Issue 22 February/March 11 North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust

The magazine for North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust

Board approves revised business case for new hospital page 7

Trust one of three bowel screening pilots page 21 Oscar winning film highlights the importance of speech and language therapy page 8 Farewell to Lorraine Health records team leader Lorraine Davies bid farewell to the trust in January. At a special gathering colleagues presented Lorraine with a dinner service and she received lots of gifts, cards and good wishes from former colleagues and friends. Colleague and team leader Diane Atkinson said: “We had a great time, everyone seemed to enjoy it especially Lorraine. It was nice to see colleagues past and present!” Lorraine is hoping to spend more time with her family, who all live away.

Lorraine and associate director of public involvement and information Event governance Jan Atkinson at Lorraine’s farewell party highlights the importance An extra support of infection control at the end of life A pilot project to offer extra support The trust’s infection to patients at the end of their lives prevention and control team and their families has shown early were delighted to be joined signs of being a success. by senior health protection The six week pilot project, carried nurse Julia Waller, (pictured second left) from the Health out by the George Hardwick Protection Agency – the Foundation and supported by the independent organisation trust’s palliative care team, saw dedicated to protecting a team of four dignity workers people’s health. appointed to sit with people who were dying on the wards at the “The event was very University Hospital of North Tees. successful and we’ll The dignity workers, who were volunteers, also supported be running many families and often acted as a go more in the future.” between for staff and families on busy wards. The first event, held at Ingrid Brough-Williams explained: the University Hospital “We set up the six week project of North Tees attracted to find out if having this extra around 60 delegates. It Ingrid Brough-Williams (second left) with dignity workers Lucy O’Byrne, Claire service would complement the was a great opportunity to Walker and Debbie Wilson trust’s end of life care. We hand bring together staff from picked three counsellors and an that is certain to happen and out GP practices, care homes We have been making continuous and the trust. The session experienced staff member who of control to thinking there can improvements in our end of life highlighted the importance visited patients for between 15 be a good death. I felt very well care services and we look forward of infection control and minutes but often up to an hour. supported by the doctors and to this becoming a permanent reinforced important The visit might simply consist of nurses which I’m sure contributed feature right across the trust. messages how we can sitting with the patient and holding to the success of this project.” The team worked very closely work together to prevent any their hand but could also involve Another dignity worker Lucy with our chaplains and the two avoidable infections in any conversations with the patient O’Byrne added: “I was quite services dovetailed together very area of health. and their families and liaising with apprehensive at first but once I well. I would like to pay tribute to Speaking at the event the nursing and medical teams got into the role I found it really the whole team – Ingrid, Claire, infection prevention and when needed. rewarding. It was a real privilege Lucy, Holly Williams, Laura Jordan control specialist nurse “During the day many patients to think I’d made a difference at and Debbie Wilson - who have, in Kevin Lawler said: “Infection have no visitors and families really such a crucial time.” such a short time, made a huge prevention and control is appreciated that someone was “To all the ladies who came to impact on the quality of extra care everyone’s business. sitting with their relative when the short stay unit and sat with and support we can provide for “It is a top priority for the trust they could not be there. Staff also mam – a big thank you! It meant patients who are dying.” and it’s taken very seriously. said it was a help to them because such a lot to know someone Deputy director of nursing Cath “Whether you are a member they were limited in what time was there when we could not Siddle added: “Nurses always feel of staff, patient or a visitor they could spend when the ward be. This is a priceless service – they would like to spend more hand washing is one of was busy.” and we do hope it continues for time with patients, but on busy the most effective ways of reducing the risk of infection. Claire Walker was one of the other families.” wards this often isn’t possible. “The event was very volunteer dignity workers. She Consultant in palliative care Having the dignity workers there successful and we’ll said: “This has been a life changing medicine Edwin Pugh said: “The meant they could rest assured be running many more in experience for me. It changed my project will be fully evaluated but that their patient had someone the future.” attitude altogether from thinking even without that we can see with them and they felt this was of death and dying as something how successful this has been. very valuable.” 002|003 1,000th baby for Hartlepool birthing centre North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust’s birthing centre at the University Hospital of Hartlepool has seen the delivery of its 1,000th baby. Amanda Dunn, 37 and Neil had Sam and I was lucky enough Godfrey, 46 from Seaton Carew to use the pool again. welcomed their second child Ruby “I’d highly recommend it Jayne Godfrey on 24 January. to anyone.” Little Ruby made her debut at a Lead for the birthing centre Judith healthy 7lb 9oz at 10.48am to the Stout said: “We are extremely delighted couple and big brother proud of the staff and facilities we Sam who is 21 months. have here at the birthing centre. Dad, Neil, a lecturer at Hartlepool “Parents are very complimentary College of Further Education, about the service. explained: “I’d gone to work and “People choose to come here Amanda called me to say she from Hartlepool, Stockton, areas didn’t feel well. of Durham and further afield. I “We got to the birthing centre have no doubt that the success at 9.35am and just over an hour will continue. later Amanda gave birth to our “The most important thing beautiful daughter.” is we’re providing a first class It wasn’t the first time at service for women whose labours the birthing centre for Amanda, and deliveries are expected to an administration assistant for be straightforward. the NHS. “We offer a service that values Talking about her experience in women and offers them a greater the centre, Amanda said: “The range of choice in the way they staff are very supportive and help give birth.” in making the whole experience The centre has four delivery very special. rooms – one with a birthing pool “The birth was very relaxed. and another with a range of The staff and the facilities here special birthing equipment which are brilliant. It’s a really nice allows women to stay upright and atmosphere and a fantastic place supported during labour. to give birth. Judith continued: “The birthing “I couldn’t imagine going centre is like a home-from-home anywhere else. After giving birth for soon-to-be-parents with a to Sam here too I had no doubts warm and welcoming atmosphere. about coming back. We’re so pleased that it has been “I used the birthing pool when I so well received.” Amanda, Neil, baby Ruby and midwife Caroline Kelly

A life time in the NHS comes to an end for John Telephonist John Tyson at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust has hung up his headset after a staggering 50 years service in the NHS. John from Easington was the first person you would speak to if you phoned Caroline Street Health Centre in Hartlepool. John started working for the NHS when he was sixteen years old at a small general hospital in Easington in County Durham as a telephone operator before moving to Thorpe Maternity Hospital about one mile away, then in 1993 he came to Caroline Street Health Centre. John said: “I’ve seen many changes in the health service. I have really enjoyed working here and talking to people. I would recognise familiar voices. “I’ve not decided what I’ll do with my retirement – but I’ll be Colleagues say farewell to John taking each day as it comes.”

February/March 11 Jouver Nagano aka JB practising JB misses out at the final step to singing stardom A singing theatre nurse at the trust made it through to final stage of a major music talent contest. Jouver Nagano, known as JB, won his place in the grand final of Open Mic UK, after beating off competition in the regional semi final in Leeds. He competed in the national final at the IndigO2 at the O2 in London in January. He said: “I felt really lucky to have made it through to On stage the final. “I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has supported and voted for me to get me through to the final stage of the competition.” Matron Sharon Sanderson added: “We’re all really proud of JB.” Open Mic UK is the national talent competition which searches for the UK’s best singers, songwriters, rappers and vocalists of all genres who perform either covers or original material. The competition offers singers the opportunity to perform live in front of crowds and judges from the music and entertainment industry.

The successful students line up with director of nursing and patient safety Sue Smith Cause for celebration The newly qualified associate practitioners at Presenting the awards, director of nursing praise but we would like to acknowledge North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation and patient safety Sue Smith said: “I would Anthony as best overall student for his Trust gathered at a special ceremony in like to congratulate all of the successful commitment, attitude and academic work.” recognition of their achievement. students on this fantastic achievement. They The successful students were: Kerry The associate practitioner is a new role have all had to deal with a very demanding Cronesbury, Kirsty Cronesberry, Bonita developed on the NHS career framework academic workload as well as meeting Flounders, Anthony McDonough, David which fulfils several needs within the NHS in the demands of their previous role as Hawkes, Linda Fleet, Kathleen Hanlon, Linda general and our own trust in particular. healthcare assistants. Fleet, Neil Parks, Deborah Phillips, Angela “They can all be justifiably proud of Scott Johnson, Tracy Spence, Tara Davidson, their achievement.” Maria McConnell, Lynne Smith, Cheryl “They can all be There was a special award for Anthony Rowbotham, Sue Holmes, Yvonne Murray, justifiably proud of McDonough from accident and emergency. Carol Brown, Susan Dalgleish, Bill Dow, Clinical educator Larry Nicholson said: “It is Stacey McInnes, Lisa Barker, Emma Brown, their achievement.” difficult to single out any one individual for Carol Goldsmith, and Janice Standing

