Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

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Countess

mattersAutumn 2015

New signage piloted to make getting about easier Find out Pagemore 2 Annual 03 Minister visits 07 Vital work to 10 On-line Members’ Countess improve nutrition booking plans Meeting 13th October

05 A celebration 06 Partners take 11 Fundraising for foundation fresh approach roundup doctors Contents New signage piloted to make getting about The Countess easier

ver the last year the Trust being numbered and referenced by a circular FROM YOUR CHIEF EXECUTIVE YOUR FROM Welcome has seen an increase in the yellow disc labelled G1, G2, G3 etc… for number of complaints from ground floor and F1, F2, F3 for first floor. WELCOME to our latest edition visitors who have found It uses black print on a yellow background of Countess Matters, and I also it difficult to navigate in keeping with best practice to help those hope to be welcoming many Otheir way around the hospital. That, who may be visually impaired. of you to our Annual Members combined with our public governors’ Governor Helen Clifton said: “I’m very Meeting in October. desire to see ‘wayfinding’ made a pleased to be involved with this project: priority, has seen us establish a team of The pages ahead will hopefully give coming to hospital can be a bewildering governors and estates leads who have you a flavour of what we have been experience and we hope to relieve some of spent a number of months looking into focussing on at The Countess over the anxiety by improving and simplifying the best practice and identifying a way the summer – changes to hospital signs for patients and visitors.’ signage based on your feedback, forward for The Countess. The system is backed up by a Wayfinding ongoing work to tackle smoking Mark Brandreth, Deputy Chief Executive and Location Directory in clip frames that outside our front doors and our work Director of Operations explains: “It has been reference the locations of existing wards, across West Cheshire to support a huge undertaking. Some trusts have spent or clinical departments that patients or caring for our frailest of patients. in excess of £100,000 on getting this right, visitors may be trying to find. These will be whereas others have made an impact with You will also find features about located at all key entrance points and in as little as £5,000. Here at The Countess we work to improve nutritional care, stairwells and work alongside the existing think we can make some positive changes and what we can expect from our ‘slats’ white on blue signage, which is still spending much less money, given the Care Quality Commission inspection needed from the point a person exits the current challenging financial position.” based on learnings from our very corridor ‘junction’. When we currently own specialist advisor. Governor Helen Clifton and estates leads make changes to the Trust layout, it can cost Why not come and hear about our Kevin Eccles and Alan Dunn have opted to up to £40 per slat. With this new system, latest news first hand and meet the trial a system inspired by the nearby Robert the junctions will be fixed – with each disc Countess faces behind these latest Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital costing less than £40, and the costs for projects? This year’s annual event in Gobowen and input from NHS colleagues changing the clip frame posters minimal. at Leighton and Wythenshawe hospitals. will be taking place on Tuesday 13th Helen added: “This is ongoing work and October at 5pm in the Education and Based on the simple principle of a numbered we hope you’ll notice further developments Training Centre at the Chester site. I junction system similar to what you before very long. Please tell us what you look forward to seeing you there! might find on the motorway network, think of the changes”. Best wishes - Tony The Countess ground floor and first floor corridors will be our ‘streets’ with each turning or sub-corridor

Minister visits The Countess as part of NHS productivity role

The Countess of Chester Hospital Chief is the important relationship we’ve We have increased medical expertise Executive, Tony Chambers welcomed developed with the Lord Carter Review in frail elderly care, at the ‘front door’ Lord Prior of Brampton, Minister Team, who are advising on NHS of the hospital to get poorly patients for NHS Productivity to the Trust on productivity, and who we’ve created stabilised more quickly and directed to Thursday 3rd September. a strong and reciprocal arrangement the right service. When we know the with that although will be delivered patient is medically stable, they are sent The Minister, who until recently chaired the at a local level will, I believe, have a for recuperation at our rehabilitation Care Quality Commission (CQC), visited national impact, particularly around unit facility, staffed by our nurses and The Countess as part of his new role to workforce management. therapists, with an arrangement whereby discuss how the hospital is working to GPs provide ‘in reach’ medical cover. improve productivity whilst delivering the best possible care to patients. We have increased “We were also able to demonstrate how our theatre staff now access their stock Chief Executive Tony Chambers said: “We medical expertise in for procedures from electronic ‘vending’ were delighted and proud to welcome cabinets, through typing in a code. This Lord Prior to the hospital and to have frail elderly care, at can include anything from knee and hip the opportunity to talk to him about the ‘front door’ of joints to more basic products. Use of this not only the challenges we face but also electronic system sees any stock removed the innovative work we are undertaking the hospital to get poorly automatically being re-ordered. This has to address them. We are looking at our patients stabilised more come about because our procurement technology, infrastructure and people to team has worked closely with our theatre see how we can work smarter. We need to quickly and directed to the staff to ensure their requirements are be more effective and efficient in the way met in the most efficient way. It is real we deliver care and it was great to be able right service. collaboration. And there are many other to talk face to face about the issues facing “For instance, our services are currently examples of how we are working smarter Trusts like ours. being redesigned to match the right to become the model hospital whilst “One of the major issues we discussed staffing model to the right patient need. always being safe, kind and effective.”

