all.together
the MCHFT newsletter
PM Visits Leighton
Also in this issue...
UNICEF Accreditation Charity Update Be Involved Urgent Care Awarded Speak Out Safely Theatres and Intensive Care Choose Well This Winter
#1
January 2014
welcome to
all.together
Welcome to the first edition of All Together, our brand new newsletter designed to keep you updated with the latest news and activities of Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. environment highly, according to a survey which took place in the summer. The patientled assessments of the care environment took place at Leighton and at Elmhurst and our workforce take extra care of themselves. Flu is common at this time of year and, whilst it can just be unpleasant for most us, for some it can cause severe health complications. If you are pregnant, over 65 years old or have a long-term health condition, you should be able to get vaccinated against flu for free from your GP. MCHFT staff are also able to protect themselves and their patients by having the vaccination from Occupational Health, with more details
Intermediate Care Centre
It’s a very exciting time to be part of the Trust, with important projects and advancements taking place at Leighton Hospital in Crewe and the Victoria in Winsford, with all but one category scoring 85% or higher. Details on the specific categories, as well as other recent achievements relating to our
- estate, are available on page 14.
- Infirmary in Northwich.
Our new Operating Theatres and Intensive Care Unit are set for completion in the next few months, and an update on the expected timings involved in this project is given on page 5. Work is also now underway on refurbishing our charityfunded Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Local companies are still generously fundraising for equipment for the new unit – further information and thanks are available on page 6.
The new facilities that are
- being built will provide us
- available on page 12.
with a fantastic opportunity to further improve the quality and safety of care available to our local community. However, it is important to note that the services already available at our Trust are highly rated and achieving great things.
Winter also brings with it extra pressure on health services, with cold weather traditionally leading to more illnesses and accidents. The Choose Well campaign is an NHS initiative designed to inform people of the best source of treatment for any particular condition, whether it’s a simple cough or cold through to life-threatening conditions. Information on how you can ‘choose well’ is available on the back page of this newsletter.
Our Maternity Unit has been awarded an international accreditation from UNICEF for its work on improving the mother-baby bond, whilst our Urgent Care Centre received acknowledgement for its work in delivering extended primary care in the Emergency Department at Leighton Hospital. None of this would have been possible if it wasn’t for the hard
Despite the Leighton Hospital site currently having a number of refurbishment projects
- in progress,
- This is just a sample of some of
the content available in our new newsletter, and we hope that you enjoy reading it. If you have any suggestions or ideas of topics that we could include in future editions, please email them to
patients have still rated the hospital
work and dedication of our staff, and we thank them greatly for their continued dedication. For further details on these awards, please see pages 4 and 11 respectively.
With best regards,
With winter now upon us, it is important that both the local community
Tracy Bullock Chief Executive
John Moran Chairman
page 2
Prime Minister Visit
David Cameron drops in at Leighton Hospital
On Tuesday, July 23, 2013, Prime Minister David Cameron visited and Intensive Care Unit which is currently being built and is funded
Leighton Hospital in Crewe as part of primarily through £21.69million of
- a tour of the local area.
- Government funding.”
Accompanied by Edward Timpson, MP for Crewe and Nantwich, Mr Cameron spoke with Tracy Bullock and John Moran, Chief Executive and Chairman of MCHFT, about the hospital and the services that it provides to the local area.
Edward added: “Leighton Hospital is a key asset to our area and I’m delighted that the Prime Minster was able to attend and hear for himself some of the positive things that are happening for the benefit of patients and the community in general.
Pictured above: David Cameron with Edward Timpson, Tracy Bullock and John Moran, and speaking with
Treatment Centre staff (top).
Speaking after the visit, Tracy said: “We work closely with Edward to ensure that we meet the health needs of our local population and it is a great compliment that he has
“I am very proud to have Leighton Hospital in our local area and to be a patron of their One in Eleven charitable appeal to help fund a to meet some of the staff at the hospital’s Treatment Centre and am pleased to hear that the hospital is performing well despite high demand. been so enthused about the care that new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. we provide that he invited the Prime Minister to come and meet with us too.
