August 2018

Turnchapel • Retail Network • Derriford • Brooklands

Staff and Volunteer Newsletter STEVE’S SPOT

Hello all,

It’s been another very busy month but I hope you’ve managed to enjoy some time to relax with family and friends over recent weeks, or are planning to soon.

Speaking of planning, I’m looking forward to meeting with our Trustees next month, when we will discuss the five-year strategy for our charity. The strategy will guide our direction of travel from April 2019, so it’s imperative we take time to talk through the challenges – and opportunities – that lie ahead and consider how we respond.

We will also consult with some of our external partners later this year so that we can then finalise the strategy. As an organisation, it’s vital we remain flexible but, although we will adapt our plans where necessary, our overall vision and goal will remain the same.

While we are an independent charity, as a hospice we are members of Hospice UK and recently, I was delighted to welcome Tracey Bleakley, Chief Executive of Hospice UK, and some of her colleagues to St Luke’s.

I was proud to share the things that make us such a unique and valued resource in our community, and our visitors appreciated the insight they gained. Their feedback was very positive, showing how impressed they were by the projects and initiatives we’re driving forward.

2 In every situation, it’s the way we treat people that they remember. Our words and actions can have lasting impact, for better or worse, so going that extra mile and putting things right is so important.

Such visits are excellent for our reputation, November, which focuses on transforming which is something you cannot put a palliative care. This is a real accolade to our price on. But how should we react when organisation and the staff involved – well things don’t go according to plan and our done to Frankie Dee, Martin Thomas, Nicola reputation could be at risk? The Senior Pereira, Jutta Widlake and Sioned Evans. Leadership Team had an interesting discussion about this recently, when Our best asset is our people, and I know it’s Rob Maltby, Head of Marketing and important to recognise this. It was great to Communications at St Luke’s, delivered a see some of my senior management team really engaging session that got us thinking. handing out free ice-creams to staff across our locations recently, a small gesture to say In the news, there are always organisations thank you for all you do. under scrutiny for things they have done – or not done – that threaten to tarnish the way Our Celebration Party on 10 November is the public perceives them. What’s been clear also a chance to show our appreciation for to me is that many get so tied up in their our amazing staff and volunteers. Add the understandable concerns about liability that date to your diary and book your tickets – it’s they forget to deal with what’s happened in set to be a really fun night and, this year, I a compassionate way. promise not to wear bloomers again!

In every situation, it’s the way we treat Finally, I want to thank everyone who people that they remember. Our words and worked so hard to make this summer’s Open actions can have lasting impact, for better Gardens season such a success. The variety or worse, so going that extra mile and of gardens with beautiful blooms was simply putting things right is so important. After all, outstanding, and I certainly enjoyed my time compassion is one of St Luke’s key values. I’m looking around. Thank you to everyone who sure we can all think of some larger charities supported the scheme, too, bringing in more that have put so much focus on protecting funding to help further our care. their brand they’ve neglected the need to consider the human side. Until next month,

Looking ahead, five of our team have been successful in having posters accepted for Hospice UK’s annual conference this Steve @StLukes_CEO 3 NEWS ROUNDUP clinical learning in placement practice St Luke’s plays an important role in helping to educate the healthcare professionals of the future, and students from the University of Plymouth are a regular sight at St Luke’s as they gain experience alongside our clinical colleagues.

Working in partnership with Health Education England, the University, Friary House Medical Centre and St James Care Home, we’ll be piloting a new approach to student nurse placements from this autumn.

Known as CLiPP (Clinical Learning in Placement Practice), the model originated in Amsterdam and has been adapted by the acute sector in the UK, but our pilot will be the first to trial CLiPP in the community setting as part of a collaborative research programme.

It differs from the traditional mentorship model in that students are allocated patients and work with peers to plan and deliver care. Although the register nurse still oversees care rather than direct/guide the students, they use coaching questions to help students develop their decision-making and leadership skills. Student nurses will be based in our specialist unit, and with our Crisis Team and possibly our team at Derriford Hopital, too. They will then spend some of their placement at Friary House and St James Care Home.

For staff who’d like more information, drop-in sessions are available this September.

RIDgEWAY CHARITY SHOP OPEN DAY If you – or anyone you know – might be interested in volunteering at our , Ridgeway charity shop, there’s a date for your diary!

On Thursday 6 September, shop manager Trudi is holding an open evening, 5 – 8pm.

