ISSUE 53 AUTUMN 2020
#KeepingPositive campaign — sharing #OurResponse Earlier this year we launched our #KeepingPositive campaign, aimed at highlighting the work of our colleagues in tackling the coronavirus pandemic. We were able to deliver over 150 news items dedicated to the topic. These are some of those stories... Shining a light on the NHS Thank you On March 23 this year, our country went into lockdown. What happened next, Thank you! to those at times seems quite unbelievable. Overuse of the word unprecedented and who thought We will never forget the love and support we had of us in our introduction of new phrases that were to become part of our everyday dialogue. from our local community. time of need Social distancing, quarantine, deserved acknowledgement. This issue isolation, testing and pods. of Anthem is not one we could have ever We wanted to thank as many ■ Grono individuals and organisations who imagined writing an introduction for, at ■ HMP & YOI Kirklevington Grange It continues to be a testing time for any point in our careers. thought of us and donated things the world at large, and for the National when we needed you most. ■ Howdens Kitchens ■ Redhouse School Health Service. When we have reviewed the content, ■ Ian Ramsey ■ Roy Blyths Butchers reflected on the support, the Below is a list of just some Church of England School But, we were wrapped in love and innovations, the human kindness, of these! ■ RVC Beaumont Sainsbury Animal Iceland appreciation by our communities. If the pace at which our organisation ■ Hospital nothing else, it helped shine a light ■ 12 Harland Place transformed to support those that ■ Indian Spice ■ Salon in Bishopsgarth of the importance of the NHS to the needed us most – we could not be ■ Addison Lee Couriers general public. ■ Ingleby Manor Free School ■ SBNT Cleaning prouder to be your Chief Executive ■ Al Chinos Pizzeria Aqua Chatters & Sixth Form and Chair. ■ Scrann We were humbled, overwhelmed ■ Andrea Walton ■ Jacqui Patersons Veterinary Screwfix and proud that our communities We would recommend that if you are (HilDELL Yarn Artistry) ■ ■ John B Smith Ltd demonstrated such faith and belief in opening this issue for the first time, you Seaham High School ■ Armstrong Joinery ■ us. When we set out to create this issue ■ Kids At Heart allow yourself some real time to digest Shine Hairdressers of Anthem, the COVID-19 pages were ■ ARRK Europe ASDA Community ■ it. What you are about to read is nothing ■ Lidl originally designed to be a ‘pull out’ Siemens short of inspirational. ■ Axa Insurance ■ section. We wanted to assure readers ■ Lookers Gateshead/Sunderland SIS Plastic Regrind Supplies ■ B&M Stores ■ that we are focused on recovery, Our staff and communities are really the ■ Makro Sisi Pizzeria dedicated to new ways of working and beating heart of the NHS. ■ Billingham Lodge Freemasons ■ ■ Marine Fabrications coming back even stronger. on behalf of Durham Province ■ South Tyneside & Sunderland With best wishes, Freemasons ■ Mars (via Gemstore/Gems at Work) NHS Trust The reality was that what our staff, partner organisations, community Julie Gillon (Chief Executive) ■ Birmingham City University ■ McDonald’s Stockton On Tees ■ Square Pizza and Paul Garvin (Chairman) groups, businesses and individuals ■ Blackwell Butchers ■ Mecca Bingo ■ Sri Guru Harkrishan Sahib contributed to North Tees and Hartlepool Ji Gurdwara (Middlesbrough ■ Boden ■ Middlesbrough College Sikh Temple) ■ Body Shop @ Home ■ Modern Persian Kitchen ■ Stockton Riverside College ■ Bridging the Signficant Gap (BTSG) ■ Morrisons Supermarket ■ Super Pizza ■ British Medical Association/ ■ MUSE John Lewis Partnership ■ Teesside Philanthropic Charity Mammy will you marry my daddy? ■ Nando’s Teesside Retail Park Café - Police HQ Middlesbrough ■ Tesco ■ ■ Nando’s Hartlepool Castle Construction NE Ltd ■ Tesco Depot ■ ■ Nasir Mosque Hartlepool ...Surprise proposal in delivery unit Tesco Stockton Chia Charge ■ ■ ■ Neals Yard Remedies Cleveland Fire Brigade ■ Thai Village Restaurant Back in April we heard the ■ ■ N-Ergise Cleveland Police ■ The Devonport ■ ■ North East Masketeers wonderful story from our The Don War Memorial Museum ■ Costa Coffee ■ maternity team of a quite ■ Olivellos & Veterans Hub ■ Dene Academy ■ On A Roll Sandwich Company ■ The Elm Tree Pub unique proposal. ■ Diana Kaye Florist ■ Osmotherley Ladies ■ The Vending People ■ Dominoes Mum Rachel Taylor, who gave birth at the height ■ Papasallis ■ Thornaby Family Hub of the pandemic to her baby boy, was surprised to ■ DPD ■ Peking Garden ■ TK Maxx see the words “Mammy, will you marry my daddy” ■ Dunelm Hartlepool Pendraken Miniatures printed onto the baby grow of her newborn son. ■ ■ Toby Carvery ■ Durham School ■ Persimmon Homes ■ Vet Partners Rachel of course said yes! ■ DWP ■ Premier Stores ■ Virgin Media Scott Gretton, Rachel’s now fiancé had been able to ■ English Martyrs School ■ PTS Demolition & Dismantling ■ Virgin Media Catering support his partner during her 25-hour birth, but had & Sixth Form College ■ Pulse Outdoor Media Wingate News & Off License to leave soon after. Working in secret with the midwives ■ Flawless by Sally ■ at North Tees, he was able to dress his newborn in Rachel Taylor and Scott Gretton with midwife Kate Flannery ■ Raj Takeaway ■ WRVS the cute outfit. ■ Freshbakes ■ Ralph Lauren Your Enterprise Support Ltd ■ Greggs Hartlepool ■
*Please be aware some photographs were taken prior to current physical distancing and face covering guidelines
2 Anthem | Autumn 2020 www.nth.nhs.uk www.nth.nhs.uk Autumn 2020 | Anthem 3 Urgent care practitioner Jenny Goodman Inviting staff New developments in to leave their lung health in response feedback to coronavirus The Trust has launched a new way for staff to share what it’s doing well and how it can improve.
