GOVERNORS NEWSLETTER 2MEMBERS SUMMER 2021 For our MSE Trust members... from your governors

Wilma Smart, a volunteer at Broomfield Meet Wilma and some of our other volunteers on page 3.

Please join us at this year’s Annual Members' Meeting 2021 on Wednesday 22 September at 5pm

Follow us Instant news Watch us Facebook.com/MSEHospitals We are on Twitter @MSEHospitals Youtube.com/MidandSouthEssex NHSFoundationTrust An update from Sally Holland, your lead Governor

Welcome to the summer edition of Governors2Members. As the weather gets warmer, we’ve seen one of the busiest periods. This time of year means that a lot of staff have been able to have a well-earned summer break and we’re busy preparing for the next Annual Members' Meeting, which we hope to see you at.

Volunteers returning to the Trust that care was prioritised for those In June we celebrated Volunteers’ who needed it most. The knock on Week. I want to express my effect of this has been that waiting thanks to our volunteers for their times have built up. Because of this, tremendous work as we transition our Trust’s acting fast to treat those out of lockdown. At the height of the who had their operations postponed. I want to express my pandemic it sadly wasn’t possible for As well as our normal operating thanks to our them to visit our . However, theatres, we now have three brand volunteers for their as restrictions ease and services new mobile theatres across our tremendous work return to normal, I’m pleased to say hospitals. More details of this we’ve been able to welcome many of development are on page four. as we transition them back. And, you can meet some out of lockdown. Cancer waits of the team on page three. Some people may have felt worried Involvement with Friends of about coming forward and seeking Gooding was asked to raise the Flag Broomfield and Braintree hospital care during the pandemic. at a special ceremony at Saxon Hall I’m pleased to say that with the help As we emerge from lockdown, our to mark the occasion. of fellow Governors Susan Sullivan hospitals are seeing more patients and Andrew Porter who represent being referred for cancer treatment. Finally, many congratulations to the Chelmsford and Braintree, we have If you or any of your friends or family NHS for being awarded the George started conversations with both are still hesitant, please be assured Cross on its 73rd Birthday. Friends of Broomfield and that this will remain a key focus for An accolade well deserved! Friends of Braintree. Our hope is our staff. Best wishes, that we can, in some way, help them feel re-connected to the new ways Thank You Day Sally Holland of working. It was lovely to see all the events happening for the Thank You Day Mid and South Essex NHS Elective surgery backlog and we are really proud that our Foundation Trust Lead Governor The pandemic put a huge amount of Council Governor for Rochford, Julie pressure on our hospitals and meant A final note from Tom Abell, Deputy Chief Executive

This will be my last column as I’m pleased to say that as part of Finally, I would like to say that it’s Deputy Chief Executive before I our plan to reduce waiting times, been a pleasure working with you move to take up my new role at the we have installed additional mobile all to deliver outstanding care to East of England Ambulance Service. theatres at each of the main our patients and wider community, hospital sites, alongside a number and I look forward to continuing to I wanted to take the opportunity to of new scanners and other work to improve care for all of our say a big thank you to all of you for diagnostic equipment. communities in my new role. your support and playing such an important role in the work of our Another service improvement that’s Trust. Although there remains much up and running is our a new Cherry It’s been a to do we can be proud of how much Tree Wing at Southend; a new pleasure has been achieved over the last ambulatory and surgical assessment few years to improve care for our unit that ensures patients get working communities and to develop fast-tracked to the right with you. our services. specialist care.

2 | GOVERNORS 2 MEMBERS NEWSLETTER SUMMER 2021 A chance to meet our Wonderful Volunteers

