October/November 2005 Issue No. 138 Chelsea and Westminster Healthcare NHS Trust

Trust NEWS● Six new infection

control linkprofessionals

- page 3

● Protectedmealtimeslaunched onsurgical wards

- page 11

● News fromthe ChiefExecutive

- page 2

In thisissue...

delighted to acknowledge thegenerosity of RMCC inmaking it possible toestablish the overnight stayrooms which will be an

enormous benefit for thefamilies we care for in theUnit.”● See centre pages for

special spotlight on NICU

New rooms forNICU mums

■ Pictured in one of the new neonatal parent rooms are(centre) Carolyn Bond with her 11 month old twins,Jemima and Bertie Bond, with neonatal staff (from left toright); Sister Alex Mancini, Staff Nurse Joy Bilono, StaffNurse Diyenemy Pagayon and Sister Christina Morales.

Special parent rooms on the hospital's Neonatal Unithave been given a major makeover thanks to agenerous donation from the Ronald McDonaldChildren's Charity (RMCC) to The Children'sHospital Trust Fund here at Chelsea and Westminster.

£71,000 has been spent onre-organising and refurbishingtwo new parent rooms and aday room so that there is apeaceful place for parents tostay whilst their babies arebeing cared for on the unit.

Parents can also stay in theroom overnight with theirbaby but have the comfort ofknowing that there arespecialists on hand to help ifthey are worried. This helpsparents to build up theirconfidence before they gohome with their baby.

The parent rooms boastensuite facilities andtelevisions. The day room hasa television, comfortableseating and cooking facilities.

The rooms were officiallyopened on 6 October bymum Carolyn Bond whoknows only too well what it'slike to spend time on theNeonatal Unit. She spent

nearly six months there afterthe birth of her twins, Bertieand Jemima.

Despite bring born at 30weeks and with Bertieweighing only 1lb 4ozs andJemima just 3lbs - theysurvived and are nowenjoying life at home withtheir mum.

Carolyn said: “The nursingstaff were second to none -they saved my children's livesand kept me going. I wasdelighted to be asked to comeand open the new parentrooms. I know howimportant it is to havesomewhere peaceful and quietto rest when you are spendinga lot of time on the unit.”

Chairman of TheChildren's Hospital TrustFund at Chelsea andWestminster HealthcareNHS Trust, Dr MartinBrueton, said: “We are

■ Pictured are (beside the pool, left to right) the Hydro-Physiotherapy Team: Sarah Rand, Kath Taylor, Eliza Lee,Louise Clover and Mary Anderson (in the pool); withpatients Sandra Johnson, Oriel Robinson and Ann Carroll.

This edition of Trust News covers initiativesundertaken on the day of our AnnualGeneral Meeting. I would like to thank allof our staff involved in planning andrunning the workshops and the AGM, formaking the event such a success. It wasencouraging to see more than 200 peopleattend the event and this was a direct resultof our membership drive with regard tobecoming a NHS Foundation Trust. Inprevious years we would have only had adozen people interested.

★★★★As a Three Star Trust we are in the process of applying forNHS Foundation Trust status and I would welcomeinvolvement from everyone. We will be holding focusgroups for staff and patients to provide an update on ourapplication progress.

All NHS Trusts must become Foundation Trusts by2008 and our Board will make a decision on 1 Decemberwhether we proceed at this time. If we go ahead, ourapplication will be passed to the Department of Healthwho will make a decision whether to pass it to the

Secretary of State for Health prior to passingit to Monitor for the final assessment.

★★★★The North West London Strategic HealthAuthority embarked on a strategic review ofacute services in the sector and tertiarypaediatric heart and lung and adult cardiacservices. Under consideration is the potentialto form an Institute of Child Health alongthe Fulham Road, siting paediatriccardiology and respiratory services atChelsea and Westminster. This is potentiallyexciting for staff and our clinical teams have

been fully involved in the process.

★★★★There is also much media coverage over financial issues inthe NHS and the North West London health economyhas significant issues. At Chelsea and Westminster wemust continue to drive efficiencies. We are measured onour length of stay and nurse-patient ratio, day surgeryrates and admissions on day of surgery. These are now allimportant indicators for us to measure and to continuallyimprove upon.

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Friends of the Chelsea andWestminster Hospital

Christmas Fair

10.30am - 3pmWednesday 30

November 2005

Bargains galore

Stalls include: books, bottle tombola,

cakes, preserves,Christmas food, toys,

gifts and stocking fillers,and our bumperChristmas Raffle.

by the Chief Executive, Heather LawrenceHeather’s view

Out now

New hospital radio magazine– pick up your copy now

Patients using the hospital’s hydrotherapy pool have given the service thethumbs up – a satisfaction survey has revealed.

Hydrotherapy survey results

One hundred patientscompleted a questionnaire atthe end of their fourtreatment sessions. Thesurvey assessed whether apatient was happy with thestructure of the sessions,treatment and waiting times.A patient’s understanding ofwhy hydrotherapy wassuitable for them was alsoassessed. • 89 per cent of patients

were happy with the timethey had to wait for theirfirst hydro session.

• Nine out of 10 patientswere happy with theirinitial introduction andexplanation of theirtreatment.

• 82 per cent continueddoing their land exercisesat home while havingtheir hydrotherapytreatment.

• 85 per cent found thehydrotherapy facilitiesacceptable.

• 88 per cent found staff tobe sensitive to their fearsand anxieties and 87 percent felt that enoughpersonal supervision

was received. Louise Clover Lead

Hydro-Physiotherapist, said:“Hydrotherapy is a popularform of treatment. The teamand I are pleased with theresults of this survey. Manyof the patients we see in thepool gain an understandingof the importance of exerciseas a form of treatment, andwe encourage them to

continue with this whendischarged.”

The hydrotherapy teamconsists of: Lead Hydro-Physiotherapist LouiseClover, Hydro-Physiotherapists DeborahEarl, Kath Taylor, SarahRand and Mary Anderson.And PhysiotherapyAssistants Eliza Lee andBarry Henderson.

New infection control MSc to be launched Chelsea and Westminster has been chosen by the Biomed Online LearningConsortium to launch an online Masters in Science (MSc) in infectioncontrol management next year.

Professor Patrician Harvey,the Director of theConsortium, was veryimpressed by the hospital's

proactive and inclusiveapproach to infection controland thought Chelsea andWestminster the best place to

launch the course for allhealthcare professionals.

The course is one of 10electronically-delivered

courses that have beencreated specifically to allowstudents to learn at theirown pace but within a tutor-supported environment.

