Intouch Plus - Issue 3

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust

Nicky lives her dream of having a child ISSUE 3 WINTER 2014

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Meet our outstanding award winners

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In The Pink Showing Compassion

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A magazine for UHCW patients, visitors, volunteers, foundation trust members and staff.

Healthcare Recruitment

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Work with us at NHS Hospitals, Private hospitals and Nursing homes.

We are actively recruiting for the following staff: Healthcare Assistants Band 5 Nurses Theatre Nurses ODP’s & ITU Nurses

Call us now on 01902 711855 www.actonbanks.co.uk 2

Welcome IN THIS ISSUE

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Welcome from the Chief Executive

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Urgent Care Centre and da Vinci robot

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Nicky lives her dream of having a child

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Temporary Theatre Opens and React to red skin

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Vitamin D Therapy and Meet the Acute Pain Team

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The Bluebell Lounge opens

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Read about our new fruit and veg stall and Hello my name is…

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Nursery Nurse Retires and Trust to introduce iPods

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Flu Facts

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Breast Cancer Unit Appeal

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Trust going smoke free and C.diff infection Clinical trial and Need medical help fast dial 111.

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Farewell and welcome to Non- Executive Directors

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elcome to our new look magazine.

Over the last three months, we’ve been continuing to work on our programme Together Towards World Class and this new look magazine is as a direct result from what our UHCW colleagues told us they wanted. They said they wanted us to produce a newspaper-style publication which would be available in more areas.

We’ve listened and here it is – not only is this now available on our hospital sites in Coventry and Rugby but also through GP surgeries in those areas.

And we’ve got lots of great stories for you that demonstrate our values of compassion, openness, pride, partnership, learn and improve. We’ve launched an innovative £1.4m surgical robot which means patients recover quicker from surgery, a patient is celebrating the birth of her first son despite being warned she may never be able to have children and we have held this year’s Outstanding Service and Care Awards where hundreds of UHCW

colleagues were recognised for their brilliant work.

As we come to the end of the year I would like to take this time to reflect on all the achievements we have made and to thank all my colleagues, our patients, visitors and Foundation Trust members for your continued support of UHCW. It is fair to say that there are many challenges facing today’s NHS but I am constantly proud to see the compassion being displayed by UHCW colleagues and the care shown by our local populations towards the NHS as a whole.

Thank you all and I look forward to bringing more updates to you in 2015. If you have any suggestions for the sort of articles you’d like to see, just drop us a line at communications@uhcw.nhs.uk.

Andy Hardy - Cheif Executive Officer

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Five minutes with… and National Cancer Patient Experience Programme 2014 Survey

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Meet our New Champions

and UHCW selected as a

representative to raise standards in healthcare

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Artie is bringing bedside art to a

ward near you and Worcesterhire’s

Radiotherapy Centre handed over to UHCW

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Meet our outstanding award winners – OSCAs 2014 Step towards blood test for many cancer types New look for Childrens Emergency Unit and read about the results of an Arthritis Research UK funded clinical trial

Friends of St Cross help heart patients’ recovery, Patients benefit from latest high tech ultrasound scanners and Getting Emergency Care Right

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In the Pink at IHCW

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Comments from the internet

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Members’ Lounge

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Membership Application Form

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Urgent Care Centre turns one The Urgent Care Centre at Hospital of St Cross, Rugby has celebrated it’s one year anniversary.

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v Varnish

, Dave Stuckey, Be

ne Green Sarah Evans, Yvon

pened on the September, 30, 2013 the centre has been providing treatment to the community of Rugby and surrounding areas.

The Centre is run by specially trained Emergency Nurse Practitioners, who can help with small wounds, animal bites, sport injuries, minor burns, tetanus jabs, suspected broken bones, skin and ear concerns.

Emergency Nurse Practitioner, Dave Stuckey said: “In our first year we

have made the successful transition from a doctor led service to one that is led by our Emergency Nurse Practitioners, and many of the patients are seen and treated by the staff here.

“Patients seem very happy with our service. Many are seen within a couple of hours and we have developed a comprehensive referral pathway for more complex patients which works well.”

Staff celebrated the day by having cupcakes donated by facilities service provider ISS Mediclean.

£1.4m da Vinci robot helps operations be state of the art Patients will benefit from a state of the art £1.4m robot which was launched at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust (UHCW) to perform keyhole surgery.

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he new da Vinci robot conducts prostate, kidney, bowel, throat and heart operations with minimal intrusion for patients.

The surgeon uses their hands and feet to control the machine’s four arms with 10 times greater precision than the human hand.

This allows very complex operations to be performed using keyhole surgery which dramatically reduces blood loss and speeds up the time for recovery for the patient.

Bruce Doe, the third patient the robot operated on at UHCW, said: “I felt there was no option other than to take advantage of the da Vinci procedure which would greatly reduce the length of time in hospital and all being well, greatly increase the speed of my recovery.

“More importantly, I felt the da Vinci procedure meant less ‘intrusion’ and hopefully less residual damage to key nerve functions.

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“I am pleased I chose the da Vinci method as my recovery was extremely quick and I was soon mobile and active, something that is very important to me.”

Consultant Urologist, Mr Donald MacDonald, said: “The robot has already Kieran Jefferson, Donald Mc reduced the time it takes for Donald and He ather and Graham Fowles patients to recover from these operations.

“The degree of accuracy we can of simulated practice and have now get using this innovative machine completed more than 40 successful is second to none and we are really surgeries on patients. excited that we can offer this cutting The robot was paid for thanks to edge surgery to our patients.” the hard work of fundraisers from The machine also has its own built the UHCW Charity and the Coventry in virtual reality system which allows Hospitals Charity (CHC). surgeons to rehearse each step of It was launched at an event held an operation and hone their skills in the Clinical Sciences Building at before using the system on patients.

University Hospital on Tuesday 14th The robot then grades the surgeons’ October and a ribbon was cut to mark performance against world experts. the ceremony by patient Graham The surgeons have had many hours Fowles.

Nicky lives her dream of having a child Nicky Granger has been advised most of her life by doctors to not have children, but due to pioneering care at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire she is now the proud mother of baby James.

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he new mum, 35, from Rugby, said: “I have epilepsy and we had different information given to us about whether or not we should have kids.”

Dental Nurse, Nicky and her engineer husband Nathan, 38, decided they were going to try for a child anyway.

Nicky said: “We decided to give it a go and let nature take its course. We saw Mr Holger Allroggen, Consultant Neurologist when I was already pregnant. He was really supportive and understanding and put us in touch with Epilepsy Specialist Nurse Paula Taylor, Antenatal Consultant Sadia Malik and Research Midwife Debbie Bullen who were all fabulous and perfect with us.”

From there Nicky was put on the EMPiRE research programme to help manage her antiepileptic drugs during her pregnancy.

She said: “In our first appointment, Debbie took a lot of time explaining the research and Ms Malik explained what sort of care she would give us.

Everyone gave us their contact details in case of a problem, like if I had a fit.

“I believe the care would have been fantastic anyway but being part of a research programme also provided a different kind of support during my pregnancy.

“Both myself Paula Taylor, Debbie Baden, and my Lyndsey Prue, Nathan and Nic ky Granger with baby James husband are very pleased we working were offered the opportunity to take the day of my operation but came part in the EMPiRE programme with in to deliver my son which was an the research midwives and relevant amazing personal touch and was so team.” nice.”

Debbie Bullen said: “Women, like Nicky now feels fantastic and baby Nicky, that were recruited to the James is doing well.

EMPiRE trial are helping to guide the She said: “I would absolutely future clinical practice of women with recommend my care to anyone, they epilepsy. were all brilliant. Now James is doing “Participants of the EMPiRE trial really well. The care was second to had continuous care by the same none. We were worried about the professionals throughout their baby being small but not about the pregnancy. We understood their care we received! epilepsy and could answer questions “We were being monitored very as a multidisciplinary team relative to closely and were reassured constantly their care. They also had our contact about treatment, progress and points telephone number and would call us of contact if there were any concerns. often for advice and reassurance.

Nicky also offered advice to other “It is great to hear that James epilepsy sufferers who have dreams of is doing well, following Nicky’s having children of their own. participation in the study.”

She commented: “The advice On her scan at 36 weeks, the I would give is, if in doubt speak decision was taken to deliver James with your GP and get a referral to by caesarean section at 37 weeks. neurology. This opens a pathway of Nicky said: “The staff arranged all care and support from all the relevant the anaesthetist explanations and pre- specialties within the hospital, also it surgery talks to be done that day so is in depth look at the mum-to-be’s that I wouldn’t be stressed. health, medication, and expectations “Sadia Malik wasn’t meant to be before, during and after the birth.”

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New temporary theatre opens at the Hospital of St Cross ital of St Cross tre unit at the Hosp

The Vanguard Thea

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niversity Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust (UHCW) is introducing the mobile operating facility to increase capacity at the Rugby hospital and reduce waiting times for procedures at the Trust. The unit once fully operational will enable approximately 40 more operations to be performed each week covering a number of specialties. Vanguard Healthcare will provide the theatre staff while the surgeons and anaesthetists will be from UHCW. The provider, Vanguard Healthcare, has seen over 195,000 patients operated on within their facilities.

The unit is comprised of a laminar flow theatre, anaesthetic room and 2/3 bed first stage recovery area. To

A state-of-the-art mobile theatre has received its first patients at the Hospital of St Cross

ensure infections are minimised the mobile units feature a HEPA filtered environmental air filtration system.

Juliet Starkey, Group Manager for the Hospital of St Cross said: “This is a fully functioning mobile theatre, the kind that has been used in many sites around the country.

“By increasing theatre capacity within the hospital, we will be able to treat patients quicker and reduce their waiting times. Local residents often remark how they want to be seen and treated within Rugby and the new installation enables this to happen for more of our patients.”

Ian Gillespie, Chief Executive at Vanguard Healthcare commented: “Vanguard Healthcare is delighted to

assist the Hospital of St.Cross maintain its excellent standard of patient care by providing them with additional clinical capacity.”

