TALKINGPOINT October

2014

– think beyond you Julie Ann Harrison,Ward manager

Jamie Goldswain,Healthcare assistant

Paul Clarke,Clinical lecturer

We know that influenza is dangerous, highly contagious and largely preventable. We could carry and pass on the virus to others without having any symptoms ourselves, so even though we consider ourselves healthy, we might be risking the lives of others.

Protect yourself, your family,colleagues and patients– be a flu fighter, get your flu jab.

Think of

FLU

Flu kills

2

KIDNEY disease affects a huge number of people in the UK. It can affect people at any age and has many different causes. The trust’s living kidney donor team of dedicated doctors and nurses help prepare patients for donation and transplantation. Ralph and June’s story is testament that age is no barrier to donation.

If you have a friend or relative affected by kidney disease and would like to know more about living kidney donation please contact Alison Callaway, transplant specialist nurse on 01642 854732, extension 54732 JCUH. The NHS website www.organdonation.nhs.uk gives more information and patient stories.

Gift of life - kidney donation

Staff nurse Claire Milner and healthcare assistant Siobhan Doherty with June and Ralph on the renal day unit at James Cook

June Henderson had been aware for some years her kidney function was not as good as it should be. She had been having six monthly checks and the condition did not interfere too much with her very active lifestyle. After a hip replacement operation her kidney function was deteriorating steadily and signs of arthritis increasing. The next course of action peritoneal dialysis started in September 2013. Husband Ralph tells Talking Point their story:“We met with Alison to find out if a kidney transplant was a possible solution and initial blood tests were arranged. The results were good and after further blood tests during October we were pleased to learn we were a good enough match for transplantation.“We both were examined to determine our general health was good enough to cope with the operation and my renal consultant, Dr Caroline Wroe, kept me informed as to progress, which looked good.“We had our first visit to the Freeman Hospital in November and met Professor David Talbot, consultant transplant surgeon. At this time I was two weeks short of my 75th birthday and June was 77. He assured us age was not a problem as long as we were as fit as we seemed to be. “Further tests were arranged for June during December including the ‘bike test’ which she was dreading. Postponed until February due to illness - June declared herself better on a bike than

walking and passed with flying colours. Dr Wroe explained the results of earlier

tests - which all seemed satisfactory and about this time I met Mr Naeem Soomro consultant urologist from

the Freeman

Hospital who explained the operation, the things which could possibly go wrong and the statistics relating to this operation. He arranged for fitness tests for me which went very well.

“Then came a period when nothing seemed to be happening until we were both called to James Cook in March to meet with an independent assessor - a legal requirement to ensure I was under no duress or financial incentive to donate my kidney to my wife of 57 years! Also to inform me that I was at liberty to change my mind at any time.

“We were back with Alison for final bloods before the transplant was scheduled to take place on 21 May. Due to my high temperature on the day it was decided not to proceed and we were sent home.

“The operation was rescheduled for Thursday 26 June and this time all went well. On Friday morning various tubes bags and bottles were removed and off I went to see how June had fared.

“She was not immediately as mobile as me as her operation had been more intensive and she still had tubes bags and bottles connected. All the staff assured us it had been a great success and her new kidney was working well. When I left after three days she was up and about and had all her tubes removed and was feeling better.

“In spite of the set-backs I don’t think we waited overly long. The benefits for June have been dramatic. Her new kidney worked immediately. She was home on day nine and found she was more mobile and able to walk up and down stairs without the pain she had recently suffered. She no longer got out of breath and her cough disappeared.

“Friends and family remark on how well she looks. She feels as though we now have a chance to get our life back. I don’t feel bad either! We’ll be forever grateful to the first class care and concern of the medical staff at the Freeman and James Cook.”

Ralph and June’s story

Age no barrier:

June and Ralph

Octagon Marketing Company Ltd specialise in gaining advertising support for magazines so Talking Point is now produced, packaged, distributed and delivered at a minimal cost to the trust.

Talking Point is your magazine and it is only as good as you make it.It is produced quarterly in January, April, July and October each year.Ideas and stories or suggestions to make Talking Point even better are always welcome.Please send your ideas to:The editor - Lesley Connor, Public relations, South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, The James Cook University Hospital, The Murray Building, Marton Road, MIDDLESBROUGH TS4 3BWExtension: 55900 Email: lesley.connor@stees.nhs.ukYou can also contact the public relations team on 01642 854343, extension 54343, James Cook or email public.relations@stees.nhs.ukTalking Point is written and illustrated by the public relations team and designed by Octagon Marketing Company Ltd.

EVERYONE at the trust is being urged to join the fight against flu this winter with the start of the flu campaign.Flu vaccination stations are available for staff to access the vaccine and emphasis is on the first two weeks so we get off to a good start.

While frontline health workers will be given priority, everyone at the trust – including volunteers and students – will be encouraged to have the flu vaccine to ensure they are protected before the winter season.

Occupational health nurses will be vaccinating frontline healthcare workers and their support staff this month and the vaccination will also be given by vaccinators at ward or department level, in central staff areas and in community settings with flu clinics.

Pam McCourt, occupational health manager said: “We hope staff will take the opportunity to be vaccinated early in the campaign as it takes 10 to 14 days to develop your body’s immunity to flu.”

Chief executive, Professor Tricia Hart, said: “As an organisation we do have a duty to ensure all of our staff and volunteers, who have a direct role in caring for patients, are offered this vaccination.

“By getting it, not only are you protecting yourself but also your families, your patients and the NHS services you provide.”

Staff are reminded the vaccine does not carry any ‘live’ virus, which means it cannot give you the flu and while some people may experience mild fever up to 48 hours after having the jab as their immune system responds to the vaccine, this is not flu.

Last year we achieved 74.6% against a target of 75% and we continue to achieve improved uptake year on year at the trust.

Think of flu – think beyond you

3

To commend the trust’s achievement in increasing staff flu vaccination uptake, the flu team were winners in the Star Awards in the partnership category, and were finalists in the NHS Employers Flu Fighter Awards in the best Flu Fighter team category. Trust staff have also been photographed for this year’s national flu fighter poster campaign.

So let’s take the challenge and increase the trust uptake even more this year.

If staff have any questions or queries about the flu vaccination or where you can get it, contact the occupational health department on extension 52482 at James Cook.

