Download Talking Point January 2012 - South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation

TALKING
POINT
The magazine for South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Stars’ gifts brighten
children’s Christmas
BEAMING smiles greeted the Boro stars,
who dropped into the children’s wards
at James Cook.
Team captain Matthew Bates took
his fellow team-mates on a two-hour
tour visiting all the youngsters who
were hoping to be discharged in time
for Christmas.
The players, who are riding high in
the Championship and hoping for
promotion to the Premier League next
season, were armed with bagfuls of
presents and generously handed out
footballs, posters, annuals, sweets
and other gifts, autographing them as
they went.
Matthew Bates was joined by
fellow defenders Rhys Williams,
Tony McMahon, Joe Bennett,
Jonathan Grounds and Seb Hines
along with goalkeeper Danny
Coyne, midfielders Nicky Bailey and
Richie Smallwood as well as striker
Scott McDonald.
They all scored a big hit with the
children, and their parents, who were
delighted by the tonic the trip had given
to their poorly children.
Jack Robson and dad Ian meet
the Boro players
January 2012
Deborah’s award
TRUST
chairman
Deborah
Jenkins has
been named
‘Alternative
Business
Person’ of
2011 in
an award
ceremony
with a twist.
The Alternative Business Awards
take a light-hearted look at the
achievements of the region's
business personalities with 15
award categories up for grabs.
Deborah took the coveted prize,
sponsored by Northumbrian
Water, for her numerous roles –
past and present - in the region.
“I was very flattered and
extremely surprised to receive the
award,” she said.
“The spirit of the evening was
of fun and laughter, with a very
light-hearted take poking fun
at people who take themselves
too seriously, but this particular
award is much coveted, and I feel
very touched that people thought
I was worthy of it.”
The event raised more than
£18,000 for the Percy Hedley
Foundation which helps
children, young people and
adults with cerebral palsy,
sensory, speech, language and
communication disabilities.
Talking Point is
your magazine
and it is only
as good as you
make it.
Ideas and stories or suggestions
to make Talking Point even better
are always welcome.
Please send your ideas to:
The editor - Lesley Connor
Public relations
South Tees Hospitals NHS
Foundation Trust
The James Cook University
Hospital
The Murray Building
Marton Road
MIDDLESBROUGH TS4 3BW
Extension: 55900
Email: [email protected]
You can also contact the public
relations/communications team
on 01642 854343, extension
54343 JCUH or email
[email protected]
Talking Point is written and
illustrated by the public relations
team and designed by Octagon
Design and Marketing Ltd.
Octagon specialise in gaining
advertising support for magazines
so Talking Point is now produced,
packaged, distributed and delivered
at a minimal cost to the trust.
New pharmacy to
open at James Cook
A NEW pharmacy for patients, visitors
and staff is moving into James Cook.
Sainsbury’s and Healthcare at Home
have been chosen by the trust to
provide its outpatient dispensing
operation in the hospital.
The facility, which will open early this
year, is a first for Sainsbury’s which
until now has concentrated on opening
pharmacies in its supermarkets across
the country.
Sainsbury’s professional services
manager David Gilder said: “The
opening of the pharmacy is very
exciting news for Sainsbury’s and
represents a real step forward in our
pharmacy operation.
“Everyone at Sainsbury’s is looking
forward to working with the trust
to deliver first class care and services
to patients.”
The new pharmacy will have better –
and longer - opening hours for patients
and will also provide an additional
range of services to visitors and staff
which are not currently available.
Based in the existing outpatient
pharmacy at the north end of the mall,
it will be open 7am to 11pm seven days
a week.
The trust’s director of the pharmacy
service Alan Hall said: “This is an
exciting development for the trust. The
pharmacy will be open much longer
hours, which will
help departments
such as
accident and
emergency
and clinics
which run
later on
a day.
“The opening of
the pharmacy is
very exciting news
for Sainsbury’s.”
“Staff will
also be able
to pick up
prescriptions
they’ve been
given by their own
GPs and a full range
of over-the-counter medications will
also be available to buy. We’re working
closely with Sainsbury’s and Healthcare
at Home to ensure that the transition is
as seamless as possible.”
Shoshana Bloom, Healthcare at
Home, added: “The pharmacy service
at The James Cook University Hospital
is the first contract of its kind to be
awarded as part of the strategic
partnership between Healthcare at
Home and Sainsbury’s.
“Healthcare at Home is the UK’s
leading homecare company and this
alliance with Sainsbury’s has brought
the strengths of the two companies
together to build an innovative
approach to provision of pharmacy
services that will deliver real benefit to
patients and the NHS.”
Add love and stir
A FUNDRAISING recipe book in aid of the
holistic cancer care centre at James Cook
has been launched.
The mouth-watering recipes have not only
been written by professional and amateur
chefs from pubs and restaurants in the
Teesside, North Yorkshire and South
Durham area, but also volunteers
and local celebrities such as
Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson,
Gary Pallister and Liz Carling.
The compilation of over 50
lip-smacking dishes has been
pulled together in a book
entitled ‘Add Love and Stir’ by
regular holistic cancer centre
2
fundraisers Sue Stephenson of Norton and
her friend Judith Pennington, pictured left
at the launch.
With the proceeds from sales of the book
going to the holistic cancer care centre,
Sue said: “Judith and I are avid cookery
book collectors and we had been wanting
to do this for a couple of years now. We
have both been keen supporters of the
centre for a long time. The last thing we
did to raise funds was a sponsored fire
walk on Halloween.”
The book, priced at £6.95, is on sale at
the centre and an add love and stir
website has been launched at
www.addloveandstir.co.uk.
Long service awards 2011
COLLEAGUES took a trip down
memory lane when they collected
their long service awards at a special
event at Middlesbrough Teaching and
Learning Centre.
“These awards are a well-deserved thank
you to our staff for all those years of hard
work and dedication.”
* If you have completed more than 25
years service in the NHS keep an eye on
staff bulletin for details of how to put
yourself forward for a long service award
in 2012.
As they received awards for 25 or more
years NHS service chairman Deborah
Jenkins asked staff members to share a
favourite memory or to reflect on the
changes they have seen over the years.
Recollections ranged from advances in
technology and reduced waiting times to
the closure of North Riding Infirmary and
the days when nurses could hide their hair
under their hats!
Awards were presented in order of how
many years staff had worked for the NHS
with Christine Sinclair, lead nurse for pain
management, last to go for clocking up
an impressive 40 years.
Chairman Deborah Jenkins said: “If you
add up the years that these staff members
have worked in the NHS they have more
than 2,000 years experience between
them – that really is amazing.
Chris Sinclair receives an award for 40 years NHS service
Long Service Awards 2011
Louis Noel Adele
Elizabeth Allen
Susan Appleyard
Kathy Austin
Sue Ayres
Jackie Bailey
Jacqueline Bancroft
Julie Barlow
Sally Bathe
Anne Bell
Christine Bell
Kathleen Bell
Suzanne Bell
Sue Blenkin
Helen Boal
Jane Bond
Gillian Bone
Kathryn Jane Boyle
Nicholas Bradey
Jane Bradshaw
Wendy Brownlee
Angela Byrne
Maggie Byrne
Alison Callaway
Carolyn CarvethMarshall
Barbara Charville
Lesley Clayton
Eileen Colledge
Margaret Cook
Heather Cornfoot
Debbie Cross
Derek James
Cruickshank
Jillian Dakin
Kumar Das
Carol Davies
Gillian Davies
Dr Lalita Dean
Miranda Jane Dixon
Elaine Doyle
Mary Durrans
Kath Edmondson
Chris Elliott
Fay Fernandes
Mike Foley
Vicky Ford
Doreen Friedrich
Alison Gallagher
Alison Gamble
Eileen Glue
Claudia Godfrey
David Goodman
Elaine Goodman
Sarah Goswami
Ann Grainger
Janice Green
Julie Harris
Elaine Hetherington
Susan Hibberd
Michele Holden
Cheryl Holiday
Janice Holliday
Helen Horne
Karen I’Anson
Yvonne Kelley
Coral Kelly
Patricia Ann Kirby
Trevor Knowles
Kathryn Linker
Jill Linton
Elaine Lloyd
Alison Lonsdale
Christine Lynch
Clare MacArthur
Helen Mahon
John Main
Joyce Martin
Malcolm Masterman
Samantha McCann
Karen McClements
Margaret Metcalfe
Annette Mitchell
Kerry Morgan
Janet Osborne
Chris Palliser
Janet Parvin
Dawn Passmore
Diana Pearey
Alison Peevor
Maureen Pilgrim
Simon Pleydell
Angela Prest
Debra Lisa Pridmore
Tracey Pugh
Alison Roberts
Julie Elizabeth
Robertson
Karen Robinson
Mary Robinson
Katherine Ann
Rogstad
Carol Ruddock
Brendan Ruddy
Lesley Secker
Sheila Readman
Elaine Simms
Christine Sinclair
Prof Sunil Sinha
Barbara Smith
Julie Smith
Jeanette Sutherst
Eileen Stobbs
Caroline Stockton
Sally Sutcliffe
Susan Theakston
Jennifer Town
Colette Troughton
Anne Wall
Angela Wallace
Diane Wallace
Glennis Wallace
Jayne Wallington
Ruth Weatherall
Helen Wescott
Gill Wheater
Janice Mary White
Arlene Wilde
Angela Williams
Emma Louise
Williams
Cheryl Willshaw
Eleanor Wilson
Margaret Wright
Andrew Wyllie
3
Leading edge birthmark
treatment helps 250th patient
THE trust’s specialist birthmark clinic has
performed a leading edge treatment on its
250th patient.
