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Safe & Effective | Kind & Caring | Exceeding Expectation TrustTalk Spring 2019 Safe & Effective | Kind & Caring | Exceeding Expectation Welcome

Welcome to the Spring edition of our staff and patient magazine – Trust Talk.

Last month we said goodbye to my good friend and work I was honoured to attend to thank staff and congratulate colleague – Jeremy Vanes. Jeremy left the Trust at the end of them on their great achievements. March after serving as a chairman and non-executive director This magazine will provide you with the latest developments for 13 years; the maximum time allowed by statute. across the Trust including news about our NHS staff survey We would not be where we are today without Jeremy’s results and an update on the new pathology extension. leadership and his dedication to improving patient care. I The extension is being constructed adjacent to the south wish Jeremy all the best for the future and I will miss him entrance at New Cross and will house a number of greatly. centralised services, working jointly with Walsall, and Sandwell and West Birmingham trusts. I am delighted to welcome Professor Steve Field CBE as our new chairman. Steve has a wealth of experience in numerous This is a very exciting time for the Trust with lots going on high profile roles at a regional and national level. He will be so I hope you enjoy reading about all the fantastic new a tremendous asset in the development of the developments and staff achievements at RWT. Strategic Transformation Programme (STP) and the Trust. Also in this issue we are celebrating the successes of our longest serving staff. This year we have launched our first ever long-service awards ceremony to mark their dedication to the NHS. We held the first of three events in March and Appointment of two new deputy chief nurses

We are pleased to announce the appointment of our two new deputy chief nurses Vanessa Whatley and Martina Morris, after the departure of our previous deputy chief nurse Debra Hickman. Vanessa started in post on January 1st and was previously our head of nursing – corporate support services and Martina started at the Trust on March 11th, joining us from NHS Improvement. We would like to wish them all the best in their new roles. Vanessa Whatley Martina Morris

P 2 TrustTalk Spring 2019 New Chair News in at RWT Brief The new chair of RWT has spoken Neonatal unit goes paperless The neonatal unit has changed over to Badgernet of his ambition Electronic Prescribing Records (EPR), marking a to help support significant step towards the use of paperless electronic records systems in the Trust. integrated health The unit was the first neonatal unit nationally to begin care as he takes to use the app, which enables patient records to be processed without paper. up his new role. By changing to Badgernet EPR, the unit aims for their documentation and data capture to improve.

Professor Steve Field CBE took up his role as chair of the Trust This in turn will allow the patients data to influence best at the beginning of April. practice, benchmarking and service development. Sarah Crowshaw, neonatal nurse, said: “The nursing He succeeds Jeremy Vanes, who left the Trust at the end of and medical team have done really well coping with the March after serving as a chairman and non-executive director changes and deserve to be congratulated. for 13 years; the maximum time allowed by statute. “Thank you to the team who made the changes a Professor Field holds a number of roles at various success.” organisations including Trustee at Nishkam Healthcare Trust and Non-Executive Director at University College London Willenhall donation to bereavement suite Partners Academic Health Science Partnership Board. The Willenhall Area Relief Rehabilitation and Nursing Trust (WARRANT) donated funds to refurbish a sitting Prior to his new role, he was Chief Inspector of General room for the bereaved in the new general office and Practice, Primary Medical Services and Integrated Care at the bereavement suite. Care Quality Commission (CQC). The donation has enabled the Trust to provide a quiet Following a career involved in leadership of health and social and contemplative space in New Cross Hospital for the care at all levels, Professor Field brings extensive NHS Board bereaved. level experience to the role of chair having held several Tony Haywood, Chair of WARRANT, said: “It is lovely to positions in the NHS including, Deputy National Medical be able to contribute to the room, it provides patients Director at NHS England, Regional Postgraduate Dean for with somewhere to sit, read and sign the book of NHS and chairman of the NHS Inclusion remembrance. Health Board at the Department of Health. “My headmaster who was a role model of mine actually He also held the position of chairman of The Royal College left all his money to the Trust when he passed away, so of GPs, and has been a faculty member at the Harvard Macy for me this is a continuation of his legacy.” Institute of Harvard University in the USA. Café re-opens He has been awarded a number of honorary degrees and Westside Café, previously the eye infirmary café, has re- also holds academic appointments at the University of opened after having a refurbishment. Hot and cold food Birmingham and the University of Warwick. is available from 8.30am to 4pm. Professor Steve Field CBE said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as chair of the Trust. I was born in the Black International Nurses Day and Day of the Country and many of my family live locally. I am looking Midwife celebrations forward to supporting the Trust to continue the journey and A Service of Thanksgiving to celebrate International I will work closely with partner organisations across the area Nurses Day and Day of the Midwife 2019 will be held on to ensure the population of and the Black Wednesday, May 8th at 6.30pm at St Patrick’s Church in Country receive the best possible integrated healthcare.” Wolverhampton.