The course is aimed at allhealth professionals - clinicaland non-clinical. Successfulstudents gain 30 Master'scredits which can beaccumulated towards a fullMasters degree, as well asrecognition for 100continued professionaldevelopment (CPD) points.This makes it a very flexiblecourse for staff wishing togain a postgraduatequalification and learn moreabout infection control.

The initiative is part ofBiomed Online Learning andhas been developed as part ofa collaboration between theUniversity of Greenwich, theHealth Protection Agencyand 16 NHS hospital trusts.It has been funded by theWorkforce DevelopmentConfederation.

● Continues on page 4

New network will improve infection control Meet Chelsea and Westminster’s first ever infectioncontrol link professionals - a new network ofclinical staff who are responsible for promotinggood infection control across the hospital.

These six people are thefirst of more than 60 peoplewho will be specially trainedto help staff fight the spreadof infections in the hospital.

Senior Infection ControlNurse Roz Wallis explained:“Link professionals areresponsible for infectioncontrol in their clinical areaand provide a role model forother staff. They are anessential communication linkwith the infection controlteam and eventually wewould like to have linkprofessionals in all clinicalareas.

“They are also responsiblefor auditing hand hygieneand intravenous line care ona monthly basis - this is aninnovative step forward forus and not something a lotof hospitals do.”

Sister in Intensive Care,

Hazel Boyle, is one of thenew professionals. She said:“I wanted to get involved asthis is a particular passion forme. It’s a challenging role aswe are expected to bringabout real change but I thinkit will be rewarding. We canreally make a difference -improving infection controlstandards and patient care.

“The four day training wereceived was verycomprehensive andmotivating. WhilstGovernment policy is veryimportant this alone cannotbring about change - that’swhere link professionalscome into their own. Therole is respected and has thebacking of the infectioncontrol team and seniormanagement.”

Director of NursingAndrew MacCallum said:

“This is a very importantinitiative for this hospital andhas my full support. Infectioncontrol is everybody’sbusiness and that’s why thisrole is so vital in helping usto reduce cross infection.”

If you are interested inbecoming a link professionalthen call Roz Wallis on ext8264. You have to be a gradeE or above and have areasonable amount of clinicalexperience.

■ Left to right: New Infection Control Link Professionalsare Staff Nurse for Paediatric Theatres Natalie Foulis;Senior Staff Nurse on ICU Emma Long; Senior InfectionControl Nurse Roz Wallis; Senior Nurse on David EvansWard Imelda Pilar; Director of Nursing AndrewMacCallum; ICU Sister Hazel Boyle; Staff NurseOutpatients 3, Margaret Ffolkes; Staff Nurse DavidErskine Chandrina Largo.

■ Caption: Senior Clinical Scientist at the Health Protection Agency, Peter Hoffman; NurseConsultant at UCLH, Annette Jeanes; Greenwich University Professor Patricia Harvey;Director of Hospital Acquired Infections Unit at the Health Protection Agency, ProfessorBarry Cookson; Senior Infection Control Nurse Roz Wallis and Director of InfectionPrevention and Control Dr Berge Azadian.

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Q I am entitled to backpay under Agenda For Change(AFC), won’t it be paid by payroll automatically?

A In the vast majority of cases staff have received increases intheir pay backdated to 1 October 2004 - the date of

national implementation of Agenda for Change. Staff mustcomplete, sign and return the offer in their assimilationletters in the time frame specified in order to be paid theirnew AFC pay. The change of pay will not be automatic - exceptfor those staff newly employed after 1 December 2004.

Q It is now after 1 October 2005 and I have worked inthe NHS for over 10 years and have only just received

my assimilation letters, may I carry over the extra Agendafor Change annual leave?

A The new AFC annual leave entitlement is as follows:

Annual leave increased entitlements are effective from 1October 2004. Extra Agenda for Change annual leave may becarried over to the next annual leave year. Annual leave years arebased on the employee’s start date in the Trust.

Q I currently work 36 hours per week, do my hoursimmediately increase to 371/2 hours per week if I

transfer to Agenda for Change?

A The standard hours under Agenda for Change are 371/2for all staff. All staff new to the NHS are contracted to

the new AFC hours. Staff employed by the NHS prior to 1December 2004 and on less than 371/2 hours have their hoursprotected as follows:

Q My current Trust pay looks higher than that quotedfor after the 1 October in the assimilation letter?

A All assimilation letters will state your Trust pay and AFCpay as at 1 October 2004 - the date of national

implementation of Agenda for Change. Your current pay andAFC pay rates had a cost of living increase of 3.225% appliedas at 1st April 2005.

Q What is happening with unsocial hours?

A The current arrangements for claiming unsocial hourswill remain. New AFC unsocial hours arrangements are

currently being discussed nationally and it is expected that newrules will be devised from 1 April 2006 by the new NHS StaffCouncil.

Agenda for ChangeYour questions answered

Length of Service Annual Leave entitlement

On appointment 27 days + 8 public holidaysAfter 5 years’ service 29 days + 8 public holidaysAfter 10 years’ service 33 days + 8 public holidays

Current full-time New standard hoursstandard hours (years from 1st December 2004)

37 hours • Three years on 37 hours

36 1/2 hours • Three years on 361/2 hours• One year on 37 hours

36 hours • Three years on 36 hours• Two years on 37 hours

35 hours • Four years on 35 hours• Two years on 36 hours• One year on 37 hours

33 hours • Four years on 33 hours• Two years on 35 hours• One year on 37 hours

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New infection controlMSc to be launched

● Continued from page 3Senior Infection

Control Nurse Roz Walliswas one of the authors ofthe course and both sheand Director of InfectionPrevention and Control,Dr Azadian have beeninstrumental inintroducing the course toChelsea and Westminster.

Roz said: “We are veryproud to be chosen tolaunch this innovativecourse and to give ourstaff the opportunity toimprove their knowledgeof infection control. It willalso improve computerskills. One of theassignments is to create a

web page. It’s a new andfun way to learn.”

Anaesthetic Nurse fromMain Theatres, WandaLui, has alreadycompleted the coursewhen it was piloted earlierthis year. She said: “I haveenjoyed studying theManagement ofHealthcare AssociatedInfection module. I foundit very interesting to studyonline as this is new tome.

“I have learned a lotabout infection controland healthcare associatedinfections. Learning isthrough various methods -the recommended reading,

visiting the relatedwebsites, the postings anddiscussions with otherstudents, and completingthe assignments. Studyingonline was flexible.

“Overall the course wasvery useful and I hope touse the knowledge andapply to practice.”

