news@nlag · hypnobirthing study session. given me food for thought for changing practice...

News@NLaGStaff and members newsletter June 2014

Togetherwe care, we respect, we deliver

Winners announced inside!

Sharing best practice MIssed this year’s Best Practice Day? Read about the event on pages 8 and 9

1 - Help us make a difference. Become a staff governor

Page 5 - Nominations open for this year’s staff awards

Page 8 and 9 - Goole hospital showcases orthopaedic surgery

2 Togetherwe care, we respect, we deliver 3

Together we care . . .

Your FacebookPaul Cox: “I would like to thank all of the staff in the opthalmology dept, the staff of the ENT dept and the nursing staff on wards 27 and 25 at SGH for the tender care they took of me during my brief spell. Thank you all.”

Nic Dakin: “I spent a couple of hours at Scunthorpe General Hospital’s out of hours service. I’ve been there many times, most recently as a patient myself! So I was pleased to go behind the scenes and see the energy, commitment and enthusiasm of staff determined to provide patients with the best possible treatment.”

Your tweets@Natnat1975D. “Feel empowered after attending my hypnobirthing study session. Given me food for thought for changing practice @NHSNLaG.”

@Juleskelly67. “Spent my weekend visiting my mum @GrimsbyHospital. Tired now but glad she’s in a nice ward with nice people, nice nurses and doctors.”

@BeeNoticed. “Hubby receiving great care at @GrimsbyHospital #bigupthenhs @butNHS #worthfightingfor.”

@BeeNoticed .“Also excellent and speedy care from @GooleHospital minor injuries unit yesterday .“

Contents

Get in touch...Don’t forget we are always on the lookout for great gossip, exciting events and touching tales – if you have something to shout about please let us know!The deadline for the August edition is July 16.Charlie Garrity - Tel: 01724 282282 extension 2743Email: [email protected]

Lisa Webster - Tel: 01724 387739Email: [email protected]

Katie Blackburn - Tel: 01724 282282 extension 2528Email: [email protected] facebook.com/NHSNLaG

facebook.com/ScunnyHospitalfacebook.com/GrimsbyHospital

@GooleHospital, @GrimsbyHospital, @ScunnyHospital, @NHS_NLaG

3 Mums invited to join in celebrations to mark 10th birthday

4 Recognition for clinical research

5 Launch of Our Stars awards 2014

6 First ever live surgery session held at Goole hospital

7 Thousands up for grabs in staff lottery benefit fund

8-9 Spotlight on Best Practice Day

10 Members’ corner

13 Infection control corner

14 Meet the team

15 Picture round up

The latest Summary Hospital-Level Mortality Indicator (SHMI) shows the Trust’s mortality rate is still ‘as expected’.

The score for the period October 2012 to September 2013 is 109. This is the same for the previous period (July 2012 to June 2013).

The SHMI score relates to deaths in-hospital in Grimsby, Scunthorpe and Goole and out-of-hospital for 30 days after discharge from hospital.

The figures are published quarterly and refer to a 12-month time period occurring 18 to six months before the publication date.

Following the acquisition of the University of Birmingham Hospitals’ Healthcare Evaluation Data (HED) reporting product, the Trust is able report on more up to date SHMI data. This shows that from December 2012 to November 2013, the Trust has a SHMI score of 106.6. This is within the ‘as expected’ range, and is a slight

Progress noticed by CQC As the Trust awaits the feedback report from the Chief of Hospitals inspection undertaken in April, staff are once again thanked for their support and cooperation during that time.

Chief executive of the Trust Karen Jackson was pleased that the inspection team noticed the progress that has been made at all our hospitals. Some positives mentioned to her included that staff are enthusiastic yet realistic about the challenges and transformation that lies ahead and that the board’s vision and values are well understood.

However some issues were also raised during the feedback session including a patient incident, medical staff cover out of hours, support for junior doctors, and the location/environment of Scunthorpe hospital emergency centre. All the issues rasied with Karen are being looked into as a matter of urgency and findings shared with the inspectors.

A draft report of the inspection for a factual accuracy check is expected in a few weeks time.

A summit will then be held where the Trust’s senior executive team

can discuss the report with the Care Quality Commission; and the final report along with the overall ‘grade’ (outstanding; good; requires improvement; or inadequate) will be published at a date yet to be agreed.