What is seasonal flu?1. Seasonal flu is a highly infectious

and very common viral illness

2. It is spread through coughs and sneezes

3. Symptoms can make you feel so exhausted and unwell you cannot get out of bed

4. You can pass on the virus a day before and up to six days after the symptoms start

5. 15 to 20 per cent of the population contract flu every year

6. You can carry and pass on the virus without noticing the symptoms yourself Fact

file

CONGRATULATIONS to Dr Kumar Das who has been awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Dr Das, associate specialist in orthopaedics at the Friarage, came to Northallerton as a registrar in 1985 and has worked in trauma and orthopaedic surgery at the hospital for 29 years. He brought new surgical techniques for trauma patients to the Friarage in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

His many achievements include introducing a surgical procedure - close interlocking nail - where a fracture is nailed together allowing patients to be up and mobile much sooner, within days. He also raised £9,000 in six weeks to buy the medical equipment required.

Dr Das, who will be going to Buckingham Palace in November, said: ”I am delighted and incredibly humbled to have been given this honour. It warms my heart to receive it and I can’t really believe it.

“I am just doing the job I love, to the best of my ability and I am very lucky to work with the most fantastic people at the Friarage and at a very good hospital trust.”

MBE honour for pioneering Dr Das

Rear Admiral pays a visitTHE TRUST was delighted to welcome surgeon Rear Admiral Callum McArthur, Commander Joint Medical Command, Medical Director General (Naval) and Chief Naval Medical Officer - on a visit to James Cook.Rear Admiral McArthur is a general practitioner and GP trainer, submarine qualified and commando trained and has served in shore establishments in the UK and abroad, in submarines and with the surface fleet.

On his tour of the hospital he visited

wards 1,6,15,35,37 and accident and emergency (A&E) taking the opportunity to speak to military staff working at the hospital and receiving an update on the Ministry of Defence Hospital Unit’s (MDHU) current and future plans. He also met with trust chief executive professor Tricia Hart.

Professor Hart said: “Our partnership with the military is very important to us and it is important for us to continue to develop this. We hope Rear Admiral McArthur enjoyed his visit and gained a greater insight into the way the military works with the trust.”

Pat slows it down after 46 yearsPAT Dixon began her nursing career in 1968 as a nursing cadet in York and 46 years later she steps out of full-time employment to enjoy more time in her garden and relaxing on cruises.

Pat’s career progressed and she became an e grade staff nurse in 1993 – the same year she was elected a union rep for the RCN. In 2001, Pat relocated and came to work in Middlesbrough, joining the accident and emergency team at the town’s General Hospital.

Renowned for her sense of humour, Pat was surprised when her colleagues said they had got her a greenhouse and was highly amused to receive one – monopoly sized!

Susan Murphy, A&E sister said at Pat’s retirement lunch: “Pat will be missed in A&E, especially in see and treat, and although she’s leaving us, she will be working at the Friarage one day a week and continue her union duties. So this is adios, not goodbye. Once again thank you Pat and we wish you all the best.”

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Pat and her ‘green house’

THE TRUST has teamed up with Macmillan to review and improve every step of a cancer patient’s journey.

Funded by Macmillan until autumn 2015, the integration of cancer care project takes a close look at existing services and how patients move through the healthcare system, covering everything from diagnosis to recovery support and end of life care.

The project involves working closely with primary care, community health services, social services and the third sector as well as patients and their carers.

Recommendations will be made to help transform services with an emphasis placed on improving patient experience, patient information, communication between services, staff training, standardisation of care and providing care closer to home.

“It’s about working together to ensure the right person provides the right care at the right time and that the standard of care provided is what we want for ourselves, our friends and family and the local population,” said project manager Carol Taylor.

The development was one of many celebrated at the trust’s annual cancer conference at James Cook. Other key achievements highlighted were:

• The Trinity Holistic Centre has expanded its services – the centre has traditionally supported people under the care of specialist cancer consultants (oncologists). Now anyone with cancer who is under the care of any consultant at the trust can use the centre. The centre has also expanded to include a bedside service for inpatients along with a number of wellbeing projects designed to support patients and carers.

• Lung cancer patients can now have their tumours removed using keyhole surgery. The specialist procedure, known as a VATS (video-assisted thoracic surgery) lobectomy, is much less invasive than traditional surgery so it can be offered to elderly patients who may previously have been deemed not fit enough for surgery.

• A new state-of-the-art radiotherapy treatment for cancer patients has been introduced called stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR). SABR uses the latest developments in radiotherapy technology from Elekta to deliver very high doses of radiation to tumours in the chest with millimetre precision. By maximising the dose to the tumour, the risk of damaging surrounding normal tissues is minimised, increasing cure rates for patients as well as reducing side effects. Treatment times for some patients undergoing radiotherapy have also been reduced by up to a fifth.

The annual cancer conference featured updates from national and local speakers on what’s new in cancer services. These included Professor Sir John Burn, Professor of clinical genetics (cancer genetics - the future), Professor Greg Rubin, Professor of general practice and primary care (primary care referral pathways), Sean Duffy, national clinical director for cancer NHS England, (cancer 2014 and beyond) and Macmillan GP Dr Jonathan Berry (clinical commissioning group service developments in Middlesbrough).

Louise Shutt, cancer services manager said: “We are proud to offer some of the most advanced cancer treatments in Europe.

“But we are continuously working on new developments, pathways and techniques to keep us at the leading edge of cancer care and ensure our patients receive the very best care and support throughout every step of their journey.”

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The future of cancer services on Teesside

Liz beats cancer twice!ASSISTANT head teacher Liz Shaller is urging people to get any symptoms checked out as early as possible after beating cancer not once, but twice. Mrs Shaller was first diagnosed with cancer 10 years ago when an unrelated scan revealed a tumour on her left kidney.

The kidney was removed along with the tumour, which had grown to the size of an orange. Luckily the cancer had not spread as it had been discovered at such an early stage.

“I survived cancer and I thought that’s it for me. I had had my cancer,” said Mrs Shaller, who lives in Middlesbrough.

“But then last year all of my holiday plans went out of the window when they found a cyst on my ovary.

“The cyst turned out to be a tumour which grew to the size of a rugby ball and attached itself to the ureter of my remaining kidney.