The course will belaunched in January 2006and run for 12 weeks.Several courses will runper year. Places arelimited. For moreinformation contact CathyRonan on 020 8331 9978or by emailc.e.ronan@gre.ac.uk, orRoz Wallis on ext 8624.

Time for yourflu jab!

Did you know that 30%of people infected withthe flu virus have nosymptoms at all – sowon't even know thatthey could be infectingothers? SPREAD THE WORD

NOT THE BUG! Walk-in Clinics will be heldin the occupational healthdepartment on Tuesdaysfrom 9am-12pm andFridays from 1.30-4pmthroughout November andDecember 2005.Appointments can bebooked outside thesetimes. If you can get agroup of staff together wewill come to you. Pleasecall Occupational Healthon ext 8330 for furtherinformation or to make anappointment.

More than 200 people attended the Trust’s AGM inSeptember to hear about progress made to improveservices for local people and plans for the future.

AGM... AGM... AGM... AGM... AGM... AGM...

Out now

Pick up a copy of thisyear’s annual report -available across the

Trust. It is packed full of

news and features about

the past 12 months at

Chelsea and Westminster

Healthcare NHS Trust.Copies are available

throughout the hospital

or from Jeanette Alberton ext 6829.

Members of the TrustBoard talked about theTrust’s achievements over thelast year and initiativesplanned for the coming yearin the hospital’s dining roomon the lower ground floor.There was also a specialdisplay in the academicatrium - from 2pm to 4pm -giving people theopportunity to meet hospitalstaff and learn more aboutour services and innovations.

Members of the publicwere also invited to specialworkshop presentationsbefore the annual generalmeeting to seek views onways to improve services.

The workshops covered: ● Keeping patients safe -

control of infection andcleanliness

● Our biggest asset -introducing the staff ofChelsea and Westminster

● If that was me - ourapproach to patientdignity and privacy

● Standards for betterhealth - accessible andresponsive care Director of Nursing.

Andrew MacCallum said: “Iwould like to say thank you

to everyone who helpedmake the AGM a success.We had some very positivecomments from members ofthe public about theirexperiences at the hospital.The main concern from thepublic continues to be issuesabout cleanliness. We havemade improvements over thelast year, which werereported on at the AGM.”

■ Pictured at the AGM Burns exhibition stand are left toright; Burns Clinical Facilitator Nicky Lucas, BurnsSpecialist Registrar Mr Chris Abela, Locum Consultant MrMohammed Jawad and AGM visitor Bella Croft Gillett.

Radiology Sister Kirsty Harkness and her colleagues(pictured above) shared their expertise during a specialtwo day programme for other hospitals about a newscheme where nurses in radiology have taken on newroles helping to reduce waiting times for patients here atChelsea and Westminster.

Senior radiology nurses can now carry out a diagnosticprocedure – Hysterosalpingography (HSG) an examinationto assess fertility - previously done by radiologists. Themove follows a year long project examining whether a nurseled service meets the same standards as the traditionalconsultant-led service.

There was a total of 56 delegates including nursespecialists, radiology consultants, sisters, and radiographerswho came from hospitals from all over UK, includingNorthern Ireland and the Channel Islands.

The Trust said farewell to Kirsty Harkness in October asshe returned to New Zealand. Sister Gena Holmes has nowtaken on her role.

■ Pictured at an AGM workshop is Ms Bennett talking toNon-Executive Director Marilyn Frampton.

■ Pictured giving a reading from his book ‘FromWorkhouse to Hospital’ at the unveiling of the stained glassNurses Memorial Window at the site of the old St MaryAbbott’s ward is former Chaplain at St Mary Abbots and StStephen’s Hospitals Reverend Bernard Hughes.

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Sharing expertise

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Oh, whatThe hospital was transformed into a glamorouscatwalk as the collection of vibrant and exoticclothes by local designer, Beatrice von Tresckow,were paraded up and down the Mall’s escalators

by hospital staff. The Friends (of Chelsea

and Westminster Hospital)Fashion Show kicked off at8pm to James Brown’s I FeelGood, following a drinksreception and ‘welcome’ byThe Friends Chairman,Victoria, Countess ofNormanton. The one-hourshow featured more than100 outfits with each modelchanging approximatelyeight times. A team ofdressers, including Beatricewho co-ordinated the show,and Friends volunteers,ensured the smoothtransition from one garmentto another; while hair andmake-up artists fromBodyheat and Camille HairDesign provided the finaltouches of glamour.

The show, the brainchildof Lady Normanton, wasstaged to help raise funds fora colposcope digital camerafor the Women’s CervicalScreening Service in theGynaecological Outpatients’Department. Claire Bellone,whose department willbenefit from the camera andwho modelled severalstunning evening dressessaid: “The fashion show wasa fabulous way to highlight

Special visit from the Prince’s TrustNine volunteers from the Prince’s Trust who did some fundraising for the BritishHeart Foundation visited Marie Celeste Ward in September to see how themoney they collected will help patients.

The volunteers, students from Merton College did a 12 week Prince’s Trustpersonal development programme. During this time, they raised over £450 for thecharity by bag packing in a supermarket and collecting money in the street wearingfancy dress.

Heart Failure Clinical Nurse Specialist Leonia Modeste said: “The moneycollected will benefit the British Heart Foundation and the Trust makes use of theresources provided by the charity. On behalf of the Trust, I would like to thank thestudents for their efforts.”

■ Pictured are some of the Prince’s Trust volunteers, from left to right: Nicholas Keys,Prince’s Trust Team Leader Shelley McKenzie, Krystal Olawuyi, Naomi Blake, HeartFailure CNS Leonia Modeste, Sister Alison Bawden, Assistant Prince’s Trust TeamLeader Oliver Pennings, Michael Armor and Anthony Quinsey.

■ Claire Bellone (Gynaecology Outpatients) ‘in make up’

t a night!the work of our screeningservice and to raise moneyfor this state-of-the-artequipment. The friendlyatmosphere helped quell ournerves and we felt like truesupermodels by the end ofthe evening. The ColposcopyTeam thank everyone whohelped to put on this superbevent.”

Other staff ‘strutting theirstuff ’ were: Sharon Corburn,George Watts Ward; SarahDrew, Physiotherapy; JudithHallett, Dermatology;Sinead Jones, MainReception; Catherine King,Colposcopy Clinic; ChristinaKonadu, Maternity; SarahMyers, GU/HIV, JohnHunter Clinic; DonnaNelson, BereavementAdvisor; Junior Rocha,Finance; Katarzyna Smalec,Frances Burdett Ward andGeorgia Smith,Physiotherapy.

