Inside: • Award for ‘Respect for dementia’ • IAPT celebrates wellbeing • Pharmacy technicians Issue 52
. November 2010
. Contact us at: membership@smhp.nhs.uk . online: www.smhp.nhs.uk/trustmatters
• Staff Awards 2010 winners • Foxhall House opening • First look at the Willows new build • HONOS training • Productive mental health wards • MSNAP accreditation • Merger update • BME Employee Network Group • Appraisals improve efficiency • Changes to drugs service • Teams get the feel good factor • IM&T music star • Helping hand for family carers • Being Open update • Letters and compliments
Members of the ‘Respect for dementia’ campaign team pick up their award from anchorman Huw Edwards
Top award goes to ‘Respect for dementia’ The Trust’s anti-stigma campaign Respect for dementia has won first prize for Tackling Inequalities at the prestigious East of England 2010 Innovations Competition. The awards were organised by Health Enterprise East (HEE) who also awarded the Trust with a prize fund of £2000 to help them continue their work. Robert Nesbitt, director of community engagement, said: “We are delighted to have won this fantastic award. We will be investing the prize fund back into the campaign by translating our ‘Respect for dementia’ materials into other languages. “We are so grateful for the praise we have received and will now focus on engaging with the wider community by further promote awareness of dementia and its affects on people’s lives.” Overall 65 entries were made to the competition, with one first prize winner in each of the five categories. Robert Nesbitt attended the awards with lead specialist nurse David Jarrold, consultant psychiatrist Robert Butler and campaign board member Crys Rapley (pictured above with BBC news reader Huw Edwards, who presented the awards).
Campaign lead Gabriel Tamaya accepts award from cheif executiveMark Halladay on behalf of the team
A thank you get together was held on 26 October for people who worked on the campaign at the Foundation Trust project office, St Clement’s. Carers’ groups and organisations involved in making the campaign a success were invited. Chief executive Mark Halladay thanked those involved and presented the award trophy to campaign lead, Gabriel Tamaya.
IAPT team gets physical for World Mental Health Day Getting active is one of the best ways of improving mental health and a group of East IAPT staff demonstrated this with a group exercise session. Organised to mark World Mental Health Day on 10 October, members of the IAPT team held a one hour session of fun-based exercise suitable for all fitness levels. Fresh air and the environment are known to boost mental wellbeing so the exercise was held outdoors on the football pitch at St Clement’s Hospital. The session was delivered by exercise company DNA Boot Camp and gave participants the chance to use a wide range of equipment such as powerbags, kettlebells and tyres. Liz Ellis, therapy centre manager, said: “It’s an opportunity for the whole team to spend time together in noncompetitive activities and increase their knowledge of outdoor fitness. This was a bit of a treat and a thank you to staff for all the work that they do. It also shows we practice what we preach! “Regular exercise helps reduce sickness absence. A session like this proved that our employer cares about staff health and wellbeing.” Details of other events to mark World Mental Health Day can be found on page 6.
Pharmacy technicians are making an impact Patient safety is the name of the game when it comes to Laura McEwen-Smith, Nicki Joy and Selina Ayden, pharmacy technicians for the Trust’s inpatient wards. Their posts were created in May to implement a medicines reconciliation service across the Trust. This is a process of obtaining an up-to-date and accurate medication list for patients being admitted or transferred to inpatient wards. Nicki Joy said: “We have already come a long way towards improving patient safety and have a solid action plan that we’re already trialing on Mistley Ward and at Wedgwood. We are going live with the service on Easton, Parham, Minsmere house and Playford wards at
the beginning of November. We’re really positive about the difference medicines management will make to service users.” The team have designed and proposed a four point action plan to help implement the service, which includes: Basic medicine reconciliation - a medication history will be collected on admission to create a full list of current medicine for each newly admitted patient. Patients own drugs (POD) – patients will be encouraged to bring their own supplies of medication into the wards during their stay, which will be dispensed by trained staff as appropriate. Ward medication re-stock – to ensure medication cards are not taken from
wards during weekly restocking, a new form will be used by pharmacy staff. Self-medication – for patients who would benefit from being in charge of their own medication the pharmacy will set up a procedure to support them in doing this before being discharged into the community. Nicki added: “Some of these action points will require us to have more training or spend time looking at existing pharmacy procedures with ward staff. The aim is to create safe medication procedures which work best both for ward staff and for the patients. We have more work to do but we are enthused by the great way things are going”. The team welcomes comments!