With nibbles kindly supplied by the Co-op and musical entertainment from the U3A Plym Chords Fun Choir, it’s a chance to find out more about the shop and the opportunities to make a difference there, whether you have a little time or a lot.

4 A VISIT FROM THE CEO OF HOSPICE UK Tracey Bleakley visits St Luke’s.

Further proof of the impact St While she was here, Tracey spoke compassionate communities Luke’s is having beyond our with obvious enthusiasm of where people support each region was the recent visit from what she’d heard, mentioning other at times of difficulty and the Chief Executive of Hospice innovation in particular. “In crisis. UK, Tracey Bleakley, and her fact, there’s a great culture of colleagues. everyone listening, learning However, when it came to the and innovating from each crucial crunch question of the During their visit, they other,” she said. visit – who makes the best heard about St Luke’s, our scones, or Cornwall? – compassionate care and the She was also impressed by Tracey would not be drawn. difference we’re making across our Patches pre-bereavement “They’re both great,” she the community, which includes support for children, and the laughed. Savvy lady! some rural and isolated areas – strong partnerships approach such as Dartmoor – as well as St Luke’s is taking, not just for the busy urban environment of the delivery of outstanding Plymouth. care but for encouraging more

5 NEW DRIVE FOR VOLUNTEERS LAUNCHES A total renewal of Volunteering recruitment launches this year.

It’s bright and eye-catching Thanks to the creative talent they’ve been giving back, adds and features several familiar of the in-house Marketing real impact. friendly faces – it’s St Luke’s and Communications team, new volunteer recruitment we have a really strong suite Sanna Tyrvainen, Volunteer campaign! of marketing materials to Services Manager at St Luke’s, help with this. With vibrant said: “With an organisation of With ages ranging from 13 and engaging posters, pull- our size that provides such a to 90, our volunteers are at up banners, postcards, social vital service, we need to recruit the heart of St Luke’s and we media and TV animation, as well volunteers all year round and simply couldn’t provide our a dedicated ‘pod’ for events, the can never be complacent. vital services without them. message that volunteering for Our many shops, in particular, Our challenge is to continue to St Luke’s makes an important require a lot of volunteers to attract these generous spirits so difference will be well and truly help ensure they run smoothly. that whether it’s our events, our out there! “In fact, we have an urgent charity shops, our Distribution need for more retail volunteers Centre or in the kitchen or Importantly, the campaign and we hope this campaign in maintenance, we have a features some of the many will help spread the message. sufficient number of committed inspiring volunteers from across People don’t have to commit volunteers to work alongside our charity, so you’re bound to huge amounts of time – the our hardworking staff so that recognise a face or two. And willingness to give a couple of St Luke’s continues to deliver using their words, which focus hours a week can make a big outstanding care. on what they’ve gained while difference.” 6 If you or anyone you know would like to find out more about volunteering with St Luke’s, please go to our website at www.stlukes-hospice.org. uk/volunteering or call 01752 401172.

7 taking pride in our staff’s development This month has seen a number of staff gain new qualifications.

The learning and development developed Hospice Clinical struck by an unoccupied parked of staff really matters to St Nurse Specialist (CNS) car rolling on a gentle incline. Luke’s and we’re very proud of development pathway. This The parking brake had been their achievements. pathway will really help ensure insufficiently applied and it was our specialist nurses have the concluded that the accident This month has seen a number knowledge and skills needed to was a result of ‘human error’. of staff gain new qualifications, meet the growing complexity which they’ve worked hard for of care needs of patients as we Val said, “This month marks over a number of years. face an ageing population with ten years from that fatal day multiple needs. and I know that as I graduate with a PhD mum would have been proud. I still can’t believe I’ve finished - I still feel I should be sat writing! Spending time with family and friends or even leisurely pondering still feels a bit alien. Next project? Spring clean!”

Well done, Val - enjoy your cleaning!