The Listening into Action app is used Newly qualified by more than 100 health trusts across the country to anonymously get ideas about areas of good practice and how doctors join improvements can be made.
response Chief executive Julie Gillon said: “We have come so far over the last few months. In the most challenging of circumstances, we to coronavirus challenging of circumstances to have adapted and improved so that we Calling on make improvements. could continue to care for our patients. pandemic At the start of the outbreak Jenny “But we know we can’t stop there. The A new scanner is one of a number of Goodman, a nurse practitioner in the road to improvement is a never ending Hartlepool’s support urgent care service, made a suggestion for measures the respiratory team have The Trust was one and we are always focused on some help for staff struggling to pick up moving forward. taken to continue to care for patients allocated a cohort of basic supplies. with social distancing “Listening into Action is an easy, during the coronavirus pandemic. 20 new foundation She said: “At the start of COVID-19 convenient and proven way of gathering Staff at the University Hospital of Hartlepool who outbreak, the team gave feedback that it interim year one feedback from staff – sharing both areas This included a new ultrasound machine in lung would be really helpful to have a pop- live in the town signed a letter calling on fellow of good practice and areas where we must health at the University Hospital of North Tees doctors back in April up shop so staff could pick up essential learn lessons and improve. Hartlepudlians for their continued support in which will allow the team to expand the variety of supplies when it was so difficult to get to help respond to the following social distancing guidelines. procedures they can perform in the pleural clinic. “If staff have an idea for change, we will these at that time. do our best to make it happen. If it isn’t Respiratory consultants Kevin Conroy and Ben Prudon Coronavirus pandemic. “The catering team couldn’t have been This was after the town was one of several areas in the possible, we will share with staff why (pictured left and right) say the upgrades will help more responsive – they set up shops region to experience a spike in cases at the end of May. Welcomed by Dr Dolon Basu, this is. shorten the time to getting a diagnosis for some in both restaurant areas at North Tees she told them “you are now Part of the letter said: “Following a rise in the number of patients who are worried about serious conditions “Our staff know more than anyone about and at Hartlepool. These gave staff that part of a medical fraternity, cases over recent days, we are calling on you all to join us like lung cancer. the organisation. Their suggestions will convenient access to everyday things welcome to you all. We are in a renewed push to be vigilant. ultimately help make improvements and we needed such as milk, eggs, flour, Dr Conroy said: “In response to the coronavirus delighted to have you here mean we continue to provide the very pasta, fruit and vegetables. The staff “Collectively, we have helped save lives. We are calling on pandemic, we haven’t been doing some of our other earlier than planned so you highest quality of care to our patients.” were absolutely fantastic and we all you all to keep this momentum going. Now is not the time procedures such as local anaesthetic thoracoscopy, can support our efforts”. really appreciated that support at such a to be complacent.” which is a crucial lung cancer diagnostic test. The COVID-19 pandemic proved how the challenging time for us all.” organisation can move at pace in the most Thank you to all staff who supported us during the campaign “This new ultrasound machine has helped bridge and to the public for their response. that gap, as well as carry out some tests which we The Communications and Marketing team also worked with previously couldn’t do. staff to create a video calling on the community’s support — “This has improved our diagnostic capabilities and Community care – more important than ever you can view it on our YouTube page. is helping patients get the answers they need more quickly.” Our community teams continue to work tirelessly supporting all of their patients in their own homes. The service is now also using pleural vents – this is a The challenges that the pandemic brought about meant they had to change their ways of working - facilitating small device inserted into the front of the chest where faster discharges, reduced footfall for those shielding and have even adapted to hosting their team meetings air is trapped between the lung and the chest wall virtually. (a primary spontaneous pneumothorax). Some patients being treated in emergency care can Jackie Lothian, Home manager from Highfield Care Home in Yarm have the vent fitted there and go home soon after— shared her glowing review of our teams: “The District Nurses play avoiding the need for a hospital stay. such a vital role and I am so grateful for the support they give our home. Dr Prudon added: “This upgraded equipment is fantastic news for the service and for our patients. “Their professionalism and sunny nature is always so appreciated and they have all taken time out to tell us how well we are doing. “It allows us far greater capability so that we can do more for our patients. It also means we can provide “In times like this, a little thank you has been such a morale better training for our trainees and team. boost and we would like to thank the team from the bottom of “Better training and better quality ultimately my heart.” means improved patient treatment.”
4 Anthem | Autumn 2020 www.nth.nhs.uk www.nth.nhs.uk Autumn 2020 | Anthem 5 The Muscle in NHS staff pledge to the heart of show love and support the NHS
Our very own Mel to their community McEvoy, nurse consultant in palliative through food care, took the time to Healthcare assistant Staff pledged to give back write a heartfelt, moving Annette Allen and associate practitioner Angela Wilkinson – with driver Mick Keighron. to the community for poem celebrating the They the incredible generosity have been work and commitment they have shown. of all NHS staff over the Trust gets the absolutely Boro medic past few months. As a gesture of thanks, as staff do incredible. their food shopping over the next few joins urgent rock star treatment months they have committed to giving Mel wrote the piece after generously to local foodbanks in Stockton speaking to colleagues about and Hartlepool. care team their experiences. Mel said: In April this year – Vans for Bands announced that “The poem didn’t shy away Supplies have been left at several collection points across the organisation One of our local football from the sad, harsh reality but they would offer their entire fleet of state-of-the- and then taken by the Trust’s volunteer drivers to local foodbanks. it did celebrate the admiration, art luxury sleeper buses for NHS trusts to use clubs demonstrated a real respect and love for the NHS Barbara Bright, director of corporate affairs and chief of staff, said: “We have been backing of the trust during from members of the public.” during the pandemic. truly humbled by the response of our community over the last few months. April when they allowed As the bus rolled into the North Tracey Oldfield, clinical co-ordinator “In our time of need they have made us personal protective equipment, they have one of their top medics made us food and donated us water, they have raised money for us and they have Tees site, colleagues from critical in critical care, said: “The whole team to join in the fight against care, EAU and other departments in critical care have found the bus has knitted and made things for us to help lift our spirits. enjoyed respite on board supported offered a fantastic way to relax and de- coronavirus. “They have been absolutely incredible. It’s so important we give back to those who by colleagues from the employee stress during or at the end of a shift. are going to need our help more than ever before. engagement and organisation Doctor Bryan English “The wellbeing of our staff is so supported the trust by development teams. “It’s a challenging time for the whole community at the moment. Foodbanks support important, particularly at this very working in both North Tees people who can’t afford the essentials in life. The bus was also the site of a ten hour challenging time. I’d like to thank and Hartlepool hospital ‘bus-tival’ online festival in a bid to raise everyone involved for helping arrange “We are calling on our staff to give generously over the next few months to our local urgent care centres. funds for all the buses across hospital this facility for our staff. foodbanks so that people in need get that vital support. sites. Artists taking part included Glen He said at the time: “I am looking Matlock (The Sex Pistols), Frank Turner “It truly has helped staff be at their “We know how community spirited our staff are – which is why we know this forward to having a role in and Alex Paterson (The Orb). very best for our patients.” campaign will help make a real difference.” helping my local health trust at its time of need.
“I’ve worked in a range of roles, including in the NHS, and hope The show must go on — my experience will benefit patients and the organisation.
medic recruited mid pandemic “Players at the club still need looking after – there are still Donna Wakefield, a consultant in palliative care was recruited some coming back from injury and training programmes. But to our organisation mid COVID-19, despite not setting a foot into this is an opportunity, while the either of our hospital sites. Interviewed virtually, the flexibility season is paused, to offer any and innovation delivered during previous months was just another help I can. example of how the organisation adapted to make a difference “I’m really grateful to at such a critical time. Middlesbrough and to chairman Steve Gibson for all of their support in allowing me to do Donna said of her appointment: “The palliative care team have a this – I really appreciate it and it vital role during this pandemic and I want to do all I can to make shows the kind of community club a positive difference to patients.” Macmillan lung cancer specialist nurse Amanda McNeany donating we really are.” goods to Rosalyn Hall from the Holy Trinity Church (West View).