Karen will update staff again when she is in a position to share further details about the final report.

Anyone with any queries or concerns about the inspection, please approach your managers or contact Karen directly on [email protected]

Maternity staff are getting into the party spirit as they prepare to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the family services department at Grimsby hospital.

July 20 will mark a decade since maternity staff moved into the building. Women who gave birth on this day will be given a present for them and their baby, funded by the Hospital League of Friends.

To continue the celebrations on July 23 staff have organised a drop-in event inviting women who gave birth in July 2004 to attend, along with maternity staff who have since left or retired.

So if you gave birth during July 2004, or know someone who did, why not get in touch and join the celebrations. Ring Lynn Jefferson on (01472) 874111 extension 7869.

Julie Dixon, head of midfery and gynaecology, said: “It is great to be celebrating this milestone year after moving from the former Grimsby maternity hospital to this new purpose-built maternity unit.

Celebrating a milestone

Mortality as expectedimprovement on the November 2012 to October 2013 HED position (107.1).

This information provides a breakdown of the in-hospital and out-of-hospital mortality levels. For the 12 months to November 2013, the in-hospital SHMI is 101 and the out-of-hospital SHMI is 121. This gap of 20 points is very greater than the average difference nationally, which is usually less than five points.

Trust medical director Dr Mark Withers said: “The Trust is continuing to work closely with colleagues who manage GP services and community healthcare to examine the potential causes of the difference between the in-hospital mortality rates and the out-of-hospital figures.

“This is new data and we cannot make any assumptions about the reasons for this variation. It will take careful and detailed analysis by all parties before any conclusions can be reached or any new actions planned.”

“I am looking forward to welcoming back some of the women who were first to give birth here and I will also be delighted to welcome back former midwifery colleagues.

“We are pleased that Cathy Warwick, chief exectuive of the Royal College of Midwives, will be joining us on July 23 where she will be giving a tour of the unit.”


Did you know?• Onaverage2,700babiesayeararebornintheunit

• TheunitoffersanLDRPsystemofcarethat’slabour, delivery,recoveryandpost-natalcareinyourown ensuiteroom

• Ithasadedicatedtheatreandfamilyroom

Various staff members who work within the family services department at Grimsby hospital are preparing to celebrate the tenth anniversary

4 Togetherwe care, we respect, we deliver

Together we respect . . .

5

Together we deliver . . .

Need some inspiration before you nominate?

It’s that time of the year again, we’re on the lookout for the stars in our organisation; those people who go above and beyond in their role on a daily basis.

On Friday October 3 we’ll be holding a glitzy awards ceremony to honour, celebrate and recognise those individuals and teams who go the extra mile to make a real difference to others.

So if you know of a service that’s been redesigned to the benefit of

patients, someone who has saved the Trust money by implementing a change or simply a member of staff who shows compassion for their patients each and every time then nominate them today.

Last year we recieved over 80 nominations for the awards.

If you’d like to see a colleague or team recognised this year then all you have to do is fill in a nomination form which is available on the Our Stars intranet page.

You can fill it in online or you can print a hard copy off and post to the communications team at Scunthorpe hospital.

The deadline for nominations is Thursday June 12.

Not sure who to nominate? Here’s a reminder of some of last year’s winners :

Dr Joesph Alex, consultant radiologist at DPOW, won the patient centred care award for his commitment to patients, to caring about each and every patient and always putting them first.

David Owen, assistant chief pharmacist, was recognised under the best business initiative category for his work to secure a seven-year contract with Lloyds Pharmacy which is delivering savings for the Trust.

Our critical care outreach teams won

the keeping our patients safe award for being a dedicated, knowledgeable and approachable team who are a valuable resource fo staff caring for patients in crisis.

Our children’s speech and language therapy team in NE Lincs picked up the valued partnerships award for their proactive and engaging work with their commissioners and colleagues across different sectors.

The enhanced recovery team took home the clinical quality and innovation award for using innovative methods to ensure a quick and painless recovery from surgery for

orthopaedic patients.

The Path Links andrology team picked up the clinical service redesign award for their efforts which resulted in a dramatic fall in patient waiting times.

Our transport team were acknowledged for their efforts to promote sustainable modes of transport when they walked away with the good corporate citizen award.

Now it’s your chance to put forward an individual or team who you think deserves to be showcased in our Our Stars hall of fame.