Sue Donaldson of Procurement shows Lord Prior the electronic ‘vending’ cabinets 2-3 Working Group formed to tackle ongoing issue of smoking on hospital grounds

or anyone visiting The Countess, Despite the No Smoking signs, smokers it is clear to see that despite continue to ignore the policy being a ‘Smoke Free’ site for several years, we continue to have huge issues when it Fcomes to smoking, and so we have established a working group to try to tackle the many complexities around the subject. Sue Hodkinson, Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development, said: “As a healthcare provider, we feel it is important to respect and protect the health of our patients, visitors and staff by adopting a tough approach to smoking on site. However, the reality is that every day we find patients smoking outside the entrances of both the main hospital and our maternity building. Also staff colleagues who smoke either take themselves to the hospital boundaries or smoke in the nearby surrounding area, which in turn is a source of frustration to neighbours and passers-by. doctors, nurses, midwives, therapists and • Training a cohort of staff in managing managers prefer not to face confrontation difficult conversations with smokers, “We have tried a number of approaches outside the front doors to the hospital.” allowing them time to be released from in the past, including prominent signage, their duties in high visibility clothing to The new working group has been sirens that go off when smoke is detected, patrol the entrances and appeal to any established with representation from a the deployment of ‘stop smoking’ co- smoking staff or patients to stop. ordinators available to encourage people wide range of stakeholders, including to give up smoking with their support governors, nursing and Human Resources • Appointment of ‘Commissionaires’ and, of course, asking security and staff colleagues, and smokers, and is looking who provide more formal frontline to approach patients and visitors who into potential low cost next steps such as: management of our public space – using an upbeat customer service approach may be seen smoking, but the action can • Temporarily funding a dedicated by taking pride in maintaining the space frequently prompt an abusive response. ‘smoking cessation’ support role to outside our front doors for the benefit We are a friendly organisation and our patrol the site. and health of everyone. • A new high impact poster campaign that • Working with a group of staff smokers uses greater insights about what will and non-smokers as part of our staff prompt smokers to think twice about partnership to ensure we have effective lighting up. no smoking policies and uniform polices • Reviewing the seating available outside in place, that are fair, supportive and the entrances to our buildings. help us address the difficult position the Trust currently finds itself in. • Temporarily funding a litter enforcement officer that has the power to issue Sue added: “We are a care provider fixed penalty notices to fine any person and we are sympathetic to the traumas, disposing of a cigarette stub. anxieties and stresses that some of our patients, and even staff, who smoke • Making very discreet spaces available face on a daily basis. We have a role to for smokers. We recognise that this care for all, but sometimes this is a hard means we would no longer be a smoke balance to strike – particularly when it free site, so would not promote the comes to smoking.” use of these spaces – the intention is that these would be managed in a location away from the public eye. This Do you have ideas how we can tackle would be signposted at the discretion this difficult issue? If so, send your of clinical leads, who will be taking an suggestions to communications. informed view. [email protected] •  colleagues inmedicaleducation) voted bypeers,consultants,SAS gradesand Foundation Year 2Doctoroftheyear(as •  medical education) associate specialistgradesandcolleaguesin voted bypeers,consultants,specialityand Foundation Year 1Doctoroftheyear(as following awards andindividuals: event includedaprizegivingceremony forthe second yearoffoundationtraining(F2).The current F1salsocelebrated moving intotheir development overthelasttwoyears.The have supportedtheirtrainingandclinical and theteaminmedicaleducationwho farewell celebratorysendoff bytheirpeers Departing F2swere recently givena role aspartoftheCountess team. and FoundationYear 2(F2s)andplayakey doctors are knownasFoundation Year 1(F1s) upto24newfacesineachyear,With these the future. area theywillfurthertrainor specialiseinfor working intheNHSandunderstandingwhich years withtheTrust, astheygettogripswith These newlyqualifieddoctorsspendtwo medical careers. moving ontoamore senior stageintheir and saysafondfarewell to thosewhoare their secondyearoffoundationtraining those whoare movingfrom theirfirstto doctors totheorganisation,congratulates group ofnewlyqualified foundation EVERY yearthehospitalwelcomesa FOUND TEAM COUNTESS A CELEBRATION FOR warm welcomeatTheCountess. This year’s newlytraineddoctorsgeta Winner –ShahabRazaviforbeing:“A Winner approachable.” outstanding, sociable,hard-working and friendly, professional, positive,dedicated, –JoshLawsonforbeing: “Polite, Winner Foundation Award winners(from left)Katy Stephanie CurbishleyandShahabRazavi. Sutcliffe, JoshuaLawson,ChrisMurphy, Congratulations toour2015 ATION they are thefuture ofour NHS.” thisenergyandnurtureharness theirtalents– their training.We havearesponsibility to doctors demonstrateisacredit tothemand “The professionalism andenthusiasmthese newly qualifiedpositions. education byhelpingthemtosettleintotheir role insupportingtheirdevelopmentand Ellesmere Porthospitalsandweplayakey part oftheteaminbothourChesterand said: “Ourjuniordoctorsare animportant The CountessofChesterHospital,IanHarvey Speaking aftertheevent,MedicalDirector at •  •  •  supervision andeducation) has mostsupportedthemintheirtraining, in recognition oftheCountess doctorthat The iTeach Award (asvotedbyF1s andF2s •  voted overallbytheirpeers) The Players’PlayerDoctoroftheyear(as enthusiastic anddedicated.” for being:“Inspirational,knowledgeable, Runner up–DrJohnGibbs(paediatrics) to praiseandnotepositives.” great teacher, engagesinsupervision,able referred tobynomineesas:“Alwayskeen, Runner up–DrRogerTrent (cardiology) supervisor.” approachable, supportive,excellent “Very helpful,inspiration,fab,fantastic, surgeon) whojuniordoctorsdescribedas: –MissNicolaEardley (general Winner pleasure toworkwith.” caring, compassionate,supportiveanda as: “Aninspirationtodoctorseverywhere, –KatySutcliffe describedbypeers Winner enthusiastic.” cheerful, amodelfoundationdoctor, polite, true gentleman,happytohelp,always