6 Anthem | Autumn 2020 www.nth.nhs.uk www.nth.nhs.uk Autumn 2020 | Anthem 7 Linking Loved Ones Urging One of the very difficult aspects of COVID for both patients, their families all of our and our staff were the restrictions imposed upon visiting. The Trust reacted communities with gusto setting up the ‘Linking Loved Ones’ initiative which offered three different ways to help the loneliness – a dedicated hotline, virtual visiting across and letters of love. Teesside to Mark Thompson was so impressed with Linking Loved “It’s a fantastic system and it worked flawlessly.” Ones he posted a tweet praising the service which stay at home allowed him to see and speak to his mum Hazel who To request a virtual visit or to have a letter or message was in North Tees from his home in York. read to a loved one in either University Hospital of North Tees or University Hospital of Hartlepool, email: Mark, a published novelist whose debut ‘Dust’ has been [email protected]. Cases tested in just hours published in several languages, said: “The virtual visit was fabulous. It was just fantastic. thanks to new system
“I live a distance away and because of COVID-19 I couldn’t come to see mum. I really wanted to see her though. Our team of biomedical scientists announced in
“The level of efficiency from the hospital team was incredible. April that they could complete coronavirus tests I emailed to ask for a visit to be set up, mum isn’t great with within just six hours once in the laboratory. technology, and someone soon called me back and we booked in a time for the visit. I was at home on my tablet and a Biomedical scientists Emma Swindells and Robyn Turnbull set up hospital volunteer called Kirsty helped mum on the ward to the system with support from a dedicated team in just one month use the IPad. Just seeing her face was a real relief. — something which would normally take around six months. We know that we have “A phone call is one thing, but it’s not the same as seeing colleagues within our Trust someone. Mum really felt like she’d had a visit, and it was Emma said: “It means we can this allows clinicians to quickly put Mark Thompson’s tweet praising Linking Loved Ones. that herald from nearly better for me to be able to see her as well as speak to her. detect positive and negative patients on the correct pathway. cases very quickly – within hours. half of the countries in the “Without it, cases would be tested “This is thanks to the support of so world. Those voices united many colleagues and organisations in other sites across the region. in May to tell Teesside “Be kind to yourself and By performing the test ourselves, across the region.” in a number of different listen when things don’t languages to stay at home seem quite right.” and save lives. The aim Have a heart – stay apart of the video was to help Elaine McWilliams, consultant clinical access hard-to-reach At the beginning of 2020, we could not have anticipated groups, communicating psychologist, helped highlight the help the importance of what social distancing would mean to the world in their mother tongue out there and some strategies she has at large. Our Trust took the decision to give the key messages about with such an important used to cope. distancing a bit of a Teesside twist. message. She said: “Be kind to yourself, as well as to others. We launched our ‘Have a heart – stay apart’ messaging on April 1 and the Nurse Alexandru Give yourself time and attention. Take up something rest as they say is history. From keeping the width of ten parmos apart to Andrei works at new – I have started learning the piano! I am really Clapping our community distancing the length of 25 lemontops – we used our own local pride to the University enjoying it, it’s refreshing to do something new. hammer the message home. Hospital of The aim of “I also go for walks. I’ve started To thank the community for clapping North Tees. the video was taking my camera with me and us every week, we returned the Originally taking photos of small things. It from Romania, to help access could be a bluebell, an animal or a compliment with a round of applause Alexandru hard-to-reach spider. My partner runs every day, back to our community for their heart- was the first our 12-year-old son goes with him to record an groups... on bike rides too. warming support. appeal, stating he was “happy to “We also cook meals together as a The video of clinical and non-clinical staff giving help get the message family and I bake a lot. Gardening the country a round of applause was posted on out to the local Romanian and decorating is something the Trust’s social media accounts and was our community and across practical we can do. You can see an small way of showing our appreciation. the country.” end result and take pride in it.”
8 Anthem | Autumn 2020 www.nth.nhs.uk www.nth.nhs.uk Autumn 2020 | Anthem 9 We are here for you; Community and wellbeing Health chief tells team support staff we are open says NHS the loved ones of Senior health care leaders from the Tees Valley and The psychology and health and wellbeing County Durham came together in creating a video departments put together packages for staff ‘you’re their message to let the public know that their hospitals front-line staff. are still open, and people should not ignore crucial Praise for super power’ life limiting symptoms. Working with local supermarkets in This was as well as a pack of goodies Susan Green, consultant colorectal surgeon from Stockton including Morrisons, Tesco including moisturisers and shampoos, Hartlepool Country Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, and Asda, Marks and Spencer, and knitted hearts, face-masks, individual In an emotional letter to the Barney Green, vascular surgeon at South Tees Hospitals Sainsbury’s, the team asked for scented candles, hot drink sachets, catering team NHS Foundation Trust and Chris Wells, consultant any donations of supplies – and mindfulness colouring in books loved ones of staff, Chief gastroenterologist from North Tees and Hartlepool were overwhelmed with the and pens. Executive Julie Gillon described NHS Foundation Trust joined in voice to explain how generous response. The team in Café hospital settings are a different environment because of Consultant clinical psychologist Elaine recipients as being her COVID-19, but still offer the same services as before Wilbers at the The boxes included advice and support McWilliams then asked her neighbours the pandemic. University Hospital including a personal survival kit, in Durham if their children would like colleagues ‘super power’ information about looking after families to make a drawing based on the ‘Every From cancer diagnostics, treatments and operations, heart of Hartlepool were and carers, a bereavement pack, support heart needs a hug so here is a heart during the ongoing pandemic. attacks, strokes and other ailments, the NHS says it is for children and young people and a in a hug’. thanked for the important that patients do family carers’ pack. The correspondence sent to all trust staff to not ignore any symptoms support they gave share with their loved ones and support networks that might require while other businesses was part of a continued campaign of thanks and urgent attention. gratitude to communities across the Tees Valley had closed. from the hospitals in Stockton and Hartlepool. You can see the video on the Trust’s The team also Barbara Bright, Director of Corporate Services and YouTube page. ran a pop-up Chief of Staff, said: “Our staff have all pulled together shop with in typical North Tees and Hartlepool style throughout fresh fruit and the pandemic. There has been a need to change so Thanked for vegetables much of our business as usual, and the impact of that – meaning on our colleagues has been significant. the support staff could She continued: “The loved ones of our staff have Research conveniently in essence been our ‘twelfth man’ to use a Teesside they gave stock up footballing analogy. They have been our staff’s on essential team at the cheerleaders and their comfort after they arrive home. supplies without We really cannot underestimate their role in helping needing to make a forefront of us to stay focused during the pandemic.” trip to the shops. Ward matron Shirley Mealing, ward clerk Allison Morrison, counselling psychologist Rebecca Brown and assistant psychologist Jennifer Catheri The letter was even featured on the front page of major trial The Gazette. The research and development team has been taking part in a national clinical trial to identify Award success for high-tech innovation treatments beneficial for people hospitalised Innovation was nationally recognised after the CareScan+ system was named as the winner of the with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
“Supporting Healthcare Teams” prize at the annual Health Tech Newspaper Awards. The Trust has been a leading performer in the RECOVERY trial – consistently being placed in CareScan+, a system developed by every ventilator at the University Hospital the top five recruiting hospital sites across the the Trust’s ICT team to use barcodes of North Tees. country by percentage of available patients who and scanners to identify patients and have taken part. equipment, was adapted to track Whenever clinicians require a ventilator, a and monitor the use of non-invasive swift check of the database immediately The study made a significant breakthrough with the ventilators during the COVID-19 informed them of the availability of the finding that the steroid treatment, dexamethasone, has pandemic. nearest ventilator. helped reduce the risk of death by a third for patients on ventilators. Each time a ventilator was put into Tony Naylor (pictured), Associate Director use, sent for cleaning or stored away, for ICT, said: “We’re thrilled to receive Respiratory consultant Ben Prudon and the team have both received separate nominations at regional a unique barcode sticker was scanned this award. Huge thanks to our amazing Employee engagement co-ordinator Clinical Research Network awards for their outstanding which automatically updated a data base clinical colleagues who joined us in Kara Pickering with her letter showing the location and current usage of working tirelessly to put patients first.” contribution to the study. Good luck!