004|005 Appointment strengthens medical school link

Medical links between North Tees and can give babies the best chance of not only Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust and Durham surviving but also not having the long term University’s school of medicine and health developmental and medical problems often have been strengthened with the appointment associated with premature babies. of consultant neonatologist Samir Gupta as “We are working on two major pieces of senior lecturer. research at the moment; one to look at how Deputy head of audiology Gerry Thompson Dr Gupta, who has appeared on the international we can give tiny and very sick babies the stage presenting his research, is delighted to best chance of survival and good long term be associated with Durham University’s school health by close monitoring of their heart and Audiology of medicine and health in Stockton which is blood circulation. The other piece of research training tomorrow’s doctors. is looking at how we optimise the breathing He said: “The neonatal unit at the University support using ventilators and newer ways of service supports Hospital of North Tees has fostered research providing non invasive respiratory support for links with the other neonatal units in the very premature babies. Both of these pieces national tinnitus country, and is now one of the leading centres of research are very important to improve long nationally for recruiting parents and babies term outcomes of very sick babies and could awareness week into pioneering research programmes. We benefit many babies in the future, both here have a fantastic team of medical and nursing and all across the world. The condition, which leaves sufferers colleagues supported by a great research and with a constant noise in their ears and development department and have established “Forming links with the school head, such as buzzing, ringing, humming and whistling, affects 10 per cent of the a close working relationship with other units in of medicine and health is Teesside. While research itself is important UK’s population according to the British for continually improving the care we give to important. It will benefit the Tinnitus Association. these very premature and sick babies, it is also people who both use and work Tinnitus is a term that describes the a great reassurance for the parents to know sensation of hearing a noise in the absence that, despite the trauma of having a baby in in the health service.” of an external sound. Gerry Thompson, deputy head of the unit, they know the care they receive will “I am delighted to be appointed senior be as good or better than they would receive in audiology at the trust explained: “It is very lecturer with the University of Durham. Already common and most people experience any of the top neonatal units because we are we are working together to further our very actively looking at ways to improve care. brief problems, depending on what it is important research work and I am very excited associated with. “The world of neonatal care has changed. We about seeing the relationship go from strength are now in the era of ensuring that the quality “Everyone looks for the miracle cure and to strength.” the quick fix but there is no quick fix. of survival improves for very premature babies. The trust’s medical director David Emerton The focus of our work is to look at how we “Tinnitus is managed in a different ways said: “Forming links with the school of with therapies and your first line of contact medicine and health is important. It will benefit should be your GP. the people who both use and work in the “From your GP, they will identify what you health service. I would like to congratulate need. You may just have wax in your ear or Samir on his appointment. There is no doubt you may need a referral. that his commitment and enthusiasm has put “Silence often aggravates tinnitus as the neonatal unit at the University Hospital patients find themselves concentrating on of North Tees on the map and I believe this the aggravating noise, whereas everyday appointment will pay enormous dividends for background noise or soothing sounds will the trust and for the Durham University.” distract them. Durham University’s dean of the school of “We treat patients with tinnitus with medicine and health Professor Pali Hungin sound generators, such as speakers added: “Universities providing medical that lie under their pillow and generate education and research and organisations sounds likely to help them sleep, such as providing healthcare benefit significantly when recordings of the sea as many people find they work together. Samir’s appointment, which this relaxing.” I hope is the first of many from North Tees and Areas such as Hartlepool have Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, marks the high incidences because of the beginning of a medical relationship between town’s concentration of industry and the trust and its local medical school. loud machinery. “If we are to continue to train tomorrow’s Other causes include loud music, trauma, doctors to meet the demands of the modern stress, disease of the ear, side effects of health service then these links are vital. I medication and coping with grief. welcome Samir to the school of medicine and Studies show that it can happen to people health and look forward to working closely of any age including children. with him to benefit patients, trainee doctors Free support and advice is available through and to contribute to the academic and research the BTA helpline on 0800 0180527. Samir Gupta profile of this area.”

February/March 11 Call for more volunteers to join WRVS shop The WRVS shops at North Tees 12 hours each week and really and Hartlepool NHS Foundation enjoy meeting people.” Trust are looking for volunteers Margaret added: “I volunteer for who can spare a few hours a eight hours a week. I wanted week to volunteer in their shops. to do something with my time, Margaret Leck, 78 from Jesmond rather than sit at home idle, so I Road in Hartlepool is a retired decided to volunteer. clerical officer. She started “I just thought it was a great volunteering in the WRVS shop in opportunity to give something Hartlepool 15 years ago. back to the hospital. The other June Bulley, 58, from King Oswy volunteers I work with are lovely. Design and development manager Dennis Wilson with staff nurse Emma Drive in Hartlepool previously “I’ve made some great Fenby and healthcare apprentice Sophie Hornbrook worked as a lunch time nanny friends. We all enjoy going out in a local school and has been together too.” a volunteer with the WRVS for June continued: “I volunteer Endoscopy unit receives 10 years. three mornings a week. It Audrey Lawrence, 81, from means a lot to me to know that I’m Thornaby has been a volunteer in doing my bit to help. It’s sociable artistic facelift the WRVS shop at the University and enjoyable. Hospital of North Tees for “We’d both really recommend this The endoscopy unit at and separate the male and 19 years. to anyone.” the University Hospital of female changing areas. Audrey said: “I volunteer for about Manager Liz Hollick added: “Our North Tees has received an Staff in the unit got the artistic facelift. chance to be involved in the Design and development project and chose the colours manager Dennis Wilson for the artwork, which has commissioned Creative Glass created a brighter and more - local specialists in the design private area for patients waiting and production of architectural for treatment. and decorative glass, in Design and development Stockton, to create a multi- manager Dennis Wilson, coloured glass screen. pictured said: “The artwork The beautiful pieces of glass is modern and timeless with have been carefully installed swirling colours.“ in the unit’s waiting room to “It has made a big difference to provide privacy for the patients privacy of the patients.”

June Bulley and Margaret Leck Farewell to the quiet man

Friends and colleagues braved icy conditions and struggled “I will miss working with my colleagues, who through the snow on 25 November 2010 to get to Queensway have all become close friends.” Medical Centre in Billingham so they could say farewell to Bernard McCaffrey who was retiring after working for 38 years as a community nurse in Teesside. Bernard began his career in the early 1960’s in Enniskillen in Northern Ireland before coming to work in Teesside in 1972. Speaking at Bernard’s retirement party, which also coincided with his 66th birthday, integrated service area manager for Stockton council Glyn Roberts said: “Bernard has always had the reputation of being the quiet man, always hard working and uncomplaining. He has always been very supportive of colleagues and held in high regard by patients and GPs alike.” Bernard said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here in Teesside working as one of the few male community nurses, in fact in the early days I was probably the only one. Colleagues say farewell to Bernard at his retirement

006|007 Call for more volunteers to join WRVS shop

Graphic to show how the borrowing requirement was reduced

Audrey Lawrence Board approves volunteers play a tremendous role and we are truly grateful for their commitment. The shops are very revised business case well used and greatly appreciated by patients, visitors and staff. “We have an amazing team of for new hospital volunteers and we really value what they do for us.” The revised business case professional, highly skilled that time that we would finally Profits from the shop benefit the for the new hospital has been staff who are caring and secure private funding for the hospitals so it is important that approved by North Tees and compassionate. Building on the scheme. The build programme we have enough volunteers to Hartlepool NHS Foundation is three years and three months maintain customer satisfaction skills and dedication of staff we and continuously increase the Trust’s board of directors. have now I have every reason to so, hopefully, we will be moving funds we raise. Chairman Paul Garvin said: “This believe we can create a facility in to the new hospital in 2016.” Anyone interested in voluntary is a time to celebrate because which will be the envy of the The graphic shows how the work for the WRVS shop at the the new hospital is a vital part country, if not the world.” business case was revised University Hospital of North Tees of the momentum programme. Lead director for the hospital to reduce the amount we should phone 01642 352369 or the It means we will be able to programme Kevin Oxley said: will need to borrow from the University Hospital of Hartlepool create a world class facility for “Naturally we were disappointed private sector. should phone 01429 522730. the people of our area. when public funding was Kevin added: “This is not the “We’re aiming high with the new withdrawn. The government final design because obviously hospital; local people deserve didn’t question the need for the people we engage to take the highest quality services we the hospital, just the way it the project forward will bring can offer in first class facilities, would be paid for. We went their own ideas with them Farewell to the quiet man a superb environment, the back to our doctors and nurses but it does help to illustrate latest equipment provided by and looked at what could be where we have been able to done to reduce the amount we make changes.” “I will miss working with my colleagues, who would need to borrow from Chief executive Alan Foster said: have all become close friends.” the private sector. They went “I am delighted that, after the away and looked at a number of setback of the withdrawal of hospitals both here and abroad public funding we have brought and came back with ideas which the scheme back on track. meant we could do this without “The hospital is the final piece compromising quality. of the momentum jigsaw. “The business case for the There is much to do to continue new hospital will now go to transforming services and the primary care trust and the creating community facilities strategic health authority for which are equally important endorsement in March after parts of the momentum strategy. which we will be able to start However we are now very much the long procurement process back on the journey which is Colleagues say farewell to Bernard at his retirement which is expected to take great news for the people of Kevin Oxley around two years. It would be at our area.” February/March 11 Film raises stammering profile A film on King George VI’s fight to as straight forward as that. Often a overcome a stammer has raised child will inherit a vulnerability that the profile of speech problems. triggers the stammer. There isn’t The film tells the story of how one cause. the king, who had suffered from “The fear of speaking and a stammer since childhood, was potentially stammering can have a thrown into the public spotlight. severe impact on a person’s life. It With the help of a speech therapist, can have an effect socially and even the king was able to conquer how people choose their careers his stammer and deliver a radio and access education. address that inspired a nation on “We take our speech for granted. the brink of the Second World War. People who stammer don’t. Specialist speech and language People don’t appreciate it’s not therapist at North Tees and fun to live with. Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust “If someone accesses the Kirsten Liddle said: “The film service, the first thing we do is highlights the struggle that people gather information to work out go through, simply to get their what the situation is then take message across. It’s good that it the best approach. It’s different for gets the issue talked about. every person. “Here, we can help people cope “If it’s someone older I’ll work with a stammer: “The service we with them to explore the thoughts provide is for people of any age. I and feelings they have about their work with children and adults who stammering and work towards have fluency difficulty, which we reducing the impact it has on their commonly know as stammering. life. We might also include some “Stammering is something which work on specific strategies to help most people will recognise. It’s them feel they have more control basically an interruption in the flow over their stammer for example, and the timing in speech. specific breathing exercises. “It affects about 5% of under fives “There’s a lot more to it. We often and 1% of the adult population.” need to work on changing any Kirsten has been working with negative thoughts they may have one family from Hartlepool. built up into more helpful, positive They contacted the speech and approaches. My role is to support language therapy service after the parents to provide a supportive recognising their daughter was environment too. having speech problems. “With young children, what They said: “It’s important to you see is what you get. They recognise the signs in the first haven’t developed the negative instance and not suffer alone. thoughts and so working with It’s not something to be them while they are younger is embarrassed about. much more successful. “The speech and language “There are many myths about therapists are here to help. stammering. It’s important that Coming to Kirsten has really people know it’s not linked with started to help. She is fantastic on intelligence and stammering isn’t a personal basis with us as parents there as a result of anything that and the children. has happened or a situation in their “You worry as a parent that you’ve life and it isn’t caused by something done something wrong and you the parents have done. wonder whether something “We have an open referral system, you’ve done has led to causing the so people can literally pick up the stammer, but that’s not the case. phone and contact us themselves “There’s no quick fix, but the either just for some advice or to sooner you get in touch with the refer themselves.” service, the better.” If you are from Easington, Hartlepool Kirsten continued: “Some children or Peterlee you can contact the will naturally outgrow stammering, team on 0191 5872880 or 01429 but not all of them. 267901 and alternatively, if you are Kirsten Liddle “That’s why we like to see children from the Stockton area you can call early. Most children start to 01642 352285. stammer at two-and –a-half – that’s For more information about the right time to come and see us. stammering go to www. “There is a genetic link, but it’s not stammering.org 008|009 June and Sandra retire after combined service of nearly 80 years Two members of the community nursing team at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust have retired with an amazing combined service of almost 80 years in the NHS. June Gowland, 64 from the Brierton area of Hartlepool (pictured left) was the first auxiliary nurse on the community in Hartlepool. Sandra Alder, 55 From North area Sue Judge said: “On behalf of in Hartlepool), started working the community nursing team I as a district nurse in Hartlepool Sue and Jim run through the quality review panel scoring with Larry Nicholson 1981, after starting her nursing would like to wish Sandra and career in 1962. June all the best for a happy and Speaking at her retirement June healthy retirement. said: “I’ve loved every minute of “They will be greatly missed. First governor my career. I’m a keen gardener “We’re saying goodbye to two so I’ll enjoy spending time in the very committed members of the garden during my retirement. team from a fantastic team of “We’ve both made many nurses here. I would like to say a joins the great friends here and I’ll miss personal thank you for everything the laughter. Sandra and June have done during quality review Integrated services manager their time with the service.”