Several local companies,including Brinkley’s, Lea andSanderman, and TrayGourmet who provided therefreshments for thereception, supported theFashion Show. Harrod’sdonated a sumptuoushamper, which was won bylong-term Friend and localresident, MichaelWilliamson.

Commenting on theevent, Lady Normanton said:“The evening went better

than I could ever haveimagined - gorgeous clothes,sensational models and anenthusiastic audience,surrounded by theatmosphere and backdrop ofthe hospital.

“The Fashion ShowCommittee: Emily Cave,Belinda Coats, GeraldineHenry, Sally O’Connor andVal Thum, headed up byShawna Moss, did a fantasticjob of pulling all the strandsof the show together; itcertainly was a night toremember.”

■ Left: Katarzyna Smalec(Frances Burdett Ward)with dresser from Beatricevon Tresckow.

■ Right: Sarah Drew(Physiotherapy) followed

by Catherine King(Colposcopy).

■ Five hospital ‘supermodels’. Left to right: Christina Konadu (Maternity); Sarah Drew(Physiotherapy); Donna Nelson (Bereavement Advisor); Georgia Smith (Physiotherapy)and Junior Rocha (Finance).

■ Below right: LadyNormanton, Chairman The

Friends of the Chelsea andWestminster Hospital,

before welcoming guests.

Photos by Friends photographer

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According to Professor Modi her role is about developingresearch to improve survival and the health of newbornbabies. It’s an appointment made by Imperial College whichshe says is a recognition by the College of the importance ofChelsea and Westminster within their academic portfolio.

Spotlight on... Spotlight on...

Neonatal This month Trust News talks to ConsultantNeonatologist, Professor Neena Modi, about herappointment to the Chair of Neonatal Medicine,the exciting research underway at the hospitaland the launch of a new charity.

Professor Modi said:“Neonatology is a very youngand rapidly changing specialtywhich is what makes itexciting. It has changed somuch in the last 25 years andmuch of that change is becauseof clinical research.

“Many of the treatments wetake for granted today - such asbetter nutrition, ventilation,and surfactant - would nothave been here if it were notfor research. I strongly believethat if we want to pushforward the frontiers we needto have an active researchprogramme.”

One of the biggest changesin the care of new born babieshas been attitudes towards theinvolvement of parents.

Professor Modi added:“Attitudes have changed a greatdeal and parents are seen as avery important part of caringfor their baby. In the past therewere restricted visiting times.Now there is much morefamily centred care fornewborn babies.

“For example the new roomswe opened this month can beused by parents as a stepbetween going home and beingon the unit.

“There have of course beengreat technological changes butalso changes in theorganisation of neonatalservices - it’s now a specialty inits own right. Specialisttraining for nurses has alsorightfully come into its own.”

Chelsea and WestminsterHospital is now ImperialCollege’s lead centre fornewborn research and a

substantial proportion ofresearch involving newbornbabies across the UK is centredhere. We have a large andrapidly growing research team ofclinical fellows, non-clinicalresearchers and support staff andactive collaborations with otheracademic centres.

Chelsea and Westminster isthe co-ordinating site for threelarge multi-centre newbornclinical trials as well as a range ofother studies. “We areexamining nutrition in newbornbabies and learning about theregulation of their body

■ Pictured with Professor Neena Modi (front centre) are (frontleft to right) Clinical Research Fellow Emma Buckley,Consultant in Neonatal Medicine Sabitha Uthaya (back left toright) Research Facilitator Sylvia Chalkley, Clinical ResearchFellows Adel Abdelhamid and Peter McEwan and ThamesRegional Perinatal Group Co-ordinator Tarita Murray-Thomas.

■ From left to right are NICU Staff Nurses Katherine Wood,Melissa Schlegal, Angela Thompson, Sister Susana Jejerina andStaff Nurse Anavic Dinglasan.

■ Pictured in NICU with 21 week old Joshua Emmett-Hooleyand his mother Lorraine Emmett is Senior PaediatricPhysiotherapist Sam Double.

The Neonatal Unit atChelsea and Westminster

The hospital’s NeonatalUnit cares for the most

sick new born babies aswell as premature babies.Last year 420 babies werecared for by the staff onthe unit. There are 28 cots and nine of these are for babies needing

intensive care.

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Spotlight on... Spotlight on...

services

composition,” added ProfessorModi.

Research is also underwayinto the health outcomes andlong term problems of babieswho have had intensive care.The neonatal research team isworking with the paediatricgastroenterologists to understandhow newborn babies developintestinal immunity.

A new surveillance system isbeing developed to measure ratesof infections as well as looking atdeveloping uniform datacollection for neonatal units inthe south of England.

In December this year,Professor Modi will be joiningKathy Mellor, an AdvancedNeonatal Nurse Practitioner, tolaunch a new charity calledBirthlink. The charity will

support teaching and training inthe care of sick newborn babiesin poor regions of the world.The charity has been establishedunder the auspices of TheChildren’s Hospital Trust Fundand is looking for nurses anddoctors to volunteer their timeto teach in the developingworld.

The Children’s Hospital TrustFund was set up at the OldWestminster Hospital in 1981and so far has raised more than£1m. Its purpose is to makecharitable contributions towardsthe purchase of medical andsurgical equipment for thepaediatric areas and to providehelp and comfort for sickchildren in hospital, in thecommunity at large and athome.

Supporting neonatal units inthe developing world has alwaysbeen a passion for ProfessorModi. She said: “Developingcountries often get equipmentdonated and whilst this isimportant there is still a real gapin the level of training for healthcare workers. This is where thischarity would step in.

“No matter where you are inthe world though the sameprinciples apply when you aretrying to keep a baby safe andwell. You need to keep themwarm, well fed and reduce therisk of infection.”

Thank you Every year lots of people give up their time to raisemoney for the Neonatal Unit – helping us to payfor new equipment or the chance to decorate orimprove an area.

Sister Kathryn Mills said: “We have been very luckyand only recently we have had donations which haveenabled us to purchase a ‘state-of-the-art’ incubatorwhich can also be used as an operating table so youdon't have to move babies unnecessarily.”

Help with this purchase was received from the Petriefamily who have organised many fundraising activities,including a bike trip from France and the Matthewsfamily who organised a Three Peaks Challenge amongstother things. The local fire stations have also organisedactivities including a bed push.

“We are also grateful to the corporate management atChelsea Football Club for allowing us to be thenominated charity for a match day signed football raffle.

“The proceeds of this are being used for continuingnurse education. We give our heartfelt thanks to all whosupport us in this way.”

■ Pictured above is Clinical Pharmacist for NICU NicolaFerreira.