DOCTOR S for thenextissueofCountessMatters! completion inearly2016…just intime case theatre isa£2mproject duefor our hospitalsand4thJubilee day We are alsocommitted toinvestingin •  •  •  collection ofawards including: Over thelastyearwehavescoopeda Our Awards: •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  Our Keyachievementsthisyearinclude: •  •  •  head intoAutumnandWinter: Countess suchaspecialplaceaswe ourselves ofthethingsthatmakeThe it wasagoodchancetoremind the lastonefor2015sowethought This issueofCountessMattersis Year Our Countess Year atThePatientSafetyAwards Patient SafetyshortlistedforTrust ofthe Oncology Awards category –partoftheQualityinCare End ofLifeCare andBereavement Cheshire wontopplaceinthe The Bereavement ServiceinWestern annual awards the Year; RoyalCollegeofMidwives Midwifery ManagementTeam of #Kind #Effective continue tobeourpriorities#Safe Safety, quality andpatientexperience with thenationalaverageof65%. provided bythisorganisation, compared be happywiththestandard ofcare friend neededtreatment, they would of staff attheTrust agree ifarelative or National staff surveyresults show71% vaccinated intheflucampaign 78% offrontline healthcare workers part indementiafriendstraining Record numbersofourstaff havetaken Arterial Centre (SMART) We are thehubforSouthMersey surgical andgynaecologypatients A newwomen’s ward tosupportfemale servicesandbirthingsuites maternity Refurbishment andupgradesto Ellesmere PortHospital A newHealthyAgeingCentre atour treatment everyyear We seemore than425,000patientsfor each year Over 3,000babiesarewithus born of Flintshire well as152,000intheDeesidearea Chester, Ellesmere PortandNestonas approximately 260,000residents in We have3,600staff serving

4-5 West Cheshire NHS partners take fresh approach to keep frail patients out of hospital