Appointed governor Councillor Jim their concerns and explained the Beall joined director of nursing and procedures they are carrying out. patient safety Sue Smith and her Councillor Jim Beall said: “It has senior nursing team on a recent been excellent to see how the quality review panel visit. quality review panel visits work The aim of the quality review and get the chance to speak to panel visits are to ensure the patients myself. patient’s experience of their stay “I visited two areas at the in hospital is positive and therefore University Hospital of Hartlepool concentrates on the issues that and I was very impressed with matter most to our patients. the standard of care and the Alan Foster presents the cheque to Carole Harrison watched by chaplain Elements such as cleanliness, enthusiasm of the staff.” Paul Salter and facilities admin officer Liz Paul. safety and patient documentation Director of nursing and patient are all checked and recorded in safety Sue Smith added: “We Memory trees provide help the snapshot reviews. Patients are were delighted to be joined by our asked for their opinions about their first governor on the recent quality for Butterwick stay in hospital. They are asked, for review panel visit. example, about whether medical “We want to be the best in the Instead of sending individual wanted to do something to help and nursing staff have listened to country. By carrying out regular cards to their work colleagues children as I have just become quality review panel visits we will at Christmas, staff were invited a granddad.” continue to ensure consistency to remember a loved one and This year the final amount across the trust and bring any make a donation to charity by raised was £422.23 which was areas of concern to the relevant visiting the chapel and putting a presented to the Butterwick’s ward managers’ attention tag on a memory tree. director of clinical services The trees were located in Carole Harrison. immediately, which means for the chapels at the University Carole said: “We are extremely patients we can address their Hospital of Hartlepool and the grateful to the staff of the concerns straightaway. University Hospital of North Tees. trust for this very kind “But, it also gives an excellent The money raised throughout donation. It is very fitting that opportunity to share good practice the festive period is donated by remembering loved ones at and celebrate success, which is to a charity which is chosen Christmas, help can be provided fed back to the staff at the time by chief executive Alan Foster, to others in need.” of the visit. who also collects his loose The Butterwick House Children’s “It’s a team effort from the change throughout the year in a Hospice provides day, respite and staff in estates who maintain pink pig in his office. end of life care, family support, the environment to chefs, This year Alan chose the complementary therapies and domestics, medical, nursing, Butterwick House Children’s bereavement care to families allied health professionals and Hospice. He said: “I nominated from Teesside, County Durham, Jim talks to a patient about their all of the other support staff the Butterwick because I North Yorkshire and Wearside. experience on the ward across the organisation.” February/March 11 Julia shows off her culinary skills Julia just misses out on Corrie success

Information analyst, radiology Julia said: “I really enjoyed “I’d like to thank everyone who at the University Hospital the experience. Obviously I voted for me.” of Hartlepool Julia Kiss has was disappointed not to The final dishes were judged cooked up a storm again - this win, but I had an absolutely by resident chef Phil Vickery, time in ITVs ‘Cook a Dish for fantastic time. television personality Paul Corrie’ competition. Ross and Coronation Street star Julia, got through to the “It’s a brilliant Ryan Thomas. final three of This Morning’s hobby taking part in This wasn’t Julia’s first competition, where she spent appearance on live television. a day with the stars hoping competitions and it’s Last year she enjoyed that her special corned beef something I’m going a Mediterranean cruise and potato pie would impress to keep on doing.” cooking with Marco Pierre the celebrity judges and White after winning a make it onto the menu at the “There were lots of celebrities competition on GMTV. Rovers Return. everywhere – I even got to have She added: “It’s a brilliant But Julia’s chances were dashed my makeup done next to Coleen hobby taking part in and her pie was beaten by just Nolan. It was great fun to be competitions and it’s something two votes into second place. filmed – a day I’ll never forget. I’m going to keep on doing.” Golf club captain’s charity helps to tackle cancer

Seaton Carew Golf Club’s Roger in family tree research to club Impett’s last official function as members for a fee. captain was presenting a cheque The generous donation will go to breast cancer services at the towards a new ultrasound machine University Hospital of Hartlepool. for breast patients. He handed a cheque from his Karen said: “This is a very welcome year-long fundraising drive over donation and it will benefit many to specialist breast cancer nurse women affected by breast cancer. Karen Milburn at the club on I’d like to thank everyone who has New Year’s Day. Roger raised contributed in any way. We are the money by offering his skills really grateful.”

It pays to lose weight A group of domestic staff at the who lost a fantastic 22lbs followed trust know that it pays to lose by Sharon Phillipson with a weight weight – the winner of the fit club loss of 14lbs and Margaret Graham certainly does. who lost a brilliant 10lbs. The ladies started a weight loss Their secret to success is simple group back in June last year. – healthy eating. The group have Each week they would pay to started counting the pounds get weighed until in December again and the winners will be whoever had lost the most weight announced in June. Karen receives the cheque from Roger Impett won the money. Well done ladies – keep up the Photograph courtesy of the Hartlepool Mail In first place was Barbara Saunders good work.

010|011 Tees restaurant is officially open

The newly refurbished and renamed Tees Restaurant at the University Hospital of North Tees was officially opened on 8 December 2010 by chairman Paul Garvin and non- executive director Steve Hall. The restaurant now incorporates a Wilburs cafe on the same lines as that which has proved so successful at the University Hospital of Hartlepool. The cafe sells a range of free trade hot and cold snacks and drinks to complement the innovative menus that are on offer in the main restaurant. In his opening speech trust chairman Paul Garvin praised the design and development department for creating a pleasant and airy environment. He said: “I am extremely impressed, the new decor provides an attractive and up to date facility that will be a pleasure to eat in for staff and visitors alike.” Catering strategist Billy Cunningham said: “The restaurant represents a significant investment in facilities provided for staff and visitors and shows the trust’s commitment to providing high quality catering services.” Chairman Paul Garvin declares the Tees Restaurant officially open Joanne looks ahead to a healthier future A mum-of-three who struggled with her my motivation; I don’t want them to be like weight and couldn’t imagine growing old is I was. now eight stone lighter and looking forward “Weight loss has to be gradual – that’s how to the future. I’m managing to maintain my target weight. Joanne Liddle, 39 from Owton Manor in I didn’t used to do any exercise but now I do Hartlepool was referred to North Tees and about 15 hours exercise each week. I love Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust’s health going out on my bike and swimming. My trainer service by her GP in April 2009, children enjoy swimming too, so it’s great weighing 17 stone 5lb. we’ve found something we all enjoy. With the help of a health trainer Joanne has “I go to the gym too – I wouldn’t say it’s my now reached her target weight, 9 stone 13lb favourite way to keep fit but I knew I had to and dress size 10-12. do it. Gavin, one of the personal trainers at Joanne said: “Before, I couldn’t imagine Brierton Community Sports Centre has been myself growing old. My children are a great help. “I’ve kept a book of photos of what I used to look like in comparison to how I am now. “I’ve found healthy food I enjoy. It’s all about eating the right food and the right Jo’s top 10 tips portion sizes. I still enjoy a treat every now and again. 1. Keep busy “I’m now looking forward to a happy and 2. Drink plenty of water healthy future.” 3. Buy something a size smaller Senior health trainer Pam Cairns added: for motivation “Joanne has proved just what can be 4. Take plenty of photos achieved with a little bit of extra support and 5. Measure yourself from head to toe help, which is what we are here for. 6. Reward your progress with a new “Most people want to enjoy a better, healthier item of clothing 7. Try a range of exercises and find one lifestyle. No-one finds it easy on their own you enjoy most and often people need a little bit of extra help 8. Keep a diary of your weight loss to or encouragement to keep going. look back on “We worked together to set some small, 9. Keep an item of clothing from the achievable goals and with Joanne’s hard start, so you can try it on to see how work and determination she’s been able well you’ve done to start leading a happier, healthier and 10. Try out new recipes, get some fitter life.” containers so you can put your meals Joanne and daughter, For more information about the health trainer into portions and freeze them for a Melissa, wearing her old shorts service in Hartlepool and Stockton you can quick tea later in the week. phone 01642 853998.