Staff Awards 2010 - the winners! The Trust’s heroes and heroines got the big thanks they deserve at the 2010 Staff Recognition Awards! The event was attended by more than 80 people and took place at the Novotel in Ipswich. Winner of the Team Leader of the Year award was manager of the community eating disorders team in Suffolk, Gill Burgoyne. Gill was recognised for her unfailing passion for helping people whose lives are affected by eating disorders and for being a focused, energetic, kind, generous and caring leader. She received no fewer than six nominations. The Making a Difference award went to technical instructor, Stephen Thrower who has helped bring several occupational therapy schemes into existence. The award for Research, Innovation and Development goes to practice educator, Ravi Seenan for developing a new process for training in the prevention and management of aggression. The Engagement award went to Jeannie Wright, care programme approach manager for her work on Stepping Forward, a series of events inviting clients and family carers to share their experiences. The Volunteer of the Year award went to three volunteers in the Body Matters gym at St Clement’s, Clare Penn, Carl Wymer and Lee Johnson. Lord Newton said: “Whether they are spending time with an individual or contributing with teams of service users, it’s thanks to their efforts that the service is able to offer such a wide range of therapeutic activities.” The Contribution to Efficiency award went
to associate director of planning and performance, Alex Briggs who led the introduction of a management tool, IRIS, which tells service line managers exactly what their service costs to run so they can ensure a maximum return on investment. Finally, the Dignity in Care award is for respect patients’ rights and promote independence, confidence and selfesteem. The winner was manager of the Westgate Ward at Bury St Edmunds, Helen Jackson. Chief executive, Mark Halladay, said: “It’s thanks to all those who were nominated for awards this year that the Trust is able to provide services which help people make the most of their lives. They make this a Trust to be proud of.” Thanks also go to AV Unit for providing technical facilities free of charge and the hotel for offering a discounted rate so costs could be kept to a minimum.
Foxhall House scores big at official opening Suffolk’s new state of the art men’s mental health ward at St Clement’s Hospital – Foxhall House – was officially opened by representatives of Ipswich Town Football Club and their Charitable Trust on 5 October. Around 50 people attended the event, which celebrated the new facility while promoting physical wellbeing in mental health recovery, social inclusion and diversity. The 11 bedded ward will replace Easton House, the low secure forensic ward, which is due for demolition once patients have moved across. The gathering heard speeches of thanks from deputy chief executive, Bob Bolas, director of environmental performance, David Leckie, chairman Lord Newton, director of mental health and social care, Sandra Cowie and Nick Bache from
From left: Nick Bache, (Kier Eastern divisional director), Terry Baxter (ITFC Charitable Trust chief executive), David Leckie (director of environmental performance), Lord Newton of Braintree (Trust chairman), Jane Chambers (Mayo of Ipswich) and Bob Bolas (deputy chief executive and director of nursing).
contractors Kier Eastern. Nick Bache said that the building site had been a happy place and the happy atmosphere was now being passed onto staff and patients. Terry Baxter, chief executive of ITFC Charitable Trust, then unveiled a special plaque to honour the partnership work over the past few years. He said: “Over the past year, ITFC Charitable Trust has built a strong partnership with SMPHT using sport as a way of improving the lives of service users. The opening of Foxhall House will allow SMHPT and ITFC to use football to help more adult male mental health patients in Suffolk.” Blues players Carlos Edwards and Andros Townsend then cut two special commemorative cakes before visitors were taken on guided tours of the new
User and carer involvement group gets first look at new ward
Group members have a tour of the new facility
The Willows has been designed to meet single gender requirements, including female only and male only sitting areas and also incorporates walking spaces and maximises natural light. The accessible gardens will be used to augment the internal living space. Group members found the visit very interesting. Comments included the Willows would “have a more homely feel because the main areas are smaller” as well as “pleasantly surprised” and “high quality”.
Make sure you are trained in HONOS Training is underway for all clinical staff in how to complete HONOS assessments. HONOS is the national Health of the Nation Outcome Score put together by the Royal College of Psychiatrists to measure the health and social functioning of people with severe mental illness. It is important that every service user has an up-to-date HONOS assessment because, as well as indicating their mental state, the scores also feed into the Payment by Results data which is the new way the Trust will be paid. Put simply – completing HONOS assessments will ensure we get paid for what we do. No HONOS assessment, no payment. If you are a clinical members of staff who has not already booked on to a course, please make sure you do so. There are dates in the training diary on the intranet (under ‘Training and Development’).