Patients can now vote too!We’re inviting nominations from patients and their relatives for our new ‘Patient’s Choice’ award. If a member of staff, team or volunteer made a difference to your experience now’s your chance to say ‘thank you’.

We’re looking for nominees who have demonstrated a commitment to delivering caring, compassionate services that exceed our patients expectations.

Members of the public can nominate

their NHS heroes by:

• Filling out a postcard (available from wards)

• Visiting the Trust website at http://www.nlg.nhs.uk/about/awards

• Emailing [email protected]

• Calling (01724) 387739.

Please provide your name, the name of the staff member, area they work in and the reason for the nomination.

Patient lettersScunthorpe“I visited the x-ray department for an x-ray guided pain relief injection. The staff were all very courteous and helpful at all times. I was kept fully informed of the procedures as they took place and asked if I was ok.

“Each member of staff introduced themselves and this was all very reassuring and made me feel as if I was a person who mattered and not just a number, at 76 years old this is very important and puts aside any fears I may have should I have to return to the hospital. Thank you to all concerned.” Mrs D Dawes (passed on via a governor)

“My wife was recently in ward 10 for a hip replacement operation and from start to finish we can only say how good the care has been. A very big thank you to all the nurses and staff on ward 10, who were excellent and of course to the doctors and back up staff . Thanks to all.” Posted on NHS choices by Steve on behalf of Kathryn.

Grimsby“Thank you very much to the staff at the day surgery unit in Grimsby. Was there earlier this week and yes a bit of a long wait but I was not the only patient! They take good care of everyone, and there is respect and care.” Anonymous posted on NHS choices.

Goole“I had foot surgery and I was really well looked after from theatre to ward. Would highly recommend Goole hospital. Great staff and really caring. Well done to all. Thank you to the consultant, theatre staff and ward 7 staff.” Posted by Anonymous on NHS choices.

Two new coachesCongratulations to two staff members who have recently received their level 7 executive coaches qualification.

Angie Davies, assistant general manager/head of nursing, (pictured centre with other coaches) and Paul Bunyan, a HR advisor, will join other staff who have already qualified as coaches.

Coaching is seen as a positive intervention to enable staff to realise their own self-awareness and unlock

their potential to grow and move forward. It is a technique of listening, questioning, clarifying and giving feedback.

Some benefits of coaching include: helping achieve goals, higher motivation and better decision making.

Anyone who would like to spend time with a trained coach for confidential discussions that could help you call DPoW 2487 or see the coaching network intranet site.

Research certificate success

Nominations open for staff awards

Award categories❖ Patient centred care❖ Good corporate citizen❖ Best business initiative❖ SHINE award for quality and innovation❖ Keeping our patients safe❖ Clinical service redesign❖ Valued partnerships❖ Together award❖ Patient’s Choice award

Scunthorpe hospital’s consultant dermatologist Dr Aamir Butt has received a certificate of recognition from the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) for his contribution to growth and improved delivery of commercial research studies.

Dr Butt works with his dermatology team and with the Trust’s research nurses and data-coordinators to provide clinical trials. He said: “We are getting involved in a lot more research which is good for training purposes but it also means that patients can be offered brand new treatments not already available on the NHS. I feel very grateful for

this award but it is also an award for all the staff who work within dermatology in the hospital.”

From left: Hazel Brook, industry manager for the National Institute for Health Research, Jill Ramsey, dermatology specialist nurse, Dr Aamir Butt, consultant dermatologist, Dr Prakash Gowda, consultant dermatologist and Carol Gray, research nurse


Our community dental team want your smiles! They’re backing a national campaign aimed at improving the nation’s dental health by launching a Facebook competition at facebook.com/NHSNLaG

National Smile Month runs from May 19 to June 19 and promotes three key messages for good oral health:

• Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste

• Cut down on how often you have sugary foods and drinks

• Visit your dentist regularly, as often as recommended.

Live surgery showcase a success

News in briefPatients can now see at a glance how many nurses are on shift on the wards. New boards are now displayed on every ward which show how many staff are planned for each shift and how many are actually on duty. If there is a shortfall it also shows what is being done about it. The new boards have already attracted compliments including chief nursing officer of NHS England, Jane Cummings.