new kind of NHS care service launched in West Cheshire is helping to get elderly and frail patients out of hospital and back Aon their feet. Hospital doctors, nurses and therapists have teamed up with partners from social care and GPs to develop an alternative recuperation facility for the area – The Emerald Unit. Many patients attending The Countess are treated and stabilised by medical teams within three days of being admitted. However, personal circumstances mean that returning home straight away is not always an option. A revamped 16 bed facility at Ellesmere Port hospital is now Patients and providing a safer alternative to help get staff from The these patients the care they need, with Emerald Unit extra help from therapists and nursing staff who can focus on keeping them Within the first two weeks of the service is encouraged will make a huge moving and hopefully getting them home launching in West Cheshire, a total of difference to the individual and to our within three weeks, with support where 21 patients were referred to the new ability to care for all of our patients in the appropriate. The model is based on current facility, with four people supported to right place.” best practice within the NHS, known return home safely. The impact of the Matron for Ellesmere Port Hospital Clare nationally as ‘Discharge to Assess’. new initiative has increased availability Edwards added: “Our Ellesmere Port of beds for emergency admissions and Approximately one in five patients hospital has a proud history in the local urgent operations. over the age of 65 who is admitted as area, delivering essential community an emergency ends up staying at The Clinical director for urgent care services at hospital services from this site for more Countess for more than two weeks. The Countess, Dr Frank Joseph, said: “This than 100 years now. As a nursing team The reality is that an acute hospital service is essential for patients who need it is hugely exciting to be working with environment is not always the safest place. time to recuperate in a more conducive GPs and other healthcare partners to play Particularly frail patients risk picking up setting with the help of targeted support. a part in developing new models of care an infection, becoming confused, losing We are providing it in an environment that that are more befitting of the current and their mobility, developing a dependency feels more familiar, is more relative friendly future needs for the Ellesmere Port and on 24/7 care and having a general lack of and does not overwhelm the patient. Chester population.” confidence to return home. There is no longer the distress or distraction of Matron Clare Edwards Nurse Paula Forster is the lead for discharge other critically ill patients services across hospital services in West in neighbouring beds, Cheshire. She explained: “Working in interrupting the healing the NHS we refer to this type of facility of those on the way as providing transitional or intermediate to recovery. care. The setting is a much more relaxed environment for these patients who “The more time an elderly are medically stable, but in need of a patient stays in an acute further period of assessment from nurses, setting, like our Chester therapists, social workers and GPs to enable hospital, the more they them to maximise their independence to lose their resilience and return home safely wherever possible. The ability to make a complete hope is that if we transfer patients in a more recovery. The move to a timely manner to this environment then we supportive environment, should achieve better and more sustainable where their independence outcomes for them on discharge.” T care forpatients under Vital w and Sueisthattheyare prepared tobe “The great thingaboutworkingwithCraig we are tryingtodo. dignity aswellnutritionina lotofwhat really importantmessagearound patient eat amealindependentlyandthere isa menu enablesapatientwithdementiato coordination ofhandtomouth.Thenew oral intake,problems withdexterityor patients withdementiawhohavepoor on wards 43,42,and34.Thisisbenefiting is already upandrunningtogreat effect “Our dementiafriendlyfingerfoodsmenu in foodleftonaplate!” regularly says:“there isnonutritionalvalue and ismore likelytobeeaten.AndasCraig easily sothatthemealcanbeseenclearly to visualisethefoodonplatemore this enablessomepatientswithdementia frame thefood.There isevidence tosuggest includes plateswithadarkbluerimtohelp the newcrockery atEllesmere Port.This patients withdementia.Take forinstance particular focusonmakingthingseasierfor working onwithCraigandSuehasa explains:“AlotofwhatI’vebeen Vicki • Adementiafriendlyfingerfoodsmenu •  •  •  •  Hough andheadchefSueMilleron: working closelywithcateringmanagerCraig ForrestFood FirstdietitianVicki hasbeen our patients. nutritional care plan as possibletocommenceanappropriate patients atriskofmalnutritionasquickly of completionthushighlightingthose to improve theaccuracyand punctuality the aimofmakingitmore userfriendly Screening Tool (MUST)onMeditech,with updating theMalnutritionUniversal at Ellesmere PortHospital the triallingofdementiafriendlycrockery dignity whenordering meals maintain apatient’s independenceand impairment, dementiaetc.Thiswillhelp communication difficulties,cognitive which ishopedwillbenefitpatientswith the production ofapictorialmenu to boosttheirdailynutritionalintake high caloriediettoorder additionalsnacks those patientswhorequire ahighprotein, creating anewmenulayoutenabling improve thenutritionalcareof on anumberofprojectsto catering serviceareworking partnership withourin-house he Trust’s dietitiansin ork to improve nutritional Catherine added:“Ourdementia patients food goingcoldorstale.” means theycantaketheirtime withoutthe slowly likefresh fruit,crispsandcereal bars Having snacktypefoodthattheycaneat normal menucanberatheroverwhelming. our patientstohavesmallappetitesandthe hands really helps.Itisalsocommonfor being abletopickupthefoodwiththeir problems withdexterityandeyesightso on ward 43.Manyofourpatientshave addition ofanewdementiafriendlymenu on ward 43said:“We’ve welcomedthe DeputyWardCatherine Barnabas, Manager board withit.” this ifCraigandhisteamweren’t fullyon time thatsuitsthepatient.We couldn’t do can besubstitutedwiththesesnacksata the dayandawakeatnightasmissedmeals patient withdementiaissleepingthrough mealtimes. Thisisparticularlyusefulifa additional fooditemsoutsideofourhospital allowing apatientwithdementiatoorder food menualsoincludesasnacksection patients willreceive better care. Ourfinger flexible andtrynewthingsifitmeansour a patientonWard 43 with and CatherineBarnabas Forrest,(l-r) Vicki SueMiller w menu ismakingadifference onWard 43 The newdementiafriendly finger food patients toeatmore.” flexible andwebelieveitisencouragingour team havebeenreally supportive and benefitted from thenew menu. Thecatering fabulous. Themajorityofourpatientshave able toorder foodwhenthey are hungryis are notappropriate fortheirneeds.Being are notorientatedtotime so setmealtimes ay