“Having worked alongside hospital staff in 2012, I have a great
“I hope that this government funding can help renew Leighton Hospital and improve the services offered to patients in Crewe and Nantwich even more.” admiration for the hard work and dedication that is shown throughout the organisation, from nursing and healthcare staff through to the domestics and kitchen teams.”
“Mr Cameron was very interested in our A&E department, as we are managing to maintain our performance whilst many other Trusts are struggling. We also spoke to him about our future plans, including our brand new Theatres
Speaking after the visit, the Prime Minister commented: “I was delighted
page 3
Improved X-Ray Technology at VIN
Patients attending the Victoria Infirmary in Northwich (VIN) are now benefiting from better medical imaging facilities, thanks to recent refurbishment works.
“This new process is a lot quicker, meaning that our patients spend far less time having to maintain potentially uncomfortable positions whilst we take the images.”
The Infirmary, based at Winnington Hill, now offers direct digital radiography and is the first use of such technology at the Trust. system really will help us to provide an improved level of care and hospital experience to our patients.”
Gina Chisholm, a Senior
- Judith Spence, a Senior
- Radiographer also based at the
Infirmary, added: “As well as speeding the process up, the new system also has a greatly increased image resolution, meaning that we can provide a much clearer assessment of the patient.
The X-Ray department based at Victoria Infirmary would like to thank all of their patients for their understanding during the disruption caused by the installation.
Radiographer based at VIN, said: “Digital radiography allows for x-ray images to appear on a computer screen in seconds, similar to the way that people can review photos on a digital camera. This means that we can assess the results immediately and take any additional images at the “There is also a significantly-reduced same time if we need to investigate anything further.
Pictured above (L-R): Judith Spence and Gina Chisholm, Senior Radiographers at the Victoria
Infirmary, with the new medical
imaging equipment.
radiation dose required using the digital technology in comparison to the previous technology, so this new
Trust Receives UNICEF Accreditation
Staff at Leighton Hospital’s Maternity Unit are working hard to develop the important relationship between mother and baby, according to a recent UNICEF accreditation. cancer. Importantly, it also helps to build a strong physical and emotional As well as bond between mother and baby.
Hospital. receiving the Baby Friendly accreditation, we were also awarded the Cherubs Charter earlier this year, meaning that we are breastfeedingfriendly. Additionally, our refurbished Labour Ward and Midwifery-Led Unit opened 12 months ago, and work is currently underway to provide us with a new Postnatal Ward alongside our One in Eleven Appeal-funded Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.”
The Unit recently underwent a twoday assessment against the Stage Two standards of the Initiative and passed each of the nine criteria unconditionally with an average score of 93.5%.
The Baby Friendly Initiative, established by UNICEF in conjunction with the World Health Organisation, is a global programme which provides practical and effective support for healthcare organisations to improve the care provided for all mothers and babies. In the UK, the initiative works with health professionals to ensure that high-quality support is provided to mothers to enable successful breastfeeding.
Pam Cornwall, Head of Midwifery at the Trust, said: “I am delighted that we have been awarded this next stage accreditation, particularly as we passed three categories with 100% and four more with scores above 90%.
“The whole team here have been fantastic in their work to increase the number of mothers choosing to breastfeed their babies, and this is the first time that the hospital has been accredited at this level within the Baby Friendly Initiative.
For more information regarding the Baby Friendly Initiative, please visit
www.unicef.org.uk/babyfriendly,
and for further information on the Cherubs Charter, please visit
Breastfeeding protects babies against a wide range of serious infections and diseases, both at birth and in the future, and additionally helps to lower the
www.cherubsbreastfeeding.co.uk.
mother’s risk of developing
Pictured above: the logo for the Baby Friendly Initiative.
- breast and
- “It is an exciting time for the
- ovarian
- Maternity Unit here at Leighton
page 4
New Facilities Near Completion
iTIC
improving Theatres and Intensive Care
There are now only a few months before staff move into our new Theatres and Intensive Care facilities, ready to treat patients in a modern environment with state of the The project is very complex, with efficient use of the facilities and ultimately a better overall experience for patients. services and staff from the Treatment Centre temporarily moving into Ward 11 and the vacated Theatres and Intensive Care space. This will allow us to refurbish elements of the Treatment Centre and to create a dedicated Surgical Admissions Lounge.
- art equipment.