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In September members of the service user and carer involvement group (Later Life Acute Services East) visited the new Willows ward, which is nearing completion. Group members were shown round the new ward by Julie Todd, project manger, Barry Hayden, Chillesford ward manger and a representative of contractors Keir Easrtern. The Willows will provide a total of 21 beds in a modern, purpose built ward. Eleven of the beds are for assessment and treatment of people with dementia. Ten are for people with other mental health needs. This will replace the out dated accommodation at Minsmere House. As well as en suite single occupant bedrooms the Willows has a sensory room, therapy rooms, a clinic and meeting rooms.
facility. Service line manager, Karen Clements, said: “The opening went really well. Being an all male ward, football features highly. ITFC CharitableTrust have provided coaching sessions and we have held a football festival here. For the players to come and open the ward was great. Julie Todd, project manager for the new build, said, “The opening of Foxhall House is the culmination of several years of hard work. We have worked very closely with building contractor, Kier Eastern, to build the unit based on the needs of service users and clinical staff. Everything in the new build has been either purchased or designed to a high specification to ensure a safe and relaxing environment needed to promote an effective recovery.”
Releasing time for direct patient care - the Productive Ward team meet members of the Trust board to demonstrate their progress
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What a difference a year makes! On 13 October the Productive Wards: Releasing Time to Care project had a celebratory steering group event to review their progress so far. It was attended by supporters of the project as well as members of the board and the Trust chairman. During the presentation the project group discussed what had gone well and what could have been improved. Some of the good points were that staff
are now committed to improving service delivery and are making practical improvements to the ward environments. Ward teams are also now pulling together to improve efficiency and make themselves more aware of their performance. The event was also a chance to learn lessons about the project. For example, it was pointed out that you can only make minimal improvements to the
Top accolade for dementia services
What’s happening with the merger?
Our community memory assessment services have won a top accolade. The east and west services have been rated excellent by the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ Memory Services National Accreditation Programme (MSNAP). The Trust is one of only 14 Trusts in the country to achieve the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ excellent grade. The accreditation lasts for four years subject to annual interim reviews with a full self assessment review after two years. The process audited the service according to a comprehensive set of standards covering criteria including how diagnosis is shared, how service users and carers are involved, premises and their accessibility and how clinics and follow up services are provided. The service underwent six months of self assessment and had two peer review visits by external clinicians and service users and carers.. Service line manager, Nettie Burns, said: ““MSNAP has encouraged teams to look at the level of service we offer. It is more than just giving a diagnosis but about working together with the person, family carers and other agencies in supporting those with memory problems. Our teams have worked extremely hard to achieve these awards. SMHP clinical effectiveness and audit advisor, Janet Roper, deserves a lot of the credit for keeping us on track.”
Staff will be aware that we’re exploring a possible merger with Norfolk and Waveney Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust. You may not have seen much activity around the merger proposal, but there has been a lot which has been happening behind the scenes, and a lot of processes to go through. Here’s where we are at the moment: • We concluded the 12-week public consultation at the end of October and are now reviewing the feedback. Thank you to everyone who gave their views or asked questions. We’ll publish the results after the Board has considered them. • Both Norfolk and Suffolk trust boards will consider the updated business case and the outcome of the consultation at the end of November. • The Competition and Cooperation Panel is now considering the proposal. They advise the Department of Health and Monitor on the merits of a merger. They look at the balance between potential loss of competition and the benefits for patients and for the taxpayer. • Monitor will start their assessment of the proposal at the end of November. We’re supporting Norfolk colleagues in putting together the submission. • The Strategic Health Authority will consider the proposal in January 2011.
environment and maintenance of equipment without a budget. One suggestion made at the group meeting was that the initiative should be rolled out across the whole Trust to improve other areas. This would include ensuring electronic systems purchased can interact to prevent duplication of data entry and listening to ward staff about changes to systems and processes.