The new theatre is outside Day Surgery, adjacent to the Owen Building. The installation does mean that the current road to the Day Surgery entrance is closed. During this time access will only be possible to the disabled car parking spaces and for deliveries, via the ramp in the centre of the car park. Patients wishing to attend for blood taking or other appointments in the vicinity are advised that they can use any of the other onsite public car parks. The thirty minutes of free car parking is still available.

React to red skin campaign The react to red skin campaign is the latest pressure ulcer prevention campaign to be held by UHCW NHS Trust Tissue Viability Nurses. It follows on from the successful and award winning 100 days free campaign and Heel watch. The difference with this campaign from previous ones, is that it was initially aimed at patients, families and Carers. The campaign has now evolved and includes additional staff awareness and is included within all the education provision given by the team to ensure pressure ulcers are reduced when patients are very unwell in hospital.

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he main message of the campaign for patients, families and carers is that by reacting to red skin over bony areas and asking for help and advice from a healthcare professional we can stop red skin becoming a serious wound. The campaign has developed as we see many patients admitted to hospital with pressure ulcers that they have not told any one about. Often these are very painful, wet and sore and can become very serious if they become infected. Our message is react to red skin, ask for help before this happens, and don’t suffer these sores alone The UHCW Tissue Viability Team has developed a patient information leaflet for inpatients on preventing pressure ulcers but is working with it’s community partners in Coventry

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Partnership Trust, Coventry City Council and with Your Turn an independent organisation committed to preventing pressure ulcer.

This has led to: • The development and delivery of education programmes for care homes and social care providers • Patient and carer information • Accreditation for health care providers who meet certain standards The Main Messages As a patient, family member or carer there are five simple things you can do while in hospital, community care or in your own home to prevent a pressure ulcer developing: 1. Regularly check skin isn’t sore or discoloured in anyway. If it is let a

healthcare professional know.

2 It’s really important you keep moving while in bed or on a chair.

Change your position as much as possible when appropriate.

3. When you’re unwell or immobile going to the toilet can be difficult.

Ensure that skin is clean and dry or ask for help.

3. Eat a well balanced diet and drink plenty of fluids.

4. Special equipment is available for those at risk of developing pressure ulcers.

5. Ask for help and your healthcare professional will advise you ie: GP, Community Nurse, Practise Nurse.

The biggest message is: if you need help don’t be afraid to ask

Patient recovers from years of pain following Vitamin D therapy Doctors based at University Hospital, Coventry have carried out a study looking at the levels of vitamin D deficiency in patients attending their outpatient clinics.

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he team from the pain management department consisting of Drs Nofil Mulla, Robin Correa, Shyam Balasubramanian and Somasundram Krishnamoorthy studied 200 patients with various chronic pain conditions for this project. Their results showed a deficiency of vitamin D in a surprisingly high number of patients (78%).

As there is a well known association between low vitamin D levels and persistent pain, findings from this study mean that a simple check and vitamin supplement can help those who have suffered with pain for some time.

Coventry mum of two, Hayley

MacSkimming, is one patient who took part in the study. She had suffered with continuous pain all over her body following a car accident.

The study revealed that she had a vitamin D deficiency and as a result the team prescribed a regular course of supplements.

Hayley said: “I had been seeing various specialists for over five years.

Things were especially low after the birth of my son three and a half years ago. I just couldn’t do the basics when it came to his care. I’d had many tests before now and was surprised when my consultant at the pain clinic suggested a simple course of vitamins when nothing seemed to have helped in the past.

“I can’t believe the difference it made to my quality of life. The pain that I had been experiencing for so many years started to subside almost immediately. I am still under the care of the consultant for regular check ups but so far I have been pain free.”

Dr Robin Correa, Pain

Hayley (right) is pi ctur consultant Dr Robi ed with her n Correa.

Consultant at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust said: ”Our study showed that there is high incidence of vitamin D deficiency in chronic pain patients, more so in those coming to see us with lower back pain and fibromyalgia.”

“Chronic and recurring pain can be debilitating for many people. Early recognition and effective treatment of vitamin D deficiency can improve quality of life for these patients and reduce the number of visits to hospital.”

Meet the Acute Pain Team l Hillermann

Josie Josen, Julie Wilson, Car Sue Millerchip.

It is well recognised that under treatment of severe acute pain is not only distressing for patients, but can affect their recovery and increase the length of their hospital stay.

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t UHCW, our Acute Pain Team was set up by Sue Millerchip, Pain Team Lead Nurse in1992, and has developed and evolved since then to meet service needs. The consultant anaesthetic lead for the service is Dr Carl Hillermann. The Team also consists of Josie Josen, Jo Saeed and Julie Wilson. Our nursing backgrounds range from post anaesthetic care, general surgery and critical care. We are all experienced nursing sisters with extensive knowledge in pain management.

As a busy teaching hospital, a large amount of our patients suffer from acute pain. This can be due to surgery, trauma or related to an exacerbation of a medical condition.

It is our role to optimise pain management strategies and ensure patients have access to best practice in this area. We work and liaise with the multi disciplinary team including anaesthetics, nursing and medical staff, pharmacists, physiotherapists and major trauma co-ordinators to provide holistic patient centred care.

As a team we are always looking for ways to improve our service through education, audit and research. Since becoming a Major Trauma Centre our work has become more diverse and challenging with patients presenting with complex multiple injuries.

Two years ago we developed a Rib Fracture Pathway to improve the pain management and recovery in this group of patients. This pathway has

been presented at two conferences in Europe and an audit following its introduction showed that length of stay was reduced by up to three days.

As a team, we aim to support staff on the wards to provide effective pain management. We will be launching a ‘Pain Point of the Month’ on the intranet from November, highlighting current issues/practice in pain management.

We have recently updated many of the guidelines for UHCW colleagues on the intranet elibrary and they can be found under ‘Clinical Guidelines’, ‘Pain Management’.

Our team is based in the Anaesthetic Department on the 1st Floor. We currently provide a service on Monday to Friday only but are working on a business case to expand to cover seven days.

For more information about this team please contact: Julie.wilson2@uhcw.nhs.uk

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The Bluebell Lounge opens at the Hospital of St Cross

A lot of hard work has gone into creating this lounge to ensure patients with confusion or dementia have a better experience at our hospital 8

intouch plus

Sometimes patients with confusion or dementia need time away from busy ward areas during their hospital stay, and the Bluebell Lounge provides a serene haven for them.

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he Bluebell Lounge was opened on the 23rd May 2014 at the Hospital of St Cross and has been designed for patients with confusion and/or dementia, their relatives, carers and accompanying staff members to come and take time out.

Specialist Nurse in Mental Health, Debbie Harris has many years of experience working in mental health, care homes and caring for

those with dementia. She said: “People who are confused find it difficult to settle whilst they are in hospital because everything seems so strange to them. I identified the need for a room like the Bluebell Lounge so that patients could have time away from clinical areas and this room is an ideal place as it has been designed to represent a family sitting room with many comforts of home.

“We have a policy of open visiting for patients who are confused and relatives

and carers are encouraged to make use of this facility if they feel their loved one would benefit from it. The Bluebell Lounge has also been identified as an area for occupation and stimulation in an aim to relieve boredom and frustration for this group of patients.”

Chief Operating Officer, David Eltringham is a Dementia Friend and opened the Bluebell Lounge. He said: “I am pleased that this room has been designed and developed to benefit our patients who come to the Hospital of St Cross. A lot of hard work has gone into creating this lounge to ensure patients with confusion or dementia have a better experience at our hospital. The opening of the Bluebell Lounge is another commitment by the Trust to raise the standards of care for those with dementia and confusion so to ensure all patients are treated with dignity and respect.”

This room has been funded with the help from the UHCW NHS Trust and the Friends of the Hospital of St Cross.

Joan Jesson, President of the Friends of the Hospital of St Cross said: “The Friends of the Hospital of St Cross have had a long and happy relationship with the hospital. Our involvement with the Bluebell Lounge is another example of how our charitable donations are being used across the site for the benefit of patients in Rugby.”

Sainsbury’s in Rugby have also kindly donated a combined TV and DVD player for the lounge and provided a cake to celebrate the opening.

They have also invited Debbie to run Dementia Awareness Sessions for their staff.

The Bluebell Lounge was opened to celebrate national Dementia Awareness Week.

An apple a day keeps the doctors’ hunger at bay!

Roll up, roll up to get a fresh choice of fruit and veg at your local hospital.

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niversity Hospital in Coventry has teamed up with Healthy Options to pilot a green grocer’s stall at the hospital entrance following a suggestion from a member of staff.

For the next six months the fruit and veg stall will be selling its wares from 8am to 6.30pm, Monday to Saturday.

UHCW NHS Trust’s Chief Executive Officer Andy Hardy was one of the first customers.

He said: “We tell our patients about the need to eat five portions of fruit and veg a day to stay healthy.

“But I want UHCW staff to be setting an example too.

“I’m proud that we’re the second biggest employer in Coventry and by making it quick Andy Hardy with and easy for staff and visitors to Harry eat healthily, we can help make Coventry healthy.” could Joey Butlin, from Healthy Options, be easier?” said: “The initial uptake has been The Trust is also currently great. investigating whether to pilot a similar “We find people will eat healthy scheme at the Hospital of St Cross in if you make it easy for them. We’re Rugby. right on their doorstep now - what

Hello my name is...

University Hospital in Coventry is taking the concept of “Hello my name is…” to new level by encouraging staff who speak another language to come forward.

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he maternity team at the hospital already embrace “Hello my name is…” which encourages staff to ensure they introduce themselves and explain why they are interacting with a patient at every contact.

The team were the first introduce this to the hospital following a national campaign sparked by Dr Kate Granger after her experience as a patient. They thought this was a simple but often overlooked idea and began to embrace it.

With the diverse population in Coventry, hospital midwives are now using their multilingual language skills to make women on the wards feel more comfortable.

Carmel McCalmont, Head of Midwifery at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust said: “I am proud of the excellent team of midwives and they are constantly praised for the care they give. “Hello my name is…” is such a simple thing but it can make all the difference to women at a time when they can be anxious or concerned.