“I just thought I was going to die, but they removed the tumour and tests revealed it was still at an early stage and had not spread - I was very lucky.”

Mrs Shaller agreed to share her story at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s annual cancer conference where she urged everyone to attend cancer screening appointments and get any symptoms checked out by their GP.

“It’s all about early screening,” she said. “If you get it caught early enough they can cure you.”

Mrs Shaller, who works at Ingleby Mill Primary School, said she could not fault the service she received both from James Cook and from her GP practice, Cambridge Medical Group in Linthorpe.

“It was second to none in all areas. The surgeons and the gynaecology cancer nurses were incredible and you could ring the nurses or the chemotherapy ward at any time day or night and they would just put your mind at rest. The Macmillan volunteers and the holistic centre were fantastic too.”

Liz Shaller has

beaten cancer twice

CASE STUDY

6

THE TRUST is taking part in an England-wide pilot that aims to identify heart problems in people with diabetes.It will see people who have developed a foot ulcer because of diabetes receive an electrocardiogram (ECG) to check for problems with their heart. Around 50% of people with diabetes who develop a foot ulcer die within five years and many of these deaths are attributable to heart problems.

The pilot aims to identify these problems earlier and take action to manage them. The pilot is being run by NHS Improving Quality’s Living Longer Lives programme, which aims to stop people dying too soon from illness or disease that could be prevented or treated.

Heart problems are commonly seen in people with diabetic foot ulcers for two main reasons. Firstly, diabetes causes narrowing of the blood vessels and damage to the body’s nerves. This narrowing of the blood vessels and nerve damage occur in the feet, causing foot ulcers, but also in the heart, reducing the blood supply and altering the electrical signals. Therefore a foot ulcer may also signal heart damage.

Secondly, some of the medication given to treat diabetic foot disease may alter electrical activity in the heart. Carrying out a quick and non-invasive ECG helps doctors identify those patients who either need to have changes made to their medication or who need to be referred to a cardiologist for further investigation.

It is hoped that the pilot will show that ECGs for patients with diabetic foot ulcer can help to prevent early death and that hospitals across England will begin to implement this approach.

Dr Simon Ashwell, diabetes consultant said: “Carrying out a simple ECG on a patient who has developed a diabetic foot ulcer is a quick and easy way for us to know if they are at risk of early death. If doctors know about these problems it is possible to treat them and ultimately save lives.

“I’m very pleased we are taking part in this important pilot and keen to see the impact the ECGs have on our patients’ health.”

The results of the pilot will be collected and analysed in July 2015, prior to the publication of the findings in a final report.

Trust takes part in innovative pilot

MOST people would want to put their feet up and take it easy after their 90th birthday – but not Mabel McGurk.Mabel has been a volunteer at James Cook since the Macmillan cancer support and information centre first opened its doors in 2006.

The great grandmother spends one day a week supporting cancer patients as they undergo treatment at the Middlesbrough hospital.

“Some people might want to take it easy but not me,” said Mabel. “I enjoy seeing the patients and talking to them all.

“It’s very rewarding work and it makes me realise how fortunate I am to have my health. I will keep volunteering for as long as I am able to and as long as they will have me.”

Patients from the chemotherapy unit surprised her with a huge pile of gifts to mark her 90th birthday and

fellow volunteers arranged a special celebration event.Cancer lead nurse Nicky Hand said the trust is indebted to Mabel for her contribution to cancer care.Anyone interested in becoming a Macmillan volunteer can contact the Macmillan cancer support and information centre on 01642 835674.

STAFF nurse Sue Lane has retired after 41 years dedicated service to the NHS - 28 working in the endoscopy directorate part of the trust’s integrated medical centre. Sue started her career in endoscopy as a state enrolled nurse at Middlesbrough General and is now one of the trust’s lead endoscopy pre-assessment nurses. Over the years she has become an essential step in the patient pathway, ensuring patients receive the appropriate advice and preparation before their endoscopic procedure.

She plans to enjoy her well-earned retirement by spending more time gardening and cake making and taking time out at her caravan by the coast. Dr John Greenaway, consultant gastroenterologist, who thinks Sue should regularly supply the endoscopy unit with beautiful cakes during her retirement, said: “In some ways this is a sad day for us because we are losing a valuable member of the team. “We congratulate Sue on her long and rewarding nursing career and thank her for the many years of service she has contributed to endoscopy. We wish her a fond farewell and the best of luck for the future.”

Mabel’s still volunteering at 90!

Sue’s planning to relax by the sea

Mabel receives her birthday flowers from Macmillan development manager Stephen Guy

Sue (centre) celebrates with her friends and colleagues at her retirement do

First procedure: (left to right) Dr Sathyamurthy and Dr Rehan Mustafa watch the ultrasound screen while staff nurse Victoria Fawcett and healthcare assistant Lee Hockney look after the patient during the first EBUS procedure at James Cook

A NEW procedure in the early treatment of lung cancer has been carried out on a patient for the first time at James Cook.Lung cancer is a rapidly progressive disease and therefore early diagnosis and accurate treatment is crucial to making the correct course of action to increase patients’ survival chances. Each case has to be individually assessed as to the most appropriate treatment.

By the time patients are referred to secondary care, over one third of them already have cancer that has spread to the lymph glands. Taking samples of the enlarged lymph glands is vital for deciding the best way of treatment for patients with lung cancer.

Conventionally samples of these lymph glands were taken by a surgical procedure (mediastinoscopy) which involves a general anaesthetic. The patient would have to recover, usually including a couple of days stay in hospital and be left with a scar from the incision close to their windpipe.

With the advent of endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) these nodes can be sampled by doing a camera

test under light sedation as a day case procedure and patients can be discharged home the same day, within a couple of hours of having the procedure.

NICE guidance on the diagnosis, staging and treatment of lung cancer (April 2011) highlights that one of the key priorities for cancer services is to offer EBUS as the first choice test for patients who are potentially suitable for curative treatment.

The trust started their EBUS service earlier this month. Up until recently South Tees patients were referred to University of North Tees Hospital for this procedure.

Dr Rehan Mustafa, respiratory physician, who carried out the first procedure at James Cook with his colleague Dr Ramamurthy Sathyamurthy, said: “Having a local service at James Cook means that our patients would not need to travel to an unfamiliar hospital at a potentially vulnerable time and we anticipate that doing the test locally will considerably shorten the time to diagnosis and treatment.

