvements in staff engagement and empowerment - which in turn should result in better staff survey results this year. Our new Health & Wellbeing Strategy is designed to change the emphasis from managing sickness absence to preventing staff becoming ill in the first place. In addition we have consulted on and devised a new set of Trust values so that we are clear about the behaviours we expect in the workplace.

It was also important not to replicate what I sense has been a piecemeal approach to change in the past with initiatives introduced without an overarching strategy. A lot of my time has 4 One and All

I think it is interesting that there is an apparent disconnect between the views we receive from external sources such as the Care Quality Commission and from patients or carers compared to how our staff perceive RCHT. I think in part this is a reflection of the very challenging times facing the NHS and the fact that the intensity and complexity of patient care is higher than ever. However, I think it also reflects the fact that we haven’t always engaged staff correctly or dealt with their concerns satisfactorily.

In recent years the Trust has invested significantly in the working environment, modern equipment and recruiting additional staff. The ‘Our People Strategy’ is designed to improve working lives at RCHT and thankfully we are beginning to see some positive signs through our staff surveys.

In 2014 we aim to be an NHS Foundation Trust. Will this have any impact on staff pay, terms and conditions?

There are many benefits to becoming a Foundation Trust such as greater financial freedom and more say for the local community – including staff. Becoming a Foundation Trust will not however have any direct impact on staff pay, terms

and conditions. That doesn’t mean that pay, terms and conditions will not be subject to review and scrutiny. We need to ensure that the money we spend helps us to recruit, retain and reward staff as well as support our objectives to extend the range and availability of services.

Spend on pay, terms and conditions represents 65% of our budget and it is vital that we secure good value for money for the taxpayer. The need to do this would exist regardless of whether or not we are a Foundation Trust.

It is perhaps also worth knowing that securing Foundation Trust status doesn’t provide the trust with any additional employment freedoms and that we remain committed to engaging with staff and staffside colleagues on all employment related matters.

We have recently revised our organisational values. What are they and why are they important?

Every successful organisation in the world has a strong set of values that each member of staff knows, understands and demonstrates daily as part of their service.

The Trust Board believe passionately that the same should be true at RCHT and following consultation with over 1000 members of staff we have agreed a new set of values. They are: Care & Compassion Trust & Respect Working Together Inspiration & Innovation Pride & Achievement Alongside the values we have developed a behaviours framework and over the next 12-18 months we intend to recruit, develop, reward and hold to account the performance of all staff based on our values. I believe passionately that this approach will enhance the patient services we provide. n

MY VIEW www.rcht.nhs.uk

Clean hands save lives - infection prevention tips with Consultant Nurse Louise Dickinson

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ver the past few years Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT) has made good progress in preventing and controlling infections. Our MRSA bacteraemia rate has dropped significantly with only one case in the last three years, we have reduced the number of clostridium difficile cases over the last three years (a bacterial infection that affects the digestive system) and up until last winter the norovirus bug (a stomach bug which causes vomiting and diarrhoea) was well controlled.

However, our own high standards, more demanding targets, concerns about the impact of antibiotic use on bacterial infections and a difficult winter last year means that this year we are taking nothing for granted. Louise Dickinson is our lead infection prevention and control nurse and she talks about her team’s priorities as we start the winter period.

She explains: “It is vital that healthcare professionals work as a team across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to prevent infection and that individuals take responsibility for both their own health and others.”

Some of the most common infections can be prevented by sensible antibiotic prescribing by clinicians, protecting yourself and others by having the flu vaccination and most simply by good old fashioned handwashing with soap and warm water – which is something we can all do. Everyone can help stop the spread infections by practising good hand hygiene.

Louise says “We educate all our staff that hand washing before, during and after each contact with a patient is essential to prevent the spread of infection. We also need our visitors to help us though so that anyone visiting a friend or relative washes their hands before entering a ward and then again on leaving the area.

“The hospital has become increasingly effective at identifying and if necessary isolating patients who are admitted to us with infections but it is not as easy to identify visitors and carers who may have infections so we need to continue promoting hand washing when people visit.”

At the start of this year the Trust had a long spell of norovirus and the impact on patients and our services was debilitating.

Louise is clear about the patient benefits: “For many of our patients preventing infections is vital for a speedy recovery and

on occasion it can be life saving. Clean hands really do save lives.

“This winter we will be calling on all our staff and patients to adhere to excellent hand hygiene in our hospitals and to be sensible about attending if they have had a recent infection themselves – the advice is stay away from hospitals for at least 48 hours after you have had any symptoms of diarrhoea or vomiting.

“However, something that we want to make clear is that if your relative is very ill or dying and in a ward infected by norovirus then we will always make arrangements for you to visit. Infection prevention requires discipline but this needs to work alongside common sense and compassionate care.” n

One and All 5

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TRUST PEOPLE www.rcht.nhs.uk

J Retirements

S

enior Staff Nurse Mandy Stevens retired in August after 20 years at St Michaels Hospital, Hayle.

Mandy started her nursing career as an auxillary nurse at the hospital in September 1973 prior to training at the Royal Cornwall School of Nursing in January 1974. After qualifying, Mandy worked as a staff nurse at Treliske and Tehidy hospitals.

In 1978 she undertook midwifery training at Treliske and eventually qualified as a midwife in 1979 having had a motorcycle accident which forced her to be off work for seven months.

Mandy worked at the Princess Alexandra Maternity Wing and then at Bolitho Maternity Home in Penzance for two years. She then worked as a district nurse midwife in the Redruth area for two years during which time she qualified as a district nurse, training at Exeter.

In 1983 Mandy left to spend three years travelling the world with her husband Bob, an engineer in the Merchant Navy. After the birth of her children, Chris and Cheryl, Mandy eventually returned to work in July 1993.

Her mother, Peggy Dickins, worked at St Michaels for 25 years as a house keeper on the wards and in the dining room. Peggy retired in the same month Mandy returned so there has been a family member at St Michaels for 45 years! Peggy died in July this year.

Mandy’s husband Bob died in 2009 following a motorcycle accident and this highlighted how short life is and how quickly it can change which is one of the reasons Mandy has decided to take early retirement. She is planning to play golf, ride her motorbike and spend time with family and friends.

Mandy said she has enjoyed working at St Michaels. “It is like a family and I have always been grateful for the support and kindness of the staff during some difficult times. Although I will miss my workmates we will keep in touch as there are many social events within the hospital. They may also find me back with them as a Kernowflex nurse!”

uliet Davey headed off into retirement following a farewell lunch with colleagues including George and former colleague and predecessor Derek Laity.

Juliet had worked at the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust as part of a partnership with Devon and Cornwall Police since 2005. She had been a serving police officer for 30 years previously working as a response officer in Truro before moving to the Trust.

Juliet worked closely with the Trust’s security team and Local Security Management Specialist Paul Dixon. Mr Dixon said: “It’s been a pleasure working with Juliet who has been an ambassador both for the Trust and for the Devon and Cornwall police during her time here.

She has been a popular figure with staff at all three of our hospitals and will be missed by many.”

T

here was a warm welcome back for PC George Torrance, who has taken up the post of resident police officer at the trust again.

George has picked up the reins from PC Juliet Davey who retired in July. Many around the Trust will recognise George. He previously worked alongside Juliet before heading back to Truro Police Station.

George said: “It’s brilliant to be back on familiar territory. The hospital police role is both challenging and rewarding but the staff have been so welcoming with many saying how pleased they are to see me. Juliet will obviously be missed by all but I think my return provides reassurance to the staff, public and patients. There are many benefits to being permanently based at the hospital, I get to know the staff and they get to know me and know where they can get hold of me.”

George’s role extends across the Trust’s three sites and he is keen to point out that there is very much an open door policy regarding his office next to Trelawny reception. “People are welcome to just pop in if they have concerns or queries or just need to speak to me.”

Midwife Ann Wallwork retired in the summer after over 30 years at the Trust.

Colleague Helen Ross-McGill said: “Annie Wallwork was a much respected and experienced midwife, she will be missed by all of us but we wish her well in her retirement.”

Annie is now able to devote time to her other interest of wedding dress and costume design and creation One and All 7

TRUST PEOPLE

Party time!

A tea party held in October to mark 30 years of Marie Therese House was attended by patients, relatives and staff past and present.

The unit opened its doors in 1983 and welcomed its first six patients who were to be permanent residents. A further six beds were used for programmed rehab or respite care.

The idea for Marie Therese House came from the Nuns, The Order of the Daughters of the Cross of Liege, who had set up and run St Michael’s Hospital in Hayle since 1914 and Dr Evans, one of the consultants based there. They realised there was a need for a centre to care for patients with long term neurological conditions, and spoke to the then Health Authority with a view to opening one in the West of the county and later on, another in the East. The second proposed unit was never realised, making Marie Therese House unique in Cornwall.

In the intervening 30 years the unit has seen many changes. St Michael’s Hospital was taken over by the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust in 1999 and Marie Therese House transferred at the same time.

RCHT receive commendations for Junior Doctor training The Postgraduate Training Programme for junior doctors at the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust has become the first in the South West Peninsula to be commended for best practice in three areas in a General Medical Council (GMC) Review.

The GMC Review looks at good practice at each Trust annually and RCHT received commendations in three areas – Generic skills teaching, the Junior Doctors Management Group and Simulation Training. The multi-disciplinary obstetric team training was specifically picked out for praise.

Johanna Gilbert, Senior Manager in the Postgraduate Centre, said: “The GMC commendation is a fantastic one for us to receive because it is about the education the Trust gives to its junior doctors. It shows we are committed to giving good quality education and training and that is borne out by the feedback we have received from our junior doctors. They want to work here and they recommend us to others.”

8 One and All

It has however, maintained its 12 beds although the range of patients using them has changed. Initially it was those needing live in care while today there are no permanent residents, instead the unit provides rehabilitation for patients with a wide range of neurological conditions with physical disability.