“Since the introduction I know we have seen many examples of those staff who speak more than one language conversing with our new mums. At the end of the day we are about giving great care and this helps to achieve this.”

The Trust plans to roll out the

Carmel McCalmont concept of “Hello my name is…” to rest of the wards in its hospitals.

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Nursery P Nurse Retires

It’ll be a happy retirement for Pat Evans who has spent more than 40 years caring for sick little babies in Coventry.

r last day.

Pat Evans on he

at, from Ash Green, started her career in 1970 at Walsgrave Hospital, caring for mums and babies on the post-natal ward.

In 1977 she moved into the neonatal unit, which is where she has stayed ever since!

She left University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust in July and is now looking forward to spending her retirement with her own family and going on holiday.

Pat said: “I’ve loved my job. It’s been so rewarding and it is such a great feeling to see our babies leave the unit to go home with their families.

“Of course there are times when it’s difficult but that is when we work together as a team to support the parents.

“It’s such a good team here so I will miss them but after 43 years am looking forward to putting my feet up!”

Sue Ellis, Lead Nurse for neonatal services at UHCW NHS Trust said: “We are sorry to see Pat go but she has more than earned her retirement.

“Hopefully after spending all this time caring for other families, she will now have the chance to fully enjoy hers.”

Trust to introduce iPods to listen to patients vital signs in regional first Nursing staff will soon begin to use Apple iPods to record and review patient’s observations.

The upgrade comes just six years after the original system was introduced to replace the traditional observation charts at the end of patients’ beds.

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he award winning system named VitalPAC is now available as an “app”. This means Trust staff can use

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the popular music devices to alert them as to when observations need to be taken and can tell straight away whether patients are getting sicker.

This enables clinicians to intervene and prevent patients getting so sick they need to transfer to an intensive therapy unit (ITU).

Visitors to the Trust’s hospitals in Coventry and Rugby will start to see the new devices introduced from September and the Trust is the first in the region to move to the new system.

Mark Radford, Chief Nursing Officer said: “The Trust has been fortunate to be at the forefront of many medical innovations locally. When we introduced VitalPAC the Trust built in “trigger points” in agreement with the clinical teams. When the patient’s observations reach that trigger point an alert can be sent to the clinical team to react.”

“If our patients see staff using iPods and iPads it’s not to listen to music but to record important information about them!”

Flu campaign launched and Chief Officers first to roll up sleeves and get jabbed It’s that time of the year again – the Flu vaccinators are out in force with their needles and Chief Officers were first in line to be jabbed.

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his year we need to vaccinate 75% of UHCW colleagues, according to the Department of Health. Starting in October, our friendly Occupational Health Team are running drop in clinics for staff, as well as taking bookings to jab whole wards and departments! There is also a team of ‘peer vaccinators’ across the Trust, who are medically trained to vaccinate their colleagues.

Head of Occupational Health, Eileen Williams said: “It is really important to have the flu jab as early as possible as this will give you the best protection during the winter months.

“For a start no appointment is needed, just show up in the Occupational Health department between 8.30am and 4pm Monday to Friday. The team is also doing daily walkabout in high risk areas so please check the schedule on the intranet.

“If you’re a departmental manager or lead, you can request sessions in your area at a convenient time, so please contact us to arrange this.

“Also a big thank you to this year’s peer vaccinators, who are working tremendously hard to jab staff in their area.”

“In the first few days the Occupational Health team and peer vaccinators have already jabbed 405 members of staff which is a tremendous start.”

Not a member of staff? Check with your GP or local pharmacist to see if you qualify for a free flu jab.

Andy Hardy, Mark Radfo

Flu facts I rarely catch the flu, and if I do I am only feel a bit under the weather. It doesn’t affect me that much.

You can catch the flu at any time, and it has the potential to be a killer. Many people find flu unpleasant and it can last for a number of weeks. It can also lead to chest infections and severe complications. Flu leads to between 250,000 to 500,000 deaths per year across the globe, and contributes to a further three to five million cause of severe illness.

I am not sure I trust the vaccine, is it safe?

The vaccine is actually one of the safest vaccines in the world. It is given to millions of people in the UK every year. It also may change from year to year to combat the ever changing strains of flu. However these vaccines are thoroughly tested until scientists are confident that they are safe.

When I last had the jab, it gave me the flu.

It is impossible to catch the flu from the vaccine because it doesn’t contain any live viruses. There are some side effects like aching muscles that a very smaller number of people get.

I don’t need the jab, and it is only really me that is affected anyway.

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well. It is very easy to carry and pass on the virus to other people, even when you have no symptoms yourself.

I had the vaccine last year, I don’t need it again.

Flu is always changing and there are new strains of it every year. If you don’t have the new vaccine then you won’t be protected against the new strains and therefore still at risk of catching the virus.

I am pregnant, I imagine I won’t be allowed the vaccine Women at any stage of pregnancy can have the flu vaccination. Having this while pregnant is beneficial to the baby as well as the mother, as it can help protect the baby from flu in the first few months of their life.

The vaccine doesn’t just keep you safe from the flu, but it can keep your family, friends and colleagues safe as

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UHCW Charity has launched an appeal to raise £400,000 to fund a new breast cancer unit so we can reach more women in Warwickshire, Solihull and Coventry to diagnose and treat their breast cancer quickly. The unit will be designed to reduce anxiety and have state of the art equipment which means we will save the lives of hundreds of local women, every year.

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y name is Jayne Rice. I live in Bedworth with my husband Steve and my two wonderful girls Hannah and Megan.

In November 2012, when I was 45, I was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer which is a rare form of breast cancer. I had a lot of treatment including chemotherapy, a double mastectomy and finally three weeks of radiotherapy to remove any cancer cells that may have remained. My breast cancer affected my whole family. Steve was at my side through out, he has been my rock, and from the start the four of us agreed we would face what ever came together and not let it beat us. I’m now on the road to recovery seeing my Oncologist every three months and I am back at work.

One person is diagnosed with breast cancer every 10 minutes.

That’s more than ever before.

The good news is that more people are surviving because of early detection and treatment.

This is why the new Breast Cancer Unit Appeal is really

important and I’m proud to be an Appeal Ambassador.

Be Breast Aware Every woman should be breast aware: • Know what your breasts look and feel like normally.

• Check your breasts regularly throughout your lifetime.

• Have the confidence to see your GP if you notice anything that doesn’t feel right for you.

• In addition women aged between 47 and 73 years of age will be invited every three years to a breast screening appointment.

How Breast Cancer Affects Men Men get breast cancer too, but at a much lower rate than women. Whilst breast cancer is diagnosed mainly in women, it has a serious impact on the men in our community. They have to cope with the fact that their partner may face surgery, may lose a breast and might even die, whilst giving support, reassurance and love.

Support Our Appeal - To make a donation, request a talk, sign up to an event or tell us about one you are holding call 02476 966059 or visit www.uhcwcharity.org

My Secret Battle With Breast Cancer

Marion Turley-Gibbons, well known owner of the Turley Academy of Irish Dance, was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago.

But it was some time before she sought medical help after a finding a lump she thought might be a harmless cyst.

‘I had always assumed I might get cancer because Mum died of it. But even when I found a lump, I still tried to ignore it,’ Marion said.

With the imminent birth of a grandchild and her husband’s ill health to cope with, Marion put the needs of others before herself. She is now in recovery and praises the care she received at University Hospital where she underwent a double mastectomy followed by six rounds of intensive radiotherapy and 18 months of chemotherapy.

1 in 8 women in the UK will develop breast cancer in their lifetime; the good news is that although 1,000 women a month dies of breast cancer, more are surviving thanks to early detection and treatments.

Remind Me... Be Breast Aware Receive a free monthly breast check text reminder from CoppaFeel! - TEXT “BOOBS” to 70300 or visit Coppafeel.org

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Hospital Trust to go smoke free in January 2015 THE first steps to create smoke free grounds at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) have been agreed.

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rom January 2015, smoking will be prohibited on the Trust grounds and buildings, following a decision by the UHCW Trust Board.

Before January, there will be a three month period, where the Trust will offer extra support to colleagues wanting to quit.

The move comes as the Trust reinforces its duty of care, as outlined

by NICE guidelines, to protect the health of staff, patients and visitors to UHCW. This proposal will mean smoking is prohibited throughout all the Trust’s sites and will apply to staff, contractors, affiliated services, external agencies, students, patients and visitors.

Will Overfield, Stop Smoking Service manager said: “This proposal responds to complaints from staff and patients about those who smoke too close to our entrances.

“As a health service employer we recognise the hazards to health that smoking causes, both for smokers and for those breathing in other people’s smoke. The health of our patients

and staff is a top priority for the Trust and we wish to provide the best environment for those who come to or work in our hospitals.”

For the public, visitors and patients, this proposal will go live from Tuesday 1 January 2015 with no smoking signs appearing in public places, supporting the initiative.

To help patients and staff who may want to give up smoking before this date, the Trust’s Smoking Cessation Team will be providing stop smoking support and can be contacted on 02476 96 24760.

Clinical trial to prevent C.diff infection A new vaccine could protect vulnerable patients from a dangerous infection, thanks to a clinical trial taking place at University Hospital in Coventry.

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he trial ran by us in conjunction with pharmaceutical company Sanofi Pasteur, is looking at whether a new vaccination is able to prevent Clostridium difficile, known as C.diff.

‘C.diff’ is a bacterium present in the gut of up to 3% of healthy adults where it lives harmlessly. It causes problems for patients in hospitals where antibiotics kill both good and bad bacteria in the gut. This allows ‘C.diff’ to multiply, produce toxins and cause its characteristic symptoms of diarrhoea, intestinal inflammation and sometimes serious illness including death.

The trial is open to those aged 50 and above, who are also due to have an operation at the Trust involving

a stay of 72 hours or have been admitted to the hospital twice in the last year and received antibiotics.

Professor Chuka Nwokolo said: “An effective vaccine would prevent an infection that is particularly harmful to individuals when they are at their most vulnerable.”

For more information about this trial please contact the PRI Suite, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Clifford Bridge Road, Walsgrave, Coventry CV2 2DX or call 0247 696 6129.