- lots of elements that need to come
together. In February 2014, the building will be officially handed over to the Trust from our construction partners, Interserve. We will then have approximately six weeks to get the building ready for use, which includes installing all of the
The construction of the building started in January 2013, with the new structure being officially watertight by June. With the majority of the external works now complete, effort has been focussed on the
In November 2014, these vacated services will return to the Treatment Centre, and an official opening of the new facilities in their entirety will take
- place in late 2014.
- inside of the building – all the internal necessary equipment, training all
walls are up, much of the mechanical staff regarding their new working and electrical works have taken place and the final coverings are being fitted to the walls, floors and ceilings. environment, and cleaning every inch to strict clinical standards.
We appreciate that the construction of our new Theatres and Intensive Care Unit may have caused disruption to patients, staff and visitors over the past year, but we hope that you will join us in our excitement and anticipation of what fantastic benefits the new facilities will bring to the hospital and the local community in general.
In late March 2014, Intensive Care will move its staff, patients and equipment into the new facilities, with the Theatre units set to be operational a few days later.
Along with this fantastic new environment we will be introducing new systems, such as a scheduling and management system for Theatres, as well as new ways of working. This will all lead to more
The next stage of the project will commence shortly after Easter, with
Pictured above (clockwise from top-left): the Orthopaedic team view one of the new Theatres; a look at the building’s exterior; one of the lighting pendants which has been installed into the Theatres; the Recovery Area; one of the Nurses’ Bays within the Intensive Care Unit.
For more images of the building process, please visit the iTIC (Improving Theatres and Intensive Care) project on the Trust’s website - www.mcht.nhs.uk/itic.
page 5
Supporters View Neonatal Plans
A Big Thank You
Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity would like to say a huge “thank you” to all the support it received for the One in Eleven appeal from the local community, Trust Members, Trust staff and businesses in the area. We could not have hit our £1.8 million target without your support and on-going fundraising efforts.
The re-development work on our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit began in July, and we are on track to open our brand new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in late Spring 2014.
Fundraisers who have helped to realise the dream of
a new Neonatal Unit being built at Leighton Hospital had the opportunity to see what their hard work would create.
Since hitting our target for the building work, support has continued for the appeal and over £50,000 has been raised in additional funds through the One in Eleven appeal, which will be put towards equipment for the new Unit. So thank you again!
Representatives from Asda Crewe, Wincanton Logistics, the Ray of Hope group and the Frank
Hockenhull Trust (all pictured above with MCHFT staff)
were able to view the plans, tour the space where the renovation works are taking place and visit the existing Neonatal Unit and recently refurbished Labour Ward.
We would like to mention Sainsburys in Nantwich who have raised over £3,000 and Asda in Crewe who have raised over £6,000, both for the One in Eleven appeal. We have also had a number of individual donors
Tracy Bullock, Chief Executive of MCHFT, said: “The support we’ve received has been unbelievable. We would not be where we are now without the generosity of our supporters and every single person that has donated or raised money. It was very special to welcome back some of these supporters to see how our plans are progressing and we hope they will return to see our brand new unit next Spring.” who have completed sponsored challenges recently and all raised in excess of £800 each.
We hope to launch our next major appeal in Spring 2014, and we will keep you posted on news of what this will be.
The existing Neonatal Unit accommodates up to 15 babies at any one time, but more space is desperately needed. The new unit will still care for the same number of babies, but will provide far more room around each cot unit allowing families more privacy and dignity at such an emotional time.
Ways to Donate
If you would like to make a donation to Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity, there are a number
- of ways you can do so:
- There will be increased space for equipment storage
and parent overnight accommodation – there are currently only two overnight rooms, but the new unit will have two single rooms and three double rooms. The new unit will also be temperature controlled and have better acoustics to reduce noise, both of which are important in helping babies back to health.
By text - Text mchc00 and your amount (e.g. mchc00 £10) to 70070. Texts are free on all networks. Maximum donation by text is £10.
Online - visit www.mchcharity.org.
Loose Change Scheme - MCHFT staff
members can give the ‘loose change’ from their net salary to the Charity each month by rounding down their income to the nearest pound. This
The One in Eleven Appeal raised £1.8m for the project thanks to the generous support of local residents, groups and businesses and an amazing donation of £1.5m from the Frank Hockenhull Trust.