There are currently 25 nurses, eight therapists and two administrators working as part of a dedicated team plus a valued group of domestic staff. These are complemented by specialists from the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust, who provide speech and language therapy, neuro psychology and a dietician.

Anne Heathcote, Marie Therese House team leader, said: “Over the years our work has certainly changed. The patients we see now are more acute and have more complex needs. The unit is more rehab focussed and we provide therapeutic activities with activities including cookery and pottery via several of our long-time volunteers.”

The unit has its own group of Friends and the team are keen to attract others. Anne said: “The Friends of Marie Therese House are a small, informal group who meet about four times a year. We would love to recruit new members (patients, relatives and staff or members of the public) to continue to support the work undertaken here at Marie Therese House.”

For more information on the work of the Friends and how to join, please contact Anne Heathcote on 01736 758875.

The Trust currently has around 250 training posts ranging from foundation year one junior doctors to specialty registrars.

Junior doctors spend at least two years with the postgraduate training programme completing four-monthly rotations around different specialties.

The GMC Review is part of a larger round of rigorous quality checks which include an annual Peninsula Deanery visit, a yearly GMC trainee survey, local education provider visits from each specialty school and end of placement trainee surveys.

The data collected from these checks is also used by the Peninsula Deanery to create an action plan for us in terms of training and education. This plan is the measure by which NHSLA ratings for the supervision of doctors in training are recommended by the GMC for the Trust.

Johanna added: “We want to thank everyone who is involved in the programme. Their hard work has meant we have more commendations than any other local education provider in the Peninsula.”

TRUST PEOPLE www.rcht.nhs.uk

Do you have any unwanted baby dolls?

Laparoscopic Training The integrated laparoscopic theatres now installed at West Cornwall and Royal Cornwall Hospitals have provided a hugely improved working environment for RCHT surgeons and theatre teams and are enhancing patient care and safety.

And, as a study day held in September demonstrates, the technology is also playing an increasing role in training the surgeons of tomorrow, taking advantage of live link-ups between operating theatres, skills labs and seminar rooms.

RCHT played host to doctors from across the south-west region as part of their specialist gynaecology training.

As RCHT consultant gynaecologist, Dominic Byrne explained, it’s the second time the gynaecology team has run a training day using the live link-up to one of the integrated theatres. It offers doctors the chance to see the surgery involved in some of the less common types of cases that might present as emergencies - this one focused on ectopic pregnancy - and to develop their skills in laparoscopic procedures.

The integrated theatres are equipped to allow the cameras fitted to the surgical instruments to be linked to screens in training locations on the RCH site, including the Knowledge Spa and Postgraduate Centre, and potentially further afield, too. The doctors taking part in the training day can watch and listen to what is happening live in theatre. They can talk to the lead surgeon and ask questions from the linked locations, where they also have available the simulation equipment to practice the delicate techniques involved.

Obstetric and gynaecology specialist registrar Tom Smith-Walker added: “We have national and internationally recognised experts in laparoscopic gynaecology and are fortunate that our hospitals are equipped with the technology that is allowing us to share that expertise with those who will be future consultants in the specialty. There is huge potential for us to do similar training in many other specialities, further developing our role as a teaching hospital.”

RCHT is a reference site for showcasing the hi-tech theatres installed by manufacturer Stryker to other hospitals around the UK and their role in training is an important part of their appeal. So far three of the theatres have been installed and work on two more is underway.

Dese Pearce from the Children In Care team based in Pendragon House is looking for any unwanted, unloved baby dolls to assist with doll therapy for dementia patients. Many care homes use doll therapy with their elderly dementia patients. The residents are able to sit and cuddle the dolls, both helping to relive memories and it can be a calming tool.

Dese is keen to collect as many dolls as possible as she is currently hoping to help one home but could extend the gift to others if enough dolls were donated.

To find out how to donate please contact Dese on ext 4937, email denise.pearce@rcht.cornwall.nhs.uk or drop them into Pendragon House, marked “For Dese Pearce”.

Do you have a face for radio?

Your hospital radio station, CHBN Radio, based in the Tower Block at the Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro, is preparing to broadcast across the community in FM stereo.

We’re looking for enthusiastic and reliable people to help out in various time slots throughout the day between 8am and 6pm. If you work at the hospital and are happy to volunteer two hours or more a week, we’d love to hear from you.

Opportunities are available both behind the mic and behind the scenes. Full training will be given.

All ages and backgrounds welcome but DAYTIME AVAILABILITY IS ESSENTIAL!!

Contact Kath Grant on 01872 270234 or 07784 919069 or email kath.grant@trurohospitalradio.org for more details.

Join the RCHT Choir The RCHT Choir is great fun and a great way to relax and meet new people. Come along and join us on a Thursday evening from 7.30-8.30pm in the Chapel (Tower Block, level one).

The choir is open to RCHT staff.

For more information contact Tracy Eagles via Groupwise.

One and All 9

IN FOCUS

As it faces an ever rising tide of attendances, the Emergency Department at the Royal Cornwall Hospital is 12 months into a multi-million pound project to expand and redesign services. One & All takes a look at what it means for patients‌

10 One and All

Patient numbers at the Emergency Department (ED) have increased by ten percent over the past five years, with the team now expecting to see over 60,000 emergency patients per year - a far cry from the 35,000 patients the department was originally built to accommodate. The rise in activity is one shared by emergency departments across the country and the pressure on them remains a focus for media and political debate.

In that context, any building work was set to require careful planning, with the department’s critical services having to be fully maintained throughout the complex building programme.

IN FOCUS

E

D consultant and Divisional Director, Andy Virr explains, “This is an exciting modernisation and expansion of our facilities in the emergency department. As well as physically redesigning the building, it will let us put in place the changes we want to make in order to improve patient flow for all patients coming to hospital as emergencies, offering a better working environment for the team here and a much better experience for our patients.”

The first phase of works started in November 2012. That meant a shuffling of services to relocate the existing fracture clinic and then adapting the space to accommodate a temporary ‘minors’ (walking wounded) area for ED patients, complete with a separated area for children. Meanwhile, work also began on an extension to sit within the former courtyard area between the emergency department and fracture clinic.

Although at times waiting room space was squeezed, the building works went smoothly and were completed, as planned ahead of the 2013 summer season. As well as the opening of a new majors area, the x-ray department had undergone a redesign of its reception area and three state-of-the-art digital x-ray rooms were installed.

Meanwhile, similar detailed planning for the next phase was underway. As Garth Weaver, Associate Director of Planning & Projects at RCHT explains, ‘The programme of works has required considerable planning with a series of phases, designed to cause a minimal disruption to services and planned around the availability of capital funding.

By the end, the department will have significantly increased its capacity, future proofing it for a number of years and will have undergone a complete modernisation, bringing it up to the high standards that our patients expect.’

The project has benefited from a £1.2 million contribution from the Department of Health as part of a £330 million allocation across hospitals in One and All 11

IN FOCUS

England. The remainder of the £4.4 million project has been funded by RCHT’s capital programme.

The modernisation programme for the Emergency Department is not only about bricks and mortar, a key part is bringing in new ways of working across the clinical services at the hospital. As such it is one of the cornerstone projects of RCHT’s Clinical Site Development Plan, redeveloping the site to create ‘hot’ (emergency and critical/complex care) and ‘cold’ (planned and lower risk) hubs in the Trelawny Wing and Tower Block.

A new feature will be the setting up of an acute GP service to work alongside the ED team and designed to see patients whose illness can be treated in a similar way to an emergency GP appointment. In the future ED will become the single point of access for all emergency admissions.

Specialty Lead for ED, Dr Sian Ireland says, “We do still see a lot of patients who could be treated elsewhere. Because their condition is not immediately urgent they can often wait longer even though it is something that could be quite easily attended to. We know its going to be a busy winter ahead, making it all the more important for us to help patients choose the most appropriate care so we can concentrate on those most critically ill or with more complex needs.”

As it nears completion, the modernisation programme is delivering a transformation in the environment and way of working for the ED team. Alongside the refit and expansion of the existing ‘majors’ trolley bay – the number of bays is increasing from 12 to 22 - the new ‘minors’ area will open in the New Year and for the first time there will be a separate (reception,) waiting and treatment area for children.

12 One and All

IN FOCUS www.rcht.nhs.uk

When should you use the Emergency Department?

Heavy bleeding Broken bones Burns or scalds Chest pain

This project has been designed by HLM Architects and constructed by Mansells. As well as the physical improvements attention has also been placed on the look of the department and making it easy for patients and their relatives to find their way around.

Information points also guide patients through the department helping them to understand the different stages of their treatment.

Emergency Department Clinical Matron, Claire Blake adds, “We’ve put a lot of work into planning the various stages of the building works to minimise disruption for our patients and hope they feel we’ve achieved that. As well as the big improvements for less critical cases, we’ll have more cubicles for patients on trolleys and be able to offer them more privacy. It’s a much better place in which to care for our patients, and the facilities really are a huge improvement for them and the ED team.” n

The Emergency Department (ED) should only be used in an emergency, a critical or life-threatening situation.

If it’s not, then consider one of the other services where possible to allow ED staff to concentrate on treating patients who are seriously ill or injured.

One and All 13

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Grapevine

LIVES

What does IWL do for you?

In 2001 the Government introduced the Improving Lives initiative.

The values were clear that NHS Trusts had to give commitment to the development of a healthy and competent staff to fulfil their roles and responsibilities to the NHS, the patients, their families, and friends and to themselves.

With this in mind, your IWL facilitator Lizzie is currently running projects such as the Cycle to Work Scheme, Christmas Dinner and Dance, Staff Lottery, Sports facilities, Fitness Classes, Staff Photography Competition and IWL Gift Awards.We welcome new members to the IWL group so please get in touch if you like to attend the monthly committee meetings or for more information on the projects running.