The Transport Department would like to thankOlympic South Ltd for donating a television to the

Transport Lounge. It is very much appreciated.

Arts Programme Thursday SILVERTONES Main Atrium10 November Trio of steel pan (Ground Floor)1-1.45pm musicians performing a fusion

of Calypso and European stylesled by virtuoso Anise Hadeed

Monday 7 & CHROMA The Café21 November J.S. Bach (Ground Floor)1-2pm Goldberg Variations BWV 988

(arrangement for string trio)Dynamic, critically acclaimed chamber ensemble

Thursday 24 ALEX VYDELINGUM Main Atrium1-1.45pm Pianist-in-residence (Ground Floor)

■ Left is NICU TechnicianGeoff Peachey.

■ NICU staff pictured with the Petrie family.

There is now one website for all NHS jobs - www.nhs.uk/jobs - which puts allNHS employers and job seekers across the world in touch with each other atthe touch of a button.

Chelsea and Westminster Healthcare NHSTrust has been advertising jobs on the websitefor almost six months and it can now beaccessed through our www.chelwest.nhs.ukwebsite by clicking on the ‘working here’ section.

At the end of July this year there were 542Trusts using the website to recruit. There havebeen a total of 74,382 adverts placed on thesite and 8,584,084 hits to the site. In a recentsurvey of employers 92% stated they weresatisfied with the e-recruitment service as it waswidening the pool of potential candidatesparticularly for ‘hard to recruit’ vacancies.

Recruitment and Retention Manager JazMallan said: “E-recruitment allows us to reacha wider audience, reduce the time it takes torecruit and helps us to save money. We don'thave to wait for media publication dates, toadvertise and there is less admin. This meanswe can invest more money in patient care.

“As with all major projects of this kind wehave experienced some teething problems suchas managing the large number of responses wehave been receiving. We understand howfrustrating the teething problems can be butwould like to reassure people these are beingaddressed.

“There is also an e-learning package on thesite for appointing managers who may be newto e-recruitment.”

If you would like to know how to access thisor would find it helpful for one of therecruitment team to take you through this,please contact your designated recruitmentassistant. The system is continuing to developand we hope to keep you abreast of anydevelopments through Trust News.

Developments in the NHS jobs service

E-recruitment

e-KSFDon't forget KSF hasnow gone electronic. e-KSF is a new online toolthat has been developedto help you manageyour personaldevelopment plans.

You can access thesystem by using yourunique identifier andpassword. If you havenot yet received yourinformation, or you areunsure of how to getinto e-KSF, pleasecontact the LearningResource Centre on ext8807. Once you knowyour user identity andpassword you should goto the web site www.e-ksf.org and enter yourdetails. You will thenneed to activate youruser identity bychoosing option (3) onthe login page. This willtake you through aseries of questions toadd some personal andcontact information andchange your password.Some of the mandatoryquestions have alreadybeen done for you.

We are almost there - more than 80% of the knowledge, skills and framework(KSF) post outlines have now been developed and approved.

KSF – the next steps KSF is part of Agenda

for Change and looks atthe skills and theknowledge which youneed to do your jobeffectively. KSF providesa common basis for staffreview and developmentacross all disciplines ofthe NHS.

What is the next step?As post outlines are

approved the next stepwill be to assign them toindividual members ofstaff. This will mean that

you will each sit downwith your manager to begiven your KSF postoutline and look at whereyou are matched againstthe required levels anddimensions for your ownparticular role. This willbe similar to an appraisalor review.

As you go through yourKSF post outline and arematched against thedimensions you will beable to see the areas whereyou need to develop yourskills and knowledge.

These development areaswill form the basis of yourpersonal developmentplan (PDP) and you willagree with your managerwhat learning activitieswill be the best way foryou to develop yourcompetencies over aperiod of time. All staffwill have an annual reviewto look at theirperformance against theKSF post outline and todevelop their personaldevelopment plan.

include:● Key question functionality allowing

‘recruiters’ to eliminate unsuitablecandidates.

● A redeployment pool for NHS staff whomay be ‘at risk’ and need to find othersuitable employment.

● A searchable candidate database enabling usto do our own search and selection ofregistered candidates.If you have comments and feedback on the

e-recruitment site and would like to shareyour experiences and/or influencedevelopment of the site please email JazMallan, Recruitment and Retention Manageron jaz.mallan@chelwest.nhs.uk. If you wouldlike to be involved in joining a small usergroup please get in touch with Jaz.

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■ Left: Pictured are stafffrom St Mary Abbots Wardand the Surgery Directorate.

Taking time out for food An initiative to make sure patients have time toenjoy their food and that staff have more time tohelp patients eat their meals is being rolled outacross surgical wards at the hospital.

Protected meal times is anational initiative launchedin 2004. It was first rolledout across medical wards andis now being extended tosurgical wards.

The first ward to take onthis scheme is St MaryAbbots with lunchtimemeals protected from 12pm-1pm. The scheme will thenbe rolled out to David Evans

Ward, Rainsford MowlemWard, Chelsea Wing andLord Wigram Ward.

Anne Dede, Senior StaffNurse on St Mary Abbots,said: “Protected mealtimeshave helped to provide aquieter and calmerenvironment for patients toeat their meal. It alsoprovides time for staff tosupport those patients who

need nutritional support. “Staff from across the

hospital have been verysupportive and alsorespected the need for us tokeep this time protected. Weare also asking visitors tosupport protected mealtimesby not visiting during thesetimes except for thoseinvolved in helping theirrelative at mealtimes.”

■ Above: Pictured on StMary Abbots Ward ispatient Albert Dohertywith Senior Staff NurseAnne Dede.

Do we all learn from our mistakes?One of the best ways to improveservices is to learn from caseswhere things have gone wrong.

In this month’s Trust News, Headof Clinical Governance, ViviaRichards outlines why it isimportant to report incidents andhow you can do it.

Vivia said: “In an organisation asbig and complex as this Trust -things will sometimes go wrong butwhen they do, the response shouldnot be one of blame or retribution.At Chelsea and Westminster theemphasis is placed on learning toreduce any risks for all who maysuffer or be affected as aconsequence. In short, we arecommitted to providing a safeenvironment of care for patients,staff, and visitors. To do this, wemust ensure that we have systems inplace to identify and manage anyrisks that could or do cause harm.”

“Making sure that information is

communicated, reported on andshared is a fundamental part of riskmanagement. We don't share thenames in an incident report but weshare lessons learned with staff andpatients within the Trust, and whererelevant, with externalorganisations, such as the NationalPatient Safety Agency,” added Vivia.