“But there are many people out there who
are not getting the treatment they should
because they don’t know it’s available.
South Tees was the first in Western Europe
to offer the procedure which treats vascular
birthmarks using an injectable drug.
“We’ve seen people who have been told
nothing else can be done for them and the
results they have had with this treatment
have been significant.
The trust’s birthmark clinic sees more than
100 new patients a year but thanks to the
introduction of this pioneering procedure
many of them do not even have to undergo
invasive surgery.
The scarless treatment involves injecting
bleomycin through the skin into the
strawberry birthmark or vascular
malformation (where the veins, arteries or
blood vessels are abnormally formed) and
can produce dramatic results.
Reconstructive plastic surgeon Mr Tobian
Muir holds specialist clinics for adults and
children at James Cook and the Friarage.
Almost half the patients treated are from
other areas of the UK with some people
travelling from as far and wide as Oxford,
Cambridge, Edinburgh and Carlisle for
expert care.
Trust results show 93% of patients respond to
treatment with the injectable drug, with four
out of five of these showing significant
improvement. The recurrence rate is
extremely low at just 1%.
Mr Muir said: “It is great
to say we have helped
our 250th patient
as this treatment
can produce lifechanging results.
“We have a very good track record and a
high success rate. Newcastle and Durham
are both sending their patients to us and we
have also been training staff at Birmingham
Children’s Hospital to help them set up their
own clinic.”
Birthmarks can have a huge emotional
and psychological impact on children
when they are growing up and vascular
malformations can be disfiguring and cause
pain and discomfort.
Traditional treatment involves laser surgery
or facial surgery, which leave permanent
scarring, or high dose steroids which can lead
to other complications.
Mr Muir added: “With the bleomycin
injections patients usually need three to four
treatments and as it is a day case procedure,
they do not require an overnight stay and are
in and out of hospital very quickly.
”The treatment is quite specific
and gives a very natural
result but best of
all patients say
they can feel
normal
again.“
Trisha, 61, was born
with a vascular
malformation which
affected her face
and tongue. She had
operations as a child
that left her with a
lot of scars but her
tongue was deemed
untreatable. Tricia
was very self conscious and suffered from
sleep apnea and slurred speech until
receiving the bleomycin treatment
“It’s an absolute miracle. I am much more
confident and outgoing now. I just wish
this treatment had been available when I
was growing up.”
Trisha before
Trisha after
Rosie, eight, was
born with a large
swelling on her right
leg and knee which
left her unable to
kneel down and
often caused her a
lot of pain. She has
had about eight
injections and they
have made a massive improvement.
“You forget what a difference it
has made until you look back at the
photographs. It’s surprising how much
the swelling has gone down, before it
would rub against her other knee,” said
her mum.
Rosie before
Rosie after
Matthew, 18 months, developed a deep
cherry-coloured birthmark across his nose
just days after he was born but after
three bleomycin injections it has almost
completely disappeared.
“A lot of people have to wait years
for laser treatment but we could start
the injections straight away. It was not
dramatic at first but friends and family
started to notice a difference and now
people mistake the birthmark for a patch
of eczema. The difference is amazing,”
said his mum.
4
Reconstructive plastic
surgeon Mr Tobian Muir
Matthew before
Matthew after
“I don’t really do
much other exercise
but with this I
know I’m not doing
anything that is
going to put me or
my baby at risk.”
Lisa (left) chats to a carer
Caring for the carers
A GROWING number of people in the
Middlesbrough area are supporting
friends and family with long-term
neurological conditions.
Thanks to a new partnership between
Sanctuary Carr-Gomm (SCG), NHS Tees,
Middlesbrough Council’s department of
social care and the trust, support is now
offered at the hospital.
Lisa Davey, SCG support worker provides
advice, information and support to carers
of patients with long-term neurological
conditions such as Parkinson’s disease,
cerebral palsy or motor neurone disease
in the neurosciences outpatient department
at James Cook from 9am – 5pm, Tuesday,
Thursday and Friday. If staff or carers
would like to contact her she is available
on 07584 558564 on these days.
Carers receive support on how to best meet
the needs of the person they care for and
how to ensure their own needs are met.
Sharon Poskitt, neurosciences senior nurse,
said: “We welcome the opportunity to work
with colleagues from Sanctuary Carr-Gomm
and Middlesbrough Council’s social care
department in the development of this
service. Addressing the needs of carers is very
important and I am sure Lisa will be an asset
to our team.”
Lisa said: “Support for carers is essential.
It‘s important for the wellbeing of both
the carer and the cared for. I am delighted
to join the team and to offer such a
valuable service.”
New course is just the job
A NEW training course
is improving staff from
the Friarage’s estates and
facilities administration
team’s computer skills,
enabling them to work
more effectively on their
computers and improving
efficiency and productivity in
the department.
Microsoft office skills
training (MOST) - is a new
qualification offered by
the ICT application support
training team to all
NHS staff, free of charge. It is
the only Microsoft-approved
certification programme of
its kind and is recognised by
businesses around the world.
Clerk, Sue Greenbank, said:”
Initially I was doubtful
about the course and
whether it was the right one
for me not having completed
a major training course since
leaving school.
“It’s a fantastic course and
I recommend it to anyone
who want to improve their
skills, it is hard work but
well worth it. I now have
the confidence to have a
go at things and my
knowledge of Microsoft
office skills has increased so
much, my computer now
works for me.”
For further information
on MOST see the training
directory (trust intranet – ICT/
knowledge base/training) or
contact the ICT application
support training team on
extension 53576 JCUH.
Helping
mums-to-be
stay fit and
healthy
COMMUNITY midwives in
Middlesbrough are urging mumsto-be to attend aquanatal classes
to help them stay fit and healthy.
The classes at the Neptune Centre
in Berwick Hills and the Rainbow
Centre in Coulby Newham are
designed to encourage women
to do regular moderate exercise
to ensure they are in the best
physical condition to cope with
the demands of pregnancy.
“It’s all about helping to keep
women fit during pregnancy,”
said community midwife Rosie
Cooper. “The fitter they are
the better they cope with
pregnancy and the better they
cope with labour.”
Classes are held at the Neptune
Centre every Tuesday at 9.10am
and at the Rainbow Centre every
Friday at 9.30am.
Mum-to-be Emma Kaya is among
those already benefiting from
the classes.
The 34-year-old from Park End,
Middlesbrough, said: “I have
really enjoyed them so far. I have
been suffering from a bad back
but just being in the water helps.
The classes also give you chance
to talk to other people.
Team work: (left to right) Theresa Forrest who has also
completed the course, Sue, Tina Bye and April Christie
who are working on it
“I don’t really do much other
exercise but with this I know I’m
not doing anything that is going
to put me or my baby at risk.”
5
Odd balls
wanted!
MAVIS Pickering has enjoyed
knitting a range of objects over
the years from seafarers’ hats to
children’s Christmas stockings.
In memory of a treasure
A TREASURE hunt around Masham, North
Yorkshire was enjoyed by Friarage theatre staff
in memory of colleague, George Henderson.
Organised by Friarage theatres social group, six
cars and 17 people enjoyed a fun time getting
lost down country lanes.
But her latest project has caused
much amusement among her
friends and family.
Operating department practitioner, Catriona
Stevenson (centre), along with her family beat
other competitors to win handsomely.
Mavis, 74, of Middlesbrough, has
knitted more than 30 breasts – in
all shapes, sizes and colours - for
the infant feeding team at South
Tees after seeing an NHS appeal for
volunteers in a magazine.
George’s parents and family are happy the
George Henderson Memorial Cup is still used
and he is remembered by his colleagues.