P 3 Safe & Effective | Kind & Caring | Exceeding Expectation Long Service Awards More than 2,000 years of NHS service were celebrated at the first of three special events.

The Long Service Awards were About 100 members of dedicated Members of staff who work for the launched at the Trust this year staff were honoured at the first Trust received awards for either 25, to recognise, acknowledge of three long service award 30, 40 or 50 years of service, hard and congratulate some of our ceremonies held in March. work and commitment to the NHS. exemplary staff.

Anne Hazel, Ann Hulme, Amarjit Robert Meakin Maureen Williams Purewal and Ann Holden

Yvonne Wilson Tracey Farringdon and Kuldip Feist Tracy Hampton, Collette Beet and Kerry Truman

Supported by

Registered Charity No. 1059467

P 4 TrustTalk Spring 2019 Long Service Awards

John Harris was given the highest accolade for more We have gone from 3,500 staff to 9,500 and our than 50 years of NHS service. turnover has increased from £200 million £0.5 billion. Mr Harris, who began his career at the Royal Hospital “Throughout these changes our organisation has always in 1968 before moving to New Cross, said: “I can been about the people. This is a huge, very successful honestly say I’ve looked forward to coming to work institution which is all down to its staff – including our here every day. Not every day has been easy but that’s longest serving members. We need you.” the challenge. “I 100 per cent subscribe to Mr David Loughton’s view that if you look after the staff then you look after the hospital. “I started out fifty years ago as deputy hospital secretary at the Royal, of all my jobs - that was the most satisfying. In those days you could make a difference as a manager. It was a very hard working hospital and I spent four years as a deputy before moving up to become hospital secretary. I was lucky as it was a big step up. “I have many, many stories to tell – the first fifty years are the best. I would do it all again – it has been a John Harris receives his award from David Loughton ball!” David Loughton, chief executive of RWT, said: “This is a big organisation where we try to do everything we can to make staff feel valued. Our longest serving members of staff are a huge asset to this Trust. Without them we would not be able to continue delivering the brilliant patient care that we do. We are one of the top performing Trusts in the region and all that is down to our staff. “I was honoured to attend the event this week and look forward to congratulating more of our longest serving staff at the next two events. “On behalf of myself, the wider NHS and the community I just want to say a huge thank you to all Alana Turner and Sandra Turton our staff for the amazing work you do every day.” Jeremy Vanes, former chairman of the board, said: “I have been here 13 years and the scale of change within the organisation has been incredible.

P 5 Safe & Effective | Kind & Caring | Exceeding Expectation Work begins on pathology expansion

Work has begun on a multi-million pound expansion of New Cross Hospital’s state-of-the-art pathology centre. The extension is being constructed adjacent to the south entrance at New Cross Hospital and will house a number of centralised pathology services. When finished, the building will provide a central pathology hub, serving The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust, The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust and Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust. Ground breaking ceremony marks key milestone The new ‘hub and spoke model’ will enable pathology in pathology project services across the multiple hospital sites to work together urine analysis, tests for infection and detecting cancer. more collaboratively than before. A new drop-off zone and turning circle will also be created This will result in an enhanced service for staff and offers next to the hospital’s south entrance, allowing access for patients a centre of excellence providing all aspects of a ambulances and radiology deliveries. quality pathology service. John Maguire, regional business development director David Loughton, chief executive of RWT, said: “This is a very for GRAHAM’s Birmingham office who are building the exciting and significant project for the Black Country. extension, said: “Our extensive experience across the full “Pathology services are an essential part of the efficient spectrum of healthcare means we are well equipped to and safe running of hospital and GP services, analysing the deliver these works at New Cross Hospital to the highest hundreds of tests that are done for patients every day. quality, focusing on value, cost certainty, and a drive for “The new service will have the very latest in specialist efficiency savings. technology and deliver better value, high quality care for “Today’s ground breaking ceremony marks a key milestone patients across the Black Country.” in delivering this new and important facility for the local The centre will carry out tests such as; fertility tests, blood/ community.”