February/March 11 New rostering system releases time to care for patients

Maureen pictured with her colleagues A software system being used to prepare rotas for staff North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust has proved to be a success. Maureen says goodbye Allocate’s MAPS software is an Staff records advisor Maureen electronic rostering system being Hill left the trust on the used to manage when staff are 14 January. needed to work on the wards – Maureen joined the trust in making sure the right grades of 1974 and worked within the staff are always on duty at the personnel department for right time. two and a half years. She Nursing resource manager and then left but rejoined the trust e-rostering project lead Esther in April 1985 working in the Blakey said: “I qualified as a nurse community in family planning. 27 years ago and I spent five years Maureen transferred to North as a unit manager so I understand Tees General Hospital in 1991 how rotas work in a clinical area. and worked for some time in the family health division as “It has cut down secretary to Carole Lewis, clinical nurse manager. She on the amount joined the human resources her friends and colleagues for of time spent on department in 1998 and later their support and help during transferred to the staff records her years in the trust. creating rosters, department in October 2006. Very best wishes for the Maureen would like to thank all future Maureen. freeing up more time to care for patients.” Roster administrators Sarah Skelhorn, Keith Bailey, Lorna Moore, Joe Somerford, trust nursing resource manager and e-rostering project “Six years ago we piloted this lead Esther Blakey, e-rostering implementation lead Shirley Hetherington and bank co-ordinator Elizabeth Coates system on a few of the wards. “Basically it has replaced the old bank approvals within a central paper based rotas which were team. These improvements could time consuming and less effective not have been achieved without at allocating staff. this system. “It has cut down on the amount “The system also means that of time spent on creating rosters, the trust can offer more flexible freeing up more time to care working opportunities for its for patients. staff as they can be managed “Since then a team has been more easily. recruited to administer the system as we gradually introduced it across the trust to all “It’s been of the wards. particularly

Welcome to our new consultants Planning ahead good during the Consultant histopathologist cytology. He is the lead clinician “We’re planning ahead. Staff winter. Having Kaushik Dasgupta joined for gynae pathology. know what shifts they are working a centralised the trust last August from Consultant haematologist a maximum of eight weeks Sunderland Royal Hospital. It Maria Szubert joined the and minimum of four weeks in system you could is his first post as a consultant trust in December from advance. It gives them continuity in the UK. His specialist Nottingham City Hospital. Her and allows them to plan ahead. automatically see interests are breast and specialist interests are haemato- “Cost savings have come as where there were lower GI pathology and lung oncology transplantation. a direct result of being able to take control of the rotas and staff shortages.” 012|013 New rostering system releases time to care for patients

Retired nurse puts pen to paper A retired nurse has proved he “I have been able has a talent for writing after having his first book published. to draw on my Tom Newlove, 58 from the experience in the Stranton area of Hartlepool nursing profession has seen his first fiction book, Welcome Sister Claire, in print. to create what Tom, who writes under the I hope will be a name of T.P.Newton started his working life at the South series of exciting Works in Hartlepool but after fiction books.” volunteering to help out in its medical centre during his Rutherford Morrison Unit as a breaks he realised he had a staff nurse at the University passion for nursing. So at 17 Hospital of Hartlepool. years old, in 1971 he began to Tom took early retirement in train as a nurse. 2007, and turned to writing as He worked at St Hilda’s on the a hobby. Roster administrators Sarah Skelhorn, Keith Bailey, Lorna Moore, Joe Somerford, trust nursing resource manager and e-rostering project Headland until 1983, mainly in He said: “I was looking for lead Esther Blakey, e-rostering implementation lead Shirley Hetherington and bank co-ordinator Elizabeth Coates the casualty department on something to do with my time. night duty before taking his I bought myself a computer “It builds in background district nursing qualification and and joined the writers club in information about each staff becoming the first male district Blackhall. I had all of the ideas. member – once that is done it’s nurse in Hartlepool. I knew exactly what the story stored in the system, but can From there he went to the Gulf, was going to be about. be amended if staff individual spending 17 years assisting “It took me over one year to circumstances change. the flight surgeon performing write my first book. Welcome “It’s been particularly good medicals on the Saudi Air Sister Claire is a fiction story. during the winter. Having a Force crew and during the first It’s about a newly promoted centralised system you could Gulf War where he cared for staff nurse. It’s a comedy, a automatically see where there romance and a tragedy. That’s the injured. were staff shortages. all I’m giving away. Returning back to Hartlepool “I have a fantastic team working “I have been able to draw on in 2001 Tom worked in various with me. They each bring individual my experience in the nursing nursing roles before joining the qualities to the team – that’s why profession to create what I we work so well together. “ “I was looking hope will be a series of exciting Shirley Kilburn is a ward matron on fiction books on the life of Sister women’s health at the University for something to Claire in her new job. I’m just Hospital of North Tees; one of the do with my time. finishing the second one now. first wards to use the software. It really is a dream come true She said: “It’s absolutely brilliant. I bought myself for me.” It saves a massive amount of time a computer and Welcome Sister Claire is which I can now spend on the available from online book ward. It’s the best system we’ve joined the writers stores amazon.co.uk and fast- ever had. Staff have information at Roster administrator Sarah Skelhorn club in Blackhall.” print.net. their finger tips.” with ward matron Shirley Kilburn February/March 11 New recruits strengthen health visiting team The health visiting team at Integrated services manager North Tees and Hartlepool for children Mark Telford said: NHS Foundation Trust has “This is great news for the health been strengthened with visiting service at the trust and the appointment of five for our local community. health visitors. “The trust’s health visitors are The five newly qualified health here to help families to make visitors, who all trained together, sure their child has the very best join a team of more than 50 start in life. health visitors and nursery “They are here to give support, Health visitors Vicki James, Samantha Fenny, Joanne Miles, Natalie Cummings nurses across Stockton and discuss any concerns you might and Susan Adams pictured with integrated services managers for children Mark Hartlepool, supporting new have and offer advice and where Telford and June Fawcett parents and their families. to find help if you need it.” Christmas party to celebrate unit’s babies

Families celebrate at the party The assisted reproduction unit Principal embryologist Dave baby is a very special event. the embryo in the womb. The celebrated its successes with a Gibbon said: “The team were Clinical lead for the unit Hany technique mimics what would Christmas party. delighted to be welcoming back Mostafa said: “We are using happen in nature and we’re Parents, staff and children born so many healthy babies and fertility techniques here in seeing good results.” using assisted conception celebrate with the families who Hartlepool which rival any The unit, which was officially gathered together in the we have helped to conceive. London clinic. For example we opened in December 2008, purpose built assisted “All babies are precious but for now use a technique where provides a state of the art reproduction unit at the University people who have had problems we culture the cells to a more facility offering the latest fertility Hospital of Hartlepool. conceiving the arrival of their advanced stage before implanting techniques by a team of experts. 014|015 Popular dietitian retires in October after a career spanning more than 40 years