Well done to Nurse Nicola Andrew, who has gained a Congratulations to Val Noble, 2:1 degree in Professional who has gained her PhD in Development in End of Life Ergonomics (Human Factors) at Care (EoL) from the University Loughborough University. of Plymouth. Nicola is the first St Luke’s nurse to achieve Val’s research into human this award, which consists of factors associated with vehicle three modules the St Luke’s rollaway contributed to Education team developed changes to the 2015 Driving for the University following a Standards, and now drivers are specific request from nurses for instructed to ‘park in gear at all Our congratulations also go a degree that focused on EoL. times’ to combat the effects of to Stephanie Mullen, who brake cooling and reduce the was awarded her QCF Level 3 These modules are Enhancing risk of rollaway. Diploma in Health and Social Care at EoL, Advanced Care. Stephanie is a Health Care Communication Skills, and Val was driven to focus her Assistant in our Crisis Team. Symptom Control. We are studies on this area following Gaining this qualification is a delighted that Nicola has her mother’s fatal accident in great step towards developing achieved this award, which July 2008, just after visiting Val’s her future career as a nurse. Well forms part of the newly father’s grave. Her mum was done, Steph!

8 Wayne Marshall, Rebecca Kelly and Sandra Brooks (Advanced Apprenticeship Diplomas in Management).

Victoria Stockton, Nicholas Gunn, Daniel Bennett (Intermediate Level Apprenticeship, Retail).

Benjamin Collick – Ben (Advanced Level Apprenticeship); Richard Kelly, Daniel Newham (Intermediate Level Apprenticeship). All Warehousing.

Jennifer Francis (Higher organisation and provide Apprenticeship level 3) Could you be our opportunities for individual Business & Professional development and progression. next Apprentice ? Administrator. Each employer now has to

Did you know that contribute a proportion of their Melissa Landricombe Apprenticeships aren’t just for wage bill to the ‘apprenticeship (Advanced Level school leavers and other young levy’, with this money being Apprenticeship) Business people? held in a ‘digital apprenticeship Admin. account’ by the government. Even if you are employed, Employers then have to spend Bethany Jessop, Natasha apprenticeships are for you. this money on apprenticeships. Plunkett and Heather Becoming an adult apprentice, Camm (Advanced Level or studying for apprenticeship St Luke’s has an apprenticeship Apprenticeship, Customer qualifications, can help you to digital account, so if you’d Service). improve the quality and range like to find out more about of opportunities available to opportunities for your or your Jamie Davies (Level 2 Diploma, you, and you’ll benefit from staff, please contact Annie Accountancy). continued learning throughout Broadbent or the Education your life. There is now no upper team, who will be happy to We know how important it is to age limit and if you’re over 16, answer your queries. support all our staff to become living in England and not in full- the best they can be, whatever time education, you’re eligible Our charity already has a wide their role in our organisation. to become an apprentice or range of staff who’ve gained Well done to all on gaining study apprenticeship courses. apprenticeship qualifications. your qualifications. Employers benefit fromCongratulations to all the Gail Wilson apprenticeships, too, as they following members of the team: Deputy Director of Clinical help develop talent in the Services and Head of Education 9 the lottery rollover has a winner Nurse Elsie presents the winning cheque of £4,800.

When one of our St Luke’s So it was Elsie’s pleasure to hand Speaking about playing the supporters scooped our Lottery over the cheque for £4,800 to Lottery, he added: “It’s such a rollover prize recently, who winner Mr Doug Peebles, when small outlay and it’s going to better to present him with his she visited his home to present such a good cause, even if you cheque than one of our very him with the prize. don’t win.” own nurses, Elsie Clark? “When you see the top prize Congratulations, Doug! We Our Weekly Lottery, which costs is £1,000, you think one day hope you enjoy spending your just £1 to enter, raises over £1 I might win £1,000 but to prize and the holidays you million a year to help our teams win £4,800… Well, that’s mentioned sharing with your continue to give outstanding unexpected!” said Doug, who children. end of life care across the lives in Hartley in Plymouth. community. This includes ensuring our nurses can be there for patients when time is running short.

10 sharing our expertise We’re teaching other healthcare professionals about advance care planning.

At St Luke’s, we have a wealth This future planning can ensure The training session will aim to of expertise in end of life an individual’s choices are help by breaking down some care and we don’t just keep considered in clinical decision- of the associated taboos and it to ourselves. We share making if the individual has lost barriers, looking at ways to our knowledge, skills and the capacity to communicate initiate the conversation in a experience to help other their choices should certain patient-centred way. healthcare professionals and situations arise. the people they look after. It will also focus on the legal However, ACP can involve some requirements behind the Along with members of our sensitive and often challenging discussions and decisions, such clinical staff, our Education decisions around issues such as human rights and mental team is set to facilitate an event as resuscitation and refusal of capacity, and highlight the tools for the East Cornwall Primary treatment, and can therefore be and documentation available Care team this November. avoided by both the individual to support these conversations, Aimed at a range of healthcare themselves or the healthcare such as treatment escalation practitioners, including professionals involved in the plans and mental capacity GPs, nurses, paramedics, patient’s care. assessments. physiotherapists and occupational therapists, it will focus on how best to support patients and their families when it comes to advance care planning (ACP). 11 gone for good One simple app makes donating unwanted items to St Luke’s even easier.