Regarding the issue of where HQ will be, or where staff will be based – we just don’t know the answer yet. The decision will be made once we have weighed up how many staff need to be located together and how close they need to be to other teams. And we can’t do that until the board and other structures have been agreed. We have said that there will be a county base for both Suffolk and Norfolk, but we don’t yet know where the Suffolk one will be (as we are moving off the St Clement’s site). We will let you know as soon as we can, but we are still establishing the criteria for what we need. We’re planning to make the designated board appointments in February so that, if the merger goes ahead in April, the transition is as smooth as possible. Points to remember… • Clinical services are not affected by the proposed merger. • You can keep up to date with what is happening, and see answers to questions, by visiting the proposed merger page on the Intranet> Projects> Merger Project - Best of Both • The earliest that we could merge would be April 2011. • You can ask a question at any time by email: mark.halladay@smhp.nhs.uk
Appraisals – reducing sickness and improving Trust efficiency
Changes to drugs service
A case study in the Trust’s Information Management and Technology team (IM&T) has shown that conducting yearly appraisals has created a more cost efficient service. The department, headed up by Julie Rayner, has made savings of 45.3% from reduced sickness rates by introducing regular appraisals. In the year 08/09 16.4 days per employee were lost due to sickness in IM&T at a total cost of department £107,758. However, since regular appraisals only 11.6 days per employee were lost due to sickness in 09/10 with a cost of just £58,597. Julie requested the study to show her managers the benefits of appraisals and good staff management. Appraisals are an annual meeting between employee and line manager and have been known as professional development reviews, or PDRs. The meeting involves reviewing the year’s work, highlighting personal and professional achievements and picking up on missed opportunities. It is also a chance to look forward at ways to improve skills and knowledge. Mel Powell, the human resources
The drugs service currently run by the Trust is to move to another provider from 1 April 2011. Daren Clark, Director of Specialist Services, said: “Clearly we are disappointed that we will no longer be providing drug misuse services for Suffolk. We consistently receive positive feedback from those people who have used our services and I would like to reassure them we will continue to provide that excellent care for them up to April 2011.” Around 40 drugs staff within the Trust will be affected by the change and the Trust is hopeful that the majority of these people will transfer to the new providers. Mr Clark added: “Now that the DAAT has written to us to confirm its intentions, we can start to make contact with the new providers to ensure a smooth transition for our service users and staff.” The Trust’s drugs teams see about 1,000 service users each year from its bases in Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds; nearly two-thirds of all those seeking treatment in Suffolk. The Trust works in partnership with various local drugs services, including Focus 12, the Iceni Project and Norcas. The Trust’s alcohol service remains unaffected by the move.
officer who conducted the study, said: “This case study is about more than just sickness and absence – it is about promoting good management overall.” The case study was part of the review process of a managed project to implement appraisals and supervision (1:1s) across the department. Julie said: “I wanted to establish a link between staff wellbeing or sickness and appraisals, together with identifying the unseen costs associated with absence. “The results of the case study prove a return on the initial investment in the project and clearly show the results of having more engaged and supported staff. “In addition, showing the value of appraisals in a monetary way has demonstrated to all the departments line managers another of the positive benefits individual staff management brings to the department.” Pssst! If you’ve been sent an NHS National Staff Survey, have you sent it back yet? The deadline is 3 December so send yours back today. There are more details on the Intranet staff survey page.
BME group celebrate two years The Trust’s Black and Minority Ethnic Employee Network Group will be two years old in December, and Mark Halladay, chief executive, dropped in to join the group’s meeting in October to thank them for their work in supporting the Trust’s commitment to equality. The members elected Dr Akmal Makhdum and Linis Dolby as co-chairs for the group which helps the Trust by commenting on policy, practice and strategy and also provides an informal support network. Speaking after the meeting Mark Halladay said, “It’s very encouraging that the BME Employee Network Group (ENG) is thriving. Early results from the recent staff equality survey show that we have achieved a lot, but that there is no cause to be complacent. “That’s why the work of the ENG is so important. I’m looking forward to coming back to a future meeting after the full
Members of the Trust’s Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) group celebrate the group’s second anniversary, with Trust chief executive Mark Halladay (third from right)
results of the equality survey have been considered to talk about the group’s action plan. “Work on promoting BME equality within the Trust has received another boost as Sujata Gathani has been appointed as a regional representative on the NHS BME National Network. “ As well as providing an opportunity to share the Trust’s learning more widely, this will ensure that we’re kept up to date on policy and practice.” Dr Akmal Makhdum said, “I’m delighted to become the chair of this group. “There is plenty of work to be done on this agenda, but the fact that the group is
well supported shows that there is a commitment to make progress. With the new Equality Act there has never been a better time to raise the profile of BME equality in the Trust.” Staff who are interested in finding out more about the BME ENG can go to the Trust Intranet page under Staff Support > Employee Network Groups > BME ENG, where there are also links to the SMHP BME and NHS BME action plans. The group is open to all staff and meets on alternate third Tuesdays of the month from 1.30 – 2.30pm at Suffolk House (from 1 – 1.30pm there is informal support discussion time for BME staff).