IWL@rcht.cornwall.nhs.uk extension 2297 or visit our page on the intranet (Homepage - A-Z Services – I – Improving Working Lives)

Tri-Arts Exhibition

N

ew exhibitions are currently running at the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust until the New Year.

The Tri-Arts displays will be on show until January 7 and can be seen in the Link corridor and Trelawny Wing at the Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro and adorning the walls at West Cornwall Hospital, Penzance.

There are currently six separate displays showing a diverse range of artworks from local artists and staff.

In the Link Corridor there is a small preview of unique and stunning photographs taken during a Cornwall to Cape Town Expedition undertaken by a team of RCHT doctors. A full exhibition will take place in January.

The Cornwall to Cape Town trip was an overland expedition by three RCHT doctors in a rusty old Land Rover which aimed to raise money for charity as well as contribute to medical projects en route. The trio covered over 20,000 miles, traversed 30 countries, and encountered countless cultures both urban and remote.

The shots aim to draw the viewer into the essence and emotions of the trip, and to guide them through the key moments of this adventure.

To read more about Richard, Sebastian and Daniel’s amazing journey through Africa please visit their website - www. cornwalltocapetown.com Joining the doctors in Link Corridor are nine vibrant original framed paintings

by Barbara Strong. Barbara has previously donated work to the Trust and has done so again to benefit patients and staff.

Another Link Corridor artist is Lis

Thomas. Lis is a visual artist attracted to the abstract qualities of everyday objects and scenes. The ambiguity of her images leaves the viewer to create their own reality from their experiences.

Also joining Lis is Rebecca Gallagher who is showing a range of water images.

Rebecca says: “I find watching water extremely relaxing and from a young age I’ve always enjoyed watching surfers and how the waves carry them safely back to land. Leaving Cornwall for months at a time has made me appreciate its beauty, and so in this series of images I have chosen to focus on the beauty of water and its close relationship with light to create exquisite patterns, colours and textures.”

Displaying on the first floor in Trelawny wing is Amy Albright. Amy says: “I have developed a visual language that alludes to the interconnecting natural forms and patterns that surround us. I am interested in the relationship between macro and microscopic as well as the almost unnoticed, minute marks and traces. My aim is to communicate a sensitive, intimate view of nature’s constant flux, for the paintings to be ambiguous, giving clues but not completion.”

Completing the exhibition is Zach Craft who’s exhibition has moved from the Truro site to West Cornwall Hospital in Penzance.

Zach is a medical student currently working within the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust. Zach says: “Since moving to Cornwall I have been inspired to pay tribute to the Cornish coastline through photography. In my free time I set out to encapsulate my passion for the sea through my photographs.”

Zach is running a half marathon in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) in March next year - the profit generated from his exhibition will go towards sponsorship for running the race.

The Trust is always looking for new artists and is accepting applications for 2014. If you are interested in submitting your work, please contact Lizzie PettetSmith via lizzie.pettet-smith@rcht. cornwall.nhs.uk or call 01872 252297.

One and All 15

VI

NG W

21

OR KIN

G

I M P RO

Grapevine

LIVES

Staff Photography Competition

1st - Turning 21, camping in Bostwana by Max Martensson o 2nd - 21 years of typing by Pat Bartholomew 1) 3rd - With a splash by Graham Jenkin Judges Choice Highly Commended The tree of life reaching for the skies by Lynn Pascoe Highly Commended - Two Castles by Pat Bartholomew

The annual competition was introduced in 2004 and has gone from strength to strength. The first year saw around 30 photographs submitted but this year nearly 300 photographs were entered. The talent just keeps on getting better and better. Due to the brilliant choice and quality of photos, the judges decided to award two highly commended under the ‘Judges Choice’.

The four categories for the 2014 Staff Photography are Colour, What Happened Next?, Copycat (following in the footsteps) and You’re having a laugh. If you are interested in taking part, make sure you visit the IWL website for further information.

Winners The full list of winners are below and the full image library of competition photos can be found on the IWL intranet site.

q

Life

1st - Dudley by Nancy Sheppard q 2nd - Red Red Robin by Justine Allen w 3rd - Mr Farmer by Pat Bartholomew 4th - Bee represents giver of “Life” by Susan Thomas 5th - Building a home, sharing the chores by Lynn Pascoe

Celebration

1st - Enjoying the beautiful weather at Prussia Cove e 2nd - Royal Wedding 2012 by Jo Lewis r 3rd - Roll out the Red Carpet by Alan Bromley 4th - Street Celebration by Pat Bartholomew

e

Seaside

1st - Bucket & Spade by Pat Bartholomew t 2nd - Depicts tidal reaches of our seaside by Susan Thomas y 3rd - St Ives, overlooking Carbis Bay by Stephanie Mcintosh 4th - Beach Huts in Australia by Daniel Smith

Black & White 1st - Overlooking the Worsley Canal in Manchester by Stephanie Mcintosh u 2nd - Not all roses are red by Alan Bromley i 3rd - Farrier work being carried out on my horse by Daniel Thirkill 4th - What times dinner? By Ian Eddy 5th - It’s cold without a coat by Diane Brown

t 16 One and All

Grapevine IWL Thank You

The winner of September’s IWL Thank You is Christine Ford, team leader of Health Records, nominated by her whole team…

This is what they said:

u

o

“Health Records Department would like to nominate Christine Ford (also known as Gran), Team leader of Health Records.

“Chris has held the department together through stressful times, keeping staff moral up with her good sense of humour, appreciation of her staff and above all her delicious cakes.

1)

i

Not only does Chris think of health records as a department, but she thinks of the hospital as a whole always willing to go that extra mile.

From a personal point of view she is always someone you can rely on whether it be a work or personal issue, she always has time for everyone.

Please consider our nomination as it is time Chris was appreciated not just by health records but throughout the hospital.”

w

Congratulations Christine, enjoy your M&S voucher!

IWL would also like to mention the following staff member who was also nominated by their colleagues for their hard work: Vanessa Bird, Publications Assistant (RCH).

If you would like to nominate someone for going over and above their duty then IWL would love to hear from you.

Please e-mail iwl@rcht.cornwall.nhs. uk and tell us why we should award them with either a bouquet or gift voucher (to the value of £15).

y

r

One and All 17

HHHH

‘A perfect evening out’ WhatsOnStage

Win tickets to see

Fiddler on the Roof Tuesday 8th April 2014, 7.30pm Starring Paul Michael Glaser Directed and Choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood. “gritty, heartfelt and passionate, with Paul Michael Glaser owning the stage effortlessly as Tevye” The Stage Filled to the brim with classic songs like If I Were A Rich Man, Matchmaker Matchmaker, Sunrise Sunset and To Life.

The classic bittersweet comedy Monday 2 - Saturday 7 December Box Office 01872 262466 hallforcornwall.co.uk Hall for Cornwall, Lemon Quay, Truro, TR1 2LL

For a chance to win two tickets to the opening night, please answer the following question: What famous 1970s television show did Paul Michael Glaser star in?

To enter, please send your answer along with your name, home address, or Department and extension number to oneandall@cornwall.nhs.uk or send it to: One & All Magazine, c/o Press Office, Bedruthan House, RCH There will be just one winner, no cash equivalent prizes. The competition is open to RCHT staff only, excluding those associated with the competition.

The prize is non-transferable and is available to entrants aged 18 and above.

Al entries must be made by 31st December 2013. The decision of the Press Office is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

Volunteer

Volunteer

profile Mike Doble, ED Volunteer

A trip to the Emergency Department can be a daunting experience so a simple smile, friendly company or the offer of a cup of tea or blanket can make a huge difference.

It’s with the aim of supporting staff and offering a friendly companionship to patients that the Friends’ newest service has launched in the Emergency Department at the Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro.

Tea hostess co-ordinator Suzie Woodier got the ball rolling in late 2012 and with the recruitment of volunteer and retired Ambulance Officer Mike Doble the service has gone from strength to strength.

Mike, who spent 40 years working in the ambulance service including a stint as a First Responder in Probus, said: “I’d been a volunteer in the Mermaid Centre tea bar for about 18 months when I heard about this service and thought ‘that’s the one for me!’. I’d enjoyed my work as a First Responder but felt I was getting on a bit to be rushing off at the sound of a pager. I began working in the Emergency Department as a volunteer and then took over the co-ordinator role earlier this year.”

Order of Mercy award for RCH Friend Suzie Woodier, co-ordinator for the Friends of the Royal Cornwall Hospital hostess service, was presented with the Badge of the Order of Mercy at a ceremony in London in July.

Suzie, who has been a member of the Friends for 12 years, attended the League of Mercy ceremony at Mansion House with her daughter-in-law Dina.

An Emergency Department Volunteer isn’t a “hand’s on job”. While it isn’t a clearly defined role, Mike says the main aims are to assist the staff in non-clinical duties and to chat to patients and their relatives. “We mainly work with the department’s housekeepers, offering a blanket, perhaps restocking cupboards if requested or doing the odd tea round if the housekeeper is busy with other duties. The main element is simply going and talking to people and making things easier for the staff.”

Mike says the service has been warmly received. “What we do is really appreciated by staff, patients and relatives.”

Mike, a father of four and grandfather to five, currently leads a team of ten volunteers, all students from nearby colleges. “I feel it is a privilege to work with these students. Many of them are hoping to go into a medical career and I think it is great the Friends are giving these young people a basis for life and skills they can take forward.

Two of our recent volunteers have just left to go to university, both on medical related courses.”

Mike is also looking for more mature volunteers to join his team. “I’d like to see a more diverse team of volunteers.

Students move on with their education so we need more mature volunteers to join us to bring different skills and help provide more continuity.”