Michael Greenhow, Across our hospitals, there are more than 200 dedicated volunteers that Basildon Hospital give up their time to help both our patients and staff. They have not been able to be on site during the peak of the pandemic, so it’s great to see them Michael Greenhow, 76, from Aveley returning to our hospitals as restrictions ease. It’s hoped that soon, dementia in Thurrock, has been volunteering befrienders, mealtime assistants and pets as therapy dogs can also be at Basildon Hospital since 2013, and welcomed back to the wards. in 2016 was the recipient of Basildon Hospital’s Volunteer of the Early June marked Volunteers’ Week, which provided a perfect opportunity Year award. to reflect on and celebrate the selflessness and generosity of these helpers. We’re pleased to introduce you to just a few of our volunteers and Michael, who previously worked as a understand why supporting their local hospital is so important to them. retail store manager, was motivated to help out at the hospital following Wilma Smart, Moira Bateman, on from the excellent care that his Southend Hospital wife Connie received at Basildon after she suffered a stroke. Connie sadly Wilma Smart, 76, from Chelmer Moira Bateman, 72, from Thorpe passed away in 2013 but Michael was Village in Chelmsford is a Trust Bay is also a Trust member and determined to use the knowledge member and has been a familiar and has returned to volunteering after he had acquired about strokes from friendly face on the help desk in the the series of lockdowns, which caring for his wife and put it to good main atrium at Broomfield Hospital devastatingly saw her lose her use. He said: “The district nurses who for the last 20 years. youngest son Tim, 43, to cancer. cared for my wife mentioned about Moira has been a volunteer at helping out at the hospital, so I wrote She said: “I do really enjoy my role; Southend Hospital for almost 20 a letter and they welcomed me into I wouldn’t still be here doing it if I years and has recently returned to the Stroke Rehab Unit, where I have didn’t. When I retired I wanted to do her role as a guide/information volunteered ever since, one or two something to help keep me active, desk volunteer. days a week. The hospital did so and this has been perfect. It is just much for my wife and this is my way nice to be back making a difference She said: “It gives me a chance to of repaying them. I enjoy talking to for people. You meet some lovely focus on other things and to get out people, I enjoy the company and I people doing this role and patients of the house,” she explained. “I have enjoy having a purpose to get up for are so appreciative of the help we always felt I want to give something in the morning.” give them." back. Lockdown, particularly the last one, was awful because of the Voluntary Services lead, Jane weather. Christmas was horrendous O’Connell said: “We’ve such a lovely because Tim had died in September. group of volunteers and they are But the volunteering is helping.” making a huge difference, for both patients and staff. It’s wonderful to A final note from Tom Abell, Deputy Chief Executive have so many of them back.” To say thank you for this continued level of support, all volunteers will be invited to a Christmas party at the end of the year. Jane O’Connell continued: “It will be a wonderful way to celebrate our supporters and to have a good catch-up Wilma Smart, a Trust member and volunteer at Broomfield Hospital after all this time."

Moira Bateman, a Trust member and volunteer at Southend Hospital If I can take a little bit of stress out of Celebrate the someone’s hospital selflessness and visit, then I’ve generosity of

had a good day. these helpers.

Michael Greenhow, a volunteer at Basildon Hospital.

SUMMER 2021 GOVERNORS 2 MEMBERS NEWSLETTER | 3 Popstar turned Appointed Governor; an insight into the experiences of David Van Day Before his role at the Trust, David “Now we've merged as a Trust, there was well-known as a member of are 45 governors. This is a huge the 80s pop duo Dollar. He has increase and means that governors been a councillor representing can now work as a team across all Thurrock since 2019. communities rather than just in their local areas. This has allowed us to 1. What was your journey explore different areas of policy.” into becoming a Councillor and Governor? 5. What words of advice would “I’m not originally from a political you give to someone who is background; it’s just something I thinking about becoming a Appointed Trust Governor, became interested in later in life. member or governor of the David Van Day I started following politics more Trust but may not think it’s through shows like Andrew Marr for them? and Peston. My interests for these “To be a governor you do have to anymore. Before shows continued to grow and I later gain the respect of your peers and lockdown I was able to have bumped into a local politician who know what you’re talking about. highlights in my hair. People would thought it would be a good option Before you dive into an issue, immediately see the bright colour, for me. I didn’t think I had any you need to have the patience take a closer look, and then realise opinions about politics, but it turned to consider it from all angles, it’s me! But since lockdown I haven’t out that I did! I then ran for councillor understand the circumstances been out as before later becoming an in which it came about as well much and so there’s less of a chance Appointed Governor." as who’s responsible for it. It’s to be recognised. important that when you want 2. Tell us about being a Trust to achieve something, you need I also think that my choice to take a governor? to be persistently consistent and step back from reality TV to focus on “I think I’m well suited to this role consistently persistent.” my political career means I’m noticed because of the communication skills I less when I’m out and about. But on learnt through show business. To get 6. How closely linked is your the occasions that I am, I have been people to vote is like getting people role as a Councillor with being asked to sing a note or two!” to buy your records or watch your a Governor? TV show. Being able to represent “There are some similarities between and communicate the voices of the two. As an appointed governor, my local community means that I I bridge the gap between the public can effectively hold non-executive and the Trust directors, and through directors responsible. Plus, I love my role as a councillor, I provide a helping people and enjoy problem unique link between senior staff and solving." the Thurrock council. 3. What’s the most important Both jobs require patience to part of your job? consider other people’s positions “I think the most important part of and to be able to work well in a being governor and councillor is team. It’s easy to be an armchair to look at the bigger picture and critic but it’s much harder to point understand what’s really going on out and praise good things. So, in around the country. You’ve also both roles it’s important to show got to hold non-executive directors kindness and generosity.” accountable whilst trusting their 7. We have to ask… How often expertise at the same time.” are you recognised by your 4. Have you seen any significant constituents given your developments across the Trust? ‘popstar status’? If so, what are they? “Well, I’m not noticed as much