Nominations have now opened until August 1 for the national programmes and leadership awards. Categories include: board/governing body of the year; development champion; emerging leader; mentor/coach; inspirational leader; patient champion; system leader; innovator of the year and leader of inclusivity of the year. To nominate go to: http://awards.leadershipacademy.nhs.uk/yh/

The Healthy Lives, Healthy Futures ‘Moving the Conversation on’ report has been published following the first phase of public consultation.The key themes will be used to help in the development of options and to inform the final decision making process for consultation in summer 2014. The report is available to view at: www.healthyliveshealthyfutures.nhs.uk

Staff can ‘arrive and drive’ at our annual salary sacrifice event held with Knowles Associates. Come and test drive a range of vehicles from a seletion of manufacturers and get a no-obligation quote. Don’t forget to bring your driving license. Come along on Wednesday June 11 , 11am to 2pm at Scunthorpe (car park 4 - upper level) and Thursday June 12 at Grimsby on the grassed area near the helipad from 10am to 3pm.

Did you know there is £11,500 up for grabs for members of the staff lottery?

Lottery members can apply to spend it anyway you like as long as it is to provides that ‘little something extra’ to improve YOUR working life or environment.

Each month the Staff Benefit Fund grows that bit bigger. Dr Dosh and Nurse Lucky are waiting to hear from YOU with YOUR ideas on how to spend the pot of cash.

Staff submitting ideas to the benefit fund have to be in the Trust lottery, but it can be spent on whatever you think will benefit you or your team.

So what are you waiting for, get your thinking caps on and log onto the staff portal and put forward your idea and who knows you and your colleagues could secure a slice of the dosh.

Simon Dunn, assistant director of OD and workforce, said: “The fund is all about providing that something special for staff.”

Money has already been spent on:

• A bench in memory of former finance assistant director Lakshmy Subramanian

• Entry fees for eight staff members to take part in the Race for Life

• 13 teams of staff to take part in the annual Global Corporate Challenge (GCC)

• 50 tickets for staff to attend this October’s Our Star awards event at Forest Pines (look out for further details in weekly bulletin and intranet).

Simon added: “Ideas have ranged from white goods costing under £100 to initiatives to help improve staff health, fitness and wellbeing such as the GCC. We have also splashed out on 50 tickets for staff wanting to attend the Our Staff awards ceremony this year.”

Log onto the staff portal at: www.nlg-staffportal.co.uk and submit your idea. Don’t forget you can log on at home or or your smartphone.

£11,500 up for grabs for staff

Mr Pacheco carries out a total knee replacement, as the audience watch on via video link

The audience watched via video link as a total knee replacement and a shoulder arthroscopy were carried out.

As Mr Ricardo Pacheco and Mr Grant Bayne performed surgery our clinical lead for trauma and orthopaedics Mr Molitor guided the audience through what was happening, injecting some humour into the day for any nervous viewers. After the operations people were given the chance to ask any questions about what they had seen.

Physiotherapists Sally Ferrer talked about the service her team offers to patients to aid a quick recovery and an Dr Kate Wood, consultant anesthetist and associate medical director for surgery and critical care, was on hand to debate the benefits of spinal injections as opposed to general anesthetic for joint replacements.

Patient Ian Dewar spoke to the audience about his experiences at the hospital having had two knee replacements and a shoulder operation. He said: “There’s no finer

hospital; the staff are very friendly. I’ve had three operations here, which have changed my life. It’s not only enhanced my life but the lives of my family as well.”

Mr Andrew Edwards, consultant orhopaedic surgeon, talked about why people should choose to go to Goole. He said: “The wards are sparkling clean and it’s comfortable. The people who look after you know each other very well; it’s like one big family. “

The event was held to showcase the different orthopedic services on offer at Goole where around 1,200

orthopaedic operations are

Soft tissue being cleared from inside the shoulder joint

carried out every year.

Shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, ankle and foot surgery is offered with specialist services including complex knee replacements and revisions, cartilage defects, sports injuries and soft tissue injuries.

Feedback from patients Carol Laughton said: “I thoroughly enjoyed the event and was pleased I had gone. Having had a knee replacement at the end of January, I was a bit apprehensive, but there was no need and when I have my other one done later in the year I know exactly what will happen. I hope there will be more of these occasions. Everything was so well organised and the lunch was lovely.”