For those who feel they can give their time to the department there is the training provided by the Voluntary Services. Currently the service runs during the day but Mike is keeping an open mind as to the future possibilities.

Claire Blake, ED Clinical Matron, said: “The volunteer service is an invaluable asset to the department. Mike and his team provide support to the department both for patients and their relatives and also to the ED team. In my time as Matron from February 2012 I have seen the team develop and look forward to welcoming new volunteers in the future.”

Suzie received her badge from the League’s President Lord Lingfield. She said: “The ceremony was held in the Egyptian room at Mansion House which was very sumptuous and beautiful and I got to meet a lot of very interesting people who like me were receiving the award.”

Suzie was nominated by the Friends of the Royal Cornwall Hospital with a supporting nomination from Kathryn Radcliffe, Senior Matron. Suzie was chosen for her work setting up and co-ordinating the patient complimentary drinks service and hostess service. She said: “While this award was given to me I have a very supportive team of volunteers who I consider a privilege to work with and I really think of this award as a team effort.”

Each year around 20-25 outstanding volunteers are picked from a mountain of nominations to receive the Badge of the Order of Mercy, which is a hallmarked silver gilt representation of the original 1899 design depicting Sir Joshua Reynold’s figure of Charity.

The award was first presented over 100 years ago for voluntary services assisting in the relief of sickness and suffering. After the Second World War and the creation of the NHS there was less need for volunteers so the award dropped out of use. It was re-launched again in 2000 for the Millennium and with volunteering now popular again the award is seen as a highly prestigious accolade. n

If you are interested in volunteering at the Trust please contact the Voluntary Services Office on 01872 253737 or email rcht.voluntaryservices@rcht. cornwall.nhs.uk

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Volunteer New Starters RCH

Emergency Department Jerin Abraham Rebecca Waters Isabel Westlake Emergency Department/ Mealtime Companion Eloisa Gatenby Akshay Easwaran Audiology Karen Andrews Breastfeeding Peer Support Nancy Barrows Clare Baxter Amy Bowles Fiona Cartlidge Mary Gosling Louise Johns Esther Lewis Alice Mitchell Karen Pardoe Caroline Patrick Maternity Amy James Pamela Mclean Danielle Clancy Koren Wilson Epilepsy Info Ellie Crawley Rheumatology Susan Dilley Liz Skelton Hostess Judy Higgins Critical Care Unit Miranda Knight Coffee Shop Jenny Ivory Keith Naylor Angela Rapsey Brenda Rickard Gardener Pam Jewiss Pastoral Visitor Ann Nash Sandie Ward Hospital Radio Danny Edwards Reuben Harris Trevor Lee Colin McLaren Adam Nicholls

Friends of Proudly representingllthHoespital West Cornwa

Friends toge Je an Cooke Gwen Roberts,ther Chris Vaughan, and Norma Baker

Friends of St Michael’s Hospital

Brock, Sheila Friends together Marie cki e Nathan Ja d Martin, John an

WCH

Memory CafĂŠ Lorraine Berryman Mealtime Companion Julia Jackson

20 One and All

Sperring Volunteer Services Manager Anna volun teers and nard May ally antS t s Assi with yke P id Dav Audrey Benjamin and

Lord Falmouth, whose late wife was among the founders of the Friends of RCH, chats to Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall Edward Bolitthe ho

Volunteer Friends’ give £40,000 scanner

Queens Award In September, the Lord Lieutenant for Cornwall, Edward Bolitho, attended the Penventon Hotel in Redruth to formally present the combined Friends of the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust – the Friends of the Royal Cornwall Hospital, the League of Friends of West Cornwall Hospital and the Friends of St Michaels Hospital - with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 2013.

A certificate and an exclusive commemorative crystal was handed over to the chairmen - Beatrice Dyer (RCH), Carolyn Rule (WCH) and Michael Rowe (StM) - in front of members of the group’s committees, volunteers and friends.

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is a national honour to recognise the outstanding contributions made to local communities by groups of volunteers; it has an equivalent status for voluntary groups as the MBE has for individuals.

The three groups have been given the award for their invaluable support that benefits patients, staff

Blah blah blah

and visitors.

RCH Friends Jan Ellery, Maureen Jeffery and Jenny Bennett

Volunteers ge the gold embostseupd close with certificate

Three chairs! Carolyn Rule, Mike Rowe and Beatrice Dyer with the Lord Lieu tenant of Cornwall Edward Bolitho

Beatrice Dyer, Chair of the RCH Friends, was able to see and learn more about the gynaecological department’s new £40,000 specialist ultra sound scanner when she visited to add a Friends’ sticker to the machine.

The scanner was donated to the Gynaecological department by the Friends following a request from Cathy Dean, Endometriosis Nurse Specialist, and Farah Lone, Uro-Gynaecology Consultant.

Mrs Dyer met with Cathy and Farah to hear about the work they do caring for women with Endometriosis and pelvic floor disorders.

Cathy said: “The new scanner has made a big difference to the Endometriosis Centre. It allows us to offer an all in one service. There will be women accessing the centre who have never had a scan. The new scanner means they can come in, see me and be scanned at the same appointment.

“There isn’t a day when this machine isn’t in use. By being able to scan women at their appointments, it’s saving them the inconvenience of a second appointment and that frees up our time to see other patients.”

As well as helping to treat women with pelvic floor problems, Miss Lone is also hoping the new machine will allow her to set up a service aimed at helping women who have on-going problems after suffering third and fourth degree tears during childbirth. There will also be the option of undertaking research work.

To raise funds to pay for the scanner, the Friends held an evening of fashion and food at Griggs Restaurant in Lower Sticker, near St Austell in October.

Featuring fashions for all the family, there were clothes from Manor Fashions in Helston and Griggs Country Store as well as a raffle and auction.

One and All 21

Membership News www.rcht.nhs.uk

Public membership reaches 6000

Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust now has over 6000 public members as we head towards NHS Foundation Trust status.

W

e want to thank all our members for signing up to support us and to those who joined us at our Open Day and recent Annual General Meeting. For the second year in a row our Annual General Meeting had around 100 attendees who heard about our recent progress and had an opportunity to ask questions of our Board of Directors and newly elected Governors.

The Trust is just at the start of developing its membership engagement programme and we have recently set up a Membership & Engagement Committee led by our Governors to agree a programme of activities for 2014.

We aim to offer special health talks and outreach events for our members and opportunities to participate in service Mobile_Campaign_Final_420x148mm_DLM_Layout 1 24/10/2013 10:28 Page 1

22 One and All

improvement projects. If you have an idea that you would like to see us consider then please contact our membership team – details below.

Current opportunities for our members include becoming a Patient Ambassador – a volunteer role working alongside our staff to improve patient experience in a range of areas from communication to nutrition. Or you can join our ‘Readers Panel’ and help us ensure our patient information is easy to read and accessible.

As a member we want you to be involved in getting our services right for the people of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Just call our team on 01872 252858 or email rcht. membership@cornwall.nhs.uk and we will be happy to talk you about the opportunities to get more involved. n

STEVE’S BRITISH RIVERS WORD SEARCH

Words can go horizontally and vertically

C L Y D E D O N A C M H A M H S R A T R I B B L E Y D E M E K G M G S O J A W K Y Z E W H M T C A C F V J Q D I Y N R B D E I E N H V O C D H N E Z G E X D Y P F T M G A Y X D X N E Y C Z B D N H K U H V A M M W E A W B V L J N P A T F S A B E E O C B T F M E D W A M W P H Z M A C S M M F M G Z E B J I L V Y T D F N K A H O H I R E V R S V W O Y E E R F Q T Y N E Z E D F A R H S J P G K E U Y R A E R R A V L R H H Q E W A S F S I J S A U G T I U L M C I P V H D K G S K A I R E O C B I H K A V O E M F C W N L H C A U R S K F R Z V M B R K J E E A V O N S D Q P M O R J P V L N D G J F L M E E G E K E W G V F J P E U Z S Y X H N X D X E H Y T L Z G S K Q V M E R S E Y Q L O P J H O C A E O E Z V W J H U M B E R U E L P V A J O Y U F Z M F P I T R E N T

Z D Z Z Y J Y S B T Q S U G O O O X N M

See word search solution on page 39

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SINCE 198 WE’VE BEE 4 N BUILT ON TRUST , LOYALTY & CUSTOME R RECOMME NDATION MAKING Y OUR JOURNEY SAFE & EFFICIEN T

ERVICE! FREE CHECK S TYRES EXHAUSTS ENTS WHEEL ALIGNM BATTERIES STEERING SERVICING & REPAIRS MOT CHECKS TS VEHICLE LIGH S E D LA WIPER B

Brian, Darryl or Nick

John or Kevin

Simon, David or John

ANNUAL REPORT

A snapshot of 2012-13 RCHT’s annual report and accounts for 2012-13 were published alongside our annual general meeting in September.

Here we take a quick look at some of the year’s highlights…

Quality and Safety Keeping quality and safety at the top of our agenda, in May 2012 we launched our CARE campaign, refocusing minds on the fundamental elements of patient care: ■

Facts and stats How many patients do we treat?

■

11,587 planned inpatient procedures and treatments

■

51,885 planned day cases

■

52,785 emergency admissions

■

73,022 emergency department and urgent care

centre attendances

■

477,042 outpatient appointments

How each pound is spent

Communicate with compassion

■

Assist with toileting, ensuring dignity pain effectively ■ Encourage adequate nutrition ■ Relieve

With around three quarters of patients in acute hospitals believed to have some form of memory loss, improving care for patients with dementia has also been high on the agenda.

Dementia link workers on every ward continue to support patients and innovative schemes, such as the memory café at West Cornwall Hospital and colour-coded interior decoration are helping to reduce the anxieties patients can experience.