Artists impression of the completed pathology expansion.

P 6 TrustTalk Spring 2019 Shadow health secretary praises Trust’s use of technology Shadow Health and Social Care Secretary Jonathan Ashworth has praised RWT for its innovative use of technology and integrated care. The Labour MP visited the Trust to meet staff and learn more about the latest technology RWT uses. On his visit Mr Ashworth visited the integrated health and social care team and Emergency Department at New Cross Hospital. He was also shown the Trust’s Teletracking technology. Mr Ashworth said: “I really enjoyed spending time at New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton, finding out more about their investment in education for staff, their innovative use of technology and their integrated care model employing local GPs.” Wolverhampton MPs Emma Reynolds and Pat McFadden also accompanied Mr Ashworth on his visit. Mr McFadden added: “Thank you to Jon Ashworth for joining Emma Reynolds and me at New Cross Hospital to learn about our local hospital’s workforce planning which is good for local people and gets the best value for money.” Ms Reynolds said: “It was great to hear about the Trust’s investment in their staff and impressive technological innovations such as teletracking bed management system.” Teletracking allows managers to see instantly which patients need a bed and which beds are free, as well as identifying the nearest porter to move a patient. New Cross Hospital was the first hospital in the UK to install this type of technology and implement a Hospital Coordination Centre. Knitting group donate dolls for patients

Staff and patients on ward A7 have thanked those involved in the making and distribution of a large donation of Comfort Dollies and Twiddle Muffs. They were made by Age UK’s Wolverhampton Knit and Natter group for use by patients with dementia. Ward staff have an excellent working relationship with Age UK Wolverhampton through the Choosewell Individual Support Initiative.

P 7 Safe & Effective | Kind & Caring | Exceeding Expectation Our vision and values

Our vision is to be an NHS organisation change in order to meet the needs We therefore recognise that we have that continually strives to improve of our communities and the wider to make brave decisions and develop the outcomes and experiences for population. innovative solutions to ensure that the communities we serve. In order our patients and wider communities In its simplest form, the current set- to achieve this, we have established continue to receive the highest levels up of services cannot cope with a clear set of strategic objectives that of care. demand, has too much overlap and are supported and underpinned by our unnecessary bureaucracy, has an ageing Have a read of our vision, values and core values. workforce, challenges with recruitment strategic objectives below. Our strategic direction over the next and, fundamentally, is financially three years is driven by the fact that unsustainable. the health and care system needs to

Our Vision An NHS organisation that continually strives to improve the outcomes and experiences for the communities we serve

Our Values

Safe and Effective Kind and Caring Exceeding Expectation We will work collaboratively We will act in the best We will grow a reputation to prioritise the safety of all interest of others at all times for excellence as our norm within our care environment

Trust Strategic Objectives 2018-2021

To have an Proactively Create a Attract, retain Maintain Be in the top effective seek culture of and develop financial 25% for key and well opportunities compassion, our staff health - performance integrated to develop safety and and improve appropriate measures health and our services quality employee investment care system engagement to patient that operates services efficiently

25%

P 8 TrustTalk Spring 2019 NHS STAFF SURVEY 2018 Trust comes out top in region for standard of care provided

The report also identified areas for improvement, where teams are already working to make changes. Alan Duffell, director of workforce, said he was pleased with the results but there was still more to do. He said: “Thank you to all those staff who took the time to complete their staff survey and have their voice heard. “Most importantly a total of 71 per cent of staff said they would recommend RWT as a place to work – this score has improved from 66 per cent last year.