“We can’t
thank Kirsty
and her team
of angels
enough.”
Infant feeding co-ordinator Victoria
Head said she was delighted when
she received a call from Mavis
offering to knit her some breasts for
staff training sessions and to help
promote breastfeeding.
“People just love them. They are
a talking point and a great ice
breaker,” said Victoria.
“We use them for breastfeeding
workshops and as a simple way
of showing mums where and
how their baby should latch on to
the breast.
“The coloured breasts are fun and
we can use them to distract from
the personal nature of the breast.”
“If we can encourage mums to
breastfeed even just for one
day it can improve a baby’s
future wellbeing.
Mavis added: “It’s a lovely excuse
to keep knitting and it’s very
therapeutic. It’s nice to have fun
while you are being useful!”
If you have an odd ball of wool
lying around the house or fancy
dusting off your knitting needles
email [email protected] or call
Victoria on 01287 284400.
Kirsty McGurrell, Alison Russell, Maureen Gibson and Vicky Bell (l-r) pictured with the
special memory boxes
Angels keep
spreading their wings
AFTER losing her beloved baby Louis,
young mum Kirsty McGurrell set about
improving the keepsake she was given
at the hospital.
Kirsty set up website 4Louis in aid
of parents who had a similar
bereavement and the response from
parents was overwhelming.
Two years on, Kirsty has gone
nationwide providing boxes up and
down the country. Her tremendous
success is down to determination,
hard work and a deep empathy for all
parents who lose their precious baby.
Mavis Pickering (left) with infant
feeding co-ordinator Victoria Head
6
The 4Louis charity recently won first
prize in a charity drive receiving
£7,000 from Benfield Motors and was
also voted charity of the year at the
‘The Network of Inspiring Women’
conference in Birmingham.
Vicky Bell is one such mum who has
branched out with her angel work and
set up charity 4Bell designing boxes
for women who suffer a miscarriage in
memory of her baby.
Alison Russell, delivery suite manager
and Maureen Gibson, bereavement
support worker welcomed the donation
of the special memory boxes for James
Cook’s maternity unit.
Alison said: “We can’t thank Kirsty
and her team of angels enough.
The boxes have made such a
difference to parents and we wish
them well in their future charity events
and fundraising.
First scarless surgery
for urology patients
THE urology team at James Cook performed its
first scarless surgery procedure in October.
This advanced technique sees surgery performed
through an incision in the belly button and
once the belly button is sewn up only a tiny scar
remains which is hardly visible. It can be used to
perform various procedures on kidneys and the
urinary tract with minimal cosmetic impact.
Aftab Bhatti, consultant urologist specialist in
keyhole surgery said the urology department
at James Cook has been working with
internationally recognised expert Professor Mihir
Desai and the University of Southern California
to ensure it remains at the forefront of minimally
invasive surgery.
“A surgeon’s ambition has always been
to achieve a cure with minimum disruption to
the skin and underlying muscles,” he said.
“Advances in technology have allowed us to
develop keyhole surgery thanks to state-of-the
art cameras and instruments.
“Now things have gone one step further and
these instruments have been miniaturised so that
they can get through the smallest of holes. Now
we can use just one cut in the belly button and
achieve similar results to open surgery.”
One of the first patients to receive the treatment
at James Cook was Tracey Wolf, a 37-year-old
barmaid from Darlington who had her kidney
repaired through an incision in her belly button.
“It’s just amazing what they can do now,”
she said.
“I know other people who have been left with
scars and they are paranoid about them. It’s nice
not to have a big scar to worry about when you
go on holiday.”
Jemma’s story
WHEN Jemma Purdy was told she
would have to have her kidney
removed her main concern was the
size of the scar she would be left with.
But the 21-year-old was lucky
enough to be one of the first urology
patients at James Cook to undergo
scarless surgery.
Jemma of Thirsk was amazed when
surgeons removed her kidney
through a single incision in her belly
button without leaving so much as
a scar.
Jemma said: “I was really impressed
with it. When I first woke up
they showed me it and there was
nothing there.
“It’s just amazing how they get it all
out of the one hole.
“I was out of hospital the next
day and I didn’t even need to take
any painkillers.
“I was conscious about any scarring so
I was really happy to have this surgery
– it’s a real confidence booster.
“I can’t show my wound off because
there’s nothing there to see!”
Friends phenomenal
fundraising effort
THANKS to the Friends of the
Friarage’s phenomenal fundraising
a fantastic £120,000 worth of
the latest hi-tech equipment is
benefiting urology patients at
the hospital.
The flexible video cystoscopes
will be used in the operating
theatres to provide higher
quality images and improve
diagnostic procedures for bladder
cancer patients and patients
undergoing investigations.
The new video flexible
ureterorenoscope will be useful
in diagnosing and treating
certain types of kidney cancers
and kidney stones and avoid
patients having more complex
surgery in some cases.
More hospital staff will be trained
to use the equipment, helping to
increase the number of urology
procedures carried out and
decrease waiting times.
Consultant urologist, Mr Raj
Gowda, said: “I am delighted we
have this new equipment which
will help take the urology service
to the next dimension enhancing
the service we provide to patients
at the Friarage and further afield.”
Steve Lamb, chairman of the
Friends, said: “As always the
volunteers and local people
who generously support us have
pulled out all the stops to raise
this huge amount to help their
local hospital. I am proud of their
efforts and glad we can make a
difference by making sure the
Friarage benefits from the latest
technology available.”
Grateful thanks: (left to right) Steve Lamb with Emma Bradford,
urology sister, Dr Fawad Arif, specialist doctor in urology, Mr Alaiyi
West, consultant urologist and Mr Raj Gowda
7
Lyke Wake
walkers’
long trek
A GROUP of 13 intrepid staff from
cardiothoracic theatres donned their
walking boots and marched 42 miles
over the moorlands of North Yorkshire
to raise funds for the surgical
management of lung cancer.
Between 14 and 16 hours after
setting off from Osmotherley at 4am,
the foot-sore band, pictured above,
arrived in Ravenscar on the North
Yorkshire coast. Their marathon
effort raised around £2,100 which will
be put towards a £12,000 target to
purchase a video medistinoscope for
use in treating lung cancer patients,
and the training of future surgeons.
to the fund, including Macmillan
nurses from Darlington who held car
boot sales.
Staff working from multidisciplinary
teams involved in the treatment of
lung cancer patients have contributed
Jonathan Ferguson, consultant
cardiothoracic surgeon who was
one of the walkers, said: “This was a
fantastic team event organised and
driven forward by the nursing staff.
I would like to thank every member
of the team from fellow walkers to
those who were on hand every 10
miles with refreshments.”
Hospital opens new service for bereaved families
A NEW bereavement service has opened
for families whose loved ones have died
in hospital.
From January, a dedicated service at
James Cook means that instead of having
to make a painful journey back onto
the ward to collect medical certificates
and then attend an appointment at
Middlesbrough register office, families
can now book one appointment with a
small team who handle the entire process.
The team, based in the Murray Building,
then chat to relatives, hand over any
belongings from the ward, provide a
medical certificate of death and take
them one room along to see a registrar.
Lead nurse for end of life care and
bereavement Elizabeth Price said: “We’ve
been looking at having a centralised
bereavement system for some time as
we want to make the whole process as
smooth and easy as possible for families.
“Before when someone died in hospital,
the family had to phone the ward the
next day to see if a medical certificate
of death was ready to pick up.
Unfortunately there are often delays
with this when staff have to find the
doctor to sign the certificate and the
family can be kept waiting.
“They then had to come back onto
the ward where their relative has died
to collect the certificate and often see
unfamiliar staff because the shift had
changed – it wasn’t a nice experience.”
The trust worked closely with
Middlesbrough Council to provide the
new service and a registrar works full-time
on site five days a week. The suite has
three rooms – one for Elizabeth and the
bereavement support workers, a relatives’
room and the registrar’s office.
The bereavement team
8
Under the new service, when someone
dies on a ward, staff hand the family a
bereavement booklet explaining that
someone from the service will telephone
them the next working day and an
appointment is booked.
The team also acts as a signposting service
for relatives and the rest of the trust
and liaise with the coroner’s office, if
necessary, and funeral directors.
Councillor Julia Rostron, Middlesbrough
Council’s executive member for
community protection, said: “We have
supported this initiative since the hospital
first suggested it and worked closely with
Elizabeth to develop the service.
“Having a registrar on site is a wonderful
service for bereaved relatives. The hospital
takes patients from a wide area and often
relatives have a distance to travel to find
the hospital. The bereavement service
removes the need for an additional
journey to the register office.”