6-7 An invitation to all our Membership… Dear Member The Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust would like to invite you to our Annual Members’ Meeting and Marketplace event. The event is an opportunity for you to learn more about our hospital and share with us some highlights from our year. The Annual Members’ Meeting Trust determined is where members discuss our achievements, focus on services with an opportunity to meet the hard working staff and where the hospital hopes to to build on be in the future in terms of finance, performance and activity. The Marketplace event will take good work place between 5pm and 6pm on Tuesday, 13th October 2015 in the Education and Training Centre here at the Countess. around organ We do hope that you will be able to join us for this event. Refreshments will be provided and donation parking will be free for those attending the Annual Members Meeting. n the past year, the Trust has seen allow donation even when this contradicts Places are limited, so please book an increase in the number of the wishes of their loved one. your place by contacting the Countess referrals for consideration of organ The Countess’ Organ Donation Committee Membership office on 01244365284 donation from the Intensive Care encourages organ donation to remain part or email [email protected] or Unit (ICU). [email protected] I of the culture at the Countess of Chester Dr Richard Nelson, Consultant Anaesthetist hospital; a memorial has been created to If you would like to contact your local and Clinical Lead for Organ Donation said: recognise donors who in the past have Governor, please contact the Countess “These referrals have been happening made life possible for others, as well as Membership office on 01244365284 / in a more timely fashion, permitting showing our gratitude to the families of 01244365816 or email claire.raggett@ serious consideration of the possibility for the donors who have lost their loved ones. nhs.net or [email protected] donation. This has been accompanied by National Transplant Week took place in a higher rate of relatives consenting to September and our Governors are working donation, and ultimately to two donations together to encourage staff and visitors after brain stem death and one after to join the organ donation register. Future circulation had ceased. success will depend on whether we can “I think that the striking improvements ensure that donors and their families in referring for organ donation and in receive the support they deserve. As part making approaches to families reflects of the bigger society, we must encourage the fact that we are getting better at the people to accept organ donation as the non-numerical things, helping relatives be normal and right thing to do. receptive to such discussions, even if they Richard continued: “Our numbers may are not ready, nor ever can be, for the full appear small when weighed against the impact of a discussion around dying. The huge needs of the thousands of people move to the new ICU has almost certainly waiting for transplants, but each of these helped here. With a new layout come new donors benefitted more than one recipient, ways of working, and my impression is that in one case five, and such work is being there is more bedside communication by replicated around, what is, in this area the nurses working in the single rooms with at least, a United Kingdom. I think the patients and their families, and that this is Countess can feel justifiably proud of preparing the ground for the more formal playing its part in a true national drive to conversations that need to follow.” make donation a possibility for more who There is a lot more work still to be done die, and receiving, a possibility for those though as 43% of families still refuse to with end stage organ failure.” B what we do well get read a flavour of ho ad CQC Inspection ‘specialist When takingpartinaninspection Iam working forthetrust. inspection teamabouttheirexperiences of opportunity forstaff tospeakwiththeCQC period, thispresents anadditional which are heldthroughout theinspection Staff are invitedtoattendfocusgroups for theculture. the ‘skinoftrust’inorder togetafeel people up;theyare aboutgettingunder CQC inspectionsare notabouttripping be askedsomethingyoushouldn’t know. this butremember youare notgoingto only naturalforstaff tofeelnervousabout secretaries, therapistsandconsultants.Itis process, from portersanddomesticsto be approached aspartofthe inspection permitting,moststaff groupsTime will besides sothere isalotof ground tocover. expiry datesonequipmentandmuchmore case notes,lookattrustprotocols, check visitors andinterviewingstaff. Ialsoreview observation, talkingwithpatientsand to thesurgicalteam.Mydayconsistsof nurse inorthopaedics,Iamusuallyallocated Because ofmybackground asaconsultant experience anddataanalysts. and consultantspatients,expertsby advisors suchasnurses,physiotherapists Commission inspectors,otherspecialist includes professional Care Quality as partofamultidisciplinaryteamthat capacity of‘specialistadvisor’working I amsecondedtotheCQCin CQC inMarch2014. since securingasecondmenttothe I canaddvaluetothepreparations ready forthevisit.I’malsohopingthat across thetrusttogetCountess team isworkingcloselywithstaff Commission (CQC).Ourpatientsafety adopted bytheCareQuality new modelofinspection been inspectedunderthe every hospitalwillhave y theendofMarch2016, visor’ SandraFl y ensuring we logging off, without first unattended our computers such asnotleaving the biggestimpact simplest actionscanhave taught methatsomeofthe well-led? Working fortheCQChas caring, effective, responsive and everything Idobyaskingisitsafe, day practiceandInowscrutinise sense ofawareness aboutdayto CQC hasalsoheightenedmy organisations. Working forthe work inpartnershipwithother how hospitalsoperateand given mearicherinsightinto the CQC.Myexperiencehas of respect fortheworkof have acquired agreat deal people alongthewayandI I havemetsomewonderful observing practiceinclinicalareas. patients andvisitorsalongwith talking withthevariousstaff groups, The role isfascinatingand I really enjoy and fedbacktothetrustexecutiveteam. week anoverallprovisional ratingisagreed service area. Attheendof theinspection improvement orinadequate forthesurgical as eitheroutstanding,good,requires provisionally rateeachofthese ‘domains’ responsive andwell-led.We willthen this servicearea iscaring,safe, effective, of theteam,isusedtoestablishwhether the evidencecollectedbyothermembers date policies.Myevidence,alongwith a safeguardingoraccessupto concern whether peopleknowhowtoescalate patient chartsare uptodate,establishing the surgicalareas –from checkingwhether explore thereality ofthepracticeacross improvement orare inadequate.Ilookto I mayseepracticeorservicesthatrequire come across outstandingandothertimes always lookingforgood,sometimesI to sho w we can wcase ynn gives With bestwishes–Sandra when theinspectorsarrive. be ready toshowcasethe great workwedo a fantasticplacetowork,andIwantus organisation. Iknowfirst-handthatthisis than 35years,andamhugelyproud ofthe me! I’veworkedatTheCountessformore my experiences–sopleasedostopandask I’ll behappytotellyousomemore about our ChesterandEllesmere Porthospitals, early 2016.Ifyouseemeoutandaboutin be, butweunderstandthatitislikelytobe We don’t yetknowwhenourinspectionwill current informationonournoticeboards. at alllevels,andthatwehaverelevant and patient andstaff feedbacktoimprove care evidence howweare listeningandactingon