“The other main benefit for the patient is the non-invasive nature of the procedure. They can be in and out within a few hours as opposed to a hospital stay of several days.”

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PAULA Adamson could not believe her eyes when her therapist from the Trinity Holistic Centre arranged for her to meet her favourite band members from Boyzone.The private meet and greet at the Emirates Durham International Cricket Ground was arranged by complementary therapist Caroline Chinn who was able to contact the band’s manager through a friend of a friend.

“It was amazing, I did not know anything was going to happen,” said Paula, 46, of Eston who was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2012.

“We went into a VIP suite and Keith and Shane were there first and we had our photos taken and they talked to us for ages. When I said Ronan was my favourite they went and got him too and then Mikey turned up for a photo as well. I did not know whether to cry, laugh or scream!

“Every time I think about it I smile. It’s something I will never forget. It’s just something you never expect to happen. I had only known Caroline for four weeks and she did all this for me. I can’t thank her enough.”

Caroline added: “It was worth the effort just to see her face, it was amazing!”

The Trinity Holistic Centre, based at James Cook, provides practical and emotional support and wellbeing projects to support cancer patients and their carers. To find out more visit southtees.nhs.uk/services/trinity-holistic-centre.

Therapist makes Paula’s day

Ultrasound boost for lung cancer patients

Paula and sister Nicola Rutherford (right) meet Mikey Graham, Keith Duffy and Ronan Keating. Also pictured are complementary therapist Caroline Chinn (second left) and head of complementary therapy Kathryn Almond. Picture courtesy of FY Photography

AS PART of the team setting up the ‘any qualified provider’ podiatry service in Hambleton and Richmondshire, senior podiatrist, Mickala McFadden is used to seeing a wide variety of foot problems.As a volunteer with the medical team supporting the runners at the London Marathon this year, Mickala experienced a wide variety of conditions and the unusual working conditions were a huge challenge. She tells Talking Point about her experience:

“I had to draw on all my sports medicine knowledge and clinical experience, putting it into practice in a fast paced, high pressure environment.

“I was stationed at the finish line on The

Mall, working in a team that included doctors, physiotherapists, nurses, podiatrists and members of the St John Ambulance.

“As a podiatrist I was able to use my skills to manage an interesting range of conditions including suspected toe fractures, cramp, bruises, partially attached nails, knee pain and lots and lots of blisters!

“Personally and professionally I gained a great deal of experience and knowledge from working in this setting and skills which I can transfer to my day to day working in the trust for the benefit of patients. I’ve also been inspired to encourage other clinicians to volunteer at similar events.”

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Feet first

Redcar MP discovers vital role of eye clinic officers

Mickala and fellow volunteer podiatrist Bethany Jones from Cardiff

REDCAR MP Ian Swales paid a visit to eye outpatients at James Cook to learn more about the vital role eye clinic liaison officers play in supporting people who have recently been told that they will lose their sight.Mr Swales met eye clinic liaison officer Cathie Burke and two patients who have recently benefited from the service at the Middlesbrough hospital.

Eye clinic liaison officers (ECLO) provide practical and emotional support to people who have been newly diagnosed with an eye condition. People who may have been living with sight loss for some years can also visit them for extra help and advice.

They can offer patients the time that they need to discuss their eye condition and diagnosis, and to learn about practical help and solutions to help them cope with the difficulties they face due to sight loss.

The ECLO role at James Cook is funded

by Action for Blind People (part of the Royal National Institute of Blind People) in partnership with the trust.

Mr Swales said: “It is a service which provides essential support to people in Teesside who have been newly diagnosed with sight loss and don’t know where to turn.

“I have recently experienced a rare eye condition myself and I am pleased to know that services like this one are out there with the appropriate support and knowledge.”

Lucy Dixon, RNIB regional campaigns officer for the North east, said: “Not only are ECLOs vital when it comes to providing emotional support for people at a time which can be extremely daunting, but they can also offer important practical support such as helping people to understand the process of becoming registered for their sight loss and transferring people to the right social services departments.”

Cathie added: “A lot of people don’t know what to ask for because they don’t know what is available.

“No one should face sight loss alone. Providing this service is fundamental for people in Teesside, and ensures that everyone who is affected by sight loss has the opportunity to gain the support they need in order to lead fulfilled and meaningful lives.”

MP Ian Swales meets patients Peter Dobson and Christine Lutkin from James Cook, ECLO Cathie Burke

and representatives from Action for Blind People

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FOLLOWING the campaign highlighting the vital importance of case note tracking, Talking Point takes you behind the scenes with the health records service.

The service employs 122 staff across both James Cook and the Friarage hospitals who manage over one million volumes of patient records. The James Cook department operates a 24 hour records service while the Friarage hospital operates Monday to Friday with an extended evening and weekend service also.

The service is split into the following teams:

Library managementEach month porters and secretaries and others deliver 45,000 case notes back to central file from all offices and departments around the trust. Deliveries are constant throughout the day and library staff - including two overnight workers at James Cook - aim to file notes within 24 hours of delivery. Staff in this team also pack and transfer any notes that have to be filed back at the secondary storage unit, based off site. The staff ensure every set of those notes gets re-tracked on the information system, CaMIS, to indicate where the notes are being sent. James Cook has four deliveries and collections per day Monday to Friday while the Friarage Hospital receives three deliveries a week from the unit.

Emergency and elective admissionsThe library team work very closely with James Cook’s emergency admissions office who send information to staff when any patient is being admitted as an emergency. Staff work on locating the patient notes for the admitting ward. Around 4,100 sets of notes are sent out to wards for emergency admissions each month.

Clinic preparationThe teams in this area locate and provide case notes for large numbers of outpatient clinics across the trust. The staff are responsible for locating and preparing all of the notes for each clinic in advance of the clinic date and send out over 29,000 sets of notes per month for clinics - averaging a success rate of 99.7%.

Health records qualityThis team is responsible for recording deceased information and change of address on CaMIS. On average there are 1,643 such notifications per month. However, the team is hindered in their work by having to correct details on the CaMIS system that should have been picked up when patients are admitted to the wards or attend outpatient clinics, such as current home address and GP practice.