10 Anthem | Autumn 2020 www.nth.nhs.uk www.nth.nhs.uk Autumn 2020 | Anthem 11 Personal note of thanks from A&E department Mr Kay Adeboye, consultant Consultation from the in emergency medicine, penned a heartfelt note to comfort of home thank those who worked Patients can now enjoy follow-up consultations and treatment to ensure that the accident via a secure, easy-to-use video conferencing system. and emergency team at the North Tees site could The Attend Anywhere system sees the patient communicate directly with the clinician, using their still function for those smart phone, lap top or tablet from the comfort of their own home, while the clinician can see and who need to access speak to the patient. Documents and Xray scans etc. emergency care. can be shared on screen and discussed.
As the pandemic took hold, many health What people say about Attend Anywhere: care organisations had to change their Patient Rob Martin spent three weeks on a ventilator after normal ways of working. From staff contracting a serious case of COVID-19. He was so weak on redeployment to reshaping the logistics discharge from hospital that he could barely walk from his of entire hospital sites. car to the house. Using Attend Anywhere to safely receive As well as delivering the note of thanks, Mr his physiotherapy, Mr Martin is now able walk several Adeboye and other colleagues from the A&E miles with his dog, which was his ambition throughout his recovery. team visited the staff that worked so hard to Left to right: Mandy Carter, Lauren Pearce, Nicole Good, support them to deliver home baked cakes Lisa Tomlinson. They are all clinical staff who helped in Physiotherapist Tom McCourt said: “Bringing community back in their own departments. emergency care during the pandemic. therapy into the digital world is a fantastic achievement. Orthotics team member Abby Paterson I was able to watch and advise Rob on his exercises and delivers an Attend Anywhere session make sure he was doing them safely and effectively.”
Our paediatric physiotherapy team uses poseable dolls, Back to the classroom Breast screening returns to made and donated by a team member’s mother-in-law, and the Attend Anywhere software to demonstrate for North East medics Teesside and Co. Durham exercises to parents so they can safely deliver physio for their child at home.
As the country went into lockdown, major Abby Hodgson, whose one-year-old daughter benefits from changes were made in the classrooms Attend Anywhere, said: “It gives us the reassurance that someone is checking on her and showing us how to move across Stockton and Hartlepool. forward with the next exercise for her which we’ve found really helpful.” Dr George Simpson, consultant in emergency Mmdicine and paediatric emergency medicine explained: “We had to change much of our face to face training back in March. The nature of our provision of course evolved as the pandemic took hold. We had to implement new ways of teaching Longer appointment times, physical distancing, in a landscape that was continuously changing for our clinicians. Some additional cleaning of equipment, a one-way of our work was, as with system and masks are just some of the new safety Clinical Specialist Paediatric Physiotherapist much of the work in the precautions which were introduced as part of hospital, driven online. Karen Roach delivers a remote physio session breast screening services returning to Teesside “Our classrooms, which are and parts of Co. Durham. always full had to be adapted Attend Anywhere has proven invaluable for client to accommodate social The first breast screening team in the north to consultations with our Orthotics team as they assess if distancing. Adapting to new resume services, the North Tees Breast Unit offers new devices are required by viewing the client carrying ways of working has been approximately 55,000 screening appointments out exercises on screen and discussing their progress. successful, and many of the every year, diagnosing approximately 300 to developments will support 340 women with small, usually very effectively Bethan Sharp uses the service for the treatment of her our ongoing ambitions for treatable cancers. daughter Bella-Rose. Bethan said: “Video consultation is education and training for brilliant. I was a bit sceptical at first but it works really The service operates from 14 community locations Rob Martin and his partner, Kathryn the Trust.” well and we haven’t had to come to the hospital at all.” across the Tees Valley and parts of Co. Durham.
12 Anthem | Autumn 2020 www.nth.nhs.uk www.nth.nhs.uk Autumn 2020 | Anthem 13 (Left to right) – carer assistant Michael Pinnegar, care home manager Mark Thank you for Scanner capacity Father and son Mounter, Peter Meeking (care home resident who successfully recovered from COVID-19), infection control nurses Clare Brookes and Gill Roberts. boosted to help survive joint fight your care more patients Veronica Taylor was out A father and son both won their battle with walking her dog when she The radiology team COVID-19 – after spending nearly a combined 100 had a fall and a break to her bolstered its resources to days in a coma. right arm – on the night that help scan more patients the government introduced than ever before. Mohammed Farooq and his son Amar Shazad were both treated in the new guidelines for people to critical care unit at the University The team upgraded Hospital of North Tees. stay at home. its scanning equipment with Mohamed, 51, was the first member of Concerned about how the measures a relocatable the family to pick up the virus after he would affect her, she made contact ...Bolstered its Siemens started feeling unwell and was struggling with the team in orthopaedic resources to SOMATOM Go to breathe. outpatients at the University CT scanner Hospital of North Tees. help scan more delivered to Then, just a few days later, 31-year-old patients than the University Amar also started to feel sick and was Care homes praise NHS team’s support When it was safe to do so, nurse Hospital of also admitted to intensive care. practitioner Simona McDonald visited her ever before North Tees. outside her home to help treat the break The family from Stockton – who run Care homes in Teesside were full of praise for the support from and gave her some support and advice The Trust has also Tees Valley Cabs and are well known in the infection control team. to help her recovery. updated its equipment the area – include wife Sughra, 51, and “The team in the unit were amazing, we at the University Hospital children Ambreen, 27, Aneesa, 25, and couldn’t fault them. Staff did everything Gill Roberts, infection prevention “Gill has been invaluable to us. of Hartlepool – investing in a Haaris, 19. they possibly could to save them. They and control nurse, was a Siemens SOMATOM Definition “Whenever we have needed her, she Aneesa said: “Amar was always in a stayed in touch with the family and were constant source of expertise Edge scanner. has always been on the other end of much more serious condition than my so compassionate. We’d like to thank for homes across Stockton and the phone to talk. dad. He was very sick. He developed them all.” Hartlepool. pneumonia, had a blood clot in his leg, “She has visited us regularly to carry Tracey Oldfield, critical care co-ordinator, This included running training had bowel problems and 75% of his out training and to ensure we are said: “It was heart-breaking for the sessions, giving advice and support lungs had been affected. satisfied that all of the appropriate team to have two members of the same over personal protective equipment, infection control measures have been “We were preparing for the worst. family in the unit at the same time. informing staff about changes to guidance and signposting staff to followed. “Two members of our family went in to “The team are absolutely thrilled that appropriate resources. “She has gone above and beyond intensive care and two came out – we both Mohammed and Amar are making and has made a real difference to the are so grateful and relieved. a good recovery.” Mark Mounter, manager at Teesdale Lodge Nursing Home in Thornaby, said: care of our residents and staff.” Nurse practitioner Simona McDonald with patient Veronica Taylor
Virtual working boosted network capacity by ten times How the high risk foot team rose to the challenge
Our Trust increased its computer external Patients with high risk foot problems continued to network, allowing more staff than ever before get the care they needed - despite challenges the to work remotely during the pandemic. diabetic foot team had to overcome around social distancing, self-isolation and a reduced patient ICT network manager Gregg Hill explained “In a very short space of time, the team have increased the transport service. network capacity for remote working by a factor of ten – an incredible achievement. The team continued to run all patient appointments face-to-face – either in a hospital setting or visiting patients at home – due to “The network would normally allow around 80 people their specific clinical needs. to work remotely at one time. This has now increased to up to 300. The team has been led by orthopaedic consultant Paul Mackenney “This typically takes around 90 days to complete – yet the team and associate specialist and diabetes lead Seema Ijaz who have been completed it in just two weeks! The team worked tirelessly to proactive in ensuring patients get the very best care during complete this project in record time.” a challenging period.