New Developments Our clinical site development programme has continued to deliver new equipment and better environments for many services. Of the 37 projects finished to date, some of the biggest completed in the last financial year were: ■

Integrated laparoscopic (keyhole surgery) theatres at West

Cornwall and Royal Cornwall hospitals ■ Relocation and expansion of the Eye Unit allowing the rede sign of services to increase the number of clinics ■ Comprehensive refurbishment of Medical Ward 2 at West Cornwall made possible by at £225,000 contribution from the Hospital’s League of Friends.

■ A complete refit of the Coronary Care Unit, including state of the art wireless monitoring equipment ■ Installation of a TrueBeam linear accelerator in partnership with the Sunrise Appeal – among the first of its type in the UK providing the latest in radiotherapy treatments ■ Refurbishment of Lowen Ward enabling a dramatic improvement in the environment in which care is provided for patients undergoing treatments that weaken their immune systems

24 One and All

Pence in the £

■ Pay

192,317

0.61

■ Clinical supplies and services

61,302

0.20

■ Property and transport

13,266

0.04

6,473

0.02

13,140

0.04

■ Services we buy from other organisations 6,414

0.02

■ Other costs

18,928

0.06

1,692

0.01

■ Clinical negligence and other insurance ■ Depreciation

■ Interest on loans

Total expenditure

313,532

ANNUAL REPORT www.rcht.nhs.uk

Celebrating success Many of our staff have received recognition for their work on a regional, national and international stage. Among those highlighted during 2012-13 were: RCHT chosen as one of 30 trusts nationwide to share best practice on lung cancer treatment ■ A Maternity Unit Miracles national award for our maternity service.

■ Consultant Radiologist, Dr Giles Maskell, who has been appointed President Elect of the Royal College of Radiologists ■ An award from the Cornwall Education Business Partnership recognising RCHT’s outstanding contribution to work experience and work placements for students and those seeking to return to work ■ A national Nursing Times Student Placement of the Year award for the high quality of mentoring and support offered for nursing students by the Coronary Care Unit team ■ A silver medal for the Diabetic Foot team for their success in recruiting patients to a national research trial.

■

How many staff do we employ?

Staff Group

No. Of Staff

■ Medical and dental

625.2

■ Administration and estates

1083

■ Healthcare assistants and other support staff 382.5 ■ Nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff

1787.4

■ Scientific, therapeutic and technical staff

831.3

To save on production costs, the full annual report and accounts are published on our website: www.rcht.nhs.uk. Printed copies are available on request from the Communications Team – email rcht.communication@cornwall.nhs.uk or call 01872 252934.

TOTAL - 4709.4 whole time equivalents

Meeting our targets

Met

Infection Prevention Maximum 18 week waiting time for admission Diagnostic tests within 6 weeks 95% of patients treated within 4 hours in ED* Cancer treatment waiting times

R R R T T

Stroke patients spending 90% of time in a stroke unit*

T

Assessment of patients for risk of venous thrombo-embolism Mixed sex accommodation*

R T

75% of fractured neck of femur patients receiving surgery within 36 hours** At least 80% of patients treated as day case Financial duties

R R R

* The ED target was met consistently during the first 3 quarters of the year but was affected, along with others noted, during high levels of winter activity. ** Achieved consistently since January 2013.

One and All 25

DID YOU KNOW?

Who Cares?

Who ensures your child attends a hospital appointment, who fights to ensure they get the best care? In most children’s lives it is the parents but what about those children in social care?

A

t the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust the Children in Care (CIC) Health Team have the responsibility of improving the health and wellbeing of children who live in Cornwall and are in local authority care or who are placed outside of Cornwall by Cornwall’s Children, Young People and Families Social Care Department.

The team’s role is complex with them having responsibility for arranging all statutory health assessments for children in care, developing health recommendations and action plans, promoting holistic health and wellbeing and promoting the safeguarding and advocacy for youngsters. The role also incorporates training for other health professionals, those working in social care, foster carers, residential care workers and those preparing to adopt.

The team has been running for 12 years and often become one of the main constants in the lives of these children and young people ensuring packages of care continue wherever they may be – foster homes, residential homes, those living alone or living with parents under care orders.

Liz Allan, Designated Nurse for Children in Care, said: “We are a hospital based service with the majority of our contacts undertaken in a variety of community settings including schools, and homes.

26 One and All

Many of these youngsters will have missed hospital appointments at some point, and most have been moved around. We try to ensure the upheavals in their lives do not impact on their health care or their wellbeing. It’s about making sure their health needs are met in every aspect of their lives. We have a responsibility to these youngsters right through to adulthood in some circumstances.”

The team currently care for about 460 Cornish youngsters, a further 100 from out of county but in care in Cornwall and care leavers.

Specialist Nurse Simon Boulton says: “It is a demanding role and even small things can take a long time to sort. Especially if you have a child out of county in a residential home who needs to see a consultant somewhere and you have to tie it all together. But this coordination is so important.”

Dr Eleanor McCartney, Designated Doctor Children in Care, said: “Our team helps to co-ordinate a full picture of the child’s health needs and history not just for other health professionals but also for the children. Many don’t know basic things about themselves, that they were premature, or they have had an operation and sometimes it’s as simple as telling them how they got the scar on their hand.

Unimportant things for most people, but important for these youngsters in

that it helps them build up a picture of themselves and their past lives.”

The team works closely with other organisations to ensure the best care for their youngsters. They have strong links with social care, education, and psychology services, learning disability groups and organisations, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and Universal Services including Health Visiting, School Nurses and GPs. They support youngsters in their transition from paediatric to adult services and liaise with many staff across the hospitals. Liz said: “Effective partnership working is crucial to prioritising and improving the health outcomes for all children in care.

We also ensure we work closely with Voice For US, Cornwall Council’s children in care youth council and other organisations providing support and advocacy.”

Dr McCartney said: “Almost every department in the hospital will come into contact with children in care so it’s important our staff know we are here.

It’s about reminding professionals about things like consent. Who has consent for children in care? Have the appropriate teams been notified if a child in care has been brought into the Emergency Department or paediatric wards? It is our team. Part of our role is about reminding other health professionals to think about wider health needs not just the one they have come in with.”

For those who are adopted, the team run clinics for these youngsters and their new families.

Dr McCartney said: “Many of these children have health issues related to their previous lives. These don’t disappear with adoption and so our clinic provides continuity and support which hopefully helps towards a successful adoption. It’s a relatively new thing we have set up and it’s an area we are looking at developing further.”

Marilyn Ashwin, Team Administrator, said: “Since the forming of the team there has been a significant increase in the number and quality of assessments and we are very positively received by the young people and professionals.” n Useful contact details To read more go to: http://intra.cornwall.nhs.uk/Intranet/ AZServices/C/ChildrenInCare/ ChildrenInCare.aspx Children’s social care 0300 1234 101 (in hours) 0300 1231 116 (out of hours)

n Cornwall we are looking for people to become foster carers and adopters. Becoming a foster carer or adoptive parent can be fulfilling and life changing, and make a real difference to the life of a child.

On average we successfully place 40 children a year in adoptive families, and we continue to have children waiting for a family. There is no one type of person that makes a good adoptive parent. Just as every child is different, so every adoptive parent brings different life experiences, backgrounds and skills to the care and support they can give.

Sarah and Mike adopted with Cornwall last year and say: “We have gained an amazing fun filled family life and recommend it whole heartedly. But be prepared to be exhausted!”

Currently we have 261 foster carers, and anyone can apply to become a foster carer as long as they

have the skills and experience to look after children in care. Foster carers can help some of the most vulnerable children in Cornwall, providing them with guidance, stability and love.

John is a young person in foster care in Cornwall.

He says: “My foster carers are amazing, I mean they treat me with so much care and they truly do love me as much as I love them. I see them as my family. I wouldn’t be as confident in myself if I wasn’t in foster care…it gives me confidence and happiness.”

If you are interested in finding out more about how you can give a child a loving, secure home, please contact us.

Adoption: www.cornwall.gov.uk/adoption, tel: 01872 322200 Fostering: www.cornwall.gov.uk/fostering, tel: 01872 323638

PATIENT STORY

my

story There are not many people who would view an accident as a blessing, but Peter Telling from Falmouth may owe his life to an icy day in February when he ended up trapped in his written off car following a collision.

P

eter and Wendy, his wife of over 50 years, were on the outskirts of Helston on February 11 when they were involved in the accident with a van which left Peter unable to get out of his vehicle. Both were whisked to the Emergency Department at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro.

After initial concerns that Peter had broken his neck were ruled out with scans, the ED team turned their attention to Peter’s chest where he was complaining of pain. An x-ray showed he had broken his sternum but it also showed something unexpected, a shadow on his lung.

After ten hours in ED, Peter was discharged home. “There is no treatment for a broken sternum, only rest. They told me they’d send my x-rays to my doctor and I should give him a call in a couple of days. In fact he called me.”

Peter’s GP had arranged for a scan at West Cornwall Hospital in Penzance a few days later and just a week after that he had an appointment to see a cancer specialist at Treliske. “I was told I had cancer on my right lung. It was a shock because I had had no symptoms. There was no weight loss, no cough, no shortness of breath and I used to go for long walks every day. I had once smoked but not for 30 years.

28 One and All

“I had been a policeman for 30 years with Cornwall Constabulary working in Liskeard, Looe, Fowey, Mawnan Smith and Falmouth so I hadn’t done industrial work which could have put me in contact with high risk substances.”

Peter, 73, was told his cancer was unusual in that it was at the top of the lung and this meant surgery wasn’t an option.

He was sent for a lung biopsy and then met Clinical Oncology consultant Toby Talbot.

Peter said: “Toby is an absolutely fantastic man. He told us all about the cancer, what the biopsy had shown and what he was going to do. He was quite confident he could do something for me which was very reassuring to hear because you do think ‘that’s it’ when you hear the big C word.”