8-9 Trust introduces online booking system for phlebotomy

No longer will patients using the Martin added: “We are one of the first hospital’s phlebotomy service have trusts in the UK to adopt this technology to sit and wait for their number to be and we hope it will help us plan for and called. The Trust is investing in a new predict with greater certainty the likely online booking service so that patients activity in the department, even to the can now book a date and time that point of potentially having a positive is convenient to them to have their impact on the car parking availability! blood taken. We will be able to show how many appointments we see each year with Martin Langan, Blood Sciences Manager more accuracy – walk in appointments said: “Traditionally patients needing to find it difficult to be seen in the morning will still be available – and we will get access our phlebotomy service have had which is not creating a good patient a better picture of our capacity and very little control over when they will be experience. This new online booking demand helping us to plan our staffing seen and how long they will have to wait. system will hopefully enable our patients with greater accuracy. Hopefully, if it Because of this many patients turn up well to plan their appointment and provide works in phlebotomy, the technology will before the clinic is open and the waiting them with more flexibility to fit their be able to be rolled out to other parts of times can be unpredictable and lengthy. blood test in around their commitments the Trust too.” Those requiring fasting blood tests can such as childcare or work.”

Maternity adds value Paediatric patient with introduction of to retired nurse Hypnobirthing volunteer – A From this October, expectant Mums and Dads can experience the benefits of Hypnobirthing at The Countess as they get ready to welcome their baby. Governor’s Hypnobirthing is an established and well recognised antenatal education programme with a focus on natural birth; using the journey power of positive language to combine easy to learn methods of deep relaxation, breathing techniques, visualisation and Over the summer the Trust issued positive thinking. This method has been shown to reduce a Notice of Election as an invite to anxiety, stress, fatigue, fear and pain and can help achieve a candidates to run for nomination to calm and gentle birth. the hospital’s Council of Governors. But what makes someone want to be a Midwife Lorraine Millward explains: “This is a new service to governor? The reasons would appear to The Countess and we are excited to be able to offer it to our be wide and varied and highly individual expectant Mums from October. Hypnobirthing techniques have but current governor Fran Parry has been shown to help women to understand what happens to written about her history as both a their body during labour and birth. This can aid couples to feel patient, nurse and volunteer in the more in control and supports them in making the best decisions NHS which perhaps helps to demonstrate how deeply the for them, in consultation with our fantastic midwives and organisation can affect and play a part in an individual’s medical team. life as well as motivate them to ‘give something back’. “Couples work together in hypnobirthing to achieve a positive Fran’s health service history is long and varied… from treatment birthing experience. Feedback has shown Dads may feel more in a Liverpool children’s hospital at three months old, having involved when they’ve attended the hypnobirthing sessions her tonsils and adenoids removed at Clatterbridge Hospital which can enhance father and baby relationships. Couples through to volunteering as a Saint John’s Ambulance cadet in who have used hypnobirthing report it helped them to feel her teens, securing a job as a cadet nurse at Leasowe Children’s empowered and achieve the gentle, calm birth they wished for.” Hospital and later working in Occupational Health at Arrowe The course consists of five Park before volunteering for the Community Health Council and sessions of approximately 2 hrs representing Flintshire as a Governor at The Countess. Fran’s each and the ideal time to start a recollections include the following wise words from her first course is between weeks 29-32 Sister Tutor, Sister Carr who said: “Every person in your care is a of pregnancy. The course costs son, daughter, sister, brother, mother, father, aunt or uncle – a £250 per couple and all of our member of a family. No matter how they are when you meet hypnobirthing teachers have they will have been and maybe still are loved by someone.” been trained and qualified using Fran Parry the Katherine Graves method. To