Pharmacy prescribers Wendy Brown and Ros Trotter A tribute from head of nutrition Pharmacy prescribers and dietetics Marlen Freebairn Ann-Marie Smith has retired after She has dedicated dedicating the majority of her 41 streamline services years working life as a dietitian. her working hours She has always cared for her to the benefit of for patients patients wherever she has been within her working career. patients, always A new service at North Tees Ann-Marie started her working and Hartlepool NHS Foundation life in 1969 setting up a dietetic delivering a high Trust is streamlining services service in the RVI Newcastle. quality service. for patients. She then went into industry, The trust now has three working for Gerber Baby Foods pharmacy prescribers as head of and travelled the country visiting to Ann-Marie due to her passion pharmacy Philip Dean explained: dietetic departments. for training new dietitians to reach “For a number of years now we Her career has then been varied. their full potential. have had nurse prescribers but She set up the dietetics service in She has dedicated her working legislation has now changed to Shotley Bridge while in Kettering hours to the benefit of patients, allow pharmacists to prescribe she diversified to work as an always delivering a high quality drugs and medicines. Across audio typist for a hypnotherapist service and suggesting practical the trust we currently have where she was able to use her ways for patients changing their three qualified independent dietetics skills. diet and lifestyle making sure they pharmacist prescribers, with Pharmacy prescriber Jane Robson always include breakfast! another two in training.” she’s done her rounds that I will She is respected in a wider At the University Hospital of ensure the patients are getting Students found field by working colleagues in Hartlepool it’s Ros Trotter and the drugs and medicines they the trust and local community Wendy Brown who are blazing a safe retreat in need quickly.” as an approachable professional the trail for the new service, Philip Dean added: “Our Ann-Marie’s expert, especially in the field while at the University Hospital pharmacy prescribers bridge of gastroenterology and in of North Tees it’s Jane Robson the gap between nurses and office with her coeliac disease. who’s carrying out this role. doctors and offer a holistic words of comfort She took on the role of union Wendy said: “Ros and I have service, not only looking representative on behalf of the undergone a special training after patients with specific and support. dietetic service and has done this programme and we work conditions, but also reviewing wholeheartedly always offering closely with the medical team. all of the medicines they are In 1984 she worked at Darlington good easily understood advice In practical terms it means that, taking. It’s a great help to Hospital and came to the and information to colleagues. instead of having to go and our junior doctors too; having University Hospital of North Tees in She is a great character, who look for the doctor when a experienced prescribers on February 1991 and subsequently always has something to say. patient’s prescription needs hand when they need to talk became part of the nutrition and She will be sorely missed by to be altered I can speed the something over means there dietetic team. all in the dietetic service and in whole process up for the patient are no delays for patients.” Ann-Marie has been a valued the wider trust and community and authorise this myself. It’s Ros added: “We get to know and well respected member of in Stockton and Hartlepool as very helpful when a patient the patients very well and, if the nutrition and dietetic service well as colleagues throughout the comes into hospital. People there are things in their drugs who always has time for all can’t always remember what treatments that need changing, country that have had contact drugs they are taking so we can we can talk this over with the the staff, acting as mentor and with her. work through this with them patient and do it there and mother especially to staff who She will be a hard act to follow and make sure they have the then. It’s a much more are a long way from home! due to her dedication to the drugs they need straightaway. responsive service, it’s better for Students also found a safe retreat service. We wish her a long, “I work with consultant chest patients and takes the pressure in Ann-Marie’s office with her happy and healthy retirement physician Katie Elmer. It works off the doctors so they can words of comfort and support. and hope that she will be looking well for her as well on this very concentrate on the things that There will be many dietitians forward to enjoying her garden busy ward. She knows when only they can do.” across the country who owe a lot and her tennis. February/March 11 Focus on lean Patient status at

Alan Foster a glance

Small changes have made a big impact How being lean is helping us for the trust’s community nursing team spend more time with patients based at the Link Centre in Stockton. and become more efficient Community staff nurse Karen Gray said: “With the help of the trust’s organisational By chief executive Alan Foster development team we’ve made some Lean is nothing new, here in the trust. We embraced simple but effective changes.” the idea of lean four years ago from work we did with Two white boards have been installed Matron Carol Alexander talks to health care assistant our colleagues across the NHS and from lessons we which list the team’s new patients and Tina Beddard learned from lean developments used in the private patients with more complex needs. sector and which we felt could be adapted to the Karen continued: “The patient status health care work we provide. at a glance, a module which is part At the beginning it would be fair to say people were of the productive community services Time to care released sceptical; however with developing these approaches programme is basically a visual display with our staff, we have shown how valuable the lean of vital patient information. in elderly care way of working can be within our trust. Staff are “It’s a focus for staff handovers. engaged we have become more efficient and improved One of the biggest concerns of staff is not be able to If someone calls to say, check a care for patients while increasing job satisfaction for spend the time with patients that they’d like. However in patient’s condition, the details are staff because they have more time to care. elderly care at the University Hospital of North Tees there immediately available. Far from becoming just another fad, lean has become has been a huge amount of time released through using the way we work. It’s not just the chosen few in the “We don’t need this for every patient, lean principles in the Productive Ward programme. trust who are involved; many people have had lean but this is a great help for new patients training and every day people right across the trust and more complex cases. It works really Matron Carol Alexander explained: “People get used are using the principles to help them in their work. well when staff have been away, they to doing things a certain way and don’t think there’s For the future we will ensure all areas have staff who immediately can see the information anything they can do to release more time to spend are trained to lead lean reviews; this way they can put they need. at the bedside. However by working through the improving patient care and efficiency right to the heart “We could see improvements needed programme we’re discovering how much time is wasted of everything we do. to be made here at our base. Our store with activities which add no value for the patient. What is lean? cupboard had a lot of equipment in which “A classic one is where drugs and dressings are stored. It’s about doing things right first time, cutting out was in no particular order. We decided If there’s a walk to the store cupboard then that’s time things which don’t add value to the patient which we needed to change it. Although it the healthcare assistant or nurse can’t spend with the might just have developed over the years and took a lot of hard work, we now have become custom and practice, having systems in patient. Nurses often tell me they spend a lot of time an improved system for replenishing place which support people as they’re doing their job running around trying to find the people or things the rather than people having to work around systems to stocks and when someone is looking for patient needs. By looking at some, on the face of it, something, they will always find it.” get what their patients need. The organisational and small things we’ve been able to make a huge difference development team were the driving force behind the to the amount of time our nurses can spend actually lean programme. Our lean steering group, chaired providing care.” by the director of human resources and organisation development Clare Curran, looks at any lean work that Time released under the Productive Ward programme has been proposed and ensures it will benefit patients and make services more efficient before giving it the Percentage of time spent Before After go ahead. Having a steering group means we can with patients (per cent) keep this work in line with what the trust as a whole Healthcare assistants 56 73 is planning in terms of improving and developing its services for the future. Staff nurses 51 68 There are other programmes such as The Productive Ward and The Productive Operating Theatre (known as Carol added: “It’s about setting things up to support TPOT here) which use the same principles and we are people in the jobs they do rather than having systems using these very successfully to streamline services. which make it difficult for staff to do their jobs. This is The quality, innovation, prevention and productivity what our nurses came into nursing to do so, as you can programme (QIPP) is also designed to cut out waste imagine, job satisfaction has gone up. and redirect precious resources into areas where they “It’s better for patients too. We’re seeing higher levels will benefit patient the most. All of these programmes are helping us survive in what is a very challenging of satisfaction and patient experience from doing some financial situation. very simple things like moving our stocks to where In this issue of Anthem we’re including just a few Community staff nurse Karen Gray, district the nurses are rather than taking the nurses to the of the projects which have paid great dividends for nursing sister Linsey Henderson and stocks and taking steps out of processes which had staff and for patients. We’re now well and truly on the community staff nurse Julie Banthorpe become unnecessarily complex.” lean journey. 016|017 Teamwork Dividends for lean working in histology The trust’s histology department The department receives tissue and provide a faster, more the department are turned has revolutionised the way it specimens from patients, taken responsive service to users. around quickly is very important Matron Carol Alexander talks to health care assistant works by using lean principles. at either surgical operations or Sharron Williams, head of to give early diagnosis and Tina Beddard The department was one of nine post mortem examination histology and mortuary services give our patients the best pilot sites chosen to work with Consultant histopathologists, said: “We were challenged to possible service. NHS Improvement on a one year biomedical scientists, associate achieve a 7 day turnaround time “We know these achievements Time to care released programme, supported by the practitioners, health care support for 95 per cent of cases referred are contributing to better care Department of Health pathology workers, clerical and secretarial to the histology department. and treatment for our patients. modernisation programme. staff work as a team to provide “We have achieved a 115 per “There were many challenges in elderly care Staff were introduced to a diagnostic service to the trust cent improvement in along the way – but we always One of the biggest concerns of staff is not be able to lean - looking at how the and local GPs. performance and maintained got through them by working as spend the time with patients that they’d like. However in workplace is organised, putting The team at the University this, with over 70 per cent of a team. We know this work will elderly care at the University Hospital of North Tees there standardised systems in place, Hospital of North Tees is cases reported in seven days continue to make the service the has been a huge amount of time released through using using visual controls and extremely busy, dealing with for the last six months. This is very best.” eliminating non-value added over 22,000 cases every year. a major achievement for the Director of operations Kevin Oxley lean principles in the Productive Ward programme. work to make improvements The project looked at every department. We want to be the added: “I am immensely proud Matron Carol Alexander explained: “People get used and remove wasted time, effort process from specimen best – making sure we provide of what has been achieved. to doing things a certain way and don’t think there’s and activities. transport to authorisation of the right result at the right time “I would like to say a big thank anything they can do to release more time to spend The department is an essential the report to see how work for patients. you to everyone who has been at the bedside. However by working through the part of the team of healthcare was currently done and how “The staff have achieved a lot involved in making this project programme we’re discovering how much time is wasted specialists diagnosing diseases it could be done differently and should take a great deal of a success – this is the standard with activities which add no value for the patient. such as cancer by looking for to improve the working pride in what they have done.” we need to keep moving “A classic one is where drugs and dressings are stored. abnormal features in tissue cells. environment in the department “Making sure that results from forward with.” If there’s a walk to the store cupboard then that’s time the healthcare assistant or nurse can’t spend with the patient. Nurses often tell me they spend a lot of time running around trying to find the people or things the patient needs. By looking at some, on the face of it, small things we’ve been able to make a huge difference to the amount of time our nurses can spend actually providing care.” Time released under the Productive Ward programme

Percentage of time spent Before After with patients (per cent) Healthcare assistants 56 73 Specimen reception Data input Cut up Staff nurses 51 68