14 Anthem | Autumn 2020 www.nth.nhs.uk www.nth.nhs.uk Autumn 2020 | Anthem 15 k TThhaannk YYoouu!! Patient views! Here are just a small sample of some of the lovely comments our patients have made about our staff and services online!
We’d love to hear your comments on our services and hospitals as we strive to continually improve the services we provide.
You can share feedback and let us know about things we are doing well or give suggestions for improvements through our patient experience team by emailing: [email protected] or contacting the team on: 01642 624719.
Alternatively, join us online at:
NorthTeesHpoolNHS
@NTeesHpoolNHSFT
18 Anthem | Autumn 2020 www.nth.nhs.uk www.nth.nhs.uk Autumn 2020 | Anthem 19 Welcome return for nurse who made national news You wouldn’t miss your wedding day – A nurse who made national headlines after being applauded out of intensive care following a fight against so why risk missing your hospital operation? COVID-19 is now back at work and has thanked all who wished her well. Earlier this year, Millie Magadlela spent three days on Millie (pictured with her team in ward 30) said “I’m thrilled to be a ventilator in the critical care unit of the University back after four long months at home recovering. Although a bit You wouldn’t miss a major life event – a wedding, the birth of your child, Hospital of North Tees, the very hospital she works at. apprehensive about how my first day back would be, I can say an anniversary or a big cup final. it’s been lovely to get back into a routine and I’ve loved seeing all Video footage of her being wheeled out of the ward to a round my colleagues and friends. of applause from medical staff went viral online, prompting So why would you do anything to risk missing “We are appealing to anyone waiting for an operation to national media interest, including a live interview on the “I had a warm welcome on the ward by everyone. They were your surgery date? follow the recommended 14-day isolation period – this is so popular TV show ‘Good Morning Britain’. all so happy to see me back saying ‘You look amazing’ and ‘You important for everyone’s safety and means your date won’t look great!’. That made my day and my anxiety started to ease As non-urgent operations returned following a period of need to be rearranged.” postponements due to the COVID-19 outbreak, we ran a and I became more relaxed. special appeal. For anyone with a hospital appointment or a surgery date, “To be back at work has given me a huge boost for my mental, Mr Tulloch has an important message of reassurance. In one week alone, almost £15,000 was wasted physical and emotional health. on missed operations – many of these caused He said: “We know people have concerns about coming “I was a bit tired when I got home at the end of the shift and I’d by people not following national guidance. into hospital and we understand that. We have a number already been informed by our occupational health team that I of measures in place that mean coming into hospital is would feel a little more tired due to post COVID-19 fatigue. Operations Orthopaedic surgeon Chris Tulloch, deputy extremely safe. medical director, is pictured here with his “I’d like to thank everyone who supported me before and during wife Lesley on their wedding day as they “These include staggering appointment times so patients transform my illness. The medical staff who cared for me, my friends, mark 43 years of marriage. don’t meet and creating ‘clean areas’ in the building. lives for family and colleagues who stood by me and for the hundreds of This is part of a number of images the “If patients are still too concerned then we can rearrange lovely comments on social media from people I haven’t met but the better communications and marketing team have their appointments – but we are urging people to come in all wished me well.” produced to highlight the issue. and have the treatment they need as soon as they can.” Deepak Dwarakanath, medical director, said: “We’re thrilled He said: “Like so many others, my wedding day Millie has recovered and is now back with us, doing the job she was the most important day of my life. has some 40 years’ experience in. Millie is a highly valued and skilled nurse and I know the whole Trust joins me in welcoming “None of us would consider missing a milestone event in our her back ‘home’.” lives. We would do everything in our power to make sure we were there.
“So why would we do anything that might jeopardise something as important as a surgery date? Singing volunteer strikes The colour of (donated) money “Operations transform lives for the better – for someone a chord with patients A local pool league has ‘broke off’ with who has had something like knee or hip pain, surgery means they can live a life free from major pain and discomfort. A singing volunteer struck a chord tradition and made a generous donation to with our patients as he brightened the intensive care unit. The Stockton-based Tuesday Night Pool League up their day with regular musical consists of 36 pub and pool club teams, playing Boro fan and cancer survivor backs campaign performances. weekly home and away 8-ball pool matches. As the pandemic has prevented completion of the Inspired by the work of the NHS during the season, which always ends with a presentation evening, BORO fan Dicky Peacock wouldn’t have missed his beloved team’s big day out in the cup final COVID-19 pandemic, Jason Wilson wanted to lend the big hearted players decided to donate the season’s for any reason – just like he wouldn’t miss his big day in the operating theatre. a hand and began volunteering at the University evening prize fund of £3,786.52 to the Trust. Hospital of North Tees in May. John Easby, chair of Dicky, who has been a porter at the Dicky said: “I have been to so many big As a volunteer, Jason’s the league, said: “We’d Trust for more than 30 years, has occasions involving the Boro – whether role involves serving normally spend this watched Middlesbrough Football Club it was the big Wembley finals in the 90s meals and feeding on trophies and other in several cup finals – including their under Bryan Robson, the UEFA Cup final in patients, but his love for prizes, but as the League Cup win in Cardiff in 2004. Eindhoven or our League Cup win at the performing has proven Millennium Stadium in Wales – I wouldn’t season has had to be He is also a keen follower of Stockton Town an unexpected benefit. have wanted to miss them! cancelled, we decided to and watched them in their cup final defeat Singing classic rock give something back. two years ago. “These are events you remember for the rest and pop songs on his “We’ve all seen how of your life. I’ll never forget celebrating the acoustic guitar, Jason The 64-year-old from Roseworth also had much the NHS has cup win with the family long into the evening. performs to patients successful surgery for bladder cancer at supported the country around the hospital a the start of the year – so he knows the “And when it comes to your health nothing and we wanted John Easby, chair of the Tuesday Night Pool importance of attending appointments and is more important – I wouldn’t have done couple of times a week. League, Steph Gale, clinical coordinator for to show some critical care, and Paul Wilson, secretary of the surgery dates in light of measures in place anything to miss my surgery date or a support ourselves.” Tuesday Night Pool League due to COVID-19. hospital appointment.”