Staff at the Trust have voted it as one of the top Trusts in the region to receive care at – according to the results of a national survey. A total of 77 per cent of staff said they would be happy with the standard of care provided by RWT if a friend or relative needed treatment. This is an increase from the 73 per cent of staff who answered the same question in 2017.

“Although it is good news that we have not gone backwards there is clearly still more work for us to do. The next steps are for us to review our results in more detail and identify what further actions we need to take.”

This places the Trust as one of the top five in the Midlands and East region. The Trust also scored the second lowest for staff experiencing violence in the Midlands and East and third lowest nationally for staff witnessing harmful errors. In a change from previous years, the results have been grouped together under 10 themes - previously the report has been presented under 32 key areas. In nine of those 10 themes RWT is above the average position compared to other similar sized Trusts.

P 9 Safe & Effective | Kind & Caring | Exceeding Expectation Our Charity Kind donation to ward An auctioneer from has Angela said: “Thank you to my auction presented staff on ward C22 a cheque customers, friends and family and the for £700 from the sale of her charity traders on Bilston market including calendars. Lawson Thomas and Deb’s Diner for their support. I wanted to do something Angela Harold and friends produced the to help people with dementia as so calendar as they wanted to raise funds many people are affected by it.” in aid of patients with dementia and Leanne Bood, fundraising coordinator, support the work of the specialist ward said: “This is another example of people at New Cross Hospital. in the local community pulling together Drafting in help from the local to help our patients. community; Hurley’s hairdressers in We couldn’t do what we do without Bilston kindly donated their time to support and we are grateful to Angela Left to right: Mark Wootton, Samantha do hair and makeup and Matt Ward and her friends for everything they have Webster and Angela Harold donated the printing of the calendars. done for us.” Auction raises cash for charity

Unity is a weekly lottery - for every £1 that one of our players pays into the lottery draw, 50p will go directly to The RWT Charity. There is a top prize of £25,000 each week, along with smaller prizes of £1,000, £25. For just £1 per week you will be allocated with a six digit Unity Kevin and Barbara O’Reilly (centre) with staff on the Deanesly ward Lottery number, which will remain A judo coach has raised more than £915 Elmore, Tammy Peer and Lee Abbotts for yours for as long as you wish to keep in aid of The Royal Wolverhampton NHS donating the signed football and teddy playing. You can purchase more than Trust Charity. bears and to everyone that took part in one number if you wish. the auction or brought a raffle ticket. Kevin O’Reilly, senior coach at My wife and I feel passionate about Every Saturday, the lucky winners Wolverhampton Judo Club and his wife supporting our local community when are selected at random and prize Barbara raised funds via a social media and where we can and we couldn’t do cheques issued and posted directly auction. Additional funds came from that without support.” to you, so there is no need for you within the local community. to claim. Leanne Bood, fundraising coordinator, Mr O’Reilly and the club have a history of said: “Thank you to Kevin and Barbara Winners have to match 3, 4, 5 or all supporting projects at New Cross Hospital for their continued support. Funds raised 6 digits of the winning number in and have previously supported dementia will go towards the refurbishment of the correct place in the sequence. care, children’s ward and cancer research. the facilities offered to cancer patients For further information or to join up, Mr O’Reilly said: “Thank you to everyone and families on the Deanesly ward and please go to http://www.unitylottery. that has supported us previously and will make such a difference to patient co.uk/charity/display/RWNTC again this year. Thank you to Dave experience.”

P 10 TrustTalk Spring 2019 Chris raises funds for renal patients London through taking up running marathon entry Chris Millinson said he started out Claire Mills, running with friends from school who senior pharmacy encouraged his progress. technician, is He then decided to take on a half also running the marathon to raise money to split London Marathon between New Cross Hospital and on April 28th. the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Claire started Birmingham. running in May The inspiration motivating his running 2015 and joined Claire Mills and fundraising was his parents. Sneyd Striders Chris Millinson of Dudley said: “Both who have helped mum and dad have had kidney cancer her improve and –Mum was treated at RWT. provided support. Keith Millinson, Chris Millinson She will be raising funds for and Pat Millinson. “We had a really good response Leukaemia Care. The son of a former RWT renal patient with the donations and are really took on a half marathon to raise appreciative of everyone who To donate, go to: money for the renal unit at New Cross contributed.” https://give.everydayhero.com/uk/ Hospital. claire-mills Natty Knitters Emma runs marathon given £200 for Deanesly A specialist nurse at the Trust will taking on her most challenging task donation yet when she competes in the London Marathon this month. Emma Hall, acute oncology specialist nurse based in Deanesly Centre at New Cross Hospital, entered her first running race last year which inspired her to push herself even further and apply for the London Marathon.