Carol added: “It’s about setting things up to support people in the jobs they do rather than having systems which make it difficult for staff to do their jobs. This is what our nurses came into nursing to do so, as you can imagine, job satisfaction has gone up. “It’s better for patients too. We’re seeing higher levels of satisfaction and patient experience from doing some very simple things like moving our stocks to where the nurses are rather than taking the nurses to the stocks and taking steps out of processes which had become unnecessarily complex.” Section cutting Staining Quality control checking Special staining February/March 11 Staff rise to winter challenge Dedicated staff at North Tees and beat the artic conditions and make sure I’d manage to get back in. Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust sure patients could continue to be “As the snow kept falling, I’d who have battled to help patients cared for. planned to book into a bed and affected by the winter weather Beds were made up for breakfast. I was delighted to take have been praised. staff with towels and up the offer of accommodation. I The trust saw a significant rise disposable toothbrushes. can’t thank the staff who organised in people attending accident and One of those staff was medical this enough.” emergency and being admitted support secretary Chris Wheatley Julie Gillon, director of clinical to wards due to people falling on (pictured). She opted to stay services and compliance snow and ice as well as those a couple of nights to avoid a said: “We saw high levels of who have suffered from illnesses treacherous journey home near attendance at our accident and emergency departments and, of brought on by the cold weather. Bedale in North Yorkshire. those attending, we were seeing Snow-bound staff bedded down She said: “I didn’t want to attempt more patients being admitted on the trust’s resilience ward to to get home because I wasn’t to hospital than we would Support secretary Chris Wheatley settles down for the night on the trust’s normally expect. resilience ward. “Some of this has been because of people falling on the ice and can look after all of the patients. snow but others have been people “Staff have worked extremely hard who are very sick with medical to meet the challenges this winter problems and need inpatient hospital care. has brought. Colleagues have “We’re also seeing more patients worked together with incredible with illnesses brought on by the enthusiasm and understanding to bad weather who have been sent provide patients with the best into hospital by their GP. possible care. ”The trust has an annual winter “I am very grateful and proud plan to ensure that the service of the way out staff have risen to can deal with any increases in the challenge. seasonal related conditions I would like to pay tribute to and illnesses. our staff, both in our two “We start our winter planning hospitals and in our community very early to make sure we can services, who, as always, have deal with a rise in demand and we done a fantastic job in very Estates staff work hard to keep the roads, car parks and footpaths clear of snow. work together to make sure we challenging circumstances.” Trust supports lymphoedema awareness week Specialist breast care nurses at and scarring to the lymphatic The University Hospital of North drainage system. Tees joined together with the “If the drainage routes become George Hardwick Foundation blocked or damaged lymph to raise awareness and builds up in the tissues and understanding of lymphoedema swelling occurs and this can during the recent lymphoedema lead to changes in the tissues awareness week. which greatly increase the risk of Specialist breast care nurse hardening and infection. “Lymphoedema can be Geraldine Croft explained: uncomfortable and although “Lymphoedema is a chronic it cannot be cured the major swelling which can affect symptoms of swelling, discomfort any part of the body, more and the risk of infection can be commonly affecting the arm improved and controlled with the or leg because of a build up of right treatment and good skin a colourless fluid which forms care. Informing patients of the in the body called lymph. In potential risk of lymphoedema the case of breast cancer, prior to any treatments ensures surgery and/or radiotherapy may that the swelling can be Lead breast care nurse Jan Harley, specialist breast care nurse Geraldine cause lymphoedema of the arm, controlled more effectively with Croft and Macmillan information specialist worker for The George Hardwick hand or breast due to damage early intervention”. Foundation Geoff Christison

018|019 Volunteers rewarded for long service Two long-serving volunteers who years before I came to volunteer have clocked up almost 60 years at the WRVS. I was volunteering of dedicated service between in the League of Friends coffee them were honoured to receive bar when that first opened. a long service award for their hard “It’s nice to meet different work with the Women’s Royal people. I feel satisfied that Voluntary Service (WRVS). I’m giving something back to June Little, 72 from Stockton the community.” The team at the University Hospital of North Tees - QA supervisor Sonia Mallon, deputy manager Theresa Harrison, sterile services assistant Julie and Enid Watson, 80 from Service delivery manager for Ferguson, decontamination/sterilisation manager Derek Watson and sterile Sedgefield were delighted to the north east WRVS Derek Hails services assistants Phil Cronesberry and Sean Mallon receive a specially engraved said: “Volunteers make the WRVS. clasp to add to their long service This is our way of saying thank medal to recognise a further 12 you and recognising a long and years service. dedicated service our volunteers Once a fortnight they both give up have provided.” a few hours of their time to work in Manager Ann Hunton-Young the WRVS shop at the University added: “I’m proud of each and Hospital of North Tees. June every one of my volunteers here also volunteers as a welcomer and I’d like to thank them all for every Wednesday, meeting and their hard work and dedication.” greeting patients and visitors at On behalf of the trust, assistant the hospital. director for patient and public June said: “I was asked by my involvement Jan Atkinson next door neighbour if I would thanked June and Enid for come and help in the shop and their dedicated service, she nearly 28 years later, I’m still here. said: “It is amazing to see how The team at the University Hospital of Hartlepool – QA supervisor Debbie Bell, I enjoy meeting people.” generously our volunteers give up SSD assistant Julie Cooper, deputy supervisor Anne Thornhill, SSD assistant Enid agreed: “I started their time to help others. It’s very Karen Adamson , maintenance engineer David Taylor and SSD assistants Sue Purdy, Gail Hope, Colin Wray and Stephen Roe volunteering at the hospital many much appreciated.” Sterile services re-accredited with top international quality standards The trust’s sterile services committed, in the interests departments have shown once of patients, to working to the again that they’re working at the highest international standards. highest international standard by It should also be reassuring being re-accredited with three to our patients and colleagues important qualifications. that the service is working Decontamination and sterilisation at this level and the service manager Derek Watson and systems here in the trust explained: “The ISO standards, are as good as anywhere in developed for use across the the world.” world by the International Director of operations Kevin Oxley Organisation for Standardisation, added: “I am very proud of their are an indication that achievement. I know that getting organisations or departments in and keeping the accreditation organisations are working to the is not easy. The standards are June and Enid receive their long service award highest standards. tough and get tougher each time “We have, once again, been as standards are raised. I’d like accredited with ISO 13485:2003 to thank everyone who helped and ISO 9001: 2008 which are to gain the re-accreditation. about quality management Their commitment to running Got a story systems. Having these two a service of the highest quality certificates meant we could is commendable.” be registered with Medical Sterile services – facts for Anthem? Devices Directive 93/42/ and figures If you’ve got something to EEC regulations for the There are 38 people in sterile share with other Anthem disinfection, assembly, packing services and every year process readers please email and sterilisation of theatre 70,000 instrument trays and [email protected] trays, procedure packs and 75,000 supplementary surgical supplementary instruments. instruments for various theatres, or phone 01642 624339. “It’s a tribute to all sterile wards and departments services staff that they are throughout the trust. February/March 11 Environmental message not wasted on Martin Martin Garrett joined the microbiology lab a quick presentation to staff the system at the University Hospital of North Tees in was up and running. December 2008 and it did not take him long The specimen processing benches, which before he spotted that something was not produce the highest volume of mixed- quite right in the way that waste was being category waste, now have a choice of disposed of. green, black and orange bags for waste He said: “I had noticed that most of the disposal. The high level yellow bags are waste was being placed in the yellow bags now restricted to pedal operated metal which go for incineration and I knew that this bins, located away from the benches. type of waste cost more to dispose of than Since the system was set up in December 2010 the amount of waste in yellow bags other waste. has more than halved. Not only does this “Staff were being over cautious, many have environmental benefits, but is also believed that just because something had a significant cost saving, as orange bag been used in a laboratory which contained waste costs £100 per tonne less than yellow infectious material it may be contaminated to dispose of and the waste in black and and therefore needed incinerating.” green bags even less. After speaking to environment, health and John Bushnall said: “This has been an safety manager John Bushnall, Martin excellent project which has not only developed a new system of separating brought environmental and financial waste which was set up throughout the benefits to the department but also an laboratory. A set of guidelines showing increase in waste awareness at a time what types of waste to put in each of where waste segregation is becoming more the coloured bags was produced and after important at work and at home.” Martin Garret with the new bins

Taking steps to reduce our carbon footprint

We are all familiar these days footprint and achieve the targets cross section of departments. limit the detrimental impact we with recycling domestic waste set. Significant financial savings The aim of the committee is to have on the environment. and using energy saving can be made by reducing our provide a lead for all aspects “Simple things such as switching light-bulbs at home to help carbon emissions and patients of environmental management, off lights when you leave a room reduce the impact that we and staff alike will benefit, but raise awareness and keep the and not leaving computers on have on the environment. Now we all need to do our part and so trust board informed on progress standby, things that are second these practices are coming into we need to raise awareness of in improving performance. nature for people at home, can the workplace. the issues that face us. all help.” As the largest employer in “The project team has set an As an organisation we have Europe, the NHS has a ambitious target, to reduce our “Simple things already introduced a number responsibility as well as a unique carbon footprint by 20% over the such as switching of energy saving initiatives opportunity to take the lead in next five years. This is still very off lights when you and we will continue to see limiting the amount of damage achievable within our current where further savings can be that we do to the environment. hospitals, and will embed the leave a room and not made. We have also produced Carbon management and behavioural changes needed that leaving computers on a carbon management plan reduction is a challenge that as a can be carried forward into the which demonstrates our trust we all must rise to and it is new hospital. standby, can all help.” commitment and sets out how no longer an option as legislation “Reducing carbon emissions we as an NHS Foundation Trust is in place with targets to reduce makes sound business sense – Kevin said: “By reducing carbon plan to reduce our emissions, carbon emissions. it saves the organisation money, emissions from energy use, how we can influence other We have signed up to the NHS enhances reputation within such as the goods and services organisations to do the same, carbon reduction programme the local community and helps we buy, examining our travel and how we are preparing for the and are working with the Carbon everyone in the fight against plan and looking at how we effects of climate change. Trust to develop a long term plan climate change.” process waste we can save To help achieve this we all need to reduce our carbon footprint. To help with this we have money which can be ploughed to be aware of how our actions Head of engineering compliance created an environment, back into services and improve have an impact and look to and energy Stuart Watkin is sustainability and carbon patient care. see if we can do things more leading on this, he said: “The plan governance committee chaired “We all have a duty to reduce the efficiently, remember – every highlights some the opportunities by director of operations Kevin amount of carbon we produce saving, no matter how small, will we can take to reduce our carbon Oxley with members from a wide and we can all do our bit to help make a difference.