If you need medical help fast, but it is not life-threatening, call 111 NHS 111 is a national telephone service which should be used if you need medical help fast but it’s not a life-threatening situation.

999 should still be used if it is an emergency.

out-of-hours doctor or a community nurse. If the adviser thinks your condition is more serious, they will direct you to hospital or send an ambulance. If you don’t speak English, tell the adviser what language you want to speak and they will get you an interpreter.

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You can call 111 free from landlines and mobile phones. 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

hen you call 111, a trained adviser will ask you questions to find out what’s wrong, give you medical advice and direct you to someone who can help you, like an

Call 111 if you need medical help fast, but it’s not life-threatening – for example, if you: • think you need to go to hospital • don’t know who to call for medical help • don’t have a GP to call • need medical advice or reassurance about what to do next For health needs that are not urgent, you should call your GP. For more information on NHS 111, visit www.nhs.uk/111

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Farewell to Non-Executive Samantha Tubb as two new Non-executive Directors are appointed to UHCW NHS Trust

Sam Tubbs

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust is wishing Non-executive Director Samantha Tubb good luck for the future as she leaves the Trust, after nearly four years as a passionate advocate for patients.

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he NHS Trust Development Authority (NHS TDA) has confirmed the appointment of Ms Barbara Beal and Mrs Brenda Sheils OBE as Non-executive Directors at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, completing our Trust Board.

Ms Beal is a former executive nursing and midwifery professional with particular expertise in leading and managing complex change, nursing, commissioning, quality, patient safety and clinical governance.

She had a 35 year NHS career where she trained and worked as a nurse,

midwife and clinical midwifery sorry to be losing her and wish her manager at Walsgrave Hospital before well for the future and her next spending more than eight years in endeavour. board level roles including Executive “The appointments of Ms Beal Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Mrs Sheils will now complete the and Quality, Patient Experience, reinvigoration of the Trust Board.

Clinical Governance and Operational “I am excited about now having Management at Nottingham City a full team of experienced NonHospital and North Middlesex executive Directors with the passion Hospital, acting Director of Nursing and dedication to lead UHCW NHS at St Mary’s Hospital in London and Trust.”

Hospital Director at Good Hope Non-executive appointments to Hospital. Ms Beal currently lives in NHS Trusts made by the NHS TDA Churchover, Warwickshire. are subject to the Code of Practice Mrs Sheils is the recently retired of the Commissioner for Public Principal and Chief Executive of Appointments.

Solihull College. She has 38 years’ Barbara Beal has been appointed experience in the education sector from 1 August 2014 until 31 July in further, higher, community 2016 and is entitled to receive a and schools, including working in Cambridgeshire, Devon, Cheshire, Coventry, Gloucestershire and Solihull.

During her career she led significant organisational change and developed extensive public and private sector partnerships. In March 2014 she received an OBE in the New Year’s Honours list for services to further education. Mrs Sheils currently lives in Stratford-upon-Avon with her husband and has two grown up Barbara Beal Brenda Sheils children.

Mr Andy Meehan, Chair at UHCW remuneration of £6,157 per annum.

NHS Trust, said: “During her time Brenda Sheils has been appointed on the Trust Board, Sam has shown from 1 July 2014 until 30 June genuine care about the Trust achieving 2016 and is entitled to receive a high quality services for our patients. remuneration of £6,157 per annum.

She sets high standards for herself and those around her and I am extremely

Non-Executive Director responsibilities NED Role

NED

Whistleblowing Conduct and Capability (Medics)

Trevor Robinson

Quality

Ed Macalister-Smith

Rugby

Barbara Beal

Education

Brenda Sheils

Infrastructure (ICT and Estates) and Procurement

Ian Buckley (Vice Chairman)

Research & Innovation

Peter Winstanley

Cultural development

Andrew Meehan (Chairman)

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We are pleased to announce that with the addition of our two new NonExecutive Directors Barbara Beal and Brenda Sheils. We have also taken the opportunity to review the roles of our Non-Executive Directors and have given them specific areas of responsibility to oversee as set out in the table:

Five Minutes With Brenda Sheils Why did you want to become a NED? (Non - executive director)

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aving recently retired after almost 40 years in education I want to continue to make a difference and have a positive impact on the lives of people – previously my focus has been on developing their knowledge and skills and now it is on their care and well being.

During the latter part of my time as Principal and CEO of a large college in the West Midlands I worked closely with a wide range of NHS and healthcare professionals, particularly in the areas of training and development. I was always so impressed with their professionalism, commitment to providing excellent patient care and their desire to always go that extra mile.

I now have time to make a contribution to a service I that I feel passionately about and, hopefully, I will be able to put my many years of experience leading and managing complex public sector organisations through challenging times towards helping this wonderful organization achieve its ambitions.

What was it that attracted you to UHCW? I have lived in Warwickshire for over 25 years - five of these working in Coventry with education and

business communities across the city and, in the early 1990s I delivered management training at the Rugby Hospital! The developments in both the quality of care and the estate over the past few years at the Trust have been so impressive and I feel privileged to be able to contribute to this strong value driven organization on our journey ‘Together Towards World Class’.

Also, some years ago, my husband received superb specialist treatment here for which I am so grateful.

What do you see as the main aspects of your job?

To be a member of a Board that both supports and challenges each other to ensure that the best choices and decisions are made for delivering excellent patient care. The challenges the Trust is facing are many and complex. Working with the Chair, other NEDs and the Executive to create one strong effective team to lead the Trust and to ensure that there is a culture of openness and transparency alongside a robust and rigorous approach to performance management is a priority.

What has been your proudest achievement at work ?

Over the past few years I led a ‘troubled ‘organisation to become one of real strength - with a strong educational ‘brand’, clear

values, brilliant student success and feedback, outstanding financial and performance management , innovative employer partnerships and two completely new build state of the art campuses. The efforts of all were recognized when, in March 2014, we achieved one of the highest marks for the Investors in People Gold Award.

I was awarded an OBE in the New Year’s Honours List and saw this as yet another external approval of the entire institution’s achievements in the sector.

One of these new campuses was in an area of very high levels of deprivation and it provided much needed vocational skills training and numeracy and literacy skills for both the young and adult unemployed.

Over the last few years I witnessed thousands of these groups progress into either employment or access new career pathways. Seeing this very positive impact on both the economic and social wellbeing of so many individuals and families within this community was a particularly proud achievement.

Tell us something about you that would surprise us When I get time, I paint very large, very bright, very abstract paintings .

To date my ‘studio’ at home is getting quite full so my ambition one day is to start selling them!

National Cancer Patient Experience Programme 2014 Survey The results of a national survey measuring the experience of cancer patients, including those at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust, have been published.

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he findings show that some patients at UHCW rate their care and treatment extremely highly. The results were taken from 696 responses out of 1226 patients invited to complete the questionnaire, carried out by the Quality Health on behalf of NHS England. This represented an overall response rate of 60%.

The questionnaire asked people what they thought about different aspects of the care and treatment they received. UHCW scored well on areas including 81% of patients saying

staff gave a complete explanation of test results in an understandable way, which a significant increase in comparison to last year, where we gained 77%.

Building on last year’s figures of 90%, with patients feeling they received understandable answers to important questions and that their Clinical Nurse Specialist listened to them, the Trust cemented their progress further with another outstanding score of 93%. These figures highlight the people-focused

approach that is embedded in our staffs values and behaviours.

Mark Radford, Chief Nursing Officer for the Trust, said: “At UHCW we are always striving to improve the experience that every patient has, including our cancer patients. The results from this survey highlight an improved patient experience for cancer patients, which is fantastic news and I would like to thank those doctors and nurses who have worked tirelessly to improve our standards of care.”

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Meet Our New Champions Our New Innovation Champions are now here, and ready to help you all progress your innovative ideas!

They officially started September and will be with Research, Development and Innovation team for 12 months.

They will be working on a wide range of projects, including Digital Healthcare, Mental Health, Long Term Conditions and Integrated Care. Innovation is a big part of working Together Towards World Class, and we feel that our four new champions are going to help us make an even bigger difference.

Anita Kane - Associate Director of Quality Anita has held various roles in the NHS working at both a regional and national level. At UHCW she has worked on large scale changes for the Trust. She is currently responsible for patient experience and manages complaints, PALS, Patient Involvement, the Health Information Centre and Library and Knowledge Services.

Sailesh Sankar - Endocrinology Consultant Sailesh has an understanding of IT in modern medicine and has been involved in setting up the Diabetes Database integrated with Patient Management Systems and Pathology services. He is currently a consultant in Endocrinology, Diabetes and General internal medicine.

Julie Morgan - Nurse Consultant for Ambulatory Emergency Care Julie has worked for the NHS for over 30 years, and although most of her experience has been in the hospitals, she has also worked in community nursing and education. Julie believes learning from others and developing a culture of innovation is key to improving clinical practice and improving the care we give to our patients.

John Hattersley - HMRU Research Scientist John has spent 20 years working in various industry sectors (medical, telecoms, aerospace, automotive, broadcasting,) applying a wide variety of engineering skills. He is relatively new to the NHS but with his passion for the application of science and technology to real-world challenges, he ready to solve a problem and to help make a difference.

Our vision within Innovation is to help UHCW deliver world class care and experience by thinking differently and being willing to try. Our mission is to stimulate everyone at UHCW to try something genuinely new to make things even better and we want our values to show that there is always a better way, and anyone can innovate because everyone is an expert, no idea is ever perfect first time, different perspectives are priceless, and the biggest failure is the failure to try.

If you want to submit ideas and suggestions email us at ideas@uhcw.nhs.uk we are happy to hear from you.

Stephanie Jones Richard King Innovation Faculty Leader Innovation Administrator

UHCW selected as a representative to raise standards in healthcare alongside the Prime Minister UHCW has been selected to represent healthcare alongside David Cameron in the 2014 Parliamentary Review. The publication, which has several versions based on key policy areas, has the involvement of the Prime Minister, leading Cabinet ministers including George Osborne and Jeremy Hunt, and other outstanding organisations and leaders who have been selected to showcase

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best practice as a learning tool to their peers.