- initiative replaces the
- For further information on the One in Eleven Appeal,
and the new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, please visit www.mchcharity.org. previous ‘Pennies from
Heaven’ scheme.
page 6
Motoring Giant Helps Infants
Bentley Motors has donated more than £3,000 to support the One in Eleven appeal.
The Appeal hit its target earlier this year to fund the refurbishment work, and extra donations such as Bentley’s £3,257 will help to provide new equipment and further enhance the new unit.
Fashion Fundraiser
Dedicated followers of fashion were able to help out with fundraising recently, after the Charity held its first evening of fashion and shopping.
Richmond Village in Nantwich played host to a catwalk of outfits from stores based in the town, as well as a number of stalls selling gifts, jewellery, and Christmas items.
The fun evening raised over £1,300 for the Charity, who would like to thank all of the sponsors and attendees for their help.
Leonie Williams, Head of HR Operations at
Bentley, pictured above (right) with Laura Bailey, MCH Charity Fundraising Manager, said: “Leighton
Hospital plays a major role in the local community, treating hundreds of patients each day. The service and care it provides is outstanding and Bentley is delighted to show its gratitude and support the hospital through this donation. We hope it helps them continue their highly valued work, caring for the many patients they look after.”
Logistics Team Scale New Heights
Approximately one in eleven of the 3,000 babies born every year at Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust will need additional support.
Colleagues from Gist Logistics in Crewe scaled new heights in July, by taking on the Three Peaks Challenge in aid of Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity.
Laura Bailey, Fundraising Manager for MCHC, said: “We sincerely thank Bentley for its tremendous generosity. This donation will go a long way in helping us enhance our new Neonatal Unit with the best facilities possible.”
A team of warehouse operatives climbed Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scarfell Pike in Cumbria and Snowdon in North Wales, all within 24 hours.
Thirteen walkers and three drivers all helped to raise an amazing £2,000 in sponsorship. Gist Crewe employees then donated a further £5,000, which they had been awarded by Marks and Spencer having been chosen as Food Logistics Depot of the Year. The £5,000 prize is traditionally spent on facilities for staff, but the Gist Crewe employees wanted others to benefit from their success. Many thanks Gist!
Gist staff present the cheque to Laura Bailey, Fundraising Manager.
The £7,000 total was split between Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity and St Luke’s Hospice.
The total distance walked in the challenge is estimated at 42 kilometres (26 miles), with a total ascent of 3,000 metres (9,800 feet).
page 7
New Wheelchairs
A volunteers group has been thanked for helping purchase new wheelchairs for hospital patients.
Cakes Raise
Thousands
The Royal Voluntary Service has worked closely with the Trust to help bring in 40 brand new wheelchairs for the benefit of visitors and patients at Leighton Hospital.
Staff, patients and visitors at the Trust have once again raised a grand sum towards improving cancer care, as part of September’s
World’s Biggest Coffee Morning in aid of
Macmillan Cancer Support.
The service, which operates tea bars at Leighton and Victoria Infirmary in Northwich, has worked with the hospitals since they were built and raises funds by serving a range of food and drink, including almost 200 teas and coffees every day, to hospital patients and staff.
Teams at Leighton Hospital in Crewe raised a total of £4,041 through various coffee and cake events, with the hospital raising the largest total in Cheshire for the second year running.
Carol Nevison, Head of Region for the Royal
Voluntary Service, said: “It is a brilliant feeling for us that we are able to help patients out by working with the Trust to provide these new wheelchairs. We have a great relationship with the hospitals here, and we are currently looking at what additional projects we can work together on.
The Macmillan Unit also hosted charity stalls and a raffle, with prizes donated by local companies. The first prize - a combined television and DVD unit which was provided by Thompsons Solicitors in Stoke – was won by Sylvia Pugh from Winterley.
Speaking about the event, Julie Pieczarka, Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Manager, said: “I would like to thank everybody who attended, donated or gave their time to assist us. They all played their part in helping us to raise this great amount for Macmillan - it wouldn’t have been possible without them.
“However, none of this would be possible without the dedication of our small army of volunteers, who give their time freely to help make a difference to patients and visitors to their local hospitals, and I sincerely thank them for that.”