020|021 Teesside one of three national centres to test expansion of bowel cancer screening programme to 55 year olds

NHS Tees and the North Tees Lead for screening at NHS and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Tees Madeleine Johnson said: Trust are leading the way in a “We’re privileged to be one of high profile national initiative to only three centres in the county reduce the risk of developing carrying out this pathfinder project bowel cancer. to see which is the best way of Working together, the offering this screening to a much organisations are making Teesside wider population. one of only three areas in the “It’s because of the great success country to be offering screening of the current Tees Bowel Cancer to people aged 55. The pathfinder Screening programme that we project has come about because were selected. It’s early days but the programme should make Prime Minister David Cameron a major impact on both the wants to improve screening and prevention and detection of early therefore survival from bowel bowel cancer which could save cancer, which is currently the hundreds of lives.” second most common cause of Clinical director of the Tees Bowel cancer death in the UK. Cancer Screening Centre, based The current screening programme at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS invites patients over 60 years of Foundation Trust, Dr Matt Rutter age to complete a home testing added: “Bowel cancer still claims kit and send it away to the test far too many lives so anything we centre. Where an abnormal result can do to prevent it or detect it at is given, patients are invited to an earlier and more curable stage an appointment at the University has to be welcome. Hospital of North Tees with lead “We are carrying out this consultant for bowel screening, pathfinder project for three Dr Matt Rutter, and his team. months after which time we’ll Over 1,000 people in Teesside compare notes with the other have had their bowel cancer or two centres who are doing things pre-cancerous polyps (growths) slightly differently. The idea is that detected by this screening we see which is going to be programme since it was launched the most effective way before in 2007. the screening becomes available In the new pathfinder project, a nationally for people 55 and over.” number of people aged 55 will be invited to an appointment at the University Hospital of North Tees or the University Hospital of Hartlepool for a flexible sigmoidoscopy. The test, which involves passing a tube into the lower part of the bowel through the anus, allows doctors to look for signs of early bowel cancer and for pre-cancerous growths called polyps. Flexible sigmoidoscopy screening aims to prevent bowel cancer by identifying people at high risk (those with polyps), and reducing their risk by removing them. Flexible sigmoidoscopy screening has been shown to reduce mortality from lower bowel cancer by 43 per cent and reduce future incidence by 33 per cent. February/March 11 Round Table members help breast feeding mothers Generous members of a local her milk but had difficulty getting charitable organisation have a breast pump, so when the issue donated £1800 to the neonatal as to where the money should be unit at North Tees and Hartlepool donated was raised, there was NHS Foundation Trust. absolutely no doubt in my mind as The Hartlepool branch of the to where some of it should go.” Round Table raised the money at Mark visited the hospital with the beer festival which they run his wife and son Calell, who is each year at the Borough Hall on now a bouncing happy three the Headland at Hartlepool and month old, and fellow Round Table were looking for worthy causes to member Alan Wise to present the donate the money to. cheque to neonatal unit matron Chairman of the club Mark Rycraft Susan Pearson. was in no doubt as to where Susan said: “We are extremely some of the money should go. grateful to the Hartlepool Round His wife had recently given birth Table for this generous donation. to their son Calell who had spent “More and more women are a week in the neonatal unit at the wanting to breast feed these University Hospital of North Tees. days and these pumps are very Mark said: “While they were expensive, so it is fantastic that Mark Rycraft and son Calell with neonatal unit matron Susan Pearson there my wife wanted to express Mark thought of us.” and Alan Wise Trust asks how healthy are your lungs?

North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust encouraged everyone to think about their lung health in support of World COPD day. World COPD day aims to improve awareness and care of the respiratory condition Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). A team of specialist respiratory nurses and stop smoking On the move advisors held events offering Specialist stop smoking advisor people information about Eileen Hutchinson Staff in the outpatients at Hartlepool and has worked COPD, how to quit smoking thousands of people who are at department at the University in the department for about and simple breathing tests risk of this long term disease. Hospital of Hartlepool bid a 10 years. to see how healthy their “By encouraging people to sad farewell to a group of their Staff nurse Joanne Hartley, lungs are. think about their lungs and colleagues as they prepared to completed her nurse training in Lead respiratory nurse Dorothy changes in their lung health we move to pastures new. Hartlepool where she worked Wood said: “This was a great can hopefully diagnose them as The contraceptive and sexual in accident and emergency for opportunity to raise awareness early as possible, giving us the health and genitor urinary many years before moving to of COPD. COPD is often best chance to improve their medicine is now being provided outpatients where she worked overlooked but there are health and wellbeing.” by Assura Healthcare. Staff for about five years. from the trust have transferred Colleagues also said farewell Specialist stop smoking to their new employer where to secretaries Liz Ions and advisor Eileen Hutchinson services are being held at One Lynn Burton and health advisor added: “You’re four times more Life in Park Road, Hartlepool. Sue Crinion. likely to quit smoking if you get Senior health care assistant Matron Lynn Armstrong said: help from the stop smoking Pamela Bell leaves the trust “This is an exciting new service – we’re here to give you after dedicating more than 20 the support.” years service to the department challenge for the team, but COPD nurse co-ordinator Sandra and has also worked bank shifts we’re all very sad to be losing Stych added: “Many people on many wards. such valuable members of staff. Staff nurse Janet Bradley They’re a great team of girls do not realise they have the completed her nurse training and it’s been a pleasure working disease, but it can be slowed in Hartlepool and has also with you all. You have all been down if we can diagnose it early. Symptoms of COPD committed more than 20 years a great support. I would like Respiratory nurse specialist Jo Clerk to the department. to wish you all the best for the with trainee clinical physiologists James include a persistent cough, a Staff nurse Paula Hanlon, future – we will miss you all Hardy and Claire Bullock from the wheezy chest, breathlessness completed her nurse training very much.” regional medical physics department and recurrent chest infections.

022|023 Staff celebrate their training success A presentation ceremony “The good thing NVQ level 2 in business marked the end of months of and administration hard work for staff who have about NVQs Paula Adams achieved qualifications. is that you are Malcolm Prince Staff gathered to receive Elizabeth Coates Team leader community midwife certificates for completing the assessed in Sophie Madden Margaret Appleton and community business and administration, the workplace.” midwife Deborah Birtwhistle customer care and team leading NVQ level 2 in complete their training with the CO monitors. national vocational qualifications customer service (NVQ) levels 2. and thank you to the vocational Lee Jeffery Vocational training manager training team for their continued June O’Hara Supporting Angela McNeill presented staff hard work and support. Jean Spence with the certificates in recognition “The trust is committed to Barbara Fletcher mums-to-be of all their hard work to achieve developing its staff, both for Jane Lennon their qualifications. professional development and Rhonda Rowntree quit smoking Angela said: “I would like to say to prepare them to move into Janet Whitley North Tees and Hartlepool congratulations to everyone who other roles. This leads to a better- Tracey Huntley NHS Foundation Trust is at has achieved their qualifications trained workforce who are happier the forefront of using new in their jobs and has a positive NVQ level 2 in team leading techniques to help pregnant impact on patient care. Christine Cockerill women quit smoking and “Everyone should “The good thing about NVQs Julie Johnson is offering mums the is that you are assessed in the Jayne Robinson chance to have a carbon monoxide test. be very proud workplace. You have to put Lesley Robinson The trust’s community of their together a portfolio of evidence Deborah Sharpe to prove you have reached the midwives in Hartlepool and Anita Swann achievements. national standards, but we always Stockton are offering pregnant Lisa Watson mums the chance to have make sure that staff are always It’s not easy Deborah Whetter a carbon monoxide reading well supported. Deborah Wright to show how much carbon working and “Everyone should be very proud James Andrew monoxide is circulating in of their achievements. It’s not their blood stream and that of studying, but it’s Peter Fincken easy working and studying, but their unborn babies’. Lorna Harrison worth it in the end. it’s worth it in the end. Staff have Stop smoking pregnancy Staff have done done themselves proud.” Claire Dixon advisor Judith Rees said: “We Celebrating the end of their hard Kathrine Gray are very fortunate to have themselves proud.” work is; Arthur Loughborough these monitors available in Hartlepool for the community midwives so that women can receive all of the information they need about the dangers of cigarette smoke. “Women can also inhale smoke from other family members in the home without realising it. We can now highlight the dangers of second hand smoke and invite them along to a stop smoking clinic to see a specialist advisor for help if they wish to stop smoking along with their family. Smoking in the home where there are children present significantly increases the risk of cot death, glue ear and asthma.” For anyone who would like more information can contact the trust’s stop smoking service on 01642 635650. Staff receive their certificates February/March 11 Nicola’s poster takes first prize Physiotherapist Nicola Reynolds won first prize in a stroke event organised by the North of England cardiovascular network. The poster which highlighted the drop-in centre and long Helen Clarke Sue Whalley term care and support for stroke patients caught the judges’ eyes and, as a result, won £100 Trust welcomes hospital for Nicola. She received her prize at the event from national Macmillan nurses heart and circulation system North Tees and Hartlepool NHS University Hospital of North tsar Profession Roger Boyle. Foundation Trust is delighted to Durham. She joined Hartlepool welcome two hospital Macmillan and District Hospice as a staff “We’re very proud nurses to the palliative care team. nurse and later the role of of Nicola and we’re Sue Whalley qualified as a nurse senior nurse. 28 years ago. She trained as an Helen was offered a post in delighted her poster Nicola Reynolds enrolled nurse at the University the out of hours palliative care presentation took the Hospital of North Tees before team at St Benedict’s Hospice first prize.” centre to get patients back to qualifying as a staff nurse. Later in Sunderland before joining the gardening. The main success she spent five years in Australia trust as Macmillan nurse at the Consultant physician Helen of the centre has been a team in various nursing posts, then an University Hospital of North Tees. Skinner said: “Caring for and approach to achieve the patients’ oncology nurse in London. Consultant in palliative care Edwin supporting people affected by goals resulting in greater self Sue spent eight years as a senior Pugh said: “These appointments stroke is a team effort and we esteem and confidence as nurse at Hartlepool and District reaffirm the commitment of have a fantastic team. measured by the VASES (visual Hospice before being appointed the trust to improving services “We’re very proud of Nicola analogue self esteem scale). by the trust in September, for patients and their families and we’re delighted her “Patients also support each taking up the role as Macmillan with palliative care needs. Their poster presentation took the other and we have had great nurse at the University Hospital expertise is invaluable in educating first prize.” success in helping patients of Hartlepool. colleagues and helping patients Nicola added: “The £100 prize to return to a wide variety of Helen Clarke qualified as a staff who are dying to get home quickly, money is going towards a raised leisure and social activities in nurse in 2002 and worked on safely and with the support they flower bed at the drop-in stroke their local community.” a male surgical ward at the and their family need.” Popular consultant retires Consultant radiologist Peter Gill big thank you for leading the way in has retired after 30 years service at shaping the department.” North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Speaking at his retirement, Peter said: Foundation Trust. “I am proud of many things I have Peter joined the NHS in 1975, then achieved, but I have not achieved joining the trust on 5 October 1981 them without the people I have been and has since had many roles, before surrounded by. becoming clinical director of radiology “The developments in the service and latterly becoming medical have been terribly exciting for me and director. He was keen on developing very beneficial for the patients. staff and spent some time as a My time here actually goes back postgraduate tutor. to the year that the hospital was Peter transformed the department, constructed, where I spent time here bringing in the expertise that was as a medical student. needed to provide the best service “I’ve been privileged to have had a to patients. He even led an appeal to range of opportunities, meet many bring in the first CT scanner. people and make friendships. Speaking at his retirement chief “There is a diversity of talent executive Alan Foster said: “Peter knowledge and experience at has been a pioneer during his career all levels. here at the trust. He has led an “I came here because it is a friendly excellent service. place. It is about the people – not the “On behalf of the trust, we would like bricks and mortar. to wish you well in your retirement. “I will continue to work two days in Consultant radiologist Peter Gill pictured with fellow consultants at “Your drive and enthusiasm is much breast radiology. My career has been his retirement appreciated. I would like to say a an absolute delight.”