Outpatients A large central referral management and appointment booking team

manage clinics across the whole trust. The staff book outpatient appointments on CaMIS and manage the clinic templates while also responding to calls from patients who want to enquire, cancel or change their outpatient appointments. The staff are also responsible for ensuring patients referred for suspected cancer receive a first outpatient appointment within 14 days. The whole team receives around 9,500 telephone calls and 7,600 appointments are booked each month.

Patient access requestsAt the Friarage, staff provide copies of patient records as per the Data Protection Act when patients/representatives place a request. The staff will obtain consultant permissions for information to be released and then they have the unenviable task of copying what is being requested. These staff work closely with the main patient access hub team based in the legal department at James Cook.

The futureThe department is currently undergoing a major service review and it is hoped to make changes that will improve service delivery and working conditions for the staff.

Any staff, whose work involves using case notes, would find it useful to spend a few hours with the service to understand further why tracking is vital and what goes wrong if they don’t use it.

For more details about the service, contact Emma Dodsworth, health records manager on extension 54789 JCUH or emma.dodsworth@stees.nhs.uk.

Health records service: more than just a filing room

Library assistant Kelly Lewis retrieves the requested records

Kakali Dastidar and Harriet Smith at work in clinic preparation

Appointment staff booking patient appointments

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A TEAM of hard-working field sales representatives voluntarily mucked in and got their hands dirty by helping to build a vegetable garden in the grounds of the Trinity Holistic Centre at James Cook.

Complementing and redeveloping parts of the existing enclosed garden area at the rear

of the building, the area will improve facilities for all patients, carers and staff providing a more functional and therapeutic space and environment.

The vegetable garden is the first part of an overall gardening project, which is being funded initially by National Lottery operator Camelot with further contributions being sought from other charity organisations and individuals. A number of targeted

projects are currently being planned including one by Macmillan specifically for patients who are living with and beyond cancer.

The ten-strong team of Camelot employees helped build flower and vegetable beds, load the soil and compost in and plant up the vegetables all within a day. They were assisted by Stephen Bell, health and safety adviser at the trust, Gary Taylor, a joiner from Carillion and one of the centre’s volunteers, Ray Wheatley, who developed initial ideas and planned the project with Stephen.

The gardening project follows input from a wide range of specialist personnel within the hospital and following research guidelines carried out from looking at similar projects in the UK and abroad. The research showed very positive results on both physical and mental improvements from all of the groups, whether either simply sitting on a bench or performing easy gardening

tasks, like seed planting, weeding, and cultivating flowers and plants.

Heather McLean, business manager at the centre, said: “We are very excited about this project and can’t thank ‘Team Camelot’ enough for their help in getting it up and running. The development of accessible gardening in a supportive therapeutic environment will be a great benefit for our patients, carers and staff.

“The final phase of the project is the installing of a sensory garden, which is hoped will start before the end of the summer. The vegetable patches aim to encourage healthy eating and patients will be able to replicate all activities safely at home adding to their weekly exercise and activity levels.”

Field sales team get hands dirty for centre users

Popular consultant retires

Team Camelot, along with Stephen Bell and volunteer Ray Wheatley, relax after completing the vegetable beds at the centre

CONSULTANT Mr David Smerdon has retired after 27 years working for the ophthalmology directorate part of the surgical services centre.A specialist in corneal transplantation, Mr Smerdon started work at the trust in 1987 and his many achievements include being head of school and head tutor.

Mr Smerdon - pictured celebrating with colleagues and friends at his leaving do - is hoping to enjoy more time with his family during his retirement.

Mr Tim Dowd, consultant ophthalmologist said: “Mr Smerdon has made a significant contribution to ophthalmology over the years. He will be greatly missed by all his colleagues and friends and the many patients he has helped. We wish him all the very best for the future.”

“We are very excited about

this project and can’t thank

‘Team Camelot’ enough.”

FROM the beginning of October, the way we provide children’s and maternity services at the Friarage Hospital will change.From 1 October 2014, there will no longer be an inpatient (overnight) children’s ward at the Northallerton hospital. Instead a short-stay paediatric assessment unit (SSPAU) will operate which will only assess and treat children who have been referred by their GP or who have open access arrangements.

Any child who is likely to need an overnight stay in hospital will be treated elsewhere but planned day case surgery for children will continue to be provided at the Friarage.

On 6 October, the Friarage maternity centre – a midwifery-led unit – will officially open, where women who have been assessed as low risk can give birth.

Mums-to-be who have been assessed as high risk (and need consultant-led obstetric and neonatal services including the special care baby unit) will now deliver at another hospital of their choice such as The James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough or Darlington Memorial Hospital.

The special care baby unit will also close on Monday 6 October, although the unit stopped taking patients from outside the trust at the end of September.

As there will be no children’s doctors or

inpatient facilities in the Friarage overnight, the hospital’s accident and emergency department is no longer the right place to bring children who are unwell, although staff will continue to treat children with minor injuries.

As is the case now, if a child is unwell and needs medical attention there are a number of options available such as ringing your GP, NHS 111 (out-of-hours) or getting advice from the local pharmacy. In an emergency, if a child needs urgent and immediate attention ring 999 and call an ambulance.

Dr Ruth Roberts, a consultant paediatrician at the Friarage Hospital, said: “Our philosophy in children’s services has, for many years, been to keep children out of hospital where possible.

“The main change is that children from Hambleton and Richmondshire who need an overnight stay in hospital will now be treated at another hospital such as James Cook or Darlington, or one closer to their home.

“The rest of our services remain unchanged and through the short-stay paediatric assessment unit, our consultants and nursing teams will provide assessment, care and observation for children and young people who are referred by their GP.

“We’re also working closely with the parents of children with long-term conditions who

use our services frequently to explain how this will impact on them.”

Head of midwifery and gynaecology Yvonne Regan added: “These changes are being made purely on the grounds of safety and the future long-term sustainability of services – the safety of our women and babies has to be our number one priority.

“We’ve discussed the changes with all pregnant women who were planning to give birth at the Friarage and what it will mean for them and we are now discussing all the birth options available to women who are pregnant.”