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he Healthcare Edition of The Parliamentary Review consists of a political commentary, summarising the year in healthcare along with events in Westminster. The commentary is written by two of the UK’s leading journalists - Ben Clover - Senior Reporter at HSJ and Mark D’Arcy - the BBC’s Parliamentary correspondent.

The representatives selected are used as an example of best practice to

leaders in the public and private sector.

The Prime Minister, David Cameron, said: Our recovery is real, but it has not been easy – as the articles in this year’s The Parliamentary Review demonstrate, it is thanks to the ongoing resolve of the British people that our country is starting to recover after such tough economic times.

Artie is Bringing Bedside Art to a Ward Near You! In an effort to cheer up our patients staying in hospital Healing Arts is launching Artie, an Art Cart full of FREE creative arts and craft packs.

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he Art Cart will visit wards weekly and offer patients something creative and enjoyable to do during a stay in hospital. Activities are for all ages and include painting, embroidery, sketch sets, card games, crosswords and dominoes, given to patients to keep and take home.

Emma Linnane Arts Coordinator said “We have already ran a few tasters up on our wards and the response has been fantastic. It sparks a lovely conversation with our patients as they settle into an activity. Some patients

and their families have been really overwhelmed and are amazed it is free.”

Artie has been made possible with the support of University Hospitals Artie A Close-up of Voluntary Services and UHCW Charity, funded by public donations.

This project is just one of many creative enhancements that form the Healing Arts Programme at UHCW, bringing visual and

Left-Right: Act ivities Coordin ator Lyn Nicholson and Emma Linnane Arts C oo UHCW take A rdinator for rtie for a spin up on Ward 53.

participatory arts to patients and their families.

With public support we can offer even more. If you would like to support Healing Arts please contact Emma Linnane on 024 7696 8338 or visit www.uhcwcharity.org/art

Worcestershire’s Radiotherapy Centre officially handed over to Trust W

orcestershire’s first ever radiotherapy centre has been officially handed over to Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, marking the end of the 18-month construction phase.

Developed in partnership with University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, the centre, based at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, will enable 95 per cent of radiotherapy to be delivered within Worcestershire. The centre currently has three linear accelerator machines (the machines that deliver the radiotherapy treatment) with space for a further two in the future if required.

David Moon, Chief Strategy Officer at UHCW NHS Trust, said: “We are very pleased to have supported Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust with the exciting development of the Worcestershire Oncology Centre.

Special thanks should be given to the UHCW Oncology Project Team members who have contributed significantly in bringing this project to fruition. We look forward to working with our partners in Worcestershire to improve cancer care for all our patients as we build our strategic partnership.”

The opening event makes way for the final preparations to be carried out

to ensure Worcestershire Oncology Centre is ready to accept its first radiotherapy patients in January 2015.

Harry Turner, Chairman of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “I would like to say a huge thank you to our various partners and individuals who have worked tirelessly to bring our oncology centre to fruition. The work started on site back in March 2013 and we have all watched excitedly as the building has grown out of the ground.”

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OSCAs 201 Going the extra

mile for patients

cialist Nurse Debbie Harris, Spe

Award

Behind the Scene s (non clinical) Team or Individu al of the Year Aw Karen Reynolds, Ad ard min

Team Leader for Clin ical Sciences Building (CSB)

Mental Health

Leader of the Ye

Dr David Snead, Pat

ar

sultant Surgeon

Dr Ling Wong, Con

The most helpful i for ISS or Vinci(sp Rugby Ho

Julie Kea

Achieving Inn Develo

Chief Executive Officer’s Award Frail and Older People’s Team

hology Consultant

Helen Eftekh

d Diversity Award

lity an

Promoting Equa

l, ESR & Workforce

Lynda Nau David Mander and

Compassion in Care Aw

ard Ward 20 Team

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aduate School Undergr Warwick Medical ze Pri ing Teach

Information Team

Working Collabo ratively with ISS Award (sponsored by ISS ) Jac qui Ledsham, Pra

ctice Facilitator

ter of the Year Coventr

UHCW Charity Suppor

y Building Supp

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Now in its seventh year, the Outstanding Service and Care Awards (OSCAs) ceremony is held annually by UHCW NHS Trust. These awards gives Trust staff and members of the public the opportunity to nominate individuals and teams that they think deserve recognition for always going above and beyond.

The ceremony was sponsored by ISS, Coventry and Rugby Hospital Company, Warwick Medical School, Vinci Facilities, Unipart, and UHCW Charity.

This year there were 11 award categories and here are each of the winners and what their nomination said about them:

individual or tea m working ponsored by Co ventry and ospital Compan y)

an, ISS Meal Hoste

ss

novation and Service opment Award

hari, Arrhythmia Nurse

porter

Frail and Older People’s Team picked up the top accolade of the evening at our awards evening

Going the extra mile for patients Award Debbie Harris, Specialist Nurse Mental Health

Compassion in Care Award Ward 20 Team

Leader of the Year Dr David Snead, Pathology Consultant

Staff throughout the hospital have great respect for Debbie and her aim is always to achieve the best possible outcome for patients, helping to support them and their families/carers through a very difficult illness and that patients can maintain their independence for as long as possible.

The nomination for Ward 20 said that all of the staff on the ward provided their Mum with the utmost care and compassion during her end of life journey. They instilled a sense of calm and peace to us as a family at what was one of the most traumatic times in our lives. They enabled her to have a dignified and peaceful death, at last our Mum, a wonderful wife of 62 years, gran and great gran left our world.

Jade Matthews, Staff Nurse Jade is a Staff Nurse on the Neonatal Unit and in her nomination Jade has been commended for the support she offered to a mum and dad of a baby who sadly passed away. Her nomination said she provided outstanding care and support.

Her nomination believes that those parents who had gone through many days of trauma have some real positive memories because of Jade, which will help them through their grief.

Dr Snead has managed a challenging transition of pathology services from George Eliot Hospital to UHCW. He listened carefully to staff concerns and worked tirelessly to ensure everything ran smoothly.

Alongside this transition he has worked extra hours to continue reporting pathological specimens in his specialist area, provide invaluable teaching to trainees, be a champion for numerous research projects within histology and lead the ground breaking OMNYX project for which we are a leader in this new technology and the envy of other groups in the country.

Working Collaboratively with ISS Award (sponsored by ISS) Jacqui Ledsham, Practice Facilitator Jacqui and the ISS Hostessing service work very closely together to ensure that our patients receive nutritional well balanced meals, and suitable hydration during their stay at UHCW. We are most grateful to the support and guidance that Jacqui gives to us.

Behind the Scenes (non clinical) Team or Individual of the Year Award Karen Reynolds, Admin Team Leader for Clinical Sciences Building (CSB) Karen Reynolds works on CSB Reception.

Most of the time it is a very busy and stressful job and she is the first point of contact that visitors meet when arriving at CSB. Karen is always helpful, polite and professional and takes pride in going that extra mile to be helpful to visitors who are often confused regarding their location and where they should be.

UHCW Charity Supporter of the Year Coventry Building Supporter Coventry Building Society’s Community Champion Scheme sees each branch or head office department choosing a charity to fundraise for. Since 2013 several branches have chosen to support UHCW Charity including Bell Green, Cheylesmore and Earlsdon branches and the Scanning and Cash Management teams at their head office.

Warwick Medical School Undergraduate Teaching Prize Dr Ling Wong, Consultant Surgeon Dr Wong offers inspirational teaching to help motivate students. He also clearly demonstrates a real commitment to students by offering continuous support.

Achieving Innovation and Service Development Award Helen Eftekhari, Arrhythmia Nurse Helen has been pivotal in the development and expansion of the Arrhythmia Service at UHCW. Helen is instrumental in being a link for patients with arrhythmias who undergo a variety of procedures, working extremely hard in developing new and innovate methods of working to benefit patients and the Trust.

Chief Executive Officer’s Award Frail and Older People’s Team This team has raised the profile of dementia within UHCW and beyond. The Team’s interventions have been instrumental in improving the care and experience of patients, their relatives and carers. They have delivered a range of education and training to staff which has raised awareness, improved the knowledge and skills in relation to caring for patients with dementia and have implemented the successful care bundle.

Promoting Equality and Diversity Award David Mander and Lynda Naul, ESR & Workforce Information Team Dave and Lynda are part of the ESR & Workforce Information Team. They are part of the team who work alongside Jason Fowler who is registered blind. Jason is very independent and although the whole of the ESR team support him, Lynda and Dave are always on hand to offer their assistance when required.

The most helpful individual or team working for ISS or Vinci(sponsored by Coventry and Rugby Hospital Company) Julie Kean, ISS Meal Hostess Julie Kean is a Meal Hostess on Ward 24, her nomination describes her as always happy and who always ensures all patients have had a meal and will do her best to assist with their requirements. She was described as very caring and kind lady, and that the patients love her.

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Step towards blood test for many cancer types Cancer Research UK is committed to early diagnosis of cancer, importantly reducing late diagnosis and improving patients’ chances of surviving long term

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SCIENTISTS have identified more than 800 markers in the blood of cancer patients that could help lead to a single blood test for early detection of many types of cancer in future, according to research presented at the National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) Cancer Conference in Liverpool.

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his is the first time that cancer-specific blood markers have been comprehensively reviewed and identified for further clinical development. This study, by the UK Early Cancer Detection Consortium, funded by Cancer Research UK, has analysed 19,000 scientific papers and found more than 800 biomarkers.

The aim of this research is to develop a screening test from a single blood sample for multiple cancer types.

All cancers produce markers in the blood, so it could be feasible to develop a general screening test for many different forms of the disease.

In the UK, survival rates for cancer are lower than in some other western countries, part of which may be related to late diagnosis. But developing more ways to spot cancers earlier, including research into new screening technologies such as this, could help give more options for curative treatment, and save more lives in the future.

In the UK, cancer is most often detected after patients present symptoms to their doctor, with a small proportion being detected through any of the three national screening programmes for breast, bowel, and cervical cancer. This study could open the way for less invasive, new screening tests that could detect more cancers, possibly including some rare types, at an early stage when they are more likely to be treatable.