She was fortunate enough to get a Emma Hall ballot place and will be raising money for the Deanesly Centre. and then I took on my first half Emma, 38, from Wellington in marathon and supported Macmillan at Julie Willoughby, Jean Hill, Joyce Horgan Shropshire, said she started running Manchester. This year I decided to go and Pauline Fellows after having weight loss surgery. BIG. I applied for London marathon and The Natty Knitters have supported us was fortunate to get a ballot place. She added: “All my life I have yo yo yet again with their next delivery of dieted and gone up and down in my “I’m overwhelmed with excitement and twiddle muffs for patients and a kind weight. equally nervous as hell to be doing a donation of £200. “I decided I need to do something marathon but more so London. Never The group of crafters from Bradley before it was too late. I took the plunge in my wildest dreams would I have Community Centre meet regularly to in 2016 and underwent weight loss imagined getting to this point.” make twiddle muffs. These are then surgery and with my new healthier donated to the Trust and given out to You can help Emma Hall raise money lifestyle I wanted to try running. patients with dementia to help those for this great cause by donating here who are anxious with ‘restless hands’. “Last year entered my first 10k race www.justgiving.com/Emma-Hall81

For further information about the charity or how to support it, please contact the Fundraising Coordinator on 01902 447293 or email [email protected]

P 11 Safe & Effective | Kind & Caring | Exceeding Expectation Oral health promoter nominated for prestigious national award

An RWT oral health “I’m very excited to be promoter has been nominated. My work nominated for a prestigious involves making dental national award for her health access easier for hard- work with homeless and to-reach groups and I am disadvantaged people in very passionate about what Wolverhampton. I do. Caroline Bestwick is up for a “I receive more and more British Citizen Award thanks patients from the migrant to her oral health promotion centre, drug and alcohol work. services and hostels. The British Citizen Awards “Some of my patients may be in recovery and honour individuals who are embarrassed of the way they positively impacting society. look. It’s my job to promote It comes after she won the the service, build their trust Oral Health Promoter of the and have contact with them. Year Award at the Dental “If someone needs an extra Awards early last year. push I don’t give up! I go Caroline said she felt back and persist. ‘humbled’ to be recognised “I know when to approach for her work. someone and when not to, She said: “Following the I’m not judgemental.” Oral Health Promoter of Manager Vanessa Wright the Year Award, the British said: “She does a great Citizens Award panel got in job and puts in a lot of touch and said I embody the hard work for some really values of the Citizens Award vulnerable groups of patients and that I am a generous who would otherwise miss Caroline Bestwick and deserving candidate. out on dental care.”

We have launched your new and improved Trust communications bulletin Trust Brief which will arrive in your inbox every Wednesday. To put a story forward for inclusion in the bulletin, simply email us at: [email protected]

P 12 TrustTalk Spring 2019

FINANCE DEPARTMENT ‘BLAZE A TRAIL’ WITH APPRENTICESHIPS

The Trust’s finance department are currently leading the way in ‘blazing a trail’ by appointing new apprentices into the organisation and developing and up-skilling existing staff through apprenticeship programmes. ‘Blaze a trail’ was the theme for this year’s National Apprenticeship week which ran in March. Meet some of the finance department team below and find out about the benefits of the apprenticeship program.