20 Anthem | Autumn 2020 www.nth.nhs.uk www.nth.nhs.uk Autumn 2020 | Anthem 21 Appeal for crutches to Continuing the fight from be returned to hospital behind the front line We appealed to patients to return crutches – after Registered nurses and other healthcare practitioners who had to step back a large drop in numbers following the outbreak.
from the front line due to underlying health conditions still shared their The Trust asks patients given crutches to bring them back once no expertise to support colleagues. longer needed. Around 10 to 15 pairs are given to patients every day from urgent care centres at Operating the COVID-19 support line, they received both the University Hospital of Hartlepool and University Hospital of North Tees. calls from staff members to record COVID-19 related absence. If required, a registered nurse then followed But a significant number have not been returned – partly due to social distancing up the call with an assessment to see if any further measures and public concerns about visiting hospitals. support was required. The good news is that following our appeal a large number were returned – thank Michelle Arrowsmith, registered nurse explained at the time you to everyone who did so. Billingham ‘we are certainly learning on the job – the current situation is unprecedented. We’ve never been here before but we are Mark Horkan (far left) and Karen Beck (far right) from the White Feather Project with all united with one common goal – to support our colleagues the urgent care team after they donated 40 pairs of crutches after seeing the appeal. man wins on the front line.’ one nil against Healthcare assistant Elaine Wilson added: “When I first got the call from my ward matron explaining that I would have COVID-19 in to go on to restricted duties, I was disappointed. I wanted to be a part of the fight and I wanted to support my colleagues in any way possible. Then the opportunity came up to help extra time on the COVID-19 support line and I jumped at the chance." Transporter truck driver Anthony Seery Vulnerable patients began to feel unwell supported by NHS staff Doctor who went above and and a week later was beyond during pandemic being rushed into the and Tees Valley Mayor Urgent and Emergency Care Department in the Partnership working across the Tees Valley has Sarah Whitehouse, a registrar in become more important than ever. Our Trust linked elderly care, was awarded the star University Hospital in with the Tees Valley Mayor and the combined of the month award after being of North Tees. authority and Stagecoach North East during the nominated by colleagues who worked Before the following day had pandemic to extend the services of the on-demand alongside her during a really busy arrived, the doctors looking Tees-Flex bus service. Manikin family helping staff prepare after him made the decision period during the pandemic. to place him in a medically Passengers normally request a Tees Flex bus through Staff have been using the manikins from the Trust’s state-of-the- induced coma to give him the a smart phone app, website or telephone, but since the Lucy Stanton and Elle Clarke, both foundation art simulation suite to train on new best chance of fighting the disease. To his wife, it was outbreak of the pandemic the buses have been operating doctors, describe Sarah as showing nothing but procedures to ensure they can care for in partnership with the NHS Trust free of charge to help the utmost compassion for patients, families just a waiting game. Unable patients in need. and colleagues patients who may also be displaying to visit him in hospital due alike at a time signs of the virus. to COVID19 restrictions, she during increased ultimately went five weeks pressure. Simulation Officer Aly Robinson said: “Our without seeing her husband. medical colleagues have had to change Here is Sarah the way they work because of COVID-19.” Anthony explains: “For me it was being presented never a question of if I would get “As well as wearing more PPE, some with her award by out of North Tees, but when. I procedures which create a ‘spray’ of fluids deputy director don’t remember much of my time from the patients, known as aerosol generating of finance in hospital, but from what I do procedures, such as CPR are now carried out by a specialist team in enhanced Stuart Irvine remember, I owe my life to each PPE. This means ward staff have to be confident in what treatment they can this week. and every one of the doctors and now personally deliver and any changes they need to be aware of.” nurses who looked after me.” Laura Elwell and Julie Smith (left and right) from the physiotherapy service have been running the service with Stagecoach North East bus driver, Atif Hussain (centre).
22 Anthem | Autumn 2020 www.nth.nhs.uk www.nth.nhs.uk Autumn 2020 | Anthem 23 Nurse The Maskateers – one Microbiology team recognised for going specialist for all and all for one! above and beyond in challenging times gets knitting One of the many generous donations we received for lung included colourful masks and scrubs from the In March our microbiology colleagues were named ‘team of the month’ – North East Maskateers, a local group of volunteers testament to their outstanding quality of service under significant pressure. cancer care committed to providing protective equipment Medical Director Deepak for hospitals and care homes. Dwarakanath who presented the When a health team’s team with their award, personally thanked the staff, he said: “As Steph Gale, clinical coordinator for critical care, said: “Thank you a medical professional, it goes annual charity ball maskateers! What a lovely donation. without saying we couldn’t do our had to be cancelled “Colleagues from job without the support of you all. due to social across the Trust have been touched by the “Often seen as the ‘background’ staff or distancing measures, overwhelming support working ‘behind the scenes’ you may a specialist nurse we’ve received throughout not always feel you are appreciated and the COVID-19 pandemic. recognised, but I assure you on behalf responded in of the Trust’s executive team and as “We’ve had treats, meals, a fellow colleague we value the vital the best way more chocolates than job you are all doing, and without it she knows we can count and even we simply couldn’t have got through specialised equipment these difficult times, so I thank you all how – like this donation. It’s just Around for your dedication and hard work you knitting! been an extraordinary should all be proud of yourselves.” £60,000 has outpouring of love and support and we are so, so Every year been raised grateful to everyone.” the Macmillan to date! lung cancer nurses hold an event and donate all of the proceeds Teesside key workers to cancer treatment. Oxygen cylinder Around £60,000 has been raised to date – all split unite to deliver message between the Trust’s lung returns to Hartlepool “This isn’t over...” cancer fund and Macmillan Cancer Support. Following extensive works, the large cylinder Organised, co-ordinated and edited by When it became clear that this of liquid oxygen temporarily based at the colleagues at the Trust – leading emergency year’s winter event would not services, local authorities and other be possible due to the effects University Hospital of North Tees returned Lynsey Hetherington, musculoskeletal lead and podiatrist, of COVID-19, lung cancer was redeployed to lead a team of oxygen runners key workers joined forces to send out a nurse and keen knitter Jeanette ‘home’ to the University Hospital of Hartlepool. powerful message about the corona crisis Draffan (pictured) decided to do The 500 litre liquid oxygen cylinder not yet being over in May. her bit by making and selling was relocated to Stockton in April Redeployed staff working soft toys. At that time the region in readiness to support patients was highlighted to have requiring increased oxygen while Hundreds of staff were redeployed from been one of England’s most being treated with COVID-19. their usual duties to perform vital tasks likely hotspots to ignore Working with supplier BOC, the to keep patients safe. government advice to stay University Hospital of North Tees’ home and save lives. internal oxygen supply has been These included more than 50 nurses and dozens The oxygen cylinder at North Tees. Colleagues from the police improved and is now capable of of health care assistants and allied health care and fire services as well as supporting a large number of patients professionals such as physiotherapists who worked in neighbouring trust South requiring medical oxygen. different services, many of whom had to quickly learn Tees collaborated to remind and master new skills. The cylinder was lifted from its residents to observe temporary position by crane and From endoscopy and day care surgery to accident and government advice. transported back to the University emergency, from surgery to intensive care and elderly You can watch the video in full on our website: Hospital of Hartlepool by a specialist care and gastroenterology to respiratory care, staff were https://www.nth.nhs.uk/news/teesside-key- crew who oversaw its reinstallation. And arriving back at Hartlepool. redeployed from services where all but emergency provision workers-on-covid-19-this-isnt-over/ was temporarily postponed.