The changes do NOT affect any of the following women and children’s services at the Friarage Hospital:

• Outpatient gynaecology

• Inpatient gynaecology for elective surgery

• Children’s outpatients

• Children’s planned day surgery

• Outpatient antenatal clinics

• Early pregnancy services

• Community midwifery services

• Community paediatric nursing services

A dedicated section about the changes has been set up the trust’s website and includes downloadable materials such as posters, factsheets and leaflets. For more information visit www.southtees.nhs.uk/hospitals/friarage/changes

Changes to the special care baby unit and children’s and maternity services at the Friarage Hospital

11

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• There will be no inpatient (overnight) children’s facilities at the Friarage Hospital but a short-stay paediatric assessment unit (SSPAU) will be open from 10am to 10pm.

• The SSPAU will assess and treat children and young people referred by their GP or who have open access arrangements. As there will be no inpatient care, children who are very sick will be referred to the nearest major centre for specialist inpatient care.

• Children’s outpatient services, all planned day surgery and community paediatric nursing services at the Friarage remain unchanged.

• The special care baby unit at the Friarage Hospital will close.

• Pregnant women who are at low risk of complications will have the option to give birth in a new midwifery-led unit (which is part of the maternity centre) at the Friarage Hospital, supported by specialist midwives.

• Pregnant women at higher risk of complications during labour will need to choose an alternative hospital to give birth (such as The James Cook University Hospital or Darlington Memorial Hospital), ensuring they receive the most appropriate care from specialist teams with the most advanced facilities and expertise onsite.

• Antenatal care, such as ultrasound scans and assessments, will still take place at the Friarage, as will postnatal care and support.

• All community-based maternity services such as clinics and home visiting will continue, offering care as close to home as possible.

• As there will be no children’s doctors or inpatient facilities in the Friarage Hospital overnight, the accident and emergency department at the Friarage is no longer the right place to bring children who are unwell, although it will still treat children with minor injuries.

Summary of key changes

12

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13

WANT to get into shape but don’t know where to start? Tried every diet going but nothing seems to work? Then why not take advantage of the free services provided by the trust’s health trainers?

Health trainers offer a range of weight management services including one to one support, group sessions and community drop-in clinics.

People often wrongly assume that because it’s a service provided by the NHS that they have to be referred. But anyone over 16, with a BMI over 25 living in the Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland area or working for the trust can drop in to any of the sessions for advice and support from qualified weight management specialists.

“Even people who have been dieting for years are always surprised by how much they learn,” said health trainer Andy Anderson.

“They have thought about eating less fat but have not considered portion sizes or

how much sugar is in certain foods, or where extra calories are hiding.

“One of the first questions people ask is what can I eat? They think they have to cut everything out of their diet but that’s where a lot of people go wrong because that can leave you with a poorly balanced diet. Plus if you don’t enjoy your food how long will it be before you fall off the wagon?”

The trust’s team of five qualified staff can support as many as 100 clients a week.

Part of the health trainer’s role is to assess whether people are ready to change their lifestyle and to help them set realistic goals. They also look at why people eat what they do and identify coping strategies for dealing with problems such as stress, depression and boredom.

“There’s no magic to it. It’s about taking little steps and making small changes,” said health trainer Jenny Yafano.

The team show clients how to identify different food groups and how many portions of each they should be aiming for.

“People often say fresh fruit and vegetables are too expensive but it does not matter how it comes to the plate - fresh, frozen or tinned - as long as it’s in its own juices or water,” said health trainer Jo Ward.

Health trainer Carolyn Hill said: “The best part of the job is seeing the results and how happy people are. You see people start to dress differently and their confidence improve.”

Information obtained by the service is confidential and sessions are flexible to fit around working hours.

Find your nearest drop in session at southtees.nhs.uk/health - the team are at James Cook every Tuesday - or call 01287 284479.

Time to shape up?

To attend the free NHS weight management sessions you must:

• Be aged over 16

• Have a BMI (body mass index) over 25

• Be living in the Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland area

To work out your BMI:

• Divide your weight in kilograms (kg) by your height in metres (m)

• Then divide the answer by your height again to get your BMI

• Ideally your BMI score should be between 18.5 and 25

Top tips:

Reduce your saturated fat intake by using lean cuts of meat, trimming off excess fat before cooking and grilling instead frying.

Reduce your sugar intake by keeping a bowl of washed fresh fruit handy for snacks and choosing sugar-free fizzy drinks

It takes about 20 minutes for the stomach to tell the brain it’s full so eat slowly and try to stop before you feel full.Health trainers (left to right) Carolyn Hill, Jenny Yafano and Jo

Ward demonstrate different food groups

The health improvement team at their base at Langbaurgh House, Guisborough

14

A MASSIVE thanks to all the walkers and cyclists who took part in the second purple walk to benefit the haematology department at James Cook and the first event in our ‘walk for wards’ programme. This fantastic fundraising bonanza was organised by South Tees Hospitals Charity, Brian Jones and Mark Stewart from

purple walks and Stockton Council. Money is still coming in and is already in the thousands.The RAF Falcons parachute display team thrilled the crowds with their air acrobatics and exciting free fall display.

Walk for your wards

Pippa’s flying highADVENTUROUS hospital worker - Pippa Grout - who works on the surgical admission unit at James Cook took the plunge falling through the sky from 10,000 feet in memory of her brother, David Kristopher Grout. Pippa raised £625.10 for intensive care unit 2 at James Cook to thank the dedicated staff for the wonderful care they gave her brother when he was a patient.

Family’s mammoth challenge to thank staffANDREW Bunn, his sons, Will, 25, Tom, 22 and family friend Jim O’Brien climbed the Lake District’s 17 Wainwright fells in 16 hours 58 minutes raising a brilliant £4,218.90 to thank the dedicated staff from the Scott suite that cared for wife and mum, Debbie Bunn, as she recovered from breast cancer.

Fantastic fundraising to thank dedicated teamTHANKS to the support of the children’s diabetes team at James Cook, young diabetes patient, Ewan McGee, 5, is enjoying life to the full. His family organised a successful race night at Marton Cricket Club which has raised a terrific £3,023.70.