4 | GOVERNORS 2 MEMBERS NEWSLETTER SUMMER 2021 New Cherry Tree wing at Southend New blood-testing Hospital will speed up patient care services in the The Cherry Tree wing is designed for referred by their GP or by the community same day emergency care patients (ED). A Plans are now well-underway and brings together specialist brighter, more spacious discharge teams of surgical, medical and unit has also been created on for brand new blood-testing orthopaedic staff. the top floor, making it a faster clinics to open in each of the experience for patients getting The new wing has eight assessment communities our hospitals ready to return home. cubicles, three large side rooms serve. Victoria Shopping and a seven-seat treatment bay Clare Panniker, Chief Executive Centre in Southend, the area. With 18 bed spaces, the unit of the Trust, said: “We’ve had Eastgate Shopping Centre is conveniently located near the investment in buildings across the Same Day Emergency Care on the Trust to help enhance our patient in Basildon and on Fairfield ground floor. This is a huge benefit care, so it has been amazing to see Road in Chelmsford. in reducing the journey and wait how quickly this new wing has come time for those needing CT, MRI, or together. It’s great to see it open By bringing this service into the Ultrasound scans. and it will make a huge positive local town centre, patients can difference to both our patients and have their appointments closer to The first floor is the new home the staff working in these new home and, there’s the convenience for the Surgical Assessment Unit, state-of-the-art areas.” of combining this with a trip to and sees patients who have been the shops. Crucially, we reduce unnecessary footfall to our hospitals and free up space to keep our patients and staff safe. Information will be sent to all patients to keep them up-to-date on the development and official opening of these clinics. In the meantime, a temporary clinic is running within the main Vaccination Centre at Southend University Hospital. Improving waiting times with new mobile theatres

Waiting times have built up hugely patients, and the unit at Basildon will over the past 15 months, and we be used for orthopaedic operations. know that patients have had to wait The mobile theatre at Southend far longer than they or we will be used for general surgery, would like. meaning we can free up space for more orthopaedic cases in the As part of the planned care recovery hospital’s main theatres. programme new mobile theatres have been installed at each of the main hospital sites, to be used alongside the pre-existing theatres. Whilst waiting times have built up across all specialities, Ophthalmology and Orthopaedics have the most people waiting for treatment. For this reason, the More information can be mobile unit at Broomfield will found at our website: be used to treat ophthalmology www.mse.nhs.uk/blood-tests

SUMMER 2021 GOVERNORS 2 MEMBERS NEWSLETTER | 5 16 year-old Liam Clark smashes his fundraising target for Southend Hospital

Liam and his family have raised a Liam Clark pictured whopping £3,095 for Southend Hospital, with auctioned items. in memory of their much-loved uncle. George McGhie, of Rackenford, Shoebury, sadly passed away at the age of 82 in Southend Hospital after having coronavirus. The student at King Edmund School in Rochford, set up a fundraising page and completed an online auction of donated items. The money raised will all be going to Rochford Ward at Southend Hospital, where Liam’s uncle was admitted. Liam said: “Uncle George was taken care of by the wonderful doctors and nurses on Rochford Ward so I just wanted to give something back. My original target of £250 was reached so quickly due to everyone's generosity – I’m overwhelmed. Everyone who has helped has done my uncle proud.”

The Trust has been shortlisted for two national nursing awards

Two projects in Essex that have been improving patients’ lives during COVID-19 are now in the running for awards from the Royal College of Nursing. The oncology team at Broomfield Hospital have been

shortlisted for the Excellence in Cancer Research Sandra Morton-Nance, Nursing Award. The team have been able to help patients Liaison Nurse with mesothelioma (a cancer caused by asbestos), live longer and spend more time with loved ones, thanks to treatments fast tracked by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Also up for an award in the category of Learning Disability Nursing is Sandra Morton-Nance, a hospital liaison nurse at Broomfield. Sandra developed a virtual clinic to manage and support people with intellectual disability and two or more long-term conditions. The virtual clinic was set up for people who regularly missed appointments, allowing Sandra to speak to patients and liaise with doctors and clinicians so that unnecessary hospital admissions or investigations are avoided. Diane Sarkar, Chief Nursing Officer at the Trust, said: “The research team going the extra mile for our patients and Sandra seeing an opportunity to create a virtual clinic to provide care and support all speaks volume to the quality and The Oncology team at Broomfield Hospital. dedication of our staff.”