Got something you no longer All you need to do is download There you have it, a simple and want or need? Don’t just chuck the free app, take a photo of the convenient way to shift that it – use Gone for Good instead! item you want to donate, add unwanted item and do good at Available for both Android a brief description of the item the same time. and iPhones, this handy app and select the charity you want is a great way to get rid of to benefit. You then add your Please spread the word about unwanted furniture or a bag contact details and the charity this great little app – think of clothes you no longer need, will be in touch to arrange about how much good it could for example, while giving the collection for a time that suits do for St Luke’s! charity of your choice a boost. you.

12 remembering paula Nigel Croft runs 100 miles in 24 hours in memory of one of our patients.

Even when they’re no longer husband Steve and many other and supported by St Luke’s with us, some friends remain friends for a couple of 5-mile and Pals of POOCH (Plymouth very close to our hearts. laps. Oncology Outpatients and Chemotherapy), so this is my With St Luke’s having cared for Nigel said, “I knew Paula for way of giving back to these his friend Paula Gerry, Nigel almost 30 years and she was a special teams.” Croft from was dear friend. Always smiling and keen to give back to our charity. finding positive ways to help Thank you, Nigel, for raising That’s why he grabbed his out and support our drama £2,050 for St Luke’s in memory trainers and ran a staggering group, she was vibrant, friendly, of Paula. You really have gone 100 miles in 24 hours! a great organiser and had a that extra mile! tremendous sense of fun. Taking part in Hope 24 at Pictured with Nigel is St Luke’s Park, Nigel went “Before she sadly lost her receptionist volunteer Angie without sleep to meet his battle with cancer last Tourle, a former colleague of target, and was joined by Paula’s November, Paula was helped Nigel’s.

13 st luke’s has it licked! A gesture of thanks through a few hundred ice creams.

Who doesn’t love an ice-cream?! Staff enjoyed a sweet treat delivered by members of the Senior Management Team recently, a small gesture to thank them for their hard work and dedication to St Luke’s all year round.

The ice-creams – kindly donated by Morrisons Plymstock – went down exceedingly well, as you can see!

14 HR UPDATE Welcome to... Farewell to...

Bridget Doidge Nikolas Harvey Maintenance Assistant Shop Assistant, Tavistock Heather March We wish him all the best for the future. Bank Catering Assistant

We would like to say congratulations to Julia Pugh for gaining the position of Specialist Nurse at Derriford. date for diarIES St Luke’s Stories Wednesday 3 October at 1pm Jennycliff, Turnchapel

Please see website or telephone Education Admin UPCOMING COURSES on 01752 964250 for more details or bookings.

Compassionate Friends Health Care Assistants Second Checkers Becoming a resilient individual Brooklands, 5 September (3pm – 5pm) in the Administration of a Controlled Brooklands, 27 September (9am – 12.30pm) Drug Study Day Mindfulness, Brooklands Brooklands, 18 September (12.30pm – Basic Life Support (part of Day 2 5 September (1pm – 2pm) 4.30pm) Mandatory Training) Turnchapel 28 September (9am – 11am) LMS Workshop for Line Managers Pressure Ulceration Study Day Turnchapel, 10 September (10am – 12pm) Brooklands, 24 September (1pm – 4.30pm)

Catheter Study Day IV Study Day Turnchapel, 11 September (9am – 5pm) Turnchapel , 25 September (9am – 5pm)

Dementia Friends (part of Day 3 St Luke’s Hospice Values Workshop Mandatory training) 26 September (2.30pm – 4.30pm) Turnchapel, 13 September (12.30pm – 1.30pm) Welcome Day Turnchapel, 20 September (9.15am – 2pm) 15 BOOKING CLOSES 12NOON ON MONDAY 1 OCTOBER TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM HR DEPARTMENT