24 Anthem | Autumn 2020 www.nth.nhs.uk www.nth.nhs.uk Autumn 2020 | Anthem 25 Volunteer praised for North Tees visited by Her Majesty’s her support to a patient Lord Lieutenant of County Durham Volunteer Alice Pearce from Hartlepool has been volunteering since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Volunteering two-days a week on ward 36 at the University Hospital of Team helps reduce North Tees, Alice supports the staff at meal times, responds to patients’ buzzers for help and spends time talking to the patients and taking their hospital visits minds off their illnesses.
and treat double One such patient was 74-year-old Jill Monaghan from Hartlepool.
the number A nasty fall led to Jill being admitted to hospital with a head wound. of patients Throughout her two-week stay at North Tees, Jill was diagnosed with low sodium levels and low blood pressure which led to her fall. The Holdforth Unit in While on the ward, Jill only had the most basic items such as a toothbrush so Alice Hartlepool transformed came to Jill’s aid in a variety of ways. how it worked as part of its response – making First she tracked down a mobile phone, donated by Virgin Media to Helpforce and in turn provided to the Trust. Alice entered the number for Jill’s son, who was not allowed improvements to reduce to visit the hospital during the pandemic, so they could catch up and be updated on hospital visits and help her progress.
double the number of But the biggest help was when Alice, in her own time, went to Jill’s home to collect her patients being treated. glasses and some clothes. The unit was previously used Jill said: “I think Alice is marvellous. Colleagues from University Hospital of North Tees welcomed Mrs Sue as a rehabilitation ward for “She spent so much talking to me and the other patients and took a real interest in our lives. patients who are staying in Snowden – Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of County Durham. hospital – often for several “I mentioned I didn’t have my glasses one day and Alice arranged with my son to go days. It then became a central to my house and pick them up. I thought she’d drop them off the time she was on the Mrs Snowden visited the hospital In a response directly from another significant outbreak of the hub from where patients are ward, but she came straight back that evening! It was so kind. after writing letters of support Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant’s virus when it comes. Your Trust can be cared for in their own homes during the height of the ongoing office, colleagues at the hospital were very proud of all that you have done and care homes. “Alice even used her own money to buy puzzle books and brought in books from home. pandemic to colleagues at both thanked for their efforts: and achieved to deal with this terrible She’s just marvellous.” University Hospital of North Tees new and unknown virus and at the Patients are only invited into and University Hospital Hartlepool. “Mrs Snowdon would like to thank same time maintaining critical services Modest to a fault, Alice said: “Getting Jill’s glasses and clothes was no bother really. I the unit when the treatment most sincerely Julie, Steve and all and now dealing with the inevitable took the hospital shuttle to Hartlepool and my partner Jamie drove me back. We’re they need can’t be performed Julie Gillon, chief executive, Steve those that she met for making her backlog of other work. here to help and it made Jill’s stay easier when she could read in comfort.” out of the hospital. Hall, vice chair and non-executive visit so interesting and informative. director, Neil Schneider, non-executive Mrs Snowdon is so appreciative of the “Once again on behalf of Mrs Snowdon director and deputy lord-lieutenant, time and effort that everyone put into many thanks to everyone who made Mark White, governor and deputy her visit. her visit so memorable and you are to lord-lieutenant and Barbara Bright, be congratulated on all that you have director of corporate affairs and chief “It was a privilege to hear at first hand achieved during this most difficult of Chemotherapy patient taken by of staff all welcomed their guest all that your Trust has been doing times in the history of the NHS.” before inviting colleagues from across and to talk to the staff from different surprise from team to celebrate the Trust to showcase how well the disciplines who clearly have all been organisation adjusted and adapted working collectively together to meet milestone birthday when COVID-19 hit. the significant challenges that you have been facing. A hospital patient was taken completely by surprise From COVID-19 palliative care “Mrs Snowdon was very much aware when staff in a cancer unit threw a surprise celebration pathways to partnerships between pathology and workforce, the of how your staff have put their own for him to mark a milestone birthday. experiences of our ITU team and the lives at risk to care for and save acute respiratory team's ambitions to the lives of others, and she was so John Patterson was seeing in his 90th birthday with a She was so a virtual tour of the emergency and impressed with all that she heard routine appointment at the chemotherapy day unit at the urgent care departments and a digital about how you have been finding impressed University Hospital of North Tees. dial in from the integrated single point new and innovative ways to meet John (pictured with the team), who has been receiving treatment over of access team. The showcase offered the many challenges that you faced with all that the last few months, had previously been coming along with his daughter. an experience of a wide breadth of the and situations that had never been she heard changes that were implemented experienced before. She was also very But since the outbreak of COVID-19, visitors have not been permitted to come into hospital. at speed. impressed with what she heard about Healthcare assistant Margaret Colquhoun came up with an idea to make him a cake and throw him a party – well done to the team! your preparations for the future and how you would deal successfully with
26 Anthem | Autumn 2020 www.nth.nhs.uk www.nth.nhs.uk Autumn 2020 | Anthem 27 The team has had a busy couple of months serving up the new recipes and has received glowing feedback about the taste and The latest news from quality of the food from fellow colleagues at University Hospital NTH Solutions... of North Tees. North Tees and Hartlepool Solutions (NTH Solutions) is owned by the Trust and provides all of our estates and facilities services.
As an NHS-owned company, NTH Solutions also So far, NTH Solutions has worked with businesses in the generates income by supplying its services to education, retail, hospitality, leisure and beauty industries, as organisations in the local community too, which is well as providing companies’ head offices with deep cleaning reinvested into frontline patient care. to reassure staff as they return to work. The service has even deep cleaned the award-winning restaurant of MasterChef star Here’s a snapshot of some of their work over pandemic. Matt Healy, who owns The Foundry in Leeds.