Cancer Research UK is committed to early diagnosis of cancer, importantly reducing late diagnosis and improving patients’ chances of surviving long term.

Study author Professor Ian Cree, a Cancer Research UK funded scientist at the University Hospital in Coventry and University of Warwick, said: “This is a new approach to early detection and the first time such a systematic review has been done. A single blood-based screening test would be a game changer for early detection of cancer which could help make it a curable disease for many more patients. We believe that we’ve identified all the relevant biomarkers; the next step is working out which ones work the best for spotting cancers.”

The identified biomarkers will be reviewed and categorised before they are developed further in clinical laboratory studies.

Sara Hiom, Cancer Research UK’s director of early diagnosis, said: “This is an innovative and promising new approach. And although in its early stages, it shows how our increased understanding of cancers’ ‘markers’ and new technologies are combining to offer new opportunities to detect cancer sooner. Diagnosing cancer at an early stage generally means more effective treatment and that translates into better survival. Our goal over the next 20 years is that three in four cancer patients will survive at least ten years after their diagnosis.”

New look for Childrens Emergency Unit at University Hospital The Children’s Emergency Unit at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust will undergo a six week £210,000 refurbishment from November.

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isitors approaching the Children’s Emergency Unit will notice from 8am on Monday 3rd November 2014 that construction work will start to take place designed to revamp and expand the unit. There will be signs and notices with details of the temporary access while work is underway to ensure patients can access the department as quickly as possible.

The refurbishment comes following the efforts from those at Free Radio, who raised £100,000 through Free Radio’s Walk for Kids 2013 and the Trust’s hospital UHCW charity.

Lisa Armour, Children’s Emergency Department Manager, said her staff are looking forward to seeing the new expanded area: “The current

Children’s Emergency Unit has served us well but the An artistic impr es construction work will in many Emergency Dep sion of what the Children’ s artment will lo ways create a better environment ok like for our young patients and through families. We will see a bigger into the area. reception area and a bigger waiting Kara Marshall, Associate Group room for patients designed with Manager-Paediatrics and Neonates children of all ages in mind.” said: “We would like to reassure While this work is underway, access everyone while the refurbishment to the department will be through the is underway there will be no Main Adult Emergency Department interruption to the care we provide.

Entrance which is to the right of the We have ensured the temporary closed area. There will also be signage access to Children’s Emergency inside directing people along the back Department is near to the current of the main Emergency Department door and that it will be clearly into the Children’s Emergency signposted so people can easily find Department where a temporary their way into the unit.” waiting area will be set up. Staff will also be available to escort families

Trial shows surgery to repair severe heel fractures ‘ineffective.’

Commonly-performed surgery to mend severe heel fractures is no more effective than non-surgical treatment, according to the results of an Arthritis Research UK-funded clinical trial.

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ublishing their findings in the British Medical Journal, researchers at UHCW and Warwick Medical School found that surgery also led to painful and expensive complications, with 19 per cent of people who had surgery on their damaged heel joint developing an infection, and a further 11 per cent needing further surgery to remove infected or painful screws.

Severe heel injuries are suffered by about 2,000 people in the UK every year due to crushing and fracturing usually as a result of road accidents or falling off ladders. In the worst cases the injury leads to arthritis and a painful, deformed foot, and many have to walk with a walking stick and are unable to wear normal shoes.

Some people never work again.

The trial, was one of the largest such randomised trials ever performed

in orthopaedic surgery, and involved 22 hospitals around the UK. Study leader Damian Griffin, professor of trauma and orthopaedic surgery at UHCW NHS Trust and Warwick Medical School said: “This study is likely to have a significant impact in the UK and around the world.

“For a clinical problem that has been beset by uncertainty for half a century, we believe that this study now provides clear evidence to guide practice. Future developments in surgical techniques to treat these fractures should be tested in randomised controlled trials before they are widely used.”

The randomised controlled trial, which involved 150 patients who suffered a severe heel fracture, was conducted because of a long-standing

lack of evidence as to whether surgical reconstruction was more effective than so-called conservative management of elevation, applying ice, and splinting.

Participants in both surgical and non-surgical treatment arms of the study recovered slowly, regardless of their treatment and reached a plateau of improvement at about 18 months. After two years most were still adversely affected by their injury. About 85 per cent returned to work, although most changed to less physically demanding work, with no difference between the groups.

Writing in an accompanying editorial, Brigitte Scammell, professor of orthopaedic sciences at the University of Nottingham, added: “For most patients, surgery can no longer be justified. Conservative management is safer, but equally ineffective.”

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The Friends of St Cross help heart patients’ recovery The Cardiac Rehabilitation service has recently taken delivery of some more new equipment donated by the Friends of St Cross.

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ardiac Rehab Programme Manager at St Cross, Jo Holdsworth said: “Approximately 300 patients are helped by the Cardiac Rehab team at St Cross on their rehabilitation pathway every

year and without the support of the Friends we would have had far less equipment in the gym and so be less able to deliver the service which is vital and well used by all our patients.”

Patients to benefit from the latest high tech ultrasound scanners Patients at UHCW with narrow veins or ones which may collapse will benefit from 11 new ultrasound scanners in the Anaesthetic department.

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he seven Venue 50s specially developed for point of care scanning and four LOGIQe systems, supplied by GE Healthcare, are the very latest innovative technology and replace older type machines. They help clinicians to very accurately visualise nerves and blood vessels when inserting the cannula or syringe needles when administering anaesthetic and also see the veins and arteries with high clarity when operating on patients.

The Venue 50 also features an innovative tablet design with a touch

screen for easy cleaning. The LOGIQe is a high resolution scanner that can go almost anywhere the patient may be – be it the hospital bed or operating theatre.

Dr Ravi Joshi, Consultant Anaesthetist and equipment lead said: “This equipment is good news as it can be very difficult to insert a drip into a patient with narrow veins.

The veins of the patients we look after are in real danger of collapsing which prevents the anaesthetic being delivered. (This could mean patients do not get pain relief when needed

or their operation may be delayed.)

With the new machines, thanks to their ultra-high frequency probe which allows for greatly enhanced visualisation of the vessels, we are able to ensure patients have a smoother experience.”

The scanners also will help to expand UHCW’s pioneering vascular access service which uses ultrasound to safely cannulate and insert lines outside the operating theatre to save time and patient discomfort.

Getting Emergency Care Right up for top award A campaign to improve the care given to emergency patients in Coventry has been shortlisted for a national award.

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n September 2013, UHCW launched ‘Getting Emergency Care Right’ (GECR), which looked at making sure emergency patients received the right care at the right time across the organisation. This resulted in the Trust meeting its 95% A&E target for four consecutive months (November 2013 – February 2014).

UHCW’s Chief Nursing Officer Mark Radford said: “We recognised

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this was an area of our service that needed improvement to consistently provide excellent care for our patients.

We are extremely pleased with the results of the GECR campaign and the noticeable difference it made to emergency care patients at the Trust.”

The GECR campaign has now been recognised by the Association of Healthcare Communications and Marketing (AHCM) Awards, having fought off a number of entries to make it to the top six in the Best Internal Communications category.

Fraser Woodward, chair of the AHCM, said: “These are the only

awards that recognise and reward excellence in NHS communications, marketing and engagement. The calibre of the entries this year has been high.”

The AHCM is the primary independent network for people working in healthcare communications, public engagement and marketing for the NHS.

In the Pink – Showing Compassion at UHCW! This year as part of our Together Towards World Class programme we launched our six new values picked by our colleagues here at UHCW.

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hese are Compassion, Openness, Learn, Improve, Partnership and Pride. These underpin all that we do.

One of the first practical examples was seen in force on October 15 when UHCW colleagues were out and about wearing pink compassion t-shirts. This is to highlight how we all work together, our commitment to one of our value of Compassion and also to raise money for the Breast Cancer Unit Appeal.

We had a great turnout with nearly 800 colleagues at both

University Hospital in Coventry and the Hospital of St Cross in Rugby wearing their shirts with pride.

It was heartening (pun intended) to see everyone working together and taking part as it was a great example of the team spirit here at UHCW. A big thank you to everyone who wore the t-shirts for having helped almost £3000 money for the UHCW charity’s breast cancer appeal and for helping us provide a world class place to work and be cared for.

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University Hospital I felt overwhelmed with the care I received by the maternity services at university hospital. I was a complex high risk pregnancy and saw many of the departments at work. Each midwife made me feel comfortable and a part of the decision making process.

My birth was as my preference plan had stated and as I had met with the supervisor of midwives I felt empowered about choices that would need to be made during the birth.

I wanted to email to let you know what I feel about the care and attention I have received in your hospital and the NHS. I have been under the care of a consultant since December 2012 having been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I am now fully recovered.

I wish to say that I have been treated throughout with care, empathy and understanding, by the consultant and his team of nurses. Everything was explained to me at each stage and I feel I have had the best possible care before during and after my treatment.

My experience in the hospital in Coventry was fantastic, I was very apprehensive as I had not been in hospital since the age of 7 and you hear such awful stories in the press etc. but I could not have had better care by all the staff, particularly the nurses who were under extreme pressure most of the time.

I am so very grateful to everyone and particularly the skill of my surgeon and his team for helping me through this frightening time in my life. Thank you all so much.

I came into A&E with my husband by ambulanceW and while, thankfully, it turned out to be a minor issue, it was a very frightening experience, made better by the attentive staff and the feeling of calm efficiency across the ward. The nurses were very pleasant, extremely professional but cracking a few jokes with us which we welcomed. They checked regularly on my husband and just seemed to be on top of things. The student doctor was again very friendly and professional and seemed to work well with the senior doctor who put our minds at ease very quickly.

Thankfully I haven’t had cause to visit many A&Es in my life but I am confident that this hospital is one of the ‘good guys.’ Thank you to everyone.