Elizabeth added: “The council has been
brilliant – and from their perspective
they’re able to offer a better service
to families, particularly as the majority
of deaths which are registered in
Middlesbrough are from the hospital.
“How we care for the relatives who have
lost a loved one is an indicator of how
we care for all sick and vulnerable people
and by offering one point of contact for
people we can hopefully ease some of
that burden for families during what is a
really distressing time in their lives.”
Cancer outpatient
clinics open in new
Endeavour Unit
CANCER outpatients are now being
seen in the brighter and more modern
surroundings of the Endeavour Unit at
James Cook.
The new two-storey building – part
of our £35million cancer redevelopment
- was handed over to trust in
September following the completion
of the building.
Over the next six months, more and
more outpatients, both new and
existing, will be asked to meet their
consultant there, where they will be
able to sit in comfort in the spacious
waiting area (bathed in natural light)
ahead of their appointment.
There is also a refreshment bar staffed
by hospital volunteers and modern
artwork adorns the walls and walkways.
This transition to the facility has begun
and will be phased in to provide a full
radiotherapy service by spring 2012,
when the linear accelerators, used in
radiotherapy treatments, will be in use
in three main treatment suites, as well
as a CT scanner.
Clinical director for radiotherapy and
oncology Dr Adrian Rathmell said:
“The outpatient department and office
accommodation are quickly building up
Real stars: Jean presents the
cheque to Claire Huntley,
superintendent radiographer, for
the STAR fund
The Endeavour Unit
to full use and both patients and staff
are delighted with the high standard of
the new facility.”
“The outpatient
department
and office
accommodation are
quickly building up
to full use.”
Our
own
‘stars’
THE new Endeavour Unit has its
very own ‘stars’ taking pride of
place on a benefactors’ panel –
each one inscribed with the name
of generous people who have
donated over £1,000 towards
cancer services.
Among the first to see them was
the sister and friend of Pauline
Martin – a tireless fundraiser who
gave thousands to the hospital
before she died of cancer.
Her star simply reads ‘Pauline
Martin and ‘the team’ and Jean
and Sylvia were deeply moved
and emotional.
Their visit gave staff the
opportunity to show them how
some of the money had been
used, including installing some
illuminated panels in the ceilings
of new treatment rooms.
Once again, a big thank you from
clinical oncologist Dr Nick Wadd
and his team in the radiotherapy
and oncology department.
9
A taste of
hospital life….
Celebrating
leadership
SHARON Dawn Bateman, lead
nurse wound care, celebrated her
innovative leadership by visiting
the Royal Opera House with
deputy chief nursing officer,
David Foster.
Developing partnerships with
community and industry have
continued to improve patient
safety, endorse a positive woundcare experience, help achieve
targets and develop a skilled
workforce and consistent approach
across the trust.
Sharon (second left) with staff
nurse, Samantha Roberts, Karen
Covell, wound care manager
Molnlycke, David Foster, and Alison
McGrath, tissue viability nurse.
PATIENTS have given staff ‘food for
thought’ at the trust’s first patient
experience and engagement event.
As part of our patient experience
strategy work, patients were invited to
talk ‘first hand’ about their experience
of being in hospital in terms of what
we do well and where we can improve.
The event, in the academic centre at
James Cook focussed on compassion
in care and hospital food, including
taster session from a selection of the
hospital’s meals.
John Carr, catering services manager,
said: “We know how critical
nutrition is to patient care and it
was good showing patients how
far hospital food has progressed over
the last 20 years, including the wide
menu choices.
“We serve 950,000 meals a year so
appreciate we cannot please everyone
but the comments and feedback
were valuable.”
He said: “It’s important that people
coming into hospital for the first
time are reassured of what it’s like
and the service they can expect from
the healthcare assistants, nurses,
consultants, doctors and therapists.
I found it was the small things, over
and above the call of duty that made
all the difference.”
Deputy director of nursing and
patient safety, Anne Sutcliffe, said
the trust now hopes to make this a
regular event where we can listen
to what patients are telling us
about their experience and work in
partnership with them to continuously
make improvements.
“The real test of our performance
as a trust is the views and experiences
of the people who use our services,”
she said.
A number of key themes emerged
from the event – many around
communication and discharge –
which will be taken forward and
developed by the clinical matrons
into an action plan.
“We’re also inviting patients to take
part in a number of on-line surveys
to tell us about their experience in
relation to the discharge process from
hospital, their experiences regarding
infection prevention and control as
well as their experience in accident and
emergency departments, urgent care
centres and outpatient departments.”
It also included a DVD presentation
showing patient experience, which was
filmed in the hospital and featured
John Wilkinson, 60 from New Marske.
Patient surveys can be accessed
through the trust’s website at
www.southtees.nhs.uk through the
patient survey link.
Grandtashes!
A group of staff at James Cook
have raised over £1,100 by
taking part in ‘Movember’, the
prostate and testicular cancer
awareness campaign.
Throughout November,
moustaches were grown
worldwide to raise awareness for
men’s health issues in particular
prostate and testicular cancer.
Team captain Nick Smales said:
“We have had great fun watching
people’s moustaches take shape.
We would like to thank everyone
for their support and sponsorship.”
10
Food for thought: Patient Paul Daniel and deputy director of nursing and
patient safety Anne Sutcliffe sample some of the hospital food
Outstanding staff
THE division of acute medicine
presented an award to the
ambulatory care team at James
Cook in recognition of their
outstanding contribution to
quality of patient care, safety
and risk management and their
continued drive and enthusiasm.
Individual outstanding
contribution awards were
also given to senior training
facilitator Sue Murphy and
advanced paediatric nurse
practitioner Sarah Hamil.
High-flying
fundraisers
BARMAIDS and members of Eston
Labour Club took to the skies to
raise funds for the holistic cancer
care centre.
The sponsored microlight flight was
one of a number of events held by
the club to help raise an impressive
£12,900 for the centre. Mandy Oliver,
Malcolm Baxter, Cath Cornwall and
Robert McCreesh (pictured left to
right) completed the challenge.
The club holds a number of events
every year for its chosen charity
and this year the holistic centre has
benefited from a range of events,
one of which involved barmaids
being pushed down a hill in a giant
inflatable ball!
The patient safety team celebrate their success (left to right) Bernie Johnson,
David Charlesworth, Iain Greener, Judith Connor and Anne Sutcliffe
Patient safety
award for trust
SOUTH Tees has received national
recognition from the Department of
Health for the work it has done to
improve patient safety.
The trust’s patient safety team has
been presented with a Safety Express
award for piloting a campaign which
has helped hospital trusts reduce
harm from pressure ulcers, falls,
urinary catheters and blood clots
(venous thromboembolism or VTE).
The team has also initiated the
rollout of the safety thermometer –
a new initiative to help clinical areas
examine their own practices and
implement changes in practice.
Bev Walker, assistant director of
nursing and patient safety, Judith
Connor, lead nurse for patient safety
and practice development, and
David Charlesworth, senior practice
development nurse, travelled to
London for the QIPP Safe Care
Awards where they were presented
with an award for sharing best
practice in the field of patient safety.
“We were delighted to receive the
award as it recognised that our
work has been widely shared and
implemented by others,” said David.
Chief executive Simon Pleydell
added: “Patient safety, patient
experience and quality of care are
at the heart of everything we do at
the trust so it is fantastic to see our
patient safety team receive an award
for sharing best practice in this
important field.”
Over the years the club has raised
a staggering £400,000 for local
good causes.
Malcolm said: “Club members have
done everything from bungee jumps
to parachute jumps so we tried to
think of something new for 2011
and came up with the idea of a
microlight flight.”
Lynne Gray, deputy manager of the
holistic cancer care centre, said: “We
are delighted to have the support of
Eston Labour Club and never cease to
be amazed by their fantastic efforts.”
Tree of life
HUGE thanks to all the staff in
the accident and emergency and
outpatient departments at the Friarage
for very kindly donating the glass
plaque for Ellie Mae Wilson on the
tree of life in the hub at the hospital.
It’s a lovely memory for all of us.
Best wishes from Dean, Rachel
and Lucy Wilson, and all the
families concerned.
11
Ladies in red
More than a silver service
from Sandra
LAST year, a review of corporate
clinical uniforms was carried out
as they were dated and lacked
a corporate image and also to
support the trust’s bare below
the elbows policy.
The change was consulted
with staff and patients with
overall general support and the
process of rolling-out the new
uniforms across the organisation
has begun, although it will take
two to three years for them to
be completely standardised.
Pictured is the senior nursing
team in their new uniform,
although further details of who
wears what will be available in
the next Talking Point.