One example recently was anincident where a patient fell to thefloor in one of the toilets on a ward.It transpired that the handrail hadbecome detached from the wallcausing the patient to fall andsustain an injury. Immediatelyfollowing that incident, an urgentTrust wide audit of all handrails wascarried out. Any handrail that wasidentified as unstable or unsafe wasrepaired or replaced immediately.

What to do when there is anincident?

1 Ensure that the person involved -

patient, relative or staff - is safe.For example if someone hasslipped on a spillage - make sureit is cleared up before you doanything else.

2 Notify your manager - who willthen start investigating.

3 Complete an incident form. 4 Send your form down to the risk

management office on the lowerground floor by lift bank C. Thisinformation will then be added toa database.

5 The incident should beinvestigated by your manager andaction taken to prevent orminimise the risk of recurrence.

If you are aware of an incident thatshould be highlighted to colleaguesor would like to know more aboutrisk management at the Trust,contact the Risk Management Teamon ext 8669/2852 or emailclinicalriskmanagers@chelwest.nhs.uk

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Staff at Chelsea and Westminster were involved in the BBC’s DoNation seasonwhich was broadcast in August. The North Thames Regional Donor TransplantCo-ordinators were filmed by the BBC to provide an insight into the role ofthe Donor Transplant Co-ordinator and the process of organ donation.

Organ donation - the gift of life

The week was designed to raise theawareness of patients awaitingtransplantation and the remarkable lifesaving effects that are possible but also toexplore the option of donation after death.

UK Transplant has the responsibilityto maintain waiting lists and outcome oftransplant patients, as well as the remitof increasing organs and tissues that areavailable for transplantation. Thisorganisation also maintains the ODR(Organ Donor Register) where membersof the general public are able to registertheir wish to help others in the event oftheir death. This provides a slightly moreconsistent record of the choice of thatindividual alongside the carrying ofdonor cards. The register is accessible byhealth care professionals who are

endeavouring to ascertain the wishes ofthe deceased in their care. Thisinformation can then be potentiallyshared with the family of the deceased.

UK Transplant received a total ofaround 23,000 requests to registerduring the period of the DoNationseries. This accompanies over 43,000 webregistrations with the highest number ofvisits ever after the Holby City/Casualtyprogramme.

How to become a donorIf you’ve not signed up to the NHS

Organ Donor Register, you can do so bycalling the NHS Organ Donor Line:0845 60 60 400. Lines open: 7am-11pm(closed Christmas Day and New Year'sDay) or visit www.uktransplant.org.uk

The 12 week ‘Foundation in Emergency Nursing’ coursewas validated by Thames Valley University in July 2005. Itprovides the successful candidates with 10 credits at levelsix (higher education level three).

The original course concept and content was formulatedby Claire Washbourne, Nurse Consultant for Minor Injuryand Illness and Jane Tippett, Nurse Consultant for MajorInjury and Illness.

The course is aimed at internal D grade nursing staff,who want to learn more about the key aspects ofemergency care.

Students learn the key components required to care forpatients with minor injuries through to the critically ill.The course includes advanced plastering techniques andstudents are also required to demonstrate practical skillsand theoretical knowledge.

Taught in-house by Claire Washbourne, Jane Tippett andSenior Staff Nurse for Professional Development EmmaTippens, students are encouraged to focus on how theirpractice will change once they have completed the course.

Claire Washbourne, said:“The process of gainingaccreditation for theFoundation Course hadproved to be lengthy andquite challenging at timesand involved close scrutinyof the course content by animpressive academic panel.

“We are very proud ofwhat we have managed toachieve in-house by using thetalents of our existingnursing staff.”

■ Pictured are Accredited A&E Foundation Degree teachersJane Tippett (far left) Emma Tippens (second on right) andClaire Washbourne (far right) with course students (left toright) Frances Parry, Camilla Sharland, Marcus Wootten,Louisa Neeve, Maria O’Grady-Grastin.

New A&E foundation courseA degree level programme developed for nurses in theEmergency Department recently received universityaccreditation.

CharityChampagneReception

The Palace of WestminsterAll-Party Ladies Committeeare holding their annualautumn fundraisingChampagne Reception atthe Lord Chancellor’sResidence, House of Lords,on Tuesday 15 Novemberfrom 6pm to 8pm.

Proceeds from the eveningwill go towards buying aColposcopy System for theTrust GynaecologyDepartment costing £13,410.

Tickets for the evening are£55 and must be requested nolater than Wednesday 9November. Please contact theAppeals Secretary, MrsGunnery on 020 8746 8311,or write to: WestminsterMedical School Research Trustat Chelsea and WestminsterHospital.

When writing, please givethe name of each ticketapplicant, your address andyour telephone number.Cheques can be made payableto: Westminster MedicalSchool Research Trust.Donations can also be sent tothe Research Trust.

The Committee comesunder the umbrella of theWestminster Medical SchoolResearch Trust.

Do you have a story for Trust News? It might be something interesting, exciting, or

remarkable that a colleague is doing.

It might be a change in your services or facilities.

Whatever it is we should be pleased to hear fromyou. Call Jeanette Albert on ext 6829 or

Sarah McKellar on 020 7808 9899 or emailsarah.mckellar@nexuspr.com

■ Congratulations to KarenRobertson (pictured below)who became ChiefPharmacist in August. Karenwas acting in this role for justover a year.

Prior to this, she wasDeputy Chief PharmacistOperations since January1999. She first joined theTrust in 1993 as a ResidentPharmacist. She then left usto work as a SeniorPharmacist at ChristiesHospital, Manchester.

After travelling for one yearacross Africa, she returned toChelsea and Westminster in1997 to work as a DispensaryManager.

Karen is excited to have theopportunity to lead thepharmacy team and tocontinue developing thepharmacy services atChelsea and WestminsterHospital.

Staff news... Staff news... Staff news...

■ The Occupational Health Department,in conjunction with the Safety Adviser,co-ordinated a week of events in Octoberaimed at giving staff and managers abetter understanding of workplace healthand safety issues.

A series of short 20 minute workshopswere held during the awareness week on17-21 October. These sessions focused onspecific risks such as safe use ofcomputers, managing stress, needlestickinjuries, latex allergy, manual handling

(including backcare) and infection controlissues. Exhibitions associated with the keythemes were also held on the lowerground floor.

There were quizzes, raffles andopportunities to book in for a free massageor group relaxation session (sponsored bythe Macmillan Centre). Health and safety‘roadshows’ were also held throughout thehospital during the week of 24-28 October toallow as many staff as possible to accessthe workshops.