“Having apprentices have enriched 1. How would you describe your the team by providing support experience working at the with tasks that may be seen as Trust? routine, freeing up times for the Working in the Trust has been a other accountants. Having an great experience that I wish to apprentice has also allowed our carry on into the future. teams to enhance their training and 2. How has the Trust supervision experience as often it is apprenticeship scheme helped the management accountants, rather you in your long term career than the manager who provide this development? training. This is also giving them It has helped by putting me on the experience of providing more Chloe Plant – Apprentice Level 3 the AAT courses to gain valuable pastoral support to the apprentice, AAT Assistant Accountant now qualifications that will help me who was new working in an office. progressing to Level 4 build knowledge for the future. The apprentice has added another My confidence has been built level of general knowledge and 1. How would you describe your up over my time here and I have questioning of things to the team, experience working at the become a better communicator. which has helped enhance other Trust? 3. What are your future plans people’s experiences within the I have really enjoyed my time once you complete your team. The team would definitely see working at the Trust. One current programme? ourselves recruiting a new apprentice of the best things about the My plan is to start my level 4 AAT when the current one in the team apprenticeship programme in to become a qualified accountant moves into a permanent role as they finance is that I have been able and carry on working for the are a valued member of the team.” to rotate around all the different Trust. I enjoy working here and areas of finance, seeing all feel comfortable within the different aspects of the finance department. department. 2. How has the Trust apprenticeship scheme helped you in your long term career development? The apprenticeship scheme has helped me decide that working in finance is what I want to aspire to do in my future career. The pastoral sessions that we had Lynzi Agar during the first 12 months of the William Grant – Apprentice Level Divisional Clinical Finance Manager apprenticeship were really good 3 AAT Assistant Accountant now because it gave me a chance to progressing to Level 4 connect with other apprentices in the Trust. 3. What are your future plans 01902 307999 ext 8220 once you complete your current programme? [email protected] I hope to be able to continue @RWT_Apprentices working within the finance department here at the Trust. https://www.royalwolverhampton. nhs.uk/work-with-us/apprenticeships/

P 13 Safe & Effective | Kind & Caring | Exceeding Expectation

Every edition of Trust Talk will feature a member of staff telling us about their day job - this issue it’s the turn of Narindra Hughes How long have you been at RWT? Since 1996. I started my career on a busy renal medical ward. I then moved to the chronic kidney disease team as a renal specialist nurse. What is your job role? Senior sister for the chronic kidney disease team. We are a nurse led service that care for patients with varying degrees of renal disease. We carry out nurse led clinics in New Cross Hospital, Cannock Chase Hospital and Walsall Manor Hospital. We also review patients in their own homes who are too frail to attend clinic appointments. We deliver specialised education, teaching and training to patients preparing them for dialysis. We will continue to care for these patients even if they chose not to have dialysis, educating them on keeping well and preventing hospitalisation. We also provide care and support for those patients and their families withdrawing from dialysis in the end of life phase. What makes you proud? We play a key role in the transplant work up of our patients There are many things that make me proud. Watching my and will care for them post-transplant. We provide a live patients overcome adversity and fulfil their dreams makes donation programme for patients who have family/friends me proud. We have had patients that have participated in that wish to donate their kidney to their loved one. The Transplant Game and ran Wolverhampton 10K to raise What is your favourite thing about your job? money for Renal Trust Fund. Staff and relatives running half marathons to raise money for our department also makes me Patient contact and interaction is my favourite part of my very proud. role. My role is autonomous, I carry out nurse led clinics, review patients when I feel is appropriate, planning care Developing team members and observing them gain individual to their needs. Patient education is a large part confidence, skills and flourish into autonomous practitioners of our role, empowering our patients to make the right also makes me proud. decisions to enhance their lives is paramount. Our patients Also last year we celebrated 30 years of renal services at will remain in our care for many years and I feel privileged RWT. I felt extremely proud to be part of an amazing, ever- that they share their lives with us. The opportunity to make a expanding renal team. positive impact on someone’s life, changing their life I feel is very rewarding. When you’re not at work, how do you like to spend your time? I do also enjoy teaching other nurses, sharing knowledge and experience. I feel it is important to provide a positive role I have a 16-year-old daughter and nine-year-old twin boys, model for others. they do keep me busy! I am a keen runner and over the last three and a half years have completed three full marathons What are the biggest challenges you face? and several half marathons. Last year I completed a 40 mile Transplantation is a challenge. There are not enough race for The Best Foot Forward Event organised by The kidneys for transplantation. Raising awareness about renal Rotary Club. transplantation and live donation is challenging, especially If you know someone who has an interesting in some communities. Also there are occasions when after a work-up programme our patients do not receive their job in the Trust and think they would like to transplant. This can be disheartening and disappointing not share what they do then email only for our patients but also for us. [email protected]