Peter was to be the first lung cancer patient to use the Trust’s new TrueBeam Linear Accelerator or Linac as it is known.

The technology allows doctors to deliver radiotherapy with unparalleled speed and accuracy and ensures patients receive state-of-the-art treatment for their cancer.

“Toby was quite confident and clearly delighted with the new machine, just so proud of it. He said his plan was for me to have chemotherapy and radiotherapy at the same time.”

Before his treatment started, Peter was sent to Plymouth for a PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scan* to see if the cancer was elsewhere in his body. Fortunately it had not spread.

“As soon as I returned from Plymouth there was a phone call telling me to come into Lowen Ward to start my treatment. It did all hit me then. It really is the fear of the unknown. It was a case of ‘why are they rushing me so quickly?’ You think it must be very bad. But Toby came to the ward and settled me down and explained it all.”

Peter admits his first all day chemotherapy session was a bit daunting and this was followed a week later by a shorter half day session. “During the third session I was taken down for radiotherapy for the first time. Then it was 33 continuous days of radiotherapy on the new machine.”

Peter had weekly reviews with Dr Talbot during his treatment and support from the lung cancer nurse specialist Paul Kneller.

“The back-up system was brilliant. We could just pick up the phone and speak to someone which you need to do because the side effects of chemotherapy are strange. I got mouth ulcers but the team were there straight away with a special mouth wash. I was also very tired. I’d sleep eight to ten hours at night and then get up, have breakfast and fall asleep in the chair!”

Peter finished his treatment in June and after a follow-up has been told that so far things are looking good and the cancer has shrunk considerably. “I feel quite well and fortunately we have been told my cancer is the slow growing kind which is good. I feel very fortunate and I am just so grateful.”

Peter, a father of two and grandfather of six, has had tremendous support from all his family. “I’m also lucky because my daughter-in-law Liz is a Radiographer at the hospital. I said I wanted her to be told everything about my treatment and that meant she was able to explain things to us more.”

Peter is keen to praise the care and treatment he received.

“Until it happens to you, you just don’t realise the numbers of people being treated for cancer in Cornwall. Lowen Ward was always full as was the Headland unit. The staff were just brilliant everywhere I went from Headland to Lowen to the oncology

PATIENT VIEWS www.rcht.nhs.uk

Thank you area. I just don’t know how they cope with it all the time. They are amazing people. There was nothing that could have been done better. Even the Friends were always there with a free cup of tea and a chat if you wanted one. We always dropped a small donation in their tin.”

Looking back, Peter’s wife Wendy said: “It was the best accident we have ever had. My cousin told Peter that when he is better he should have a party and invite the van driver to thank him!” n

We said: Toby Talbot, Clinical Oncology Consultant, said: “Peter was indeed lucky to have his lung cancer picked up at a stage where potentially curative treatment could be given. The majority of lung cancer patients have progressed too far by the time they seek treatment.

“Peter had already passed the point where surgery was possible but he could still be treated with radiotherapy. Using chemotherapy as well as radiotherapy increases the chances of cure but also very much increase the side effects as Peter found.

“What has been different in Peter’s case is the new radiotherapy machine, the TrueBeam linear accelerator.

This machine, which the Sunrise Appeal donated £600,000 towards, allows extremely accurate delivery of treatment meaning we can be absolutely sure where the radiation is going. Once a patient is on the treatment couch, a type of CT scan is performed and compared with the original planning scan on which all of the calculations are performed (this is how we know how much radiation to shine at which parts of the body) and any errors in patient position are detected and adjusted for.

“We are now making adjustments of fractions of a millimetre – this is unprecedented accuracy and means the areas we treat can be smaller, side effects are less and success rates higher.

“This has been a huge investment from the Trust in collaboration with the Sunrise Appeal and means that patients in Cornwall can access world class radiotherapy treatment without having to leave the county, something few people want to do when ill.”

NOTE: PET (Positron Emission Tomography) Scan: Using a radioactive substance to check for disease, it produces three-dimensional images of the inside of body and can show if a cancer has spread to other areas.

The Sunrise Appeal is keen to keep Cornwall at the forefront of cancer treatment. If you would like to help, you can donate via www.justgiving.com/rcht

Letters I was recently a patient at RCH, referred by a GP at Fowey following a marine accident, to investigate a possible heart attack. As a result I passed through the Admissions Unit and onto Roskear Ward where I spent three days.

The standard of care and attention from clinical, nursing and ancillary staff was well beyond my expectations, even though the ward was very busy with patients who had real ongoing problems, not just undergoing investigation like me.

It is with difficulty I’m finding the words adequate to express my gratitude for the extremely kind, thoughtful, professional treatment I have had the privilege of receiving from every member of staff on South Crofty ward.

Just to say big thanks to the staff I saw at Hayle hospital.

Sorted everything superbly, nothing was too much trouble.

Excellent service.

I would like to thank all concerned for the wonderful treatment I have received while having a hip op. The team on Trauma 2 were fantastic and all the others involved with my op were really great.

Thank you for the exceptional service the staff at RCH gave to a visitor to Cornwall in his hour of need. I feel they went the extra mile to quickly obtain the results. Thank you.

Thank you for the excellent care given on Harlyn ward and the support for Mum and Grandma too. Excellent all round.

I just wanted to write and say how grateful I am for the kindness and care given to me over the last few weeks. The diagnosis was a complete shock and I didn’t know what the future held but you gave me the confidence to go ahead with the treatment I needed and for that I thank you.

Thank you to the Endometriosis team for everything they did for me and also to everyone on the Surgical Admissions Lounge especially Vanessa and Mary who looked after me overnight and really made me feel like I had been cared for.

From Facebook: Thank you so much to the lovely staff on Trauma 1 ward. You were all amazing, friendly, efficient and made my overnight stay with you much better than at any other hospital I have been to.

Just watched Philip Schofield giving Treliske hospital a big thank you and praise on This Morning!!! Brilliant xx The Trust has social media sites: Click to like us on facebook at Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust And you can follow us on Twitter: @RCHT2013

One and All 29

CHARITABLE FUNDS

R

heumatology patients are benefiting from a new Phlebotomy room thanks to a donation of £3,000 from the Cornwall Arthritis Trust and a generous gift from one of the department’s patients.

Rotary Club donation for Diabetes Centre A donation from the Rotary Club of St Austell to the Diabetes Education Centre was handed over by club president Chris Witt, who also has diabetes and Ameena Williams, who lost a daughter to the condition. Receiving the money on behalf of the Diabetes Centre was Consultant Duncan Browne and Diabetes Specialist Research Nurses Helen Chenoweth and Terri Chant.

Sheila raises funds in thanks to breast care team Clinical Nurse specialist Hayley Warner said: “We’ve converted a former laboratory room into a phlebotomy room thanks to the donations we’ve received. We have been able to buy new equipment, chairs, a radio and posters to decorate the walls. We see patients from children to teenagers, adults and the elderly. Many of them have to come regularly and the new room will make a big difference to their experience.”

Patient Gillian Jelbert, from Penzance, who used her Ruby wedding anniversary celebration to raise money for the Rheumatology Department instead of receiving gifts.

The rheumatology team caters for around 9,000 clinic appointments at the Royal Cornwall Hospital each year and many more at seven other locations around the county.

Top Class fundraiser for Sunrise Centre Amanda Sullivan, her husband Garfield and daughter Kim Allen made a special trip to the Sunrise Centre to hand over a £1,900 donation to the Sunrise Centre and Consultant Dr Richard Ellis, specialist nurses Candy Coombe, Lisa Tripp, Emma Kent and Caroline Goddard and medical secretary, Sally Harris. Amanda, a Sunrise Centre patient since 2005, raised the money by organising a Top Class Dog Show.

New pram aids parents on children’s ward Polkerris ward staff were delighted to receive a donation of a new pram for the ward from Emily Hudson from St Austell, her sister Rebecca and Emily’s son Logan (one). Logan has been attending Polkerris ward since he was six weeks old. The new pram is able to convert from a pram to a pushchair, so babies and toddlers can use it.

Jennifer Jezard, staff nurse on Polkerris said: “We try to promote independence for parents, carers and their children as much as possible. The new pram enables us to give these parents a sense of normality when they find themselves in unexpected and stressful situations.”

30 One and All

Sheila Owen from Chacewater has handing over £900 to the Mermaid Centre as a thank you to the team there.

Shelia was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year after a routine mammogram. She underwent successful surgery at St Michael’s Hospital in Hayle and a preventative course of radiotherapy treatment.

Sheila said: “The support I have had has been unbelievable - I can pick up the phone anytime and talk to someone.

It’s because of that that I wanted to do something to say thank you to everyone.”

Sheila, who organised a ‘Pink Party’ at the Britannia Hotel in Chacewater, said she would encourage all women to take up the offer of a mammogram when they get their appointment through from the breast screening programme. “At the time there were six other ladies in our area who were picked up for further treatment as a result of having their mammogram”

CHARITABLE FUNDS

Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, celebrate! The Phoenix Stroke Appeal has this met its £500,000 target! People across the county have taken the Appeal to heart, with donations large and small.

Their efforts mean a better future for people who suffer stroke.

“I think it’s really saying something that we’ve managed to raise half a million pounds in a recession economy,” said the Phoenix Chairman, Rik Evans. “It shows how many families are affected by stroke, which really can change lives overnight. It has been an honour to be part of something that has done so much good for Cornwall. We thank all the many people who have made remarkable efforts to make this happen.”

The money raised by the Phoenix Stroke Appeal is distributed across the stroke pathway: at the stroke units at the Royal Cornwall Hospital (RCH), Bodmin and Camborne Redruth Community Hospitals, and to stroke carers in the community.