■ Pictured manning the stand are (left toright) Volunteer Angela Beresford,Complementary Therapist TereseMcMahon, Macmillan Centre Manager DrRuss Hargreaves and Volunteer CarolineGoring.

In September the hospital’s MacmillanTeam held a Macmillan Cancer Relief‘World’s Biggest Coffee Morning’. It was oneof more than 100 around the UK, and thisyear the Trust managed to raise its highestamount ever - £320. Nationally more than£1million has been raised so far from theevent, which is in its 15th year. Theexpected target this year alone is £6million.

Trust Macmillan Centre Manager, DrRuss Hargreaves said: “I would like tothank everyone for their enormousgenerosity on the day.”

Money collected will go towardssupporting people living with cancerthrough funding expert care, practical andemotional support.

World’s Biggest Coffee Morning

Good Ideas campaignnominated for award

Chelsea and Westminster’s 1,000 Good Ideas Campaignhas been nominated for a prestigious Health ServiceJournal award in the communications category - whichrecognises innovation and improvements in the NHS.

The Good Ideas Campaign was launched in September2004 and aimed to get patients, staff and visitorsinvolved in generating areas to drive forwardimprovements in services.

A number of initiatives were launched including an‘ideas postcard’ sent to every member of staff with theirpay slip, posters advertising the campaign, an ideas‘scribble board’ placed at the hospital entrance, and anideas telephone hotline and e-mail were established. Inaddition to this a range of staff and patients’ focusgroups were also conducted

The Trust achieved its target of collecting 1,000 ideasby December 2004. Information on ideas received andactions taken were published and discussed every monthat the Trust Board meetings.

Winners will be announced at a special awardsceremony at the London Hilton Hotel on Park Lane on14 November.

■ Senior HIV/GUMConsultant Dr DavidHawkins, pictured below, wasinvited to participate in a threeday joint International LabourOffice and World HealthOrganisation (ILO/WHO)Expert Consultation in Genevalast month.

Dr Hawkins was asked tocontribute to the discussion ofdeveloping policy andguidelines on occupationaland non-occupational HIVpost exposure prophylaxis(PEP). In particular how thedeveloped country modelmight be modified withincountries with highly limitedresources.

In the UK and otherdeveloped countries it is nowstandard practice to carry outa risk assessment followingoccupational exposure such asa needlestick injury and tooffer post exposure treatmentwith antiretroviral drugs ifthe risk is deemed to besignificant. Many countriesalso provide PEP followingsignificant non-occupationalexposure such as sexualexposure from someone who isknown or very likely to have ahigh risk of being HIVpositive.

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Staff news... Staff news... Staff news...■ Right: Dr Simon Barton,Clinical Director forHIV/GUM, took up theposition of Acting LeadClinician for the North WestLondon Sexual HealthClinical Network inSeptember 2005 until 31March 2006.

In his new role Dr Bartonwill work with keystakeholders to develop theNorth West London SexualHealth Network, which willplay a key role in the deliveryof the National Strategy forSexual Health and HIV,including major projects suchas the rollout of the

Prestigious award for top consultant

This was for pioneeringwork on the movement ofthe knee in everyday life.Awarded in memory of thefamous eighteenth centurysurgeon, John Hunter, the‘Hunterian Professorship’title is only given to a fewpeople each year by theRoyal College of Surgeons.

Mr Williams wasinvolved in developing arevolutionary MRIscanning technique at StMary’s Hospital in 1999resulting in hugeimprovements in the designof knee replacements andtechniques of treating kneeligament injuries.

Mr Williams said: “I amvery proud as this is thehighest award that theRoyal College can bestow.My research has very muchbeen a team effort.”

Mr Williams joined thisTrust in 2000 and hascontinued his knee surgerytechnique here. He is alsothe primary knee surgeonfor Chelsea Football Cluband most otherprofessional sports teams

■ Welcome to Carla Lang,Trainee Colposcopy Nursepictured above who joined usin September. She is based ingynaecology outpatients.Prior to this Carla was astaff nurse on Annie ZunzWard for one year. Beforethis she was a breast cancernurse at the Bristol RoyalInfirmary for three years.

■ Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at the Trust, AndyWilliams, pictured above, was awarded with the prestigious‘Hunterian Professorship’ title in September.

in London. He delivered his

Hunterian Lecture, titledTibio-Femoral Motion inHealth and Disease, at theBritish OrthopaedicAssociation annual meetingin Birmingham, where hewas also presented with hisHunterian medal.

■ The Trust Recruitment Team has a new look as it now has fournew Recruitment Assistants. Pictured (l-r) are: Maria Amores,Recruitment Assistant for Medicine, available on ext 8926. Shejoined the Trust in August and will be with us for six months.

Simi Bahuleyan is Recruitment Assistant for Surgery and isavailable on ext 8380. She also started in August. Studying for aBA degree full-time in HR Management at Middlesex University,she is doing her work placement year here.

Ibiyemi Arebuwa is Recruitment Assistant for ClinicalSupport, Anaesthetics and Imaging and is available on ext 8379.She started this permanent position in June and is currently doinga Public Service Management Degree part-time.

Rachel Austria is Recruitment Assistant for Women andChildren’s and is on ext 6826. She started this permanent positionin August after temping in this role since June. She recentlycompleted a degree in Sociology at Roehampton University.

Anatolia Pasvantis is Recruitment Team Supervisor and is thecontact for the Management Executive Directorate and theHIV/GUM Directorate. She is available on ext 8382.

Jaz Mallan, Recruitment and Retention Manager (notpictured) heads up the team. She is contactable on ext 5247.

Chlamydia screeningprogramme, the achievementof the 48 hour appointmenttarget and the modernisationof sexual health servicesacross the sector.

Do you have a story for Trust News? It might be something interesting, exciting, or

remarkable that a colleague is doing. Whatever it is –call Jeanette Albert on ext 6829 or Sarah McKellar on020 7808 9899 or email sarah.mckellar@nexuspr.com

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Staff news... Staff news... Staff news...

15

New tissue viability study days

Emergency Nurse Practitionerscelebrate 10th anniversary

The Emergency NursePractitioner Service, setup to reduce waitingtimes, celebrated its 10thbirthday in August.

Chelsea and Westminsterwas one of the first Trusts inthe UK to have this service.Jane Llewellyn-Rees,previously a Sister here andAmanda Swan who startedher Trust career as a nursepractitioner, established theservice.

At a small ceremony, Janeand Amanda were presentedwith special certificates,signed by everyone in theEmergency Department tocommemorate theanniversary and the role they

played. We now have fiveEmergency NursePractitioners in theEmergency Department.New staff members will soonjoin the Paediatric NursePractitioner Service.