Fabulous four

Second annual purple walk

We feature below a small selection the fantastic fundraisers who have helped us recently. If anyone is interested in fundraising contact the charity team on 01642 854160 or visiting their website at www.southtees.nhs.uk/charity. You can also keep up to date with the latest on South Tees charity on twitter @STeesCharity

Rob’s miracle recoveryTHE fantastic care given to patient Rob McMullan following a heart attack and brain injury in November 2012 inspired his wife, Heather and daughter, Jordanne to bungee jump from Middlesbrough transporter bridge raising a fantastic £523.50 to raise awareness and funds for the neurology department and ward 26 rehabilitation at James Cook to thank the dedicated neurology team for saving his life.

15

WHEN Maureen Bates was offered the chance to take part in a clinical trial before undergoing a major operation she didn’t think twice and she is now urging others to do the same.

Maureen of Skelton was the first patient to complete a pre-op fitness programme as part of a study exploring the potential benefits of high intensity exercise prior to surgery.

“I thought if it helps me it will help other people as well so I was happy to take part,” she said.

Led by consultant anaesthetist Professor Gerard Danjoux from James Cook the multi-site study focuses on patients who have abdominal aortic aneurysms - a potentially life-threatening swelling on the main abdominal blood vessel.

Patients are asked to complete fitness exercises on an exercise bike at the hospital three times a week for four weeks prior to surgery while their heart rate and blood pressure are carefully monitored by research nurses and cardiac physiotherapists. After their operation they are asked to complete surveys and a diary to monitor their progress.

“I thought it was good fun and I never

found it difficult,” said Maureen, who was back to normal within 10 days of her procedure. “I would not be frightened of doing it again. I had faith in the staff and they were all absolutely fantastic. They support you all the way through it.”

But it was only by chance that Maureen’s aneurysm was spotted at all as she had not been experiencing any symptoms. Her doctor noticed the problem in an unrelated x-ray and sent her straight to hospital in an ambulance.

“I was extremely surprised when they told me because I felt fine,” said Maureen. “At first I was wary about doing anything strenuous but then I just carried on as normal – I did not know I had the aneurysm before the x-ray so I would have just carried on as normal anyway.”

Professor Danjoux hopes the study will help change the way people think and encourage them to keep active before they have an operation by exploring potential benefits such as reduced complication rates and faster recovery rates.

He said: “When people are told they have an aneurysm it’s a big shock and a lot of patients refrain from doing anything at all for fear of the aneurysm growing or bursting, but this means they are less fit ahead of their surgery so it’s probably the wrong thing to do.

“That’s the challenge we are facing and we want to change

people’s perceptions.

“Evidence shows that the fitter you are before surgery the better you do, but we are looking at whether it is possible to get that fitness up in a short period of time.

“This is something that has not previously been

studied in patients with aneurysms due to fears that

surges in blood pressure may cause complications but our background research shows the risks are very low and are far outweighed by the benefits of increasing the patient’s fitness.”

The Department of Health funded study is a joint project with Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, York Teaching Hospitals, York Trials Unit and Teesside University. So far 30 out of 60 patients have been recruited for the £245,000 trial.

Louise Cawthorn, research sister said: “Around half of the patients we have approached have agreed to take part which is fantastic. Every patient receives an individualised exercise programme and we are there to monitor and support them at each session. It’s also an excellent opportunity for patients to discuss any concerns or questions they may have with the research nurses ahead of their surgery.”

Evidence gathered will also help support wider research by the Royal College of Anaesthetists into the care given to patients before, after and during surgery.

Julie Rowbotham, research and development manager added: “There are very few areas in the trust now where we do not have clinical trials and we would always encourage patients to ask their consultants about any trials that may benefit them.”

Maureen urges others to support clinical trials

Maureen pictured with research sister Louise Cawthorn and consultant anaesthetist Professor Gerard Danjoux

“Every patient receives an

individualised exercise

programme.”

JAN Parvin has said goodbye to a job she first started 39 years ago. She has worked in sterile services since 1975 when as a youngster she joined the team at St Luke’s Hospital. She’s seen an incredible change over the four decades.

The sterile services assistant said: “The standards are so much higher now than they were when I started. The workload is also greater – we are cleaning and repacking three-times as much as we used to do – I’ve really enjoyed it, but now is the time when I just want a bit of ‘me time’. I

may even look for a small part-time job.”

Jan, who has two adult sons and lives in Berwick Hills, has been at South Cleveland / James Cook since 1990. Gayle Saltmer, Jan’s current manager said: “Jan is a hard working member of the team, who is always chirpy, she has dedicated a lot of years to her role and she will be missed by the team very much.”

16

THE ACADEMIC centre is using state-of-the-art video conferencing facilities to make it easier to deliver training and attend meetings. A number of educational meetings are now video-conferenced between James Cook, Friarage and other sites including:• Postgraduate lectures

every Thursday lunchtime 1pm to 2pm

• Core medical training - local and regional training sessions

• Major trauma meetings (next dates: 28 Oct, 22 Dec)

• Key lectures for the organisation – C-difficile reduction, lessons learnt

• Staff-student undergraduate committee meetings

In the academic centres at James Cook and Friarage, there are six rooms with fixed video-conferencing equipment and three further mobile units which mean that sessions can be screened from most rooms.

Video-conferencing – saving a little time and a lot of hassle

Geoff Mann, Sheila Barsoum and John Pulling show off the video conferencing technology

THE Friarage’s hotel services team - part of service, strategy and infrastructure directorate – has won two Association of Healthcare Cleaning Professionals (AHCP) 2014 awards.The team - which provides a clean and safe healthcare environment for patients and staff at the hospital - won the ‘working in partnership’ category and Ann Horsfield, Mary Robinson and Susan Sangster, won the ‘supervisor team award’.

Claire Pilling, Friarage clinical matron for integrated medical care centre, nominated Ann,

Mary and Susan as she relies on the domestic team to ensure patients are in clean and safe surroundings, and the supportive and caring trio are always approachable friendly and willing to help solve problems.

The hotel services department was nominated to highlight what can be achieved given the right support. An effective recruitment tool was developed through apprenticeships and career pathway initiatives, where no previous training or career structure was in place. Team members embraced learning and new technology and now have a greater understanding in the importance of their role and

the difference they can make.

The Friarage team received their awards at the AHCP Gala Awards Dinner at the East Midlands Conference Centre, Nottingham as part of the AHCP National Conference. The Association of Healthcare Cleaning Professionals is the professional association for healthcare cleaning in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Denise Foster, Friarage hotel services manager, said: “The Friarage team are absolutely delighted to have won the awards. It is a tribute to their hard work and effort in ensuring the trust has a high standard, efficient and modern domestic service which provides a safe environment for patient care.”