HAPPY retirement and all the very best for the future
to ward housekeeper, Sandra McIlroy, who has retired
after 26 years keeping the Friarage clean and tidy.
Sandra started her career as a domestic on the medical
floor also working in the nurses’ home and doctors’
residence and for the last nine years on Ainderby ward.
Thank you to Sandra for all her hard work over the
years. She will be missed by everyone on Ainderby ward.
Military medics take
to the heights
THE DEFENCE Medical Services (DMS) team
is mounting an expedition to Bolivia in June
2012 to carry out important medical research.
Staying in
work keeps
you healthier
ANGELA Birleson, principal
clinician for occupational
therapy, believes there
are many benefits to
encouraging people with
neurological conditions
to keep on working. She
has even completed a
doctorate on the subject.
They aim to climb as high as 6104 metres
in the Corillera Real area in the Andes to
investigate how people adjust and acclimatise
to the elements at high altitude.
Research on healthy volunteers will give
insights into severe illness and greater
12
understanding of
what happens to
patients in intensive
care, how the body
deals with low oxygen
levels in illness and why
some patients cope better than others.
The DMS team has over 60 members
including expedition leader, Surgeon
Commander Adrian Mellor, consultant
anaesthetist, Surgeon Commander Andy
Gibson, consultant eye surgeon, and
Lieutenant Colonel Tim Lowes, consultant in
anaesthesia and intensive care.
Successful expeditions to Aconcagua in
Argentina and Mount Everest Base Camp
and Island Peak in Nepal, have introduced
personnel to the mountains and led to
publications in medical literature.
She said: “My PhD
developed from my
long-standing interest
in Parkinson’s Disease,
focussing on an
intervention to support
people to maintain
their employment.
“There are major health
benefits of staying in work
because work gives people
something to focus on
other than their illness.”
“We’re looking
forward to
tackling this
adventurous
challenge.”
Training in Scotland and Wales will help
develop the necessary climbing skills. Surgeon
Commander Mellor said: “We’re looking
forward to tackling this adventurous challenge
which develops skills useful to a military
career and we can also carry out vital medical
research to improve future treatments.”
Surgeon Commander, Adrian Mellor, on
summit ridge of Island Peak, Nepal
Further details email [email protected]/
www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/MicroSite/
DMS/WhatWeDo/DefenceMedicalServices
MedicalScientificExpeditions.htm
Nurse call
success
A TELEPHONE overnight support
service set up in Hambleton and
Richmondshire is helping people
nearing the end of their lives.
Provided by the fast response team
at the old Rutson Hospital it gives
much-needed contact for palliative
care patients out of normal working
hours if they have a medical or
nursing problem or just need some
friendly professional advice.
Last memory: Lord Crathorne
and his family with artist Linda
Kitson, trust chairman Deborah
Jenkins and staff
Family’s touching tribute in
memory of Lady Crathorne
A TOUCHING tribute has been paid to the
Friarage in memory of Lady Crathorne.
The Deputy Lieutenant of North Yorkshire
died in the hospital in September 2009 after
a four-and-a-half year battle against cancer.
As a thank you to the staff who looked
after her, the artist Linda Kitson (best
known for her work as an official war
artist during the Falklands conflict) in
collaboration with the Crathorne family,
kindly donated eight paintings.
The Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire,
Lord Crathorne, and family members
returned to the hospital to meet staff and
view the water colours.
Deputy director of planning Margaret
McGloin said: “It has been acknowledged
the presence of art in hospitals can
help the healing process. These paintings
are something for everyone to enjoy
and will also create a lasting memorial to
Lady Crathorne.”
Pam McIvor, clinical manager, said:
“Usually queries are relatively easy
to deal with, such as a problem
with medication or tips on relaxing
if they can’t get to sleep. If we can’t
help over the phone we may offer
a home visit or refer to the out of
hours doctors service.”
“As our team operates 24/7 we are
available and more than happy to
help improve services for people
nearing end of life.”
Lord Crathorne added: “The gift was a
tribute to Sylvia and a way of thanking
the hospital staff for the wonderful way
they looked after her during her four and
a half year battle with cancer. The family
particularly remember the extraordinary
care given by staff during the final week of
Sylvia’s life in September 2009.”
Improving the ward environment for dying
patients receives national praise
A HOSPITAL ward refurbishment –
including a purpose-built palliative
care bay to improve facilities for
patients at the end of their lives – has
received national praise.
Ward 9, which cares for patients with
respiratory problems at James Cook,
was highly commended in the Building
Better Healthcare Awards.
The redevelopment, completed as part
of The King’s Fund ‘Enhancing the
Healing Environment Programme for
End of Life Care’ in partnership with
the Department of Health, was runnerup in the estates and facilities category
‘Best Response to DH Policy Award’.
Jo Makosinski, editor of BBH, said:
“Despite the NHS reforms and the
uncertainty of the healthcare estate in
the current economic climate, there is
still a wealth of talent out there and
some fantastic schemes.”
Ward nine’s make-over included a new
relatives room, palliative care facility
(created from a former six bedded bay
allowing patients more privacy and
dignity) and a modern nurses station.
Deputy director of planning Margaret
McGloin said: “We make a conscious
effort to ensure new areas support a
healing and caring environment and
this was reflected through all the hard
work done on ward 9. It’s nice for the
trust and our building partners to be
commended at the awards.”
13
Festive spirit in full fl
Thank you to everyone who gave
up their time over the festive
season to support Christmas
parties, fundraising events and the
performing arts programme.
Ten years of tradition: Children
from the trust’s Playdays nursery were
excited to welcome a ‘peace light’
brought all the way from Bethlehem
to the chapel at James Cook. It was
brought by Arthur and Sue Wooff from
the fourth South Bank Scout Group.
Amani Hussain and Paddy Winters are
pictured here taking a closer look. Lead
chaplain Malcolm Masterman said: “We
have taken part in this lovely Christmas
tradition at James Cook for around 10
years. The aim is for the light to reach
as many people as possible around the
world to share with them the message
of peace.”
Festive fun: There was not a spare seat
in the atrium when children from the
Cleveland Unit performed their annual
nativity. Packed with popular carols
and colourful costumes the Christmas
performance was hit with both staff
and parents. Cleveland Unit manager
Liz Pickard said: “All the children were
fantastic. I was very proud of them all.”
14
Star appeal: The 2011 Christmas
Stars appeal raised £570 to help
future cancer patients. Staff,
patients and visitors were invited
to hang a star on the Christmas
tree in the atrium in memory
of a loved one in return for a
donation to Macmillan Cancer
Support. A Christmas Carol Service
of Remembrance was also held
featuring music from the Angrove
Singers. Bladder cancer patient
Bill Bell of Stockton, said: “The
Macmillan team at James Cook
have been a terrific help. There is
always someone there to talk to.”
Christmas comes early:
Christmas came early for the
children’s wards when nine-yearold Ethan McElvaney and his family
handed over £1,200 worth of gifts.
Ethan, who is diabetic and was once
treated on the ward, presented
staff with a number of items to
make life easier for future patients
and their families including camp
beds, digital televisions, Wii games,
DVDs, kettles and crockery. Ethan’s
family raised the funds for the
gifts by raffling a range of luxury
hampers. Nursery nurse Dawn
McCabe said: “From the children’s
point of view these gifts will just
bring so much pleasure.”
Boro stars kickstart
celebrations: Boro
players ensured
young patients on
the children’s wards
at James Cook had a
Christmas to remember
when they turned up
at the hospital with
bags full of presents
and MFC merchandise.
The players chatted
to the youngsters and
their families and
signed autographs.
Scott McDonald and Jordan Wilcock
flow…
Time for giving:
Children at
Roseberry Primary
in Billingham raised
more than £700
to buy toys for the
children’s wards at
James Cook. The
fundraising drive
was led by 10-yearold classmates Millie
Hudson and Brinley
Turnbull who were
both treated on
Ward 22 at the same
time and wanted
to do something to
help future patients.
Events included
a bake sale and a
non-uniform day and
the children formed
a special committee
to decide which toys
and games to buy.
Christmas choir: Youngsters from St Pius X
Roman Catholic Primary School got everyone at
James Cook in the festive mood with a selection
of favourite Christmas carols and songs.
Carols around the Christmas tree:
Pupils from Beech Grove Primary School
entertained guests at the holistic cancer
care centre’s Christmas coffee morning
with a range of carols and favourite
Christmas songs. The coffee morning
raised more than £800.
Presents galore: Young
patients on the children’s
wards had plenty to
smile about when staff
from Orange, Everything
Everywhere made a
special Christmas delivery.