P 14 TrustTalk Spring 2019 Award given for blood donations

One of the Trust’s non-executive directors was recently the recipient of an award for his dedication to helping others. Junior Hemans, non-executive director, received his award from the blood transfusion service for giving 100 units of blood. Mr Hemans started giving blood when he was 17. He registered as a blood donor whilst attending Wolverhampton College (previously Wulfrun College) and had just taken his driving test. He said: “I decided that as a driver there was a possibility that I could be involved in a road accident and so I should put something in the ‘bank’ so to speak. “Since becoming a blood donor I started to realise the importance of donating and that it is not simply about accidents that individuals require blood, there are many who require transfusions on a regular basis e.g sickle cell sufferers. “The demand for blood donations remains very high and we can all help. “I have often been told by individuals I encourage to donate that they don’t like needles. The truth is I don’t Junior Hemans receiving his award either. I don’t look when the needle is inserted. “The insertion of the needle is a scratch and the pint of “I am mindful that if my life is dependent on a needle blood taken is not going to prevent you from going about being inserted I would readily accept it, I also make this your daily life. Of course you cannot be silly by running or point to others. There are many who require regular exercising immediately after giving blood.” insertions of needles for blood transfusions to keep them alive.” There is a rising need for certain key blood types. Mr Hemans said he would encourage other members Between 2014 to 2018, there was a 13 per cent increase of staff and patients to sign up to the blood donation in the proportion of O negative being issued to hospitals. register. O negative is the universal donor group which can be given to almost anyone. He added: “The blood donation process is but an hour of our time. It is a welcoming environment and the donors To donate call 0300 123 23 23, use the GiveBlood app, or come from all walks of life. go online at www.blood.co.uk Priority blood groups:

The universal blood group that can be given to everyone. It is often used when O negative a patient’s blood type is not known, for example in an emergency situation. Only two per cent of donors are B negative and finding news donors is difficult. B B negative negative can be used as an alternative for patients with blood disorders when not enough B positive is available. A negative has platelets which can be given to anyone. Platelets are tiny cells that A negative help stop bleeding – they are especially important for cancer patients.

P 15 Trust partners with

RWT will work together with British healthtech company Trust in the country that will trial state of the art remote Medopad as its official remote patient management solution patient monitoring systems across primary, secondary and to improve patient outcomes across primary, secondary and community care settings. community care. “We know that workforce is the greatest challenge facing Medopad’s patient-facing mobile app will launch this Spring the NHS and we have to find new and innovative ways to with projects in cardiology, hypertension, diabetes and many support our hardworking clinicians to improve the experience other areas. of delivering care by supporting clinically led innovation. This collaboration with Medopad will enable our doctors and The app supports individuals living with chronic conditions nurses to proactively, and in real-time, monitor patients in and rare diseases. It encourages improved self-management their own home and help us in our mission to provide care and treatment plan adherence and provides tailored that is both personalised and timely.” educational content. It also shares valuable remote patient data with patients’ clinicians for improved decision making. Sultan Mahmud, Director of Integration at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, said: “This opportunity with Chief Executive of The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, Medopad allows us to put the patient in the driving seat by David Loughton CBE, said: “We have been amongst the using real time information about their health. It is a really leading trusts in the country for integrating care across the helpful platform for patients and clinicians to work together system and I am delighted that we will be the first NHS as a team and manage long term conditions differently.” Calling all social media fans! It’s your live resource of what’s going on around the Trust, from our exciting initiatives to inspiring staff stories. Do you have a story you want to share? Or, perhaps you want to tell us about a fantastic experience where one of the RWT team has gone above and beyond! Tweet us: @RWT_NHS Find us on Facebook at: The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust Follow us on Instagram at: rwt_nhs

Safe & Effective | Kind & Caring | Exceeding Expectation

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