Any amount of time in hospital can be a daunting time for a patient but my short stay in DSU was excellent. Staff were very friendly, positive and efficient both individually and as a team from reception to discharge. Thank you everyone. You were all fantastic, keep it up :)

Dear all who assisted in the patient – Tracy “Thank you so much for all the assistance, help and support you gave to Tracy, and thank you also for the support you gave the family during this difficult time, I know the out come wasn’t good but I know you did all you could and we are all very grateful for your assistance and support. also I would really like to thank a female nurse called Ashley, she over saw Tracy during the first night she was AMAZING and very comforting to all involved and I really hope she goes far with in the profession. (cant really say a lot more just a BIG BIG thank you from all her family).”

Hospital of St Cross Excellent friendly service. I woke up in the middle of the night with severe earache following an ear syringe at my local GP practice.

I visited the walk in centre at 5am and the staff were friendly and quickly diagnosed and treated me for an ear infection. I was really very impressed with the service I received and very grateful as I was then able to get some sleep. Many thanks.

On Friday the 12th September I went into the day surgery unit at St Cross for a knee arthroscopy. I cannot speak too highly of the care and attention I received from all of the surgical and nursing teams, they were all magnificent. I was very scared of having the General Anaesthetic as I have had problems in the past both with sickness and waking up. The anaesthetist was wonderful putting me at ease and offering me a spinal block so I could be awake, unfortunately this did not work for me and I had to have a general anaesthetic after all. The staff were excellent and it was only because of their kindness that I felt more confident .This kindness continued into the recovery room when I woke up with no sickness and the anaesthetist even came to check that I was alright. The aftercare on the day ward was second to none and the nurses were very caring nothing was too much trouble for them and when I had a small problem and was informed I would have to move to a ward and stay overnight once again I was made at ease by the staff. I just want to say thank you to everyone for looking after me you were all brilliant.

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

Excellent care services in a loving environment Moving into Melbourne House, a residential care home in Coventry, can bring new opportunities, new friendships and a profound new lease of life for a loved one.

W

ith 25 single rooms and four twin/double rooms, the home offers first class residential care for up to 33 elderly residents.

Every room has full ensuite facilities, thermostatically controlled

heating, TV and phone points, and internet access so residents can go online and have a face to face chat using Skype.

The home also has a large lounge, separate dining room, a spacious

new conservatory and hydrotherapy bath – a relaxing and popular treat.

Situated quietly within the elegant suburb of Earlsdon in Coventry, it offers the highest possible standards of care and the

peace of mind that comes with knowing residents are being looked after.

The stately grounds and first class facilities at Melbourne House are situated close to a bustling, lively community, convenient for local shops and the historic Memorial Park.

For more details see www.carehomecoventry. co.uk

Look good, feel good at La Petite Beautique GIVE YOUR LOVED ONES A CHANCE TO ENJOY LIFE ONCE AGAIN IN THEIR AUTUMN YEARS...

Making the move to a care home is, understandably, a very important decision to make for you or your loved one. Emotions can run high as you feel a sense of losing your independence, your dignity & your privacy.

As you face the big move you may be fearing change, upheaval and giving up the comfort of your familiar routines and environment.

We hope we’ll put these fears to rest for you and open up a whole new world of friendship, caring and choice as we welcome you to Melbourne House.

Moving into Melbourne House can bring

new opportunities, new friendships, and a profound new lease of life for you or your loved one. All your cares and concerns about moving and adjusting to this latest chapter of your life will fall away and soon become a distant memory as you settle in to your welcoming and homely new environment.

Situated quietly within the elegant suburb of Earlsdon in Coventry, Melbourne House offers you or your loved the highest possible standards of care and the peace of mind that comes with knowing you are being looked after as you or your own family would look after you.

0247 6672732 | www.carehomecoventry.co.uk | enquiries@melbournehouse.co.uk 23/25 Earlsdon Avenue South, Coventry ,CV5 6DU

Whether you want to look your best for a special occasion, are treating yourself to a bit of pampering or just like to keep your skin and nails in tip top condition, get your confidence boost from a beauty treatment at La Petite Beautique in Rugby

Look great with a nonsurgical treatment Revitalise your skin with our A-Lift and Dermatude Meta Therapy facials. Gentle and effective, with visible results you will love!

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Get friendly, personal advice and recommendations on which of our beauty treatments or facials may give you the best results.

To enquire further or to book an appointment today call on 01788 877 060 or visit lapetitebeautiquerugby.co.uk

MARTHA TRUST, HEREFORD

is a small friendly charity caring for profoundly disabled children and adults We are currently recruiting

REGISTERED NURSES Full time and part-time shifts are available Enhanced pay for working night shifts

Salary £23,750 - £25,350 For application pack or further information contact Sue Brice 01432 279314 | sbrice@marthatrustherefod.org.uk Martha Trust Hereford Ltd., Hampton Green, Old Eign Hill, Hereford. HR1 1UB www.marthatrusthereford.co.uk | Reg. Charity No. 1053448

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FOSTERING & ADOPTION ADVERTISING FEATURE

Fosterplus – Ella and Billy’s story

Ella (13) and Billy (9) had grown up in a family where they moved around the country a lot and where their Mum’s partner hit them.

T

We believe every child has the right to a warm, stable and loving home 30

heir Mum has also been unwell with anxiety and depression because of her partner’s violence towards her.

When Ella and Billy first arrived with their Fosterplus Foster Carers, Liz and Duncan and their young son Matt (6), Ella was very quiet, a bit jumpy and worried about her Mum’s safety. Billy said “ Dad used to shout at me and Ella and hit us sometimes” and he was quite surprised that Liz and Duncan did not shout at each other or, him and Ella. Billy was also wary of Matt wanting to hug him, as he was not used to being hugged or having lots of loving attention.

Due to the neglect by her birth family, Ella lacked confidence in herself: she did not look after her appearance and would cram food onto her plate and over eat. Sometimes she found it hard to tell the truth too.

After a little while, Ella started to relax more and even began to enjoy baking with Liz who also encouraged her to look after herself and to try harder at school, especially with English. Liz has promised a DVD to reward her if she does well with the result that Ella is feeling encouraged and is showing real progress.

She is starting to let go of her role as big sister/ Mum to Billy and is letting Liz and Duncan, her foster carers, do the parenting instead. Billy too has gained confidence, is playing football and his school has said he is now much more chatty and relaxed.

Ella and Billy have been reassured and relieved by the news that they are not going home and will be staying with Liz and Duncan.

At Fosterplus we believe every child has the right to a warm, stable and loving home. Our Foster Carers play an essential part in the development of the children in our care and we value them highly. We are a team and are here for our carers and children 24 hours a day, every day. We need more carers nationwide, we need people like you.

Please just call Jackie now on 02476 613350 for a confidential and informal chat. Thank you! www.fosterplus.co.uk

FOSTERING & ADOPTION ADVERTISING FEATURE

Is fostering a career, or life choice?

Mention the words fostering and salary together, and suddenly you find yourself in a metaphorical minefield. Traditionalist will retort that fostering is a vocation; you don’t become a foster carer for money. Tim Loughton, the former Children’s Minister has warned that fosterers are an ‘aging workforce’, combine that with recent financial anxieties and IFA’s (Independent Fostering Agency) find they have a new dilemma to address, how to relate, interact and attract a new generation of future carers. A generation entrenched in a social media and touch screen revolution; with a contrasting approach to past generations, mindful that most careers are generally short term, they strategically evaluate a particular profession before committing to it. One of the primary factors in their decisionmaking is securing a sustaining income for themselves and any dependents.

S “I would consider fostering one of the best jobs in the world, you get to be there for a child in need, provide a secure place in a very scary world, you provide more than just your home, you tender a little piece of your heart.”

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o is fostering a career option, or is it solely a labour of love? Sara Meredith, blogger and Foster Carer for IFA, Progress Care Solutions acknowledges it’s a blend of both, “It’s a profession, and like many professions, it requires constant training, assessments and a lot of dedication, it’s a career which holds the wellbeing of a vulnerable child in its hands”.

Progress Care certify fostering is a career path, they became the first midland based social care provider to achieve the prestigious Investors in People Gold Award.

“Acquiring gold, indicates Progress Care understands the value of nurturing talented staff. We hope; that current and future foster carers will recognise that Progress will not just value them, but we will help them develop their knowledge and skills in order for them to fulfill a long career in fostering. Which in return, means together we can support and provide

better futures for vulnerable children”, claims Claire Haynes, head of children’s services at Progress.

Firstly, can you afford to pursue a career in foster care?

On average, IFA’s pay a basic weekly fostering allowance and fee of around £380* per week, for all ages of foster children.

Some agencies also double the standard allowance depending on the foster childs needs. Foster carers are also entitled to an income tax exemption to ensure carers are not unfairly taxed on the expenses incurred whilst fostering.

Is fostering a full time occupation, predominately it’s a constant evolving profession that requires commitment and devotion beyond the basic nine to five. An alternative and just as vital; part time option is also available in the form of providing weekend respite care.

Who can actually be a foster carer?

A variety of people foster,

it’s an ideal career change, you do not require any specific skill sets, just a desire to change a child’s future for the better. All the training, skills and support you require to become a foster carer are provided, and there’s plenty of opportunities to grow your education and qualifications.

Sara Meredith concludes that “I would consider fostering one of the best jobs in the world, you get to be there for a child in need, provide a secure place in a very scary world, you provide more than just your home, you tender a little piece of your heart. However, fostering is not like raising one of your own children, you are caring for a child; that through no fault of it’s own has been separated from their birth family, though it’s a completely different, it’s still a rewarding life long career. “ Interested in becoming a foster carer? You can find out more by telephoning 0844 800 1089 or visit www.fosterwithprogress. com.

FOSTERING & ADOPTION ADVERTISING FEATURE

Sunbeam fostering agency coventry office! Why choose sunbeam?

Sunbeam Fostering Agency has a registered office in Coventry serving the Midlands areas.

We have two other resource centres covering the Midlands area in Nottingham (Worksop) and Leeds (Wakefield) where we provide regular training for carers and support groups.

S

unbeam Fostering Agency has a registered office in Coventry serving the Midlands areas.

We have two other resource centres covering the Midlands area in Nottingham (Worksop) and Leeds (Wakefield) where we provide regular training for carers and support groups.