Currently, the EmergencyNurse Practitioner Service(ENPS) is available from8am until 8pm, seven days aweek. ENPs diagnose andtreat patients with minorinjuries and illnesses whichis pivotal in reducingwaiting times to less thanfour hours.

Amanda Swan left theTrust at the end of Augustto live in Vancouver,Canada.

■ Pictured from left to right are Emergency NursePractitioners Penny Saich, Lynne Willis, Amanda Swan,Jane Llewellyn-Rees and Nurse Consultant for MinorInjury and Illness Claire Washbourne.

■ A training booklet tohelp develop new rolesfor Radiology Health CareAssistants has beenpublished. It wascompiled by TrustRadiology Senior SisterGena Holmes (picturedbelow right) in April whenshe was a Senior StaffNurse.

The aim of the RadiologySkill Acquisition booklet is toincrease knowledge in theradiology environment.HCAs have been able totake over some proceduresformerly done by staffnurses, such as assisting aradiologist with a transrectalultrasound guided prostatebiopsy.

Skills covered in thetraining manual are taughtat work and then performedby the HCA undersupervision. Once theworkbook has beensuccessfully completed andcompetency tests are

passed at each stage, acertificate is given.

Health Care AssistantPauline Pemberton is thefirst person (pictured left) tocomplete the programme.Some of the topics coveredinclude basic hospitalprocedures such as handwashing, handling sharps,and looking after patientswith TB; through toultrasound procedures suchas fine needle aspirationand joint injections.

Pauline said: “Having noprevious medicalexperience, everythingtaught to me was new. Bydoing the workbook, I nowhave a betterunderstanding of how towork competently alongsideradiologists.

“I have also used thiswork towards my Level 3NVQ in Diagnostics andImaging, so it has helpedme to gain a nationallyrecognised qualification.”

In September the first in a series oftissue viability clinical study dayswere launched. The aim of thestudy days is to promote woundmanagement and introduce newtechnology into the Trust.

The first study day focused onvacuum assisted closures and thesecond, held in October, focused onwound management and dressingselection. The third session will be

held on November 17 and will beabout pressure ulcer prevention,treatment, dressing selection andmanagement of pressure ulcers.

If you are interested inbecoming a link nurse for tissueviability, or if you would like tobook a place onto a study day,please contact Tissue ViabilityNurse Kumal Rajpaul on ext 5235or bleep 5844.

■ Pictured practising a vacuum assisted closure at the first TissueViability Study Day in September is Rainsford Mowlem Staff NurseNwamaka Umobi.

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Trust News is written and produced by the PR and Communications Department of Chelsea and WestminsterHospital, 369 Fulham Road, London SW10. Tel 020 8846 6829 Photographs by Jeanette Albert.

This month’s Super HeroImproving Working Lives... Improving Working Lives...

Vote for yourSuper HeroCongratulations to John Pickett –

October’s employee of the month. Hewas nominated by Clinical DirectorSimon Barton for his work to help planthe refurbishment of the John HunterClinic.

John and theteam at the StStephen’s Centrehave beenworking tirelesslyover the last fewmonths to getdetailed plansready for themajorrefurbishment.The team has had to think ofeverything from

storing records to setting up clinics at theneighbouring West London Centre forSexual Health.

Clinical Director Dr Simon Barton said:“John is a committed andenthusiastic individual

who has greatsuccess at gettingthings done. Hishard work insupporting theteam (led by Dr AnnSullivan)planning theSt Stephen’sCentreredevelopment is muchappreciated.”

If you would like tonominate someone youfeel has gone that extramile to bring a smile toyour face then place yourvote now.

Every month we arelooking for you to unmaskthe hospital’s super heroes.Winners will appear inTrust News and receive amonth’s free membershipto David Lloyd LeisureCentre. Nomination forms areavailable from theintranet or from HumanResources Office 4, lower

ground floor, Chelsea andWestminster Hospital.

Your chance to saywhat you thinkabout working here

“The overall aim of thesurvey is to gatherinformation that will improvethe working lives of thosewho provide care for patientsand in doing so help us all toprovide even better care,” saidHeather Lawrence, ChiefExecutive.

“I urge all staff receiving aquestionnaire to take part inthis important nationalsurvey. Last year almost 57%of employees returnedcompleted questionnaires andthis year we are hoping foreven more.”

You will hopefully haveseen the response from lastyear’s survey (May TrustNews) and our action plan(circulated to all managersand posted on the intranet)which is aimed to addressthe issues you raised in thelast survey.

Last time you told us thatmany of you were workinglong hours. The Trust hasresponded by reviewing theflexible working policy inconjunction with Staff Side.The HR Department will beholding focus groups withstaff to assess the issues beforedeveloping a strategy to tacklethe problem. OccupationalHealth will also be providingreports on areas of the Trustwhere sickness absence resultsfrom long hours, and willsupport managers in tacklingthese issues.

You also told us that manyof you were suffering fromwork-related stress. Inresponse the OccupationalHealth Department has runseveral courses for managersand staff on raising stressawareness and advice on howto undertake stress risk

safety, violence andaggression and general workplace security. The Dignity atWork Policy has beenupdated and will be re-launched shortly, followed upby briefing sessions at teammeetings.

You also said that youweren’t sure about thefairness and effectiveness ofincident reporting. As a resultwe are reviewing the incidentreporting process, and wenow write to all staff whoreport an incident explainingwhat action will be taken.The Occupational HealthDepartment also follows upall reported accidents andnear misses.

You can see from the above that your views andcomments really do make a difference. Help us tocontinue responding to your concerns by sending backyour completed questionnaire by 5 December. Anexternal agency will collect the questionnaires and co-ordinate the results on behalf of the Trust, and theidentity of those taking part will not be disclosed tothe Trust. You are therefore assured that you can passon your views in complete confidence.

The third national NHS staff survey is launched thismonth. Staff will have been sent a questionnaire tocomplete about their experience of working at Chelseaand Westminster. We really encourage you to fill it in asthe feedback we get highlights the issues that you mayhave and also lets us know what we are getting right.

Have your say!assessments. The PharmacyDepartment has recentlycompleted a stress riskassessment and this will berolled out as a good exampleof best practice.

In response to yourconcerns about safety,including harassment,bullying and abuse, we havelaunched a new SecurityPolicy supported by a newsecurity briefing programme,which is aimed atmaximising the safety andsecurity for all staff. This willensure that the appropriateprocesses are beingimplemented throughout theTrust to reduce the risksassociated with lone worker