Double for Friarage’s clean teamTop team: Staff from the Friarage Hospital’s hotel services team with their awards

Jan’s clean break

17

Video-conferencing – saving a little time and a lot of hassle

Geoff Mann, Sheila Barsoum and John Pulling show off the video conferencing technology

TAKING the time to observe a busy ward has dramatically changed the way one James Cook consultant thinks and now he is challenging staff across all levels to do the same.Diabetic consultant Vijayaraman Arutchelvam was tasked with observing a ward as part of an assignment for his NHS leadership course. He spent three hours talking to staff and patients and observing their interactions using the national 15 Steps Challenge toolkit.

“It really made me look at things through the eyes of a patient. The whole experience was a revelation,” he said.

While the general feedback was excellent – every patient interviewed said they could not have received better care, the exercise highlighted a few simple changes that could have a huge impact on the patient’s overall hospital experience.

“If a buzzer rang from a patient’s bedside the nursing staff were running to them and they were always smiling,” said Dr Arutchelvam.

“But we saw people waiting to be let onto the ward. They had pressed the buzzer but no one said ‘hello come in’ because everyone was so busy so they didn’t know if the door was unlocked - little things like that matter because first impressions count.

“There was also a phone ringing continuously for minutes before it was eventually picked up. So many

people walked around it but did not pick it up as they were all busy. But what if it was a worried relative or important test results? It’s such a little thing but it could have a huge impact on patient care.”

Other recommendations to come out of the observational exercise included having more prominent board displays and the ward team keeping the noise levels down when chatting to colleagues.

“It was an eye opener and I would urge other staff to take even just five minutes to observe a ward or clinic area. I have been a doctor since 1985 but this changed the way I think and now whatever I do I always try to look at it from the patient’s point of view.”

Dr Arutchelvam then sat in his own clinic waiting area and instigated a few improvements of his own.

“We do a young person’s clinic for 16 to 25-year-olds and I noticed that all the young people came in and sat in the furthest corner of the room with nothing to do while they waited up to 45 minutes. I realised they weren’t interested in the out of date magazines and that the environment was not doing anything to encourage them to attend future appointments.

After speaking to some of his patients Dr Arutchelvam has now created a young people’s waiting area which, thanks to funding he had received for recent lectures, includes an iPad, handheld gaming devices and new magazine subscriptions.

“It’s amazing what you can do when you put your mind to it,” he said.

The power of observation

Diabetic consultant Vijayaraman

Arutchelvam and diabetes specialist nurse

Tina Spence with the new iPad, magazines and computer games

Facilities at the Friarage have received a huge boost thanks to a grant of £55,832 from Health Education Yorkshire and Humber. This complements previous investments in video conferencing made by the trust to support cancer teams and by Newcastle University to support undergraduate education.Ann Sanson, academic centre manager said: “Video conferencing facilities are available to all staff across the trust. Help is always on hand as all sessions are booked through the academic centre management team at the James Cook site. There are also a number of supporting documents to assist users.”Louise Campbell, postgraduate medical and dental education manager said: “It is great to see people considering alternative ways of accessing learning and working. Using Facetime and Skype to video call friends and family is commonplace now - the facilities available are just a more advanced version designed for secure,

professional use. Video conferencing reduces the duplication of training sessions cross site and reduces the need to travel between them.”

Director of postgraduate education David Macafee added: “In the future, this grant should also enable us to begin recording lectures if requested, on either site – this will be great for staff who could not attend due to work or other commitments.

“Creating such a strong video-conferencing capability has been years in the making – led by Sheila Barsoum (previous divisional manager now retired), Ann Sanson and AV technician John Pulling.

“John’s knowledge of video conferencing and problem solving was instrumental in winning the bid and then embedding the equipment within the existing systems. With the help of Geoff Mann and other academic centre “front of house” colleagues, the centre is a great place to learn and work.”

18

Ladies help scanner appealWENSLEYDALE Ladies Circle – whose motto is fundraising, friendship and fun – generously donated £500 to the scanner appeal.

Panto raises funds - oh yes it does NORTHALLERTON Amateur Variety Company’s pantomime at the Forum this year -Sleeping Beauty – provided a generous £2,500 boost for the scanner appeal.

Colourful boostLISA Moon and her friends joined thousands of others in becoming a rainbow at Castle Howards 5K run and dye event and along with Gill Lewis - who held a barbecue - they raised a fantastic 2,850.99 for the Friarage MRI scanner appeal in memory of Lisa’s granddad, George Moon. A big thank you to Lisa and Gill and their friends for supporting the appeal and to everyone who generously sponsored them.

First million in the bagOUR ambitious appeal to raise £2million for an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scanner at the Friarage is now at the halfway mark.The response so far has been fantastic and thanks to everyone who has helped we are well on our way to

reaching our target. Be part of the £2m party and support the MRI scanner appeal. Donate online at www.justgiving.com/FriarageMRIscannerappeal, contact the appeal office telephone 01609 764936, email judith.masterman@stees.nhs.uk, or contact our appeal partners

the Friends of the Friarage Hospital 01609 762013.

We feature below some of the events, local people and businesses who have supported the appeal so far. For more details visit www.friaragescannerappeal.org.uk or check out twitter @STeesCharity

It’s classicSWAINBY Classic Car Show celebrated its 10th anniversary this year giving classic vehicle owners and members of the public alike an enjoyable day out and helping the appeal to the tune of £3,000 at the same time.

Coffee timeCOUNCILLOR John Forrest - Northallerton mayor - is supporting the scanner appeal for the next 12 months. A coffee morning and bring and buy in the town hall kick started the fundraising by £447.57.

Bowling for scannerTHIRSK Athletic Bowling Club’s marathon 12-hour sponsored bowling competition by 17 keen bowlers – with ages ranging from 60 to 82 – led to a fantastic £3,191 boost for the scanner appeal.

Stylish staff STAFF from the Friarage’s Allerton, Romanby and Gara wards, intensive care and clinical decision units kindly donated money to the scanner appeal when they bought new tops raising, £25. MI Supplies – supplier of the fleeces - also donated £50.

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