find out more contact: chester. [email protected] Lesley Woodhead. and professionalism ofour EventsManager was downtotheenthusiasm,commitment had chosentoworkwithusagainnextyear confirmed thatoneofthekey reasons they were a“great charitytoworkwith”and open forthisevent.ActiveLeisure saidwe Half Marathonin2016.Entriesare already has beennominatedagainfortheChester taking placeinOctoberandtheappeal charity fortheMBNAChesterMarathon Babygrow Appealisalsothe nominated seconds andraisedanamazing£1903!The the coursein2hours6minutesand57 to signup!Shemanagedcomplete she was‘persuaded’byherworkcolleagues let alonehadeverdoneanyrunning,before dept whodidn’t evenown apairoftrainers, included EmmaCross from thefundraising Countess andEllesmere Port Hospitals.This the runnerswere membersofstaff from the fundraising teamwasdelightedthatmanyof almost £42,000whichwasfantasticandthe fell slightlyshortat196runnerswedidraise Babygrow’ andraise£40,000.Althoughwe trying torecruit 200runnerstojoin‘Team the fundraisingteamambitiouslysetabout charity forthe2015ChesterHalfMarathon, the Babygrow Appealtobethenominated When eventorganisersActiveLeisure chose calendar tolookforward to! hospital’s charity, andplentymore onthe activities takingplaceinsupportofthe Fundraising officewithloadsofeventsand We’ve hadareally busyfewmonthsinthe suit everybody Fundraising events to 01244 366240 the fundraisingteamon forthcoming eventscall more! Forinformationon evenings andmuch cake bakes,winetasting been coffee mornings, Lions. There havealso organised byChester Ladies Drivingchallenge and policecarsinthe JCBs, lorries,ambulance,fire engines about 80femalesdrivingbuses,tankers, in theLiverpooltoChesterBikeRideand in Snowdonia,severalcycliststakingpart of dare devilsdoingthemile longZipWire During thesummerthere have beendozens Fundraising roundup Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, has not vetted the advertisers in this publication and accepts no liability for work done or goods supplied by any advertiser. Nor does Countess advertiser.Countess any does by Nor supplied goods or done work for liability no accepts and publication this in advertisers the vetted Trust,not Foundation has NHS Hospital Chester of Countess Every possible care has been taken to ensure that the information given in this publication is accurate. Whilst the publisher would be grateful to learn of any errors, they cannot accept any liability liability acceptany cannot theyerrors,any of gratefullearn tobe would publisher accurate.the is Whilst publication this givenin information the that ensuretotaken been has careEverypossible over and above the cost of the advertisement for loss there by caused. No reproduction by any method whatsoever of any part of this publication is permitted without written consent of the the of consentwritten without permitted is publication this of part whatsoeverany method of reproductionanyby No caused. bythere loss advertisementfor the of overabovecost and the copyrightowners. Octagon Design & Marketing Ltd. ©2015 Ltd.Marketing©2015 & Design Octagon of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust endorse any of the products or services. or products the of Trustany Foundation endorse NHS Hospital Chester of local press. on ourwebpage,Facebookpageandinthe having overthecomingweeksandmonths about theproject andtheimpactitis 34 and43.You’ll beabletoread more implement the“MyLife”project onWards have beenawarded almost£25,000to with dementia.We are really pleased benefit ourelderlypatientsand our applicationforaproject designedto nationwide) whichenabledustosubmit (there were over3000projects submitted we reached thetop4inourcategory ‘Thank You’! Asaresult ofyoursupport Vote inMaywe’dliketosayamassive who votedforusintheAviva Community If youwere oneofthethousandspeople You helpeduswin delighted tohearthenews The photoaboveshowsneonatalstaff were halfway pointof£1.5millioninJuly. a specialoneasittooktheappealto Their mostrecent donation of£2000was fundraising targetof£24,000. has beenraisedtowards their ambitious amazing £6,000 and already an Babygrow Appeal of theYear is the chosen Charity Cheshire Oaks’ Marks &Spencer £1.5 million Appeal to reach help Babygrow M&S Cheshire Oaks dogs are welcometoo! run orwalk,andpramswell behaved and perhapsafestivelunchaswell.You can stay inChesterforsomeChristmasshopping making ittheperfectopportunityforyouto year. Theroute finishesintheCityCentre Moneyastheeventsponsorthis have Virgin as muchfunever. We are delightedto event hastakenplaceanditpromises tobe This willbethefifthtimethispopularfamily Chester SantaDash Hawks Nest Cottage, Great North Road, Bawtry,Road, 6AB North GreatCottage,DN10 Doncaster Nest Hawks