The Orange, Everything
Everywhere team from
Darlington did some extra
Christmas shopping this
year and delivered more
than 70 wrapped presents
to the children’s wards at
James Cook.
It’s child’s
play: Staff from
Hambleton District
Council held dress
down days to raise
£600 worth of
equipment, toys
and games for the
Children’s ward
at the Friarage
Hospital. These
will be used on the
ward and in local
children’s centres.
Bikers bring festive cheer: The road to
recovery was hopefully a bit brighter for children
and young people at the Friarage after RAF
Leeming’s Motorcycle Club visited the children’s
unit. The club members are no strangers to the
unit, making trips every Easter and Christmas.
15
Children’s spinal service opens
CHILDREN and young people with
spinal conditions now have access to a
specialist team at James Cook.
This means young patients and
their families no longer need to
travel all the way to Leeds or
Newcastle for treatment.
The specialised service ensures that
all children in the area with back
problems are seen by experts and
have access to a specialist nurse who
provides support and advice.
Ciaran Jasper, 16, was one of the first
to benefit from the scheme when
she was diagnosed with scoliosis, a
condition which had caused her spine
to curve in two places like a letter “S”.
Ciaran had to undergo an operation
to straighten her spine – a procedure
which left her 7.5cm taller. But the
Carmel RC College pupil said it was
great only having to travel 20 minutes
to the hospital.
and while these are useful, and
highlight what excellent results the
surgeons achieve, I felt that families
needed more information about the
whole process.”
“The staff at James Cook have been
absolutely fantastic,” she said.
Ciaran has helped the paediatric spine
service produce a photographic guide
for future patients entitled “Scoliosis
Surgery – A Patient’s Journey” to help
children and their families visualise
what is involved.
Specialist nurse Cheryl Honeyman
said: “We show people before
and after surgery x-rays in the clinic
Ciaran Jasper with specialist nurse
Cheryl Honeyman on Ward 22
The Malawian delegation meet the trust’s
chief executive and IPC team
Malawians visit trust
THE trust is taking part in the
World Health Organisation’s
African Partnership for Patient
Safety Programme.
Last year, members of the infection
prevention and control team (IPC)
travelled to Kamuzu Hospital in
Lilongwe, Malawi, to focus on hand
hygiene and in October the team played
host to our African colleagues.
Mathews Muhota and Emmie Kamwana
chat to Heather Lyle at Carter Bequest
16
They were shown IPC procedures,
attended training, carried out a
number of observations and department
“We were so
pleased to be able
to host a visit from
our Malawian
colleagues.”
visits at James Cook, Redcar and Carter
Bequest hospitals.
Assistant director of nursing/deputy
director of infection prevention and
control Alison Peevor, said: “We were so
pleased to be able to host a visit from
our Malawian colleagues which enabled
two staff to complete the trust’s IPC
training course and conduct a number
of audits and surveillance. The aim is
that they will take this back to Kamuzu
hospital and implement a number of
new IPC related initiatives.”
Jayne’s heart award is
one you just can’t beat
NURSE consultant in cardiac rhythm
management, Jayne Mudd, has
become the first non-doctor to win
the prestigious award for outstanding
medical contribution to cardiac rhythm
management services at the heart
rhythm congress.
waiting times and admission rates. 87%
of our patients remain in the community
and don’t need hospital treatment.”
Jayne and her team see, diagnose
and treat patients with arrhythmia, a
condition where the heart beat may
be too fast, or too slow or irregular, in
community clinics in the Middlesbrough
and Redcar and Cleveland area.
(Left to right) Lesley Butterworth,
discharge nurse, Bill, Mavis and
Paula Morris
Jayne, who is internationally recognised
as the first nurse consultant in cardiac
rhythm management, said: “I was
delighted to have picked up the
award on behalf of our dedicated and
innovative team. Since the launch of
the community arrhythmia service in
2008, we have seen vastly improved
access and smoother patient pathways,
and this has since been replicated
around the country.
“Our new ‘blackout’ triage service is also
showing drastically reduced hospital
bed days, referral to treatment times,
Red Cross
volunteers
honoured
Jayne with her award
Helping patients in
an emergency
THE generosity of Friends of the
Friarage means more resuscitation
equipment is now available to
help patients.
2010 Resuscitation Guidelines
recommend if intravenous access
cannot be established in the first two
minutes of resuscitation, intraosseous
access (access through the bone so
emergency drugs and fluids can be
given) should be considered.
Thanks to the Friends, the
recommendations can be put further
into clinical practice as three EZ10
devices have been bought for the
hospital, along with ‘training bones’ so
key staff can be trained.
Nurse practitioners Nia Lomer
and Christopher Blackham receive
their training
Resuscitation officer Donna Campbell
said the Friarage previously had the
EZIO device – similar to a small drill for
intraosseous access – in the children’s
unit and accident and emergency.
The new kits will be in theatre and
obstetrics, as well as one for general
use by the resuscitation team.
Congratulations to Bill Wiggans
and Mavis Dozey, volunteers
for the British Red Cross Care in
the Home service, based at the
Friarage, who received awards at a
forum and awards ceremony.
Bill received a badge of honour.
He devotes a tremendous amount
of time visiting patients recently
discharged from hospital in their
homes and also undertakes regular
ward rounds checking if patients
need support when they go home.
Mavis received her 15-year service
badge. She visits patients in their
home helping them with shopping,
light housework, and even
providing therapeutic care.
The Care in the Home service
provides low-level support
to patients for up
to six weeks.
For further
“He devotes a
information,
tremendous
or if you are
interested in
amount of time
volunteering
visiting patients
contact
Paula Morris,
recently discharged
service cofrom hospital in
ordinator
on extension
their homes.”
64646 FHN or
01609 764646.
17
“In Teesside we have
a large number of
people who suffer
with symptoms,
but do not have a
formal diagnosis.”
COPD outreach team staff watch specialist nurse Angela Charlesworth test
patient Wilfred Routledge at James Cook
Are you short
of breath?
AS PART of World Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease (COPD) day, staff from
the COPD outreach team carried out a
simple test on patients, visitors and staff
at James Cook which could be a lifesaver!
COPD is a term for people with chronic
bronchitis, emphysema, or both
meaning airflow to the lungs is restricted
(obstructed). Spirometry - an easy
breathing test - allows COPD and asthma
to be detected early and managed well.
Locally, deaths from respiratory diseases
account for a fifth to a quarter of all early
preventable deaths every year and COPD
is responsible for many of these alongside
asthma and lung cancer.
Dr Rehan Mustafa, respiratory medicine
consultant, said, “COPD is usually the
result of tobacco smoke but other factors,
particularly occupational exposure to
dusts and chemicals, may also contribute
to its development.
“In Teesside we have a large number of
people who suffer with symptoms, but
do not have a formal diagnosis. If COPD is
recognised and treated at an early stage
it can be managed effectively with life
style changes to slow disease progression
and medications which can significantly
improve patient quality of life.”
Stopping smoking is one of the easiest
methods of preventing COPD and other
long-term conditions and the event
supports the trust’s smoke free policy
which aims to:
• Protect the health of patients, visitors
and staff
• Provide a clean and pleasant
environment
• Improve the safety of our hospital sites
• Improve patient recovery and comfort
The local stop smoking services can be
contacted on 01642 850850 extension
52065 at James Cook or the specialist stop
smoking service on 01287 284487.
Breathing
more easily
PRACTICE nurses, GPs, community
matrons and case managers
attended a COPD and asthma
event organised by respiratory
specialist nurse for Hambleton and
Richmondshire, Joy Parrington,
to promote the development of
standard guidelines for asthma
across North Yorkshire and York and
the national Strategy for COPD.
Pictured (left to right) are Terry
Robinson, respiratory specialist
nurse, Joy, Julie Ryan, telehealth,
Sam Haward, Hambleton,
Richmondshire and Whitby PCT and
Chris Ward, nurse consultant adult
palliative care.
COPD facts
Could it be COPD? If you answer
these questions, it will help you find
out if you have COPD:
1 Do you cough several times a day?
2 Are you older than 40 years?
18
3 Do you bring up phlegm or
mucus most days?
5 A
re you a current smoker or
an ex smoker?
4 Do you get out of breath
more easily than others
your age?
If you answered yes to three or more
of these questions, ask your doctor if
you might have COPD.
Clinical support
services year
of success
THE THIRD annual divisional
celebration event was a great
opportunity for newly integrated
community and acute staff to
come together and look at their
accomplishments over the year.
Chief of service Linda Irons highlighted
the key successes from each
department, referring particularly to
the successful integration of acute
and community based services and the
delivery of the new Endeavour unit’s CT
scanner and linear accelerators.