Another audience member said: “It was a lovely day. I really enjoyed it, it was very interesting. The knee op was nothing like I imagined at all, looking forward to the next one and hope there will be one.”

Lynne Atkin said: “I really enjoyed the day. Thank you for organising this. There must have been so much hard work for you, but it certainly was worth it and much appreciated by everyone there I’m sure.”

More than 60 members of the public took up the opportunity to witness live surgery at a special event at Goole hospital.


This year’s Best Practice Day, held on International Nurses Day (May 12), was an opportunity for nursing, midwifery and allied health professional staff to showcase their achievements from the past year.

Best Practice Day celebrates Trust staff innovation and success

Around 100 people from the Trust turned out in force to the event held at Glanford Park in Scunthorpe.

Staff from the Trust’s three hospitals and community services had the chance to showcase the things they have been doing over the last year that have helped to improve patient care.

The day was facilitated by health correspondent for BBC Look North Vicky Johnson, who also chaired a question and answer panel session with Trust chief nurse/deputy chief executive Dr Karen Dunderdale, Trust chief executive Karen Jackson and the guest speaker for the day Teresa Fenech, deputy chief nurse for NHS England North.

Teresa gave a very informative presentation on ‘What does open and honest care mean in nursing’. Her final words were from Simon Stevens the chief executive of NHS England: “At all times our guiding principle will be: walk in the shoes of the people we serve’.

Dr Dunderdale said: “Last year was our inaugural event and proved to be such an inspirational day that we decided to turn into an annual event. International Nurses Day gives us a great chance to stand up and shout about what we do, why we joined the profession, and why we continue to work tirelessly for our patients.

“The event gives nurses, midwives and allied health professionals the chance to share excellent examples of good practice which they can take back to their own areas and share with their colleagues.”

She added: “The event takes me back to the days when I dreamed of being a nurse. I am extremely proud to work with such a wonderful group of people.”

Other people attending the day also enjoyed the event.

Jo Loughborough, patient experience practitioner, said: “The day was absolutely inspirational. The

enthusiasm people have shown in moving great care forward is truly inspiring.”

Karen Roe, nurse lead for medicine management, said: “It has made me realise all of the great work other people are doing around me. It was really inspiring to hear other people’s stories.”

Claire Clarke, lead professional for health visiting, said: “It has been incredibly inspiring. It’s also been great talking to other people from other services.”

Staff were invited to submit a topic to present at the event either as a PowerPoint presentation, or as a poster.

Six people were picked to present on the day and 14 posters were chosen. The prize for the winning presetation was awarded to Ruth Chittenden (pictured) who spoke about the community newborn hearing screening programme in North Lincolnshire.

The prize for the winning poster went to Annemarie Talbot for streamlining the immunisation process:

loosening the braces and tightening the belt.

Other presentations during the morning sessions included: the implementation of mandatory clinical supervision for all registered nurses working in the hospital setting; the development of a short stay paediatric assessment and observation unit at Grimsby hospital and the powerful voice about patient experience.

Chief nurse Dr Karen Dunderdale with BBC Look North health correspondent Vicky Johnson

Viv Duncanson with bacteria busters!

Quality matrons Mel Sharp and Diane Hughes with their goodie bags

Quality matron Rachel Greenbeck leading the dementia workshop

A series of workshops were held as part of the day covering end of life care, dementia care, integrated services and clinical skills updates.

There wasn’t a dry eye in the room when an actress told the heartbreaking tale of a terminally ill woman not only trying to come to terms with her prognosis but how to tackle the subject of death with her family.

It was witty, enlightening, moving and extremely powerful. Staff were left - not only in tears - but determined to go back to their areas and help empower people to have those diffiuclt conversations.

There were floods more tears in the dementia workshop which poignantly told the story of Barbara and the devastating isolation she faced.

Staff also had the chance to brush up on their clinical skills with sessions on fluid balance, hydration and pressure ulcers.

Did you know?• Famous for her work in the military hospitals

of the Crimea, Florence Nightingale established nursing as a respectable profession for women

• In 1860 she established the Nightingale Training School for nurses at St Thomas’ Hospital in London

• She died on 13 August 1910

Winners on the day

Dr Karen Dunderdale and Teresa Fenech

10 Togetherwe care, we respect, we deliver

Together we speak . . .

11

Together we speak . . .