team :01244366240 For more informationcallthefundraising Register online:www.walkforwards.co.uk dogs onleadswelcome. or 5kwalkwithpushchairs,wheelchairs& Take partinaninvigoratingsponsored 2k find outmore andhowto register. the newChesterCountryPark.Clickhere to planned forSunday11Octoberat10amin a majorfundraising‘Walk forWards’ event Countess colleaguesare askedtogetbehind Walk forWards their favouritefilms. opportunity toenjoywatchingsomeof to givepatientsatEllesmere Portthe funds tobuyaprojector and screen stay inhospital.Sheiscurrently raising is lookingafterandhelptoimprove their extras” thatwillbenefitthepatientsshe years toraisewhatshesaysare the“little and otherfundraisingactivitiesforseveral Hayley Higgshasbeenrunningtombolas Ellesmere PortHospitalhousekeeper patients Film nights for 01244 366240 fundraising teamon other eventscallthe or tofindoutabout chestersantadash.com Santa Dash visit www. information onthe proceeds. Forfurther benefit from the of thecharitiesto Appeal tobeone the Babygrow the eventorganisersandhasnominated to be.PharmacistUrsulaStoddartisoneof on 16thand17thNovemberistheplace which takesplaceatChesterRacecourse Shopping then‘LoveChristmas’event looking foranewvenuesomeChristmas support oftheBabygrow Appeal.Ifyouare by localartistIrene Brearey tobesoldin cards generously designedatnocost be producing packsofqualityChristmas on thesubjectofChristmas,wewillagain medal andrefreshments attheend.Staying Your entryfeegetsyouaSantasuit,

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Fostering and Adoption Information Drop-In Thursday 8th October, 4pm - 6pm - Winsford Library

Fostering and Adoption Information Drop-In Thursday 15th October - West Cheshire College, Handbridge, Chester

Fostering and Adoption Information Drop-In Thursday 20th October, 4pm - 6pm - West Cheshire College, Ellesmere Port

Fostering and Adoption Information Drop-In Thursday 10th November, 4pm - 6pm - West Cheshire College, Handbridge, Chester

Fostering and Adoption Information Drop-In Thursday 19th November, 4pm - 6pm - West Cheshire College, Ellesmere Port

Fostering and Adoption Information Drop-In Thursday 26th November, 4pm - 6pm - Winsford Library Designed & Published by Octagon Design & Marketing Ltd, Hawks Nest Cottage, Great North Road, Bawtry, Doncaster DN10 6AB