The rest of the afternoon was
devoted to presentations on some
fascinating projects:
• medical physics research into
neonatal resuscitation
• patient experience survey carried
out by community occupational
therapy staff in Middlesbrough,
Redcar and Cleveland
• acute physiotherapy- led
talipes service
• treatment and care of haematological
cancer patients
• pharmacy prescription
tracking system
• role of speech and language
therapy and occupational therapy
in supporting cancers of the central
nervous system
It was standing room only for the
event, which also gave staff valuable
networking time over celebratory tea
and cakes.
GMC chair visits
James Cook
Children with panto staff
Panto for
play week
THE National Association of
Hospital Play staff teamed
up with Starlight Children’s
Foundation to entertain the
children’s day surgical unit with a
pantomime at James Cook.
Starlight provides entertainment
and distraction in hospitals and
hospices as well as granting
wishes for seriously ill children.
The aim of the play was not only
to allow poorly children to laugh
and dance but to raise awareness
of the benefits of play in the
treatment of children.
CHAIR of the General Medical Council,
Professor Sir Peter Rubin, visited the
trust to find out more about its plans
for revalidation.
When revalidation is introduced in
2012 doctors will have to regularly
demonstrate to the GMC that they are
up to date and complying with relevant
professional standards.
The trust will have over 500 medical
staff needing revalidation over five year
cycles. As responsible officer, Medical
director Professor Rob Wilson, will need
to provide recommendations to the
GMC for each individual. This will be
underpinned by evidence from annual
appraisals including patient feedback
questionnaires and colleague 360
degree feedback.
Sir Peter met with executive directors
before giving a presentation to doctors,
HR representatives and managers.
Sir Peter said: “I’m delighted to have
had the opportunity to meet doctors
and managers at James Cook Hospital.
It’s encouraging to see the work being
done to develop appraisal systems in
the trust and to engage doctors in the
preparation for revalidation, which will
begin from the end of 2012.
“It’s so important for the GMC to visit
hospitals like the James Cook so we can
listen to, and improve the way we work
with doctors and managers to deliver
safer care for patients.”
Sir Peter Rubin pictured outside the
academic centre with medical director Rob
Wilson, associate medical director Jim Hall
and revalidation manager Sue Wooding
19
All winners
need
coaching
SOUTH Tees is committed to
building a culture in which
coaching is second nature,
supporting staff to maximise
their full potential.
Currently the trust has over
40 multidisciplinary coaches
who offer staff a unique
development opportunity.
Twelve months ago, research
nurse Grace Madzinga had
the opportunity to speak at
an international conference in
London. The thought filled her
with fear and Grace contacted
the improvement alliance and
asked for their support.
Three coaching sessions with
one of the trust’s many trained
coaches - consultant urologist
Jo Creswell - gave her the
confidence to speak to an
audience of 500 people.
Grace now feels ‘she has a voice’
and increased confidence in
her working life. The positive
reinforcement through coaching
has made her stronger and
believe in her own ability.
Do you have potential to
unlock or need support with
personal development? If you
are interested in coaching for
you or someone you manage
please contact Denise Corbett
on extension 52454 JCUH email
[email protected] or
Amy Stabler on 54199 JCUH amy.
[email protected].
20
Darren Watson (centre) with the James Cook team at the launch
Michelle Parker charity launch
A FUNDRAISING campaign has been officially
launched to buy state-of-the-art equipment for
the neurosurgery team at James Cook in memory
of a 42-year-old mum who battled two brain
tumours.
Michelle Parker - or Shelly to her friends – lost
her fight for life in December 2010 but during
her final weeks she made lifelong partner Darren
Watson promise to give something back to
James Cook for the amazing care she received.
Darren has set up The Michelle Parker
Charity with the aim of raising as much as
possible towards the following state-of-the
-art equipment:
• An operating microscope with specialist
immunofluorescent filters which will allow
more radical removal of brain tumours
• Highly specialised ultrasound scanning
equipment which can be used to identify the
position and extent of tumours during surgery
• An image guided neuronavigation system
which allows 3D modelling of tumours
before surgery so that the operations can be
performed with greater precision
• Specialist endoscopic equipment which allows
keyhole surgery for treatment of tumours
The launch event took place at Rockliffe
Hall Hotel and was attended by chief executive
Simon Pleydell and representatives from
neurosurgery. It featured a charity auction which
raised £5,000.
For more information contact Darren on
07973 462878.
Olympic fever hits the trust
TRUST staff will be invited to take part
in a range of Olympic themed fitness
activities in 2012.
The occupational health team is
launching a Workforce Workfit challenge
which will include a range of taster
sessions as well as some structured
coaching at a variety of local venues.
Occupational health manager Pam
McCourt said: “We will be offering staff
a wide range of activities, most of which
will have an Olympic theme!
“Staff are being asked to fill in
questionnaires so we can find out what
people would like to have a go at and
when would be the most popular times
for these sessions.
“So whether you want to improve your
badminton skills, set up a volley ball
team, learn a few judo moves or have a
go at your first triathlon we want you to
let us know about it.”
South Tees has been awarded £4,000 to
improve staff fitness during the run up to
The occupational health team gets ready for
the Workforce Workfit challenge (l-r) Aline
Marron, Pam McCourt and Eileen Tilley
the 2012 Olympic Games.
The HR led scheme is expected to start
in the spring and has been funded by
NHS Northeast in partnership with the
Journal’s Great North Fitness Revolution.
For more information or to submit your
ideas contact [email protected]
The green choice
Hi. I’m Rajni Sisodiya, the trust’s
sustainability advisor, and an important
part of my job is to make sure we reduce
our CO2 emissions, promote sustainable
development and, of course, save money!
As one of UK’s biggest trusts, we produce
over 29,000 tonnes of CO2 per year and
have set ourselves an ambitious target to
cut our emissions by 25% by 2015. If we are
to achieve this saving energy is a key area
we need to focus on.
It is a tough time with numerous targets to
chase but if we all follow some simple steps,
savings will follow. Not only will we help to
protect the environment, we will also help
the trust achieve much needed savings:
• Avoid using appliances such as portable
heaters, humidifiers, air cleaners
• Avoid additional equipment in offices
such as kettles, coffee makers,
microwaves, fridges
• If you don’t need it, switch it off at the
wall. Appliances running on standby
power waste a great deal of energy.
• Do you really need lights on in the office
during the day? Switch off – it’s good for
the environment and financially
• Turn off lights in conference rooms,
offices and other spaces when they aren’t
being used
•T
urn off office equipment
such as lamps, fans,
photocopiers,
printers and PCs
at the end of each
working day
•K
eep doors and
windows closed when heating is
turned on
• Turn
down the heating to 18-20 degrees.
Setting your thermostat up or down a
degree or two can make a huge difference
in energy consumption
• Recycle whatever you can
•P
rint on double-sided paper and cut paper
usage by 50%
•C
ycle or walk to work if possible – it
produces no carbon emissions
•C
ut out short car trips – take the bus or car
share with colleagues
Soon, we are launching an energy/
environmental awareness campaign and are
now recruiting volunteers who can lead the
campaign in their wards/departments. If you
want to become a ‘champion’, then drop
me a line at [email protected]
or ring me on extension 52866 JCUH
and remember…
Every little helps!
“We are very
excited to be
embarking on the
recycling project.”
Waste not
want not
THE FIRST phase of a project to
centralise recycling of waste has
begun at James Cook
The trust’s private sector partner
Carillion – responsible for waste
collection at the hospital - has
appointed recycling company,
Sita UK, both to manage recycling
and to raise staff awareness and
skills to support their efforts.
A wide range of materials are
targeted for recycling including
general waste, dry mix recycling,
cardboard, paper, food, plastics,
linen, wood, metal, green waste,
mattresses and electrical items.
Ian Roberts, assistant director
of operations and maintenance,
said: “Our target is a 30%
reduction of landfill disposal to
a recycling route. Sita has a very
proactive approach to reducing
landfill waste and a number of
unique plants that can convert
waste into various by-products.”
Waste winners
CONGRATULATIONS to the district
nursing administration team, above,
who won a bottle of champagne for
their efforts in reducing the trust’s
costs by identifying waste.
re-negotiating rates for waste
collection and standardising
the purchase of hand gels and
surgical gloves.
The team, who later donated the
bottle to Cheryl O’Rourke’s raffle
(page 23), saved £4,500 by
Can you think of a way to cut
waste in the trust? Call 01642
835592 extension 55592.
Chief executive Simon Pleydell
added: “We are very excited
to be embarking on the
recycling project and have
been encouraged in this by our
staff. We are anxious to do our
bit for the environment and
some staff have already started
doing their own recycling in
individual departments.”