Jen Smith talks about why she became a staff governor.I have been a staff governor not once but twice. I love it as you get to work with people in other areas of the Trust, you get a huge insight into what is happening in the Trust and why and you get to have your say.

I was first appointed in 2009 but after a year I had to step down as I left the Trust to take up a secondment. When I returned to the Trust I was asked to consider taking up a vacant seat and I was voted back in as a staff governor.

When the Keogh Review team was here we had a part to play and we the executive team explained to us in detail why they were here and what we were doing as an organisation to address mortality.

You also get to sit on other committees and groups, such as the Lottery Committee, where I get a chance to have a say on how the money is spent and which staff benefit fund applications are approved.

You get to be part of something other than your day-to-day job. I have the support of my line manager to

attend meetings. I am also available for staff to speak to if they have a worry or concern as I can provide a link between them and the executive team.

I have really enjoyed being part of the ward review programme, as I get to go and look at other areas and comment on what I have found that is good, or perhaps needs some attention. I have also spent time working in other departments, such as the minor injuries unit at Goole hospital.

You also get to meet patients which a nice thing to do. Patients really do talk to you and tell you what they think about the services they have received.

The worst part of the role is the reading! You do sometimes get a pile of papers to plough through. However, it is really interesting and although sometimes a bit baffling, there is always some on hand to explain it to you.

You aren’t just thrown into the role either, as there is training on offer which helps you develop and grown into being a staff governor. You also get to have a one to one with the chairman, who sits down with you and looks at how you can develop as a governor.

It really does give you an insight and understanding of how the Trust is managed and run, and why decisions are taken. You also get to have your say, for example during the recent CQC inspection we had a chance to have a chat with the team.

I think for me the most satisfying aspect of the role is providing a bridge between staff and members of the public and the executive team. If anyone would like a chat about what the role is all about then email me at: [email protected]

It also looks good on your CV!

Members’ corner

Do you want to make a difference?Did you know?

Did you know that as a member of the Trust you could save money thanks to massive great deals on the Health Service Discounts website?

It is a great place to browse to find exclusives, discounts, brilliant deals and money-saving offers. It is totally free and simple to join.

All you need to do is register for free at www.healthservicediscounts.com and then sit back and enjoy accessing a comprehensive range of discounts, benefits and money off vouchers.

The Trust is looking for staff members wanting to have their say and make a difference by coming forward and standing as a staff governor.

The organisation needs three staff governors to sit on the Council of Governors.

Staff governors specifically represent the views of staff members and other staff. The role of all governors includes:

• Representing the interests and views of Trust staff

• Receiving information about the Trust, its vision and its performance

• Selecting and appointing non-executive directors and the chairman

• Approving the appointment of the chief executive

• Approving the remuneration of the chairman and non-executive directors.

For further information contact [email protected]

Some of the things staff governors lead on

Special look at PLACE visits

Harold Edwards (above) and members of the PLACE team visiting Scunthorpe hospital

I was lucky enough to join patients, members of the public, Trust staff, Health Watch representatives and other public governors to assess Scunthorpe hospital. We looked at things such as the environment, inside and out, the quality of food and drinks and how well staff protect the privacy and dignity of patients.

We were all split into four teams and sent on our way. My team was assigned ward 2 (short stay ward), the emergency centre and radiology. We were also tasked with sampling the food.

Our first port of call was ward 2 where we were greeted by doctors and nursing staff who all introduced themselves. The patients had nothing but praise for the care they were receiving.

The ward was spotless, spacious and bright with a lovely seating area where soft music was being played.

We moved onto the emergency centre (A&E) which was very busy. We had a chat with patients being treated in the cubicles, which were all full, and they were all happy and felt they were being treated with dignity and respect. We did pick up

a couple of points around visibility for wheelchair users at the reception desk due to posters and leaflets blocking their view, and a glass window which needed to be opaque.

As it was now lunch we headed for the restaurant to sample some food that was being dished up for patients that day. We all tucked in and could find no fault, in fact the apple crumble was a real hit.

We headed back out to the radiology department, where we found a welcoming and clean waiting area, although the odd seat had seen better days.

I spoke to a patient who was waiting to have an angiogram and they were full of praise of how they were being looked after by the nurses.

At our feedback session with Trust deputy chief nurse Tara Filby we all felt it had been a worthwhile day. I took great pleasure in congratulating the ward 2 manager on the excellence we had found.