6 | GOVERNORS 2 MEMBERS NEWSLETTER SUMMER 2021 SPOTLIGHT Motor Neurone Disease - supporting patients and undertaking pioneering research Our Neurology department plays a vital role in treating patients who have nervous system disorders – a complex and sophisticated system that regulates and coordinates the movement of the body. Within the neurology department sits the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) team. Through their links with Queen Mary University, and The , this group of experts conduct innovative research into the diagnosis and treatment Sue Nash of MND. There is a 1 in 300 risk of , Chairperson of the South Essex Branch of the getting MND across a lifetime and MND Association and a patient. it can affect adults of any age but is more likely to affect people over 50. Neurone Disease Association. Sue said: “As there is no official Finding effective treatment This branch is run by Sue Nash, diagnosis or cure, our work is crucial By conducting clinical trials, the team Chairperson and a dedicated team in creating that community network hope to understand the progression of non-clinical volunteers who build and letting people know that there is of the condition as well as the most awareness and provide support for help out there for those who need it.” effective treatment. At the forefront those suffering from or affected in Andrea Malaspina spoke incredibly of this work is the measurement of some way by MND. highly of Sue and her team, saying: plasma known as neurofilaments, “Members from the Association are which are little pieces of protein that instrumental in supporting patients are released within the brain. This as often they are a friendly face. Plus, ongoing research has contributed to with the money they raise, we can the development of technology that acquire new, advanced equipment.” can measure this plasma in a new, less invasive way. Rachel Clark, Public Governor, Castle Point, said: “I recently attended Andrea Malaspina, Clinical Academic Above Volunteers from the the MND South Essex Branch Lead for the Motor Neurone Disease South Essex Branch of the AGM and learnt of the vital work Centre, said: “This innovative MND Association. being undertaken, along with the research is only possible because of important support the local branch the generosity and goodwill of our Members of the branch attend MND offers. This disease has devastating patients and staff, including Clinical clinic days at the main hospital sites consequences so the dedicated Trials Practitioner, Georgina Butt monthly to offer their guidance research and support that the Trust and Research Coordinator, Colette and assistance to newly diagnosed and Association undertake, is vital for Bloomfield. Despite the additional patients. They also work to ensure anyone affected by MND.” challenges brought on by COVID-19, that patients can enjoy social activities everyone has been amazingly helpful throughout the year along with their If you would like to learn more about and remain committed towards family and friends. For example, the support offered by the Motor defeating this disease.” before COVID-19, patients attended Neurone Association South Essex Branch, please visit their website Working with a local charity the annual pantomime at the Cliffs Working alongside the Trust is the Pavilion and got involved with several at: MND Association South Essex South Essex branch of the Motor fund-raising events. Branch.

SUMMER 2021 GOVERNORS 2 MEMBERS NEWSLETTER | 7 Contacts

EDITORIAL TEAM CONTACTS New letters to Esther Kuku Head of Communications, editor section Campaigns and Public Affairs 01268 524900 ext 2993 In future editions of the

Eve Lambie Governors2Members magazine we would Membership Manager, Corporate like to introduce a ‘Letters to Editor’ section Governance and Membership Services Freephone: 0800 018 5202 to allow us to hear directly from you, our valued members. Rachel Clark and Les Catley Public Governors MSEFT membership office If you have any feedback you would like to give on [email protected] any of the stories you read. Or, would like something featured in a future edition of Governors2Members BASILDON Hospital switchboard 01268 524900 then please email: [email protected]. BROOMFIELD Hospital switchboard The feedback you provide will be crucial in helping us 01245 362000 improve your membership magazine. SOUTHEND Hospital switchboard 01702 435555

Dates for your diary

This year, our Annual Members’ Meeting will be on Wednesday, 22 September 2021 between 5pm-6:30pm and will be held on online using Microsoft Teams.

Once again, we would love for all members to join the meeting and let us know your thoughts. As well as highlighting the challenges of the past year, there will be a spotlight on the future of critical care.

To register your interest email [email protected]

Throughout the year, Council of Governors’ meetings are also held to provide valuable updates on the improvements and key Calling all members - projects taking place across our Trust. As they are held in public, We need your emails or they offer a unique opportunity for our members to see our you may miss out! governors in action and put questions to senior staff. We have found that email is the We warmly welcome and encourage our members to join and best way to keep you up to date take part in these important discussions. If you would like to with hospital events, changes to attend in the public gallery, please contact the Membership services and dates for your diary. Office to reserve your seat. If you would like to update your • 8 December 2021 at 5pm (venue to be confirmed) contact details to ensure you never miss out on Trust news, • 2 March 2022 at 5pm (venue to be confirmed) please contact the Membership Office on *you do not need to have MS Teams application, just click the [email protected] link provided*

SUMMER 2021 GOVERNORS 2 MEMBERS NEWSLETTER | 8