024|025 Surgeon Pud Bhaskar explains the procedure to the media Patient Joyce Longmoor Teesside trust achieves regional first with cell enriched breast reconstruction Excellent results shown by patient 12 months after treatment Surgeons at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS back into the patient’s breast. “The natural feel of the Foundation Trust are pioneering a novel Surgeons Pud Bhaskar and Colm Hennessy technique for breast reconstruction that has have been working with Cytori Therapeutics, breast which had cancer the potential to make a huge difference to the the American company that has developed in makes me feel normal. I lives of women affected by breast cancer. the Celution® System, a medical device that Cell enriched breast reconstruction is a enables the extraction of regenerative cells think this procedure could new procedure and widens the choice for from the patient’s fat tissue. patients who need reconstructive surgery Mr Bhaskar, specialist breast surgeon at the help lots of women who after a mastectomy, partial mastectomy or North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation have had cancer. I’m very lumpectomy following a diagnosis of breast Trust, said: “When women have a breast cancer. Over the past 12 months surgeons at lump removed, some feel they can’t move grateful to the whole team the trust have treated 22 patients with the cell on while they have this visual reminder. This for the care I’ve received.” enriched breast reconstruction procedure. approach to breast reconstruction is less radical than other techniques; it can be done as a day case and, most importantly, patients “After the fat grafting was done in June 2009 I “When women have a are seeing amazing results. had one night’s stay in hospital but I was back breast lump removed, “The advantage of this new technique is at work in about 10 days. The cell enriched that use of fat-derived regenerative cells is breast reconstruction feels much more natural some feel they can’t move thought to increase the survival rate of the than a solid implant. Twelve months on, I’m on while they have this transplanted fat by improving the flow of blood extremely happy with the results and have had and nutrients needed to keep tissue alive. no problems with any of my follow-up scans. visual reminder.” This allows for a more predictable outcome “The natural feel of the breast which had than the use of fat alone, which has shown cancer in makes me feel normal. I think this How it’s done a tendancy to re-absorb into the body or die, procedure could help lots of women who have Cell enriched breast reconstruction rebuilds leaving hardened lumps.” had cancer. I’m very grateful to the whole the breast using a patient’s own fat tissue One patient who has benefitted from the new team for the care I’ve received.” and naturally occurring regenerative cells. technique is Joyce Longmoor from Hartlepool. Pud Bhaskar added: “We’re pleased and proud Liposuction is used to remove fat from a Mother of two Joyce said: “I found out I had to have been the first trust in the region to be patient’s stomach or thigh. The fat is then breast cancer in my right breast in December able to offer this to women. Previously women divided into two portions, one of which is 2003. I had a lumpectomy, followed by a who’d had breast cancer were often left with processed to extract the regenerative cells mastectomy and reconstruction in January uneven breasts and we could see this was within the tissue. The cells are then combined 2004. However my breast became mis-shapen having a profound effect on some of them. with the remaining fat tissue to be re-injected and I was offered this procedure to correct it. We’re absolutely delighted with the results.” February/March 11 Staff given the VIP treatment for going the extra mile

Eight staff from across the trust were given the VIP treatment after being nominated by their director for going that extra mile. They were treated to dinner at the Mayor of Stockton’s annual charity event on a table hosted by chairman Paul Garvin and deputy chief executive Carole Langrick. As well as being given the VIP treatment for the evening the eight also received a certificate and a citation from the person who nominated them. Carole Langrick said: “Every year we ask directors to nominate people who have stood out for their contribution to the trust. This is just one of the ways we recognise and reward staff and we always look forward to it. It’s a real pleasure and a privilege to host the table for these colleagues because its people like them who make the trust the very special Pictured with chairman Paul Garvin (fourth from the left) and deputy chief executive Carole Langrick (centre) are (left to right) organisation it is.” June Ewen, Debbie Hanley, Penny Haste, Jo Thurston, Linda Wildberg, Graeme Kelly, Colin Fagan and Christina Kemp

“I was a bit X-ray porter Colin Fagan placed on her to pilot new ways development programme (LDP) whose citation read Colin totally of working. and has many successes under apprehensive epitomises what we require from Healthcare assistant Debbie her belt. She is a highly regarded about the event a porter, total devotion to duty Hanley - Debbie is a massive team member of staff by all those who never say die attitude and absolute player in the assisted reproduction have undertaken the LDP and also because I didn’t patient focused with a willingness unit; she has a bubbly personality many managers whom she has really know what to help one and all. and an infectious ability to work. assisted in both their and their Ward manager Linda Wildberg She shows great dedication to staff’s personal development. has worked on the joint her own work and is a credit to to expect but I had Head of offender health Jo replacement unit since 1984. both the trust and the unit. She Thurston – under Jo’s leadership a fantastic time.” The wards run like clockwork. is a favourite to all patients as she All the consultants are happy offers warmth, professionalism the two establishments have One of the nominees, ward with the organisational skills and compassion at all times. worked tremendously hard to lift manager Christina Kemp, said: she possesses patients give Fertility is often an emotional us from the lowest performing “I was a bit apprehensive about excellent feedback of the care rollercoaster with huge swings to the highest performing jails the event because I didn’t really they received on this unit. from elation to disappointment within the north east region in know what to expect but I had Staff have worked hard and their .During these, often very trying less than two years. We have a fantastic time. Everyone made efficient ways of working has and stressful times, Debbie is a reduced concerns, complaints us feel welcome and the venue, reduced the length of stay for rock within the department for and incidents, have improved the entertainment and meal were patients. Linda is very proud of both patients and staff alike. recruitment and retention of staff excellent. I didn’t know all the her staff and their hard work which When extra work activities are and placed solid foundations for other nominees so it was lovely has made this unit so successful. required, Debbie is the first to patient safety and quality. The to be able to get to know them. Ward manager Christina Kemp volunteer. She has been active clinical care is now delivered in All I’d say is, if you are nominated manages the busy 56-bed, trauma in fundraising events for the purposeful accommodation and next year, then don’t think twice and spinal unit. department, Her nomination was by more highly skilled staff who about going; the whole evening Christina moved from the the unit’s way of saying a very big are committed to delivering the was great.” thank you to a loyal servant to the University Hospital of Hartlepool standards required to keep us at Our eight VIPs and what their trust and department alike. to the University Hospital of the top in the region. managers said about them North Tees when services were Improvement and development Performance and compliance reorganised in December 2007. facilitator June Ewen - June Senior clerical officer Penny Haste manager Graeme Kelly was In a short time she has turned has worked for the trust for - Penny is so motivated and loves nominated for his personal around the image of this unit many years. She retires at the her job in the health centre. When dedication in introducing and with the support of her staff. She end of April after many years of Penny showed clinical director sustaining the new service always has a positive approach service in the human resources for community services Linda to the trust of ward hygienist to the demands of the job and and organisational development Watson round the health centre and the hydrogen peroxide the demand on her beds, she teams. She has led the recently Linda wanted to bottle fogging programme. is always accepts the demands development of the leadership her enthusiasm.

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