Overall the outcome from all of the teams was positive although we found some areas that appeared to be a bit dated’and in need of refurbishment.

Our results will be analysed and weighted by the Health and Social Care Information centre and then the Trust will receive its final results. They will then be published nationally.

Public governor Harold Edwards has recently taken part in the Trust’s PLACE visits - patient led assessments of the care environment.

Have your contact details changed?Don’t forget to let us know if your contact details change, including your email address.

To update your details send us a quick email to [email protected] or ring us on (01724) 387946.

Key dates for election• Monday June 9 -

deadline for receipt of nominations

• Thursday June 24 - issue of ballot packs and notice of poll

• Thursday July 17 - close of poll at 5pm

• Friday July 18 - declaration of results.


Member events for April and May

Infection control

3pm to 5pm, Goole governor drop in, Coffee Bean, Goole hospital

10Tuesday June

Member events for June and July

2pm to 5pm, Trust Board of Directors meeting, boardroom, Scunthorpe hospital

TuesdayJune

2pm to 5pm, Council of Governors business meeting, lecture theatre, Grimsby hospital

Thursday July

Tuesday July

Imagination, ideas, team working and a fierce competitive streak proved a winning formula for the women and children’s group.

The communications and marketing team threw down the gauntlet last year for Trust groups - women and children’s, chief nurse, surgery and critical care, medicine, community and therapy and diagnostics - to come forward with ideas for news releases.

Sarah Mainprize, head of communication and marketing, said: “We are always on the lookout for news we can share with our local communities, be it a service development, opening, a retirement or a donation.

“We decided to launch a competition to find the most newsy group or directorate, and in doing so ensure we share their good news with as many people as possible.”

It was a close battle with women and children’s and the chief nurse vying for the top spot throughout the year. However, women and children’s grabbed the first place at the last minute, ending the year with only two stories in front with a grand total of 42.

Sarah said: “Thank to you to everyone who has contacted us with stories. We rely on our staff to tell us of the amazing work they are doing, so we can in turn share it with the public.”

Teamwork is winning formulaIt’s ok to ask about clinical trials

People are being encouraged to ask about clinical research.The Trust has recently marked international clinical trials day with information stands at Grimsby and Scunthorpe hospitals.

The event commemorates the day that James Lind started his famous trial on board HMS Salisbury in 1747 which looked at scurvy.

Debrah Bates, head of research and professional development at the Trust, said: “Clinical research is one of the way in which we can improve treatments in the NHS.

“Studies are often used to compare current treatments with potentially better ones, so that we can keep improving the care we offer. In many cases doctors will tell patients about research but we also need patients to ask about it themselves when they come into our hospitals.”

She said patients who took part often felt they were taking an active part in their health care and were helping others, by identifying the new treatments.

So, why not ask your family doctor, nurse or consultant about clinical research, and whether it might be right for you.

Last year, more than 1,000 patients at the Trust chose to take part in nearly 100 clinical research studies carried out across Scunthorpe, Grimsby and Goole hospitals.

Debrah said: “It is thanks to the patients and the public taking part in clinical trials that we are learning more all the time about how to deal with a whole range of medical conditions. It also allows people to make some real breakthroughs that improve thousands of lives and gives our patients the opportunity to access novel and innovative treatments.”

The Trust is currently supporting a range of research projects in the following areas: oncology, diabetes, dermatology, paediatrics, haematology, gastrointestinal,

rheumatology, stroke, obstetrics, intensive care unit, cardiology, gynaecology, surgery and neurology.

Debrah added: “Research and innovation is at the heart of what we do. We are constantly striving to ensure our patients get the highest quality care available.”

Debrah heads a team of 17 people including research nurses, project co-ordinators and data co-ordinators.

If anyone would like further information about clinical research at the Trust then please ring (01724) 290410.

From left are matrons: Debbie Rusiecki, Heather Gallagher and Janet Scriven receiving a certificate and £30 shopping vouchers

Members of the research and development team

Tuesday July 8 29

Members’ corner24

2pm to 5pm, Trust Board of Directors meeting, main boardoom, Grimsby hospital

23

3pm to 5pm, Goole governor drop in, Coffee Bean, Goole hospital

Staff put their thinking caps on to come up with a funny infection control related caption for this picture of a group of nurses with a skeleton.