“I am over the moon,” said stroke consultant Katja Adie from RCH. “The equipment has made our job so much more enjoyable. It means the patients are more comfortable and their rehabilitation is easier. We are raising the standard of stroke care in Cornwall towards a Gold Standard.”

At RCH, new equipment includes moving and handling equipment, specialist wheelchairs, physiotherapy and language tools, and electronic equipment from monitors to a fibroscopic swallow evaluator.

“It really is making a tremendous difference on the ward,” said physiotherapist Liz TremayneWard, who has helped drive the appeal from its inception. “It has been a great achievement, and a step forward for the county’s stroke services.”

Carol Fletcher from Carharrack near Redruth is a stroke survivor who has served on the Appeals committee. She also dedicates hours of her time to stroke support groups such as Connect. “The Appeal has made such a difference,” she said.

“I see it first hand from people coming into the group who have recently had a stroke. Their experience is so much different than even a few years ago. It’s fantastic.”

“It’s been quite a journey,” said fundraiser Gillian Molesworth. “We were incredibly lucky to be adopted by Radio Cornwall as their charity for 2011, which they graciously extended. They have done so much for awareness, both of the appeal and of stroke. We owe them a lot.

“We were so well supported by grant bodies and also fundraisers large and small. To all of them: thank you, and well done.”

As it is clear that there will always be a future for stroke support and fundraising, the appeal is still accepting donations and the committee is working on the future structure of the Phoenix Stroke Appeal.

If you would like to add your view, please email phoenix.appeal@cornwall.nhs.uk. n

One and All 31

ACHIEVEMENTS

Awards evening celebrates outst A night of pride and achievement: our Extra Mile Excellence and Innovation Award winners...

Tissue Viability Link Practitioners

The Neonatal Unit Team

ry Cafe Team

ners up - WCH Memo

Community Award run

LEFT TO RIGHT Xxxxxx

The Sexual Health Hub 32 One and All

Team

With more nominations than ever this year, our Extra Mile Awards presentation evening was a fantastic opportunity to recognise the outstanding contribution of colleagues from across RCHT. Twenty-one individuals and 18 teams were presented with awards

by Deputy Lord Lieutenant for Cornwall, Friends President and former RCHT Chairman, Michael Galsworthy, in one of five categories - Extra Mile, Excellence, Innovation, Community and, unique to this year, 21st Anniversary.

The overall winner of the Community Award category was the Paediatric Oncology Team, who received close to 300 votes via Facebook and email.

Well done also to runners up, the Little Explorers Children’s Community Therapy Group and the Memory Cafe Team at West Cornwall Hospital.

Our special 21st Anniversary award winners, recognising their outstanding contribution over a number of years, were consultant urologist, Mr Robert Cox, the Biochemistry and Fetal Medicine Teams for excellence in the Downs Screening Programme, Jane Jackson secretary in child health and consultant dermatologist Dr Sandra Campbell.

Joint winners of this year’s Chairman and Chief Executive’s Award were the Emergency Department and Urgent Care Centre Teams (pictured right).

Presenting the award Chief Executive Lezli Boswell said, “It recognises the teams going the Extra Mile under very difficult circumstances, delivering Excellence, again under very difficult circumstances, and their embracing of change and Innovation. They are just simply fantastic and we wanted to say thank you very much indeed.”

The full list of winners, photographs and citations can be found on our website: www.rcht.nhs.uk Congratulations to all our winners who can be rightly proud of their achievements. n

ACHIEVEMENTS

anding contribution of RCHT staff Awards for ‘Extra Mile’ Alyson Devonshire Carl Parnell Clare Penna Glyn Hooper Matthew Buchan Simon Caddel William Martin Di Hellyer Gwithian Unit Paediatric Diabetes Team

Winners of the Chairman and Ch ief Executive’s Aw Emergency Depa ard - the rtment and Urge nt Care Centre Te ams

Awards for Excellence

Di Hellyer

Dr Sandra Campbell

Dr Harjit Dhaliwal Heather Newton James Story Mandy Bryant Andrea Richards Melanie Gilbert Judith Clegg Gillian Price Stephanie Stacey GU Team Events & Facilities Team, Knowledge Spa Neonatal Unit Team Tissue Viability Link Practitioners CEMS Anaesthetics and Electronics Team Site Co-ordinators Team

Awards for Innovation Peter Eccles Paediatric Oncology Team

Anita England, Michelle Skewes

21st Anniversary Awards

and Katie Mallam

Dr Sandra Campbell Jane Jackson Mr Robert Cox Biochemistry and Fetal Medicine Teams

LEFT TO RIGHT Xxxxxx

Jane Jackson and Helen Coad

rs Group

ners up -Little Explore

Community Award run

Joanna Walsh and Kevin Weaver Julie Wright and Becky Hosking, Therapies Electronic Prescribing Team Early Supported Discharge Stroke Therapy Team

A full list of winners is available on our website at: www.rcht.nhs.uk/RoyalCornwallHospitalsTrust/News/ NewsArticles/AwardsEvening CelebratesSuccess.aspx

Community Award Overall Winner - Paediatric Oncology Team Runners Up - WCH Memory Cafe Team and the Little Explores Children’s Therapy Group Chairman and Chief Executive’s Award 2013 Emergency Department and Urgent Care Centre Teams

One and All 33

ACHIEVEMENTS

Finance Apprentice named regional winner A Finance Department Apprentice at RCHT has been named learndirect Intermediate Level Apprentice of the Year at the National Apprenticeship Awards which were held in November. Lydia Webster received her award from Matthew Hancock MP, Minister for Skills and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg.

Lydia Webster is also the South West Intermediate Apprentice Regional Winner.

Lydia, from St Ives, said: “The apprenticeship has given me an amazing opportunity and I have greatly enjoyed rising to the challenge. I Lydia on the right with her line am proud to be an manager Vicky Cabrera apprentice.”

After gaining 13 GCSEs at school, Lydia, now 20, was unsure what to do next. The apprenticeship has confirmed her desire to become an accountant and she has now completed her AAT Level 2.

“I currently work in the Finance department and six months into my apprenticeship I gained a permanent position.”

Over the last four years, the Finance team have recruited ten apprentices with six going on to get permanent or fixed term roles and the remaining four still working through their apprenticeship.

Adam Wheeldon, Deputy Finance Director, said: “The apprenticeship scheme has worked really well for the Finance department. There are many benefits. Apprentices bring a fresh approach to the team and help us think about the training we provide. We get to help individuals into the working environment and it provides us with an opportunity to see how they fit in as well as giving the apprentices the chance to see whether working in the Finance department is for them.

At the same time, the apprentices work towards a recognised qualification and get some good experience.”

If you are interested in recruiting apprentices to your department, please contact Helen Lynch via Helen.lynch@rcht. cornwall.nhs.uk 34 One and All

Christine Schofield, Frances Harrington, Gill Courtauld, Linda Lucas and Kirsty Bond

Prestigious national award for Stroke Research Team....

At a ceremony at the National Institute for Health Research annual meeting in Newcastle in October, RCHT’s stroke research team picked up the accolade of ‘Stroke Research Network Team of the Year’.

The team has grown and developed into an enthusiastic group including stroke consultants and specialty doctors - Christine Schofield, Katja Adie, Abhijit Mate and Frances Harrington - research nurses - Gill Courtauld, Linda Lucas and Kirsty Bond - and administrator and former Extra Mile Award Winner Ali James.

202 stroke patients were recruited to a variety of trials in the last year in Cornwall. This number has grown significantly from the baseline of two stroke patients in 2005. 25 per cent of all patients presenting with stroke to RCHT in the past four months have been recruited to a research trial. The aim of the team is to offer all stroke patients the opportunity to take part in research over the next few years in order to help increase the knowledge base. The team would hope to develop more home grown research studies like the very successful TWIST study.

Stroke research team Principal Investigator Dr Frances Harrington said: “We are so proud to have received this award which represents great teamwork and enthusiasm. We are already seeing improvements in patient care resulting from results of research studies we have taken part in, so this also acknowledges the great contribution made by Cornish stroke patients who have taken part in research studies.”

ACHIEVEMENTS www.rcht.nhs.uk

Learning Disabilities Team There is a new look to the Learning Disabilities Team at the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust and as it looks to the future, it has also widened its scope to include children and adults with Autism Spectrum conditions without learning disabilities.

The team is now under the leadership of manager Daniella Rubio-Mayer who took over from Zoe McLean in June 2013 and with the departure of Ruth Kimberley, Daniella is now joined by a new line-up of Jane Rees and Tristan Coombe.

“It’s important. In some cases these patients are afraid and if we can speak to the patient or the carer first, we can make adjustments such as bringing the patient in for de-sensitisation sessions prior to the appointment. In the past, that might have just ended up with the patient not attending.”

To contact the team, call Daniella Rubio-Mayer on 07827903729 or bleep 3095, Tristan Coombe on 07827897252 or bleep 3054 or Jane Rees on 07765221848 or bleep 3053. The team can also be contacted via ext 2875 or 2638.

RCHT consultant appointed Royal College’s local led for obstetric simulation training

Jane has joined the Trust from Cornwall Foundation Trust where she previously worked for 15 years with children with learning disabilities and complex healthcare needs as part of that Trust’s Child and Family Services. For five years before that, she worked with adults with learning disabilities.

Jane says: “I’d done a varied job before and wanted to use the skills I’d learnt in the community and bring it into the hospital environment. I think it gives a transition between the two services.”

Tristan Coombe has worked at RCHT for three years. He began his career as a support worker across a range of Learning Disability services in Cornwall before undertaking nurse training and going on to work in the Intensive Care and Recovery areas. He said: “I’ve come full circle really. I enjoyed the support work and wanted to use my nursing and advocacy experience to aid the work this team does.”

The team will have worked with over 1,000 patients this year up from 700 last year and they also work closely with clinical teams across RCHT providing training and raising awareness.