We work closely with many Midlands Local Authorities and we are approved providers with the East and West Midlands Regional Groups through Framework Contracts.

We offer a professional and extensive support

system including: a supervising social worker to support you throughout your fostering career with us; a progressive training programme; and the chance to be treated as a fostering professional.

At Sunbeam you will also have the opportunity to train as a specialist foster carer for children with challenging needs, including children with disabilities, autism or learning difficulties. Enquire online today to help a local child at www.Sunbeamfostering.

Com.

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FOSTERING & ADOPTION ADVERTISING FEATURE

The Children’s Family Trust A family for life

Ever thought about fostering?

Do you have room in your heart to care for one or possibly more, children so that brothers and sisters can stay together?

If you have some spare room, why not get in touch?

Some children need caring for a few weeks while others need a new ‘family for life’ In return you will receive a weekly payment, plus in-depth training and an excellent level of support.

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For further information, please call:

01905 798229 Email: enquiries@thecft.org.uk Web: www.thecft.org.uk

FOSTERING & ADOPTION ADVERTISING FEATURE

A Little girl, who needs a ‘forever family’ Imogen is a loving and affectionate little girl, who needs a ‘forever family’. She has a smile that will melt anyone’s heart, and a cheeky little personality too. Imogen needs an adopter or adopters who can provide her with love, care and also manage uncertainties around her health. Although no formal diagnosis has been made, there is a possibility that Imogen may have Foetal Alcohol Syndrome.

I

mogen currently goes to nursery, loves to play with other children, and have stories read to her. She has just started swimming, which she absolutely loves, and also enjoys dancing and messy play! An active child, Imogen loves to play outside, especially on her trampoline.

Imogen’s adopter or adopters will need to be able to provide her with lots of love, support and energy, and also be

able to advocate for and support her to ensure that she receives the best of care.

We welcome enquiries from previous adopters, prospective adopters, or people who have no experience of adoption as yet, but would like to find out about Imogen and the forever family that she is waiting for.

To find out more about this delightful little girl, please call: Anna Fazackerley

0116 305 3051 anna. fazackerley@leics.gov.uk We are also looking for ‘permanent foster carers’ to look after children in our care until they reach adulthood. We offer extensive training, support and payment packages.

Come and find out more at one of our events or speak to us on 0116 305 0505. For more details see our website: www. spaceforachild.com where you will find details of our information evenings too.

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

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www.therailwaychildrennurserybrinklow.co.uk

Imps & Angels Childminding My name is Hayley Byrne, I am an OFSTED registered childminder and a member of the NCMA (national childminding association).

I live in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire with my husband Keith and three children; Callum 8, Hollie 4 and Erin 3.

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TO ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT ISSUE CONTACT OUR SALES TEAM ON:

01257 267677

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Little Folks Day Nursery is a full Day Care Nursery offering childcare for children aged Birth - 5 years. We also specialise in Out of School/ Holiday Clubs. Our Full Day Care Facility is situated on commuting routes between Solihull and Warwick.

Set in a countryside location with excellent outdoor areas.

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• We operate from 7:30am - 6:00pm Monday - Friday • We offer FREE Government Funded places for 2, 3 and 4 year olds • We offer flexible attendance hours to meet parents shift working • Our competitive daily rates include all meals freshly prepared on site • We have extended outdoor facilities • Based in a traditional school building • We accept all Childcare Vouchers

Time to make a will?

Wills ensure that your property and belongings go exactly where you would wish them to Wills can ensure that your home is not sold to pay for care costs We always offer: Free initial home visits with absolutely no obligation

Committed to the highest standard

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR AN ENROLMENT FORM

PLEASE CONTACT NUSERY MANAGER ON 01926 484719

Goldvero Wills 21 years serving the Coventry, Nuneaton & Warwickshire area Affiliate Member of the Society of Will Writers

Little Folks Day Nursery, Wren Hall, School Lane, Wroxall, Warwick, CV35 7ND www.little-folks.co.uk

email: info@little-folks.co.uk

Call now on 07966

521999 or 02476 342341

Peace of Mind Starts With A Phone call

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Members’ Lounge Welcome to the exclusiver ‘Members’ Lounge’. This area is full of handy tips and information on how you get the most from your Foundation Trust membership. From discounts to important dates for your diary, it’s all right here for your information. We now have over 9,200 public members and are working towards 10,000 members.

Where are my personal details held?

We employ Membership Engagement Services (MES), an external database company, to manage our membership database. All information is kept strictly confidential in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1988. If you would like to find out more about MES please visit their website www.membra.co.uk

NHS Discounts

Members can register with NHS Discounts to receive discounts on top brand goods and services, including gas and electricity as well as discounts at retailers such as Currys, Apple, Radley and BHS. Go to www.nhsdiscounts.com to register.

When completing the ‘your job’ section, answer ‘yes’ to working for the NHS and then select ‘Foundation Member’ as the job category.

Public Register

When we become an NHS Foundation Trust we will be required by law to publish a register of members. This will include your name plus the constituency to which you belong.

You may apply to have your name excluded from the public register should you wish. Just tell us by emailing, telephoning or writing to us, giving your full name, address and date of birth.

Your feedback is important to us

Let us know if you would like us to arrange a talk or tour on a specific issue or area that is of interest to you.

Calling 024 7696 4747 or emailing foundation@uchcw.nhs.uk

Encourage your family and friends to get on board

Andrea Phillips

Medicine for Members Events All the events are free and take place in various locations across Coventry.

UHCW now has over 9,200 public members. Thank you to all of you who are spreading the word and have helped recruit friends, family and colleagues. Friends and family can register as members in the following ways:

We are currently working on next year’s events and they will be advertised as soon as possible.

Fill in the on-line application form on our website: www.uhcw.nhs.uk/foundation-trust

Have your details changed?

E-mail or ring Andrea Phillips: andrea.phillips2@uhcw.nhs.uk or phone 024 7696 4747

To book these events please call Andrea Phillips on 024 7696 4747 or email: andrea.phillips2@uhcw.nhs.uk

Have any of your personal details changed (ie: have you moved or changed your email address?)

If so, then please inform the Foundation Trust Office so we can make sure we address any correspondence correctly and keep you up-to-date with what’s going on at UHCW.

You can follow us on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube and keep up-to-date with news and happenings at UHCW.

@nhsuhcw

www.facebook.com/nhsuhcw

/nhsuhcw

The Trust has access to interpreting and translation services. If you need this information in another language or format, we will do our best to meet your need.

Please contact 024 7696 7596

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Foundation Trust Membership Application Form Many thanks for deciding to become a member Please fill in and send us this form so we can welcome you aboard as soon as possible. Please note that all fields marked * must be completed for us to be able to register you. Needless to say, we would also very much appreciate you filling in the other fields to, ensuring you sign the declaration (overleaf).

Your name and contact details

How do you want to be involved?

Learn more about how to improve my own health and take part in health promotion campaigns

* Title: * First Name:

Be sent regular information about the Trust (eg. newsletters)

* Last name: * Address:

Consider standing for election as a Governor Volunteer at the Trust

* Post code:

Receive additional membership forms for family/friends

* Home tel:

Take part in consultation of the Trust’s plans

Work tel:

Advocate for the Trust within the community

Mobile:

Help recruit more members

Email:

Help us develop better information for patients and carers

* Date of Birth: Male

Other (please specify)

Female

How did you hear about us?

What is your connection with the Trust?

Hospital

Local

Press Family

TV

Leaflet

Hospital Staff

Have previously applied to be a member of this Trust.

Radio

Friend

Mailing

Carer of someone who is, or has been, a patient

Other (please specify)

Have worked for the Trust in the past

Which services are you interested in?

Student/work placement

If you have a particular interest in one or more areas of healthcare, we’d very much like to know. Maybe it’s cancer care, diabetes or emergency care - whatever interests you have, please let us know:

Family member of a staff member

General medical care

Diabetes

Women & Children

Cardiac (heart)

Surgery Rehabilitation Renal (kidney)

Other (please specify)

Visitor Family member of patient Other (please specify)

Emergency care

Maternity Stoke Cancer

Patient

Neuro (brain)

Tick the box to select your preferred method of contact Post Mobile

Home tel Text

Work tel Email

Data Protection University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust would like to use your information for communication and research purposes. We may contact you from time to time by telephone, email or post to invite you to take part in surveys and questionnaires about our hospitals. If you do not wish your information to be used for this purpose, please tick this box.

We would like to share your information with the charity/fundraising arm of University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust. If you do not wish your information to be used for this purpose, please tick this box.

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More about you It is important to us that our membership reflects all the different communities that we serve, so that we can make sure that our hospital services meet their individual needs, and that we treat everyone in a way that respects their views, culture, disbility and dignity. To help us do this we ask you to provide some information about yourself. This is entirely volutary. If you choose not to provide the information it will not affect your membership application.

Your name and contact details Yes

No

Getting your family and friedns involved

If yes, please specify

A physical disability

A hearing impairment

A visual impairment

Other

Other special needs

Please tell us about your ethnic origin White: White British

It would be great if you could encourage your friends, family and other people you know in the community toi get involved too. If you would like to suggest any person who we could send information to regarding membership please provide their details here: Title: First Name: Last name:

White Irish

Address:

If other, please state: Black or Black British: Caribbean

African

British

If other, please state: Mixed:

Post code:

White and Caribbean White and Black African

Declaration

White and Asian

I would like to be a member of the Foundation Trust, when authorised

If other, please state:

Signature:

Asian or British Asian: Indian

Pakistani

Bangladesh

If other, please state: Chinese

Other Ethnic

Date:

If other, please state:

/

/

Thanks again for deciding to become a member Thank you for taking the time to complete this form and we look forward to you becoming a member and getting involved. We will send your welcome letter as soon as we have processed your registration. For more information about the Foundation Trust aspirations, please visit our website www.uhcw.nhs.uk/foundationtrust or call us on 024 7696 4747.

Please return the completed form to: (No stamp required) Freepost RSCT-YUXG-GHZX University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust Foundation Trust Office, 3rd FLoor UHCW NHS Trust Clifford Bridge Road Coventry, CV2 2DX