Trust teams get feel good factor October 2010 saw the launch of Suffolk Health and Wellbeing Month, a fantastic campaign that brings together antistigma events from across the county. The month was coordinated by VASP (Voluntary and Statutory Partnership for Mental Health in Suffolk), a group of over 60 organisations with an interest in mental health including teams from the Trust. The month was about working together to raise awareness of good mental wellbeing and the benefits of physical health. The month kicked off with an ‘arts in mental health’ show at Christchurch
Mansion. Events then happened throughout October in locations across Suffolk, ending with a bang at ‘Fun Feeling Fabulous’ in Bury St Edmunds. Suffolk Health and Wellbeing Month incorporates World Mental Health Day (10 October), an international awareness event originated by the World Federation for Mental Health, and Time to Change “Get moving” week. Time to Change is a national anti-stigma campaign which works towards putting an end mental health discrimination. More information on the events that took place during October and full details of the events and the organisations involved are available at www.keepaneyeout.co.uk. The articles on this page have been contributed by some of the teams around the Trust who hosted Suffolk Health and Wellbeing Month events! Have you been out and about promoting mental wellbeing? Let us know by sending an email to helen.abbott@smhp.nhs.uk
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Later Life team gets out and about! On 8 Oct at Thoroughfare, Woodbridge the later life CMHT team had an information stand for the day. They talked to the public about mental health issues as they came over to chat.Once people got to know what they were doing the response was very positive and encouraging - some people even asked for the tin to donate cash but were disappointed when they were told there was none! They gave out 200 copies of a specially designed leaflet about sleep, hygiene, alcohol and depression, anxiety, panic attacks and phobias, bipolar disorders, depression, relaxation techniques and dementia. The team enjoyed interacting with the public and answering questions. There was a lucky dip with prizes donated by ITFC, Martlesham leisure centre, Notcutts and Ufford Health Club.
Self-expression on show for art exhibit
Friends Day at Wedgwood House Staff at Wedgwood House, Bury St Edmunds, held an open day on 20 Oct to celebrate healthy living and mental health. The special ‘Friends Day’ welcomed partners, charities and organisations to visit the unit. Staff shared and celebrated the positive changes they are making with the Productive Ward programme, which is aimed at reducing inefficiency to allow more time on direct patient care. Sue Howlett, modern matron at Wedgwood House, said: “There was a real buzz at the event and a lively, positive atmosphere – it made for a really good open day. “Staff had the opportunity to get involved and they all greatly enjoyed the chance to celebrate their excellent work with the local partners that joined us in support.” Helen Jackson, manager of Westgate Ward launched a new model of care for dementia called ‘the butterfly model’. This innovative way of caring for those affected by dementia is very person centred. It focuses on staff working with
Smiles all round for Lesley Bradshaw and Deo Lapena
Wedgwood House’s beautiful new theraputic garden
the patient for the moments when they ’land’ - as a butterfly would. It is a model that can be taught to carers to help them cope later at home. The day also included a focus on spirituality - with the opening of a multifaith room and a new therapeutic garden for patients - as well as a new health living programme specifically designed for people who are in contact with the mental health services.
On 4 October the Trust’s joined forces with partners Creative Twist, Inside Out, CSV Media, Suffolk Link, ESAN, Suffolk County Council and Suffolk MIND to host an art exhibition at Suffolk New College. The event was opened by the Mayor of Ipswich, Jane Chambers and raised awareness of mental wellbeing and the use of art as an effective medium for self expression. Along art displays the organisations present offered advice and information about services. Sallyanne, from Creative Twist said: “We spoke candidly about our personal experiences of mental distress, alongside 'the facts' and the importance to us of creativity to keep us sane. “I was touched by some students who opened up about their own struggles and how they cope. We discussed mental wellbeing and the importance of having supportive people around us. “It was great to be able to be open and honest, to challenge attitudes and to show that having a mental health problem can happen to anyone.”