Work is ongoing to see if
other initiatives can be piloted
and a similar scheme developed
at the Friarage.
21
Helping
Conker
champions
THE first ever North East Conker
Championship raised £200 for the
oncology ward at James Cook.
Teesside Park manager Mike
Clarke said: “Our retailers and
shoppers are always up for a
challenge and it was a great way
to raise money for a good cause.”
We are grateful for the generosity of lo
dedicated people who raise money to h
Fantastic
fundraisers
In memory
of Sonia
FUNDRAISERS have presented £1307.47
to the Chemotherapy Day Unit at
James Cook after holding a charity
football match and seventies night at
Erimus Social Club.
A SONIA Rennison memorial golf
day raised £500 to benefit future
patients at the Friarage’s Mowbray
suite. Sonia was previously outpatients
manager at the Friarage, a much loved
and well-respected colleague, dedicated
to her work.
Teresa Scott organised the events,
together with daughter Lisa
Broomfield, in memory of her late
husband Ian Scott. They are pictured
here handing a cheque to the unit’s
manager Debbie Gippert. The money
David, Graham and Shaun Rennison
would like to thank all the golfers,
families, friends and Richard Boucher
and Andrew Bickerton and the staff
for their kind generosity in making it
a very successful day.
will be used to help improve patient
services in the new unit.
Comfort
and care
BABY Olivia Burton surrounded by
towels, vests, babygros and a lullaby
player which will help bring comfort
and warmth to tiny tots at the Friarage’s
special care baby unit (SCBU).
Family rally
round
THANKS to caring aunty Kim
Stooke pictured (second left) and
her family, the Friarage special
care baby unit (SCBU) has two
special heated cot mattresses to
keep tiny premature and poorly
babies warm.
Charity trek
WALKERS completed a 10-mile
hike up Skiddaw – the fourth
largest mountain in England – to
help raise £1,100 for the breast
care fund at James Cook.
Darren Watkins and his sister
Claire Watkins handed the funds
to specialist breast care nurses
Sue Towes and Sarah Morter,
who have supported Claire in her
battle against breast cancer.
22
Congratulations and many thanks to
Curt Tasker (staff nurse Jane Tasker’s
son) for his effort and generosity in
completing the Great North Run in one
hour 49 minutes to raise money to help
SCBU for the second year in a row.
Their successful fundraising
drive included Kim’s husband,
Wayne and father John
Sutherland cycling the coast to
coast raising £3,000.
The family wanted to thank the
staff for caring for their surviving
twin, Joe Wood pictured here
with his family and SCBU staff.
g hands
ocal people and the support of all the
help patients at the trust’s hospitals.
Bangers boost
Friends fund
TO CELEBRATE British Sausage Week, local
pig farmer, Tim Chapman, joined forces
with Caroline and Scott Young of the
Coore Arms, Scruton.
Tim donated locally produced sausages and
Caroline and Scott designed three different
sausages dishes which were well received
at the pub raising £400 for the Friends of
the Friarage Hospital.
Friend’s chairman Steve Lamb (centre) is
pictured with Scott and Caroline Young,
Tim and his daughter, Kate Chapman, who
helped promote the event.
Beans means
funds
A BAKED bean-phobic family
friend has helped John Bingham
and his partner Gillian Iles raise
money for the neonatal unit at
James Cook by taking a plunge in
a bath of them.
The stunt was part of a charity
night in memory of their baby
Ruby Amelia who was born
17 weeks premature in July
and despite the care received
in the unit, sadly died ten days
later. John is shown handing
over £766.82 to staff nurse
Danielle Morley.
Sisters’ £8,000
thank you
CHERYL O’Rourke, healthcare assistant with the district
nursing team based at Eston, and her sister Lita Martin,
housekeeper ward 25 at James Cook, have raised around
£8,000 for the comfort of neurosciences patients after the
care their father received when he was a patient in the
haematology day unit.
Pictured at their tombola stall in the atrium at James Cook
are (left to right) Lita, Amanda Moore, ward 26, Cheryl and
former healthcare assistant Sheila Millington.
50th birthday bonus
THE FRIARAGE children’s community nurses have
received £615, thanks to firefighter, Richard Henry.
Richard asked for donations instead of gifts for his
50th birthday to thank them for supporting his family
by looking after daughter Rosie, 13, who sadly died in
August 2010.
Sister Clare Wellford pictured with paediatrician, Dr
Jon James, staff nurse Denise Vernon, Richard and
Daniel (Rosie’s brother) said: “The nurses have very fond
memories of Rosie - she was always smiling and had a
wicked personality.”
23
“The awards recognise
physiotherapists who
have shown innovation
and excellence to
provide even better
services for patients.”
(left to right) Helen Lal, senior specialist physiotherapist thoracic
surgery, Halina Baker operational leader physiotherapy, Brighton
Paradza, senior specialist physiotherapist, cardiothoracics and
Sue Rees, vice chair of CSP
Retirement joy
for Jan
COLLEAGUES have wished Jan Lacey, who started
her nurse training in 1965, a long and happy
retirement. In 2001, Jan joined the patient flow
management team but always retained close links to
the division of surgery.
Jan began her training with the Queen Alexandra Royal
Army Nursing Corps and following registration spent
most of her working within the surgical specialties, an
area of work that she really enjoyed.
Physios win award for
helping patients return
home sooner
THE CARDIOTHORACIC
physiotherapy team at James
Cook have won a prestigious
profession-wide award for their
innovative service.
They introduced a seven-day
service based on a new shift
pattern meaning patients who
had coronary artery bypass surgery
had improved access to the
intensive rehabilitation services
they needed.
The new service helped patients
leave hospital 0.6 days quicker
on average, saving the NHS
£85,000 over a year. Across
all cardiothoracic surgical
conditions, the team reduced
patients length of stay by two
bed-days, which helped increase
the number of patients passing
through the department.
The team won the seven-day
working category at the Chartered
Society of Physiotherapy’s (CSP)
Service Excellence Awards held
in November at London’s Hotel
Russell attended by more than
100 physiotherapists from across
the country.
Dr Helena Johnson, CSP chair,
said: “The awards recognise
physiotherapists who have shown
innovation and excellence to
provide even better services for
patients. The James Cook team
have demonstrated both of
those qualities in abundance and
thoroughly deserve their award.”
Chief executive, Simon Pleydell,
said: “The seven-day working
model in cardiothoracic
physiotherapy is a prime
example of how staff have
worked together and embraced
change to improve the service
– with the patient firmly at the
centre of everything they do –
and outcomes.”
Scholars’
corner
Welcome
THE latest cohort of pre-registration
nursing and midwifery students
from Teesside University began their
clinical placement journey at the trust
in November.
The 75 students took away the
following key messages reflecting the
trust’s core values and nursing and
midwifery fundamental values and
behaviours from the practice placement
facilitators home trust induction.
24
Patients first - how
important and
central the patient
is to the trust
Importance of
basic nursing
care and
communication
Patient safety
and how
to protect
the patient
“Learn through play the Montessori way”
Montessori Pre-School
Caring for children from 6 weeks to 5 years.
Our early years programme enhances self
confidence, individuality, creativity &
self expression.
Contact us:
• Early reading, writing & numeracy
activities are provided including French.
• Excellent OFSTED reports.
• Government grants for 3 & 4 year olds.
• High staff ratio for quality care.
• School holiday club for 4 - 8 year olds.
Montessori Pre-School Central,
46 Southfield Road,
Middlesbrough TS1 3EU
Tel: 01642 252723
www.montessoripreschoolnursery.co.uk
Blue Peter House,
127-129 Green Lane, Acklam,
Middlesbrough TS5 7AD
Tel: 01642 270511
Also incorporating:
Thornaby Childrens Nursery
462 Thornaby Road, Thornaby,
Stockton on Tees TS17 8QH
Tel: 01642 750113
Nunthorpe Nurseries Group
❚ Stimulating, happy and safe surroundings
❚ Signing Tots
❚ Yoga
❚ Sessional places available
❚ Excellent newly refurbished outdoor play areas
❚ Flexible Nursery education grant places available
We have nurseries at Acklam, Billingham, Ormesby,
Brambles Farm, Nunthorpe, Park End, Middlesbrough,
Ingleby Barwick & Stockton.
email: [email protected]
www.nunthorpenurseries-grp.co.uk
Need a little help getting
to, or in, hospital ?
Tel: 01642 325312
WRVS, the older people’s charity, has
a hospital support service to
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25
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Families’ Information Services
Information on Childcare and Nursery
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For advice and guidance on finding
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