In fact the entries were so good, there are two winners. Gay Johnstone, a healthcare assistant in outpatients at Scunthorpe hospital, came up with: “I say Nurse Goody haven’t you done a grand job of scrubbing Mr Bones clean for his procedure.”

The other winner was Derrick Goodwin, who is a porter at Grimsby hospital. His winning entry was: “When I said you cannot go home in your uniform because of cross infection, I did not mean go home naked.”

They have both received a tub of chocolates.

Receiving her prize is Gay pictured with outpatient manager Sally Wattam (left) and infection prevention and control specialist nurse Susan Samways (right)

Where is Danni bear?What is Danni up to this time?

If you can identify from the picture what procedure Danni has been involved with, then email your answer to Viv Duncanson at [email protected] or send your written answer to Viv Duncanson, infection control department, path lab DPOW. Closing date is Monday June 23.

Prize for the winner (if multiple correct answers received then the winner will be picked from a hat).


Picture box

Community intermediate care facility team

In your wordsSally Gower, community intermediate care facility unit manager.

I began my nursing career in 1978 and prior to my role on this unit, I was manager of the stroke unit.

I really enjoy the varied workload I now have. This unit is not about acute nursing, it’s about aiming to return patients back home with them happy to carry on an independent life.

Here we have that extra time to build a relationship with individuals in a relaxed atmosphere that you would not necessarily have on a busy ward.

Meet the team

A joint obstetric and anaesthetic team seminar took place at Scunthorpe hospital.It was designed to be a multidisciplinary meeting involving all midwives, obstetricians and anaesthetists.Miss Samira Furara, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist organised the event

New dementia friendly bays have been opened at Grimsby’ hospital’s ward

B6. With a woodland theme the idea behind the revamp is to orientate

patients who have dementia. Trust chief exceutive Karen Jackson (third on

left) is pictured with staff at the official opening

Sue Over, Superintendent Physiotherapist from our community adult learning disability group, accepts a cheque from Natwest for £162. Staff and customers at the Immingham branch raised the cash for the Immingham Disability Swimming Group. The money will fund a Halliwick Disability Swimming Training Course and be used to buy medals and trophies for this year’s swimming gala

Across the Trust employees have stepped forward to become care

makers, acting as ambassadors to spread professional values among

their colleagues and patients. Pictured are just a few of many that

have signed up

Our Rehab medicine team recently raised £72.32 for the Motor

Neurone Disease Association. The whole team including consultants,

physio’s, O.Ts , dieticians and admin staff got involved in the ‘bake it’

event

We all want to lead independent lives but an accident or medical condition can often set us back.Here at Grimsby hospital a multi-disciplinary team working within the community intermediate care facility are on hand to provide patients with further recuperation and rehabilitation care once they are medically fit and discharged from acute care.

It’s almost like an extra ‘pit stop’ to make sure an individual regains the level of independence they had before they came to hospital and also to avoid the need for long-term care afterwards.

The community intermediate care facility opened in November last year after a £185,000 investment and works in partnership with GPs and the Care Plus Group.

The unit, based in the former A1 area, is home to four stroke intermediate rehabilitation beds, 15 general rehabilitation beds with 14 of these having en suite and a four bedded bay. It has its own rehabilitation/

therapy area and kitchen, a patient dining room, and gym.

Staff say that the unit builds and promotes independence and enables the patients to have safe discharge to their own homes, enabling them to enjoy as good a quality of life as possible.

Families of patients are encouraged to take part in the rehabilitation programme to support their loved ones.

Sally Gower, unit manager, said: “Patients have access to a multi-disciplinary team consisting of nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, healthcare assistants, hotel service staff, home team and therapy assistants.

“The team work together with patients in agreeing decisions and goals surrounding their care and progress.

“In the short time we have been open we have had fabulous feedback from patients that have used the facility. One of my favourite patient comments came in the form of a poem which had references ‘to being treated like a human’.

Get in touchAre you organising a cheque presentation on your ward/department? Then get in touch with the communications team on (01724) 387739 and let us know so we can pop along with our camera.


What would YOU spend it on?

Spend £5 a month and be in with a chance to WIN £2,000

Easy to sign up go to: www.nlg-staffportal.co.uk

Go on, spoil yourself

Prizes subject to membership figuresTogether

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