Helping hand for family carers
IM&T’s Jon Davey and his band The Inflatables meet Levi Roots, star of TV show Dragon’s Den
There’s no business like show business for IM&T’s music star! big sound systems and lighting rigs before, but this one was the best yet. We opened with Everybody Needs Somebody, the old Blues Brothers favourite, and delivered a diverse mix of tunes, getting the majority of the crowd up on their feet as we played. Once we’d finished, we were instructed that ALL artists would make themselves available to meet and greet the crowd. There was a large crowd that wanted photos of us, to chat about the band and ask about bookings. Levi Roots and his band were on next, followed by Diversity. Then Jason Donovan arrived, wandering in with his guitar on his back and we were slung out of our dressing room to make room for him! Outrageous! We watched Diversity from inside of the crowd barriers and fortunately we had time while they were still backstage for my daughter to get a photo of her with the dance group. For the record, they are a lovely bunch - happy to meet and chat to anyone, no hint of “I’m a star, leave me alone” at all. Levi Roots was also kind enough to allow us a photo of him with our band and some of the Diversity guys posed with one of the inflatable guitars that we use in our performance. You can’t buy publicity like that. Find out more about us at www.theinflatables.org! Have you got a personal adventure that you’d like to share with the Trust? If so then simply email your story, along with an accompanying image if possible, to helen.abbott@smhp.nhs.uk
Being open update We have renewed our ‘Being open’ policy following on from the National Patient Safety Agency guidance update for ‘Being open – saying sorry when things go wrong’. It’s a 5 stage process for ensuring that staff and patients are supported after adverse incidents. The lead director is Bob Bolas and the lead non-executive director is Gary Norgate. Information can be found at the ‘Being open’ page on the Trust’s public website.
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By day, some of you know me as Jon Davey, one of the second-line techs - the guys who keep the IM&T team running... but by night I’m the bass guitar player with three bands. In August I had the pleasure of performing with one of my bands, The Inflatables, at the Summer Pop Picnic Party at the Shuttleworth Airfield in Bedfordshire with Jason Donovan, Diversity and Levi Roots. The Inflatables are a party band, playing mainly weddings and birthday parties and the like, with a few outdoor festivals thrown in. In fact, the night before this big day we had played for one of the Rushbrook House PCT staff at her wedding reception. A few weeks before we had played at Music On The Green at Martlesham. A couple of days later I had an email from the promoter of the Shuttleworth event saying that he was impressed with the way we got a bored crowd up on their feet and invited us to do a slot at this major event. After we arrived we cleared security and unloaded our gear. T-Rex tribute band TRexstacy were already there and soundchecking ahead of us. Levi Roots was the next to arrive. While we were sound checking he was having a kick-about with a few kids and their football and I have to say, he’s a better chef than he is a footballer! The gates opened at 1pm, and the previously empty field was rapidly filled by a 5000 or so people. Levi Roots did a Caribbean cooking demonstration at 3pm, and we were called to stage shortly after. I’ve played big stages, big crowds,
Suffolk Family Carers Mental Health Project have recently changed the way they meet with family carers. In order to ensure that as many family carers as possible are supported they are now operating a clinic system. The clinics have proved to be a great opportunity for family carers to book a time to see their support worker in a location near to them. They are then able to access dedicated one to one supported, focused solely on them in a quite, private and friendly environment. If a family carer is unable to travel to meet with their support worker, perhaps due to rural isolation or mobility problems, then we will endeavour to visit the family carer at home. Clinics operate across the whole of Suffolk, with the local support worker visiting these locations once a month, and of course one to one telephone support is also available between appointments. If you know of any family carers who you think would benefit from meeting with a support worker for one to one support, the first step is to ask them to refer themselves to Suffolk Family Carers. You can also do this on their behalf with their permission. The referral process is simple! Once referred we can then book the family carer an appointment with a support worker or, if preferred, we could ask for the support worker to make telephone contact first. Clinics operate in these locations: Ipswich, Claydon, Kesgrave, Stowmarket, Sudbury, Brandon, Bury St Edmunds, Eye, Haverhill, Mildenhall, Newmarket, Saxmundham, Lowestoft, Beccles and Halesworth. To find out the specific locations of these clinics and the dates they operate, or to make a referral, please contact Suffolk Family Carers Mental Health Project on 01473 835420.