L-R: Matt Healy and James Tapster, Find out more about the service here: Deep Clean Technician at NTH Solutions https://nthsolutions.co.uk/services/infection-control- deep-cleaning-and-advisory-service/ The patient personal effects drop-off service Deep cleaning service helps Janet from security and Trish from the mail room have thousands of students safely done a brilliant job of managing the patient personal return to school effects drop-off service, which ensures patients receive their belongings from their loved ones in a safe way during the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past NTH Solutions’ has also partnered with two large few months, Janet has received several hundreds of North East education Trusts, Bishop Hogarth Catholic packages for patients at the Trust, with Trish helping Education Trust and Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education distribute them across the hospital. Trust, for its deep cleaning service. The NHS standard deep cleaning service worked with 29 schools to help reassure staff, students and parents about returning to school safely during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Brendan Tapping, CEO of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust, said: “As an NHS owned company, we knew we were in safe hands with NTH Solutions’ deep cleaning and bio decontamination service, with the added bonus that any profits are being reinvested into front line patient services in the NHS.” Essential work by the estates department
The estates department at NTH Solutions has carried out lots of important work over the past few months, from supporting the Trust with social distancing signage to helping transport a huge oxygen cylinder back to its home at University Hospital of Hartlepool. They’ve even put picnic benches up around the site to encourage staff
L-R: Matt Healy and James Tapster, to love their landscape and enjoy some fresh air during Deep Clean Technician at NTH Solutions their lunch breaks. Find out more information about the great work NTH Solutions does here: www.nthsolutions.co.uk Infection control deep cleaning and Delicious advisory service launches new menu at NTH Solutions’ new deep cleaning service launched Tees Restaurant to support organisations in the North East and North Yorkshire with their infection control practices during The catering team at NTH Solutions has launched the COVID-19 pandemic. The service includes the a brand new menu at Tees Restaurant, with many deep cleaning and bio decontamination fogging of the exciting new additions including katsu chicken curry and premises, as well as working with current cleaning staff halloumi wraps, as well as some firm staff favourites to provide advisory support. remaining from the previous menu.
28 Anthem | Autumn 2020 www.nth.nhs.uk www.nth.nhs.uk Autumn 2020 | Anthem 29 New pathway for joint Student nurses join Endoscopy national response effort team thrown replacement patients More than 40 nurses in the final year of their surprise training stepped up to support our efforts. Health ‘thank you’ A new pathway has been created for joint replacement patients in Education England worked with organisations Hartlepool – to help provide the safest and highest quality of care to across the country to help boost workforce celebration patients in response to the coronavirus pandemic. numbers in readiness. “The team have embraced the new for pandemic Jean Angus, head of nursing and education placements said: “We are move and know it’s only for the absolutely delighted to welcome this group of nurses to the organisation. benefit of our patients. response “The deployment of these “The new layout means that any staff has been a huge task patient being transported to the ward involving a significant amount after surgery does not come into of work from the team to contact with any other area of ensure these extended clinical the hospital. placements are all supported “No visiting is allowed in the unit, in practice. except under special circumstances. Joint replacement team. “These nurses have “Staff in the unit wear the necessary responded to this national personal protective equipment and do call for action. They will be The improvements mean a new Gillian Brown, staff nurse in the day- not mix with other clinical teams in vital in helping our patients route through the University case unit, continued: “We meet the ‘red’ areas where patients with and staff during these truly Hospital of Hartlepool for patients patient at the entrance and ask them Student nurses Zoe Slasor and Rebecca Blackwood suspected cases of COVID-19 are. have been placed in the haematology unit – unprecedented times.” visiting for surgery. a series of questions as well as take Hand hygiene and social distancing is here they are with ward matron Amanda Skillcorn. their temperature. also being carried out. The endoscopy team were The main change involves the moving thrown a surprise ‘thank of the elective care unit into a “This is all around ensuring patients “Follow up appointments are being previously vacant space on the other are safe to come in for surgery. held virtually over the phone or video you’ celebration for their side of the hospital’s main block. Patients are then allocated a room and – though physiotherapy face to face Falls campaign warning frail dedication and support from there they go for their operation. clinics will be held over the coming The move means patients having weeks where appropriate. over the course of the surgery can be taken via a lift directly “A hospital domestic is in the unit and elderly – “don’t fall down coronavirus pandemic. from the operating theatre to the unit. at all times to make sure it is “The Homeward team will also be professionally cleaned regularly.” restarting their fantastic education Carol Bowler, senior clinical after lockdown” The service made a number classes very soon. These are held practitioner, said: “Over the last After surgery, patients are taken of changes to respond before patients have surgery and few weeks we have been reassuring directly to the joint replacement Sue Race was visiting her local Morrisons in Hartlepool – including the are vital to help them have the most patients that it is very safe to come unit where new ward matron Dannii when she had a fall in the car park. temporary closure successful recovery. into hospital for your appointment or Appleby and new nursing sister of the Rutherford The 69-year-old was Morrison Unit at your operation. Alexandra Higgins and the team “All of these developments are helping taken to the University the University welcome them. improve the way we do things and “A number of measures have Hospital of North Tees Hospital of the care we provide to our patients in They will been taken at Hartlepool including Dannii said: “It’s fantastic to have where she was told Hartlepool these challenging times.” suspending visitors, creating a one- joined such a committed and she had a hip fracture and the be vital in way system and providing different dedicated team who go above and and would need joint redeployment helping our entrances for patients depending beyond for their patients. replacement surgery. of staff across where they have their appointment. both units to patients... Day care unit team. This was carried out other clinical successfully the following “Any patient coming for surgery areas. is asked to self-isolate before. day and she is now making a good recovery. The bowel screening team “When they visit they are asked to Sue is supporting our also supported the service during use the main entrance where there is campaign to highlight this time to ensure patients a one-way system. the risks of falling always got the care they needed. after social distancing “They are then welcomed to the Alison McCullagh, ward matron, measures were eased. hospital’s access lounge/day case organised a surprise lunch for unit entrance where the team have a This is after a rise in the number of patients being brought the team to welcome them checklist of questions.” into hospital with fractures after having a fall. back together.
30 Anthem | Autumn 2020 www.nth.nhs.uk www.nth.nhs.uk Autumn 2020 | Anthem 31 Share your thank... During the ongoing pandemic – as an organisation, and indeed as individuals we have been inundated with kind words, best wishes and numerous donations from our local communities. The note below (left blank for your own creative messaging) is an opportunity for you and / or your team to say thank you. As an organisation the nation has thanked us for our efforts – but perhaps you might want to return that sentiment by letting someone who made a difference to you during these unprecedented times know that they are appreciated.
It could be someone or a team within the Trust – our catering colleagues who worked so hard to keep us fueled and hydrated. Our domestic partners who worked around the clock to ensure the highest standards of hygiene. Or perhaps one of the local organisations who delivered food, donated gifts or simply supported us with positive words of encouragement.
Our Trust has been so wonderfully supported by our communities during this time, let’s let them know we are thankful. Gary Wright Deputy Chief People Officer
Thank you...
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