Daniella said: “We are a brand new team and we are looking to increase the awareness of patients with autism spectrum conditions. The staff here are more aware and they do get in contact with us about patients. If teams or departments would like training we would encourage them to get in contact with us and we can arrange that.”

As well as working with patients and staff, the team also link in with Autism partnership groups and they attend the Pearl Centre, a resource centre for people on the autism spectrum.

An important recent change has been their involvement in the Choose and Book System referrals for patients with learning disabilities. Daniella said: “It has taken off immensely. We now get the referrals via the Choose and Book system, so if someone requires a hospital appointment and they have a learning disability, rather than a letter going out directly to the patients it comes to us and we contact either the patient, carer or parent and we then work out what the reasonable adjustments are and arrange the best time and day for the patient.

Consultant obstetrician, Dr Aylur Rajasri has been appointed as the Royal College of Gynaecologists South West led on a new nation-wide network overseeing the development of simulation training in obstetrics and gynaecology.

Dr Rajasri, who will be sharing the two-year post with colleague Dr Kadhra Galaal, gynaecological oncologist, says the appointment is a reflection of the innovative approach to simulation training at RCHT. “We are ahead of many hospitals and have a well-established simulation training programme in the Trust,” explains Dr Rajasri.

“We hold monthly sessions in our clinical skills laboratory but more important run fortnightly simulation exercises on our delivery suite involving the whole team. It means we can constantly refresh our skills and understand how we all work together in a critical situation.”

The network is gather experience from teams across the UK and will ultimately develop a simulation training strategy for implementation across the country.

One and All 35

INSIDE OUT

Emergency Services Summer Party

Gnome place like the ENT garden “If you go down to the ENT garden today, you are sure of a big surprise! For three young gnomes have chosen the spot; to holiday in Cornwall where it is hot.”

The first of the surprise visitors Gnigel was spotted making himself comfortable by stunned staff. This was quickly followed by Gnorman and then within days ENT staff opened the post to find Gnoel along with a note which read: “My name is Gnoel. I’ve come to visit my pals in Cornwall.

Gnorman and Gnigel have invited me to stay in your garden for the summer as it’s such a nice place. I like to hide under bushes so my head doesn’t get too hot with my hat on.

Thanks for looking after me, Gnoel Gnome.”

Karen Yelland, Staff Nurse, said: “We are all on gnome watch now! It’s a lovely thing and the staff and some of our patients have had fun trying to see if we can spot more.”

The Emergency Services Summer Party held at Pendennis Castle in Falmouth was blessed with spectacular weather which proved to be the perfect backdrop to the evening.

The event also raises money for four emergency service charities – RNLI, SAR60, Seafarers UK and the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust Charitable Funds.

This year the 300 guests enjoyed a display by a Search and Rescue Sea King helicopter from 771 Naval Air Squadron based at RNAS Culdrose, a buffet, raffle and disco in the Castle Keep and for the first time there were the added attractions of an aerial display by a Sea Fury classic aircraft from the Royal Navy Historic Flight and a performance by the Military Wives Choir.

Organising Committee Member Simon Rabett said: “The event always proves to be very popular and the weather this year made sure the evening was a fantastic success. We want to thank everyone who helped to make the event possible especially our generous sponsors. We would also like to thank all those local companies who donated gifts to our raffle.”

A donation to the four charities will take place later in the year.

The Great Clinical Imaging Bake-Off

F

rom chocolate skeletons to seaside themed cupcakes with edible sand, there was stiff competition in the great Clinical Imaging Bake-Off with 12 entries vying for the winning spots.

Judging was taken extremely seriously with entries being awarded points based on taste and texture, presentation, ingredients and creativity and originality.

With clipboards at the ready, judges - James Ellis, Divisional Finance Manager and former chef, Dr Phil Cook, Specialty Director, and Christine Bloor, Consultant Radiographer – eagerly tucked in to the delights on offer. There was a brief pause halfway through to allow the judges to battle the sugar sweats before they gallantly battled on through all 12 offerings.

The field was divided into three categories – cakes, cupcakes and tray

36 One and All

bakes and biscuits and an international award for entries from outside of Clinical Imaging.

The winners were eventually chosen based on greatest number of points awarded by all three judges and trophies kindly sponsored by IWL were presented along with certificates for everyone who took part.

Top prize in biscuits went to Helen Belcher, with Lucy Brown taking the cupcake crown with her seaside inspired creation and Ginny Blake won the cake category with her lemon and lime quail egg roulade. Taking the international award was Emma Baxter for her Wimbledon cupcakes.

Competition organiser Naomi Burden said: “The event was just a bit of fun in our department and we didn’t expect the number of entries we had. We are thrilled that so many people took so much time to bake up a storm. The winners truly deserved their awards and we want to thank everyone who entered, the judges and IWL for their donation.”

As for the entries, they were divided up so that each person who entered got a plate to take back to share with their colleagues.

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WHAT’S ON

Competition WIN One nights B&B for two from Driftwood Spars, St Agnes

The award winning Driftwood Spars at Trevaunance Cove in St Agnes is a traditional yet diverse public house place steeped in history and atmosphere.

Can you spot six differences from the photos below? For a chance to win, circle the six differences and send your entries to Spot the Difference Competition, Communications Department, Bedruthan House, RCH – Good Luck!

The Driftwood Spars is well known for its food. Head chef Angelo Bruno has recently joined the team having previously worked for Aldo Zilli in London as well as Knightor Winery in St Austell.

Angelo is passionate about Cornish produce and his influences combine the best of Cornish with flavours of The Balearics and his native Naples in Italy.

The Driftwood Spars boasts 4* AA rated accommodation and has been featured in the top 10 pubs in the Financial Times. If you like real Name………………………………..................................... ales, real fires, fine wines and a warm welcome then the Driftwood Spars Department (if applicable)…………………............................ is worth a visit.

If you’re a fan of real Contact Number ……………………................................. ale then the pub has it’s All correct entries will be entered into a draw and a winner picked at random. There will be just own microbrewery. In one winner, no cash equivalent prizes. The competition is open to all, excluding those associated 2012 Driftwood’s “Alfie’s with the competition. The prize is non-transferable and is available to entrants aged 18 and above.

All entries must be made by December 31, 2013. The decision of the Communications Team is final Revenge” was crowned and no correspondence will be entered into.

A list of winners will be on the Magazine’s Facebook page Supreme Champion https://www.facebook.com/RoyalCornwallHospitalsTrust Winter Beer of Britain 2012.

38 One and All

What’s On NOVEMBER Lung Cancer Awareness Month Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month 6 National Stress Awareness Day 10 – 16 Mouth Cancer Awareness week 14 World Diabetes Day 20 RCHT Radio Cornwall Health Phone-In, 1-2pm 22-24 Trereife Country Fayre in Penzance 23 RCH Friends collecting in M&S Truro all day 28 RCHT Board Meeting 30 – December 1st Fowey Christmas Market DECEMBER Decembeard 4 Truro Primestock Show 7 IWL Christmas Dinner Dance, Tregenna Castle, St Ives 6-8 Padstow Christmas Festival 15 RCH Friends collecting in Sainsburys, Truro all day 16 RCH Friends collecting in Sainsburys Truro all day 18 RCHT Radio Cornwall Health Phone-In, 1-2pm 19 RCHT Board meeting TBC JANUARY Love your liver month 15 RCHT Radio Cornwall Health Phone-In, 1-2pm 19 – 25 Cervical cancer prevention week 30 RCHT Board meeting 31 National Bug busting day FEBRUARY National Heart Month 4 World Cancer Day 7 Bobble Day 14 Gold Heart Day 15 International Childhood Cancer day 19 RCHT Radio Cornwall Health Phone-In, 1-2pm 27 RCHT Board meeting If you have an event or diary date email us at: oneandall@cornwall.nhs.uk

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C. RudRum & SonS (Cornwall) limited Diploma Coal Merchants Redruth 01209 215561

Main dealers for Trek, Genesis and Saracen, Focus bikes, plus many others.

1 New Street Penzance TR18 2LZ Tel: 01736 351671 www.cornwallcyclecentre.co.uk

STEVE’S BRITISH RIVERS WORD SEARCH SOLUTION

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SaleS, Service & repairS

SEVERN THAMES TRENT GREAT OUSE WYE URE TAY

SPEY CLYDE TWEED AVON NENE EDEN DEE

WITHAM TEME DON BANN RIBBLE TYNE AIRE

TEES MEDWAY MERSEY HUMBER

Fiesta 1.6 automatic Zetec

New C C-MAX 1.6 Petrol Zetec

Nil

Nil

ADVANCE PAYMENT

ADVANCE PAYMENT

Focus 1.6 Tdci Zetec 5 Door

Nil

ADVANCE PAYMENT

O cial fuel consumption ďŹ gures in mpg (l/100km) Ford Car range: urban 44.8 - 35.3 (6.3-8.0), extra urban 67.3 - 60.1 (4.2-4.7), combined 55.4 47.9 (5.1-5.9). O cial CO2 emission 136.0-117.0g/km. This programme is subject to the standard conditions of the Motability 3-year Contract Hire Scheme. Full written details and

quotations available on request from a Ford Authorised participating dealer or Motability Operations Limited. Under the scheme the vehicles are leased from Motability Operations Limited (Registered Company No. 1373876), City Gate House, 22 Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1 9HB. Applications must be received and accepted between 1 October and 31 December 2013 by Motability Operations Limited.

Free rear parking sensors will be included on all new Ford cars, with the exception of Kuga, Mondeo, S-MAX and Galaxy which will be supplied with front and rear free parking sensors, contracted through the Motability Scheme by a Ford Authorised Dealer. Where such sensors are not already included as standard, no cash alternative is available. Applications must be received and accepted between 1 October and 31 December 2013 by Motability Operations Limited.

www.vospers.com