Letters and compliments To Mark Halladay Chief executive Congratulations on your excellent score in your 2010 Community Servicing. I hope you get good positive local media coverage for this. Please pass on my congratulations to your Board and all of your staff. Sir Neil McKay, chief executive NHS East of England To Clair Bright CAMHS nurse I just wanted to give you an update on J’s progress. J joined a group in June and spent four nights away from home with them on a residential. J shared cutlery, crockery and drank out of other people’s bottles. J had a shower with a spider and came home with a partner – how’s that for progress? J’s confidence is growing daily and no longer talks to the floor. As a family, we are stunned with the new behaviour. None of this would have been achieved without all your work and support. To the SMS alcohol service I have been drinking ‘too much’ for many years and came to a point in my life that it had to stop. I have received much support from many people and have to say your ‘detox nurses’ have worked a small miracle on me. I am proud to say I am alcohol-free, due mainly to Tina and Harriet. I cannot thank them enough for their involvement and support. To Carrie Langhurst Occupational therapist, CAMHS intensive outreach I did not get to see you much but the times I did, I enjoyed. Thank you for your help and support.
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To Lysandra Moore, Support worker, CAMHS intensive outreach Thank you for all your help. You have supported me and helped me get on the track to recovery. I will miss you.
To Vicky Moss CAMHS eating disorders team Thank you for your help over the year. I have just finished my exams – I think they were alright. Food has been going really well, although it was difficult particularly at the beginning without your help. Things in general have been great. I think I have binged about three times in the last three months and this month I haven’t at all. I’m definitely going to accept my body how it is and I am feeling more confident for it. I don’t think I would have been able to do this, or certainly not as quickly, without your advice, help and support.This time last year I could not have imagined that I would ever be on the road to recovery and I am certainly looking forward to a future which is without an eating disorder. If I ever get tempted or feel low, I remember how good it is to feel this free and in control.
To Sarah Ray, Linkworker I just wanted to send you a personal thank you for your presentation on the Link Worker role, which evoked such interesting discussion. Anne Rawcliffe, ACCORD Think Family Coordinator Suffolk County Council
To Chillesford Ward staff Thank you so very much. You are all amazing people – thank you for everything you did for F.
To Helen Lofthouse CBT therapist, IAPT Thank you for listening to me and helping me go forward in my life.
To Rebecca Light Primary mental health worker, CAMHS Thank you for all your efforts in making the Carousel Training Day such a successful one. I am pleased to advise that the training (anxiety, depression, risk and resilience) has had a positive impact on many staff and the teaching and learning of many children. Heather Madsen, acting headteacher First Base School, Lowestoft
To Helen Lofthouse CBT therapist, IAPT Thank you so much for helping me through this difficult time in my life. It’s been tough, but you have helped and supported me through it and I can’t thank you enough. I’m so glad I decided to get help, because at first I didn’t think I would be able to stop. To come this far feels great. I couldn’t have done this without you.
To Anna Lidzey, Art psychotherapis, Connect Service We can’t express how thrilled we were to receive a letter about L winning a school progress award. We feel L wouldn’t have achieved this without your help, encouragement and expertise. We can’t thank you enough for your continuing work and support.
To Helen Game, Linkworker Thank you so much for all your help. It was and still is appreciated. To Northgate Ward, Bury St Edmunds Thank you for the support and guidanceyou have given me during my time on the ward. The experiences I have been through have been lifechaing in such a positive way that I do not know how to express my gratitude. Please keep up the good work. I can only but hope you save someone else’s life, as you have mine.
To Redwald Unit, St Clement’s Thank you for all your support and cheerfulness and all the fun and ganes. I really appreciate my time at Redwald and shall miss you all. What I learned at Redwald has been the most beneficial psychiatric thing I have ever done To Bromeswell Ward, St Clement’s Thank you for all your help and support while I was in your care.
If you have a letter you would like to share through Trust Matters, send it to Nicola Brown, Suffolk House, St Clement’s Hospital, Ipswich or email nicola.brown@smhp.nhs.uk Letters may be edited and will be anonymised to protect service users’ identities. TRUST MATTERS SURVEY: Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the Trust Matters survey. Your thoughts and comments will help us to improve the content and design of the newsletter. Results will be published in the January 2011 issue with changes being made from then onwards! EDITORIAL: If you would like to contribute an article (and accompanying photo) for inclusion in the next Trust Matters please email it to helen.abbott@smhp.nhs.uk If you want to discuss ideas about potential features or make a suggestion about improving the newsletter you can also email the above address or call Helen Abbott on 01473 329700. The deadline for the January 2010 issue is December 18th.