Making Christmas a Special Time at the Hospitals

500 at the open day Ward inspections Choose Halton! Take a look back at our September Your Governors report back on Over 90% of people say our hospital event for members their findings is first choice for surgery Centre pages Page 4 Page 10 yourhospitals

News and information from Warrington and Halton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Winter 2011 Issue 9 Making Christmas a special time at the hospitals

Merry Christmas to all of our members! 12 foot trees coming from Delamere Forest Whilst you are reading this article, you for outside Warrington and Halton hospitals, will no doubt be preparing for Christmas in the main reception and in the children’s and planning for the holidays. It is no ward courtyard. Visitors donate for a special different at the hospitals – just on a remembrance bauble and leave a message slightly bigger scale. on the trees, which was very popular last year. Where possible we try and let as many In the chapel, the Rev John Duffield and his patients as possible go home, but for team celebrate with a range of services and many, this isn’t possible. Each year we try to carol singing for staff and patients. The team make Christmas as special as it can be for provide bedside communions and visits to the the patients who need our care over the wards on Christmas morning as well. In the festive period. build up to Christmas week, choirs from local On the children’s ward, every child gets a schools and groups tour the wards as well to special visit at midnight from Santa with lots provide festive cheer. of games and activities taking place in the Over in the hospital kitchens, staff are build-up to the big day. This year we struggled preparing stuffing, sprouts and sausages to get many presents from local companies and have enough turkey crowns for almost but Warrington born reality TV celebrity 2,000 people over Christmas on order! Kerry Katona stepped in and rounded up the Cooking so many meals takes careful support of some national toy companies with planning by the catering team and takes the help of Love It! Magazine to make sure place over a number of days. that there are plenty to go round. Parents The hospitals obviously still provide all their and family members can spend the day core services at Christmas as well and for on the ward to make Christmas as some, Christmas will be a sad time. Spare a special as it can be. thought on Christmas Day for the staff Putting up the Christmas Kerry Katona drops in on the and patients who try and make it as children’s ward at the tree is always fun. At the special as it can be and have a great, safe hospitals to spread some hospitals there are four and healthy Christmas. Christmas cheer! 2 yourhospitals Winter 2011 Issue 9 Winter 2011 Issue 9 yourhospitals 3 Chief Executive’s welcome Volunteering

Welcome to the winter edition of Your Hospitals. Trust’s vascular bid There is lots to WE WANT YOU read about in this issue which turned down Volunteer at your hospitals in the New Year reflects the fact that so much is The Foundation Trust is excited to for a clinic appointment may feel isolated old or too young, we are interested in working happening at the hospitals at The trust’s bid to be a vascular centre problems such as poor blood supply to the announce the introduction of a new or nervous and we would like to have a with people of all ages and backgrounds. in the future has been turned down feet and legs. the moment. Volunteer Service. We already have a friendly person to sit with them and help after a review of services across Cheshire When you attend the open day, we will I hope you will take time to read about In October the Cheshire and Merseyside number of volunteers doing excellent work them through the experience. explain more about what being a volunteer and Merseyside. vascular review panel met to agree their our quality monitoring and see where we in the hospital, for example the WRVS, • Patient experience. There are several ways involves and the application process. If you final recommendations. They previously League of Friends, Bosom Buddies and are up to in terms of reducing infection, A regional review of Vascular Services has that patients and members of the public decide to proceed we will provide all the designated one of the centres as being members of various support groups. Now pressure sores and falls this year. We are been looking at which hospitals will perform can tell us what they think of our services. information and an application pack. You will the Royal Liverpool. They also reviewed we are taking an opportunity to expand on track in all of these areas and that is a vascular emergency surgery in the future with We want volunteers to help us do this, which be interviewed, but informally and there are proposals from ourselves (in partnership with the contribution of volunteers to support good sign that our vision of high quality, the aim of focusing this work on a smaller may need some computer skills, as well as no exams or tests to pass, though we do ask St Helens and Knowsley Hospitals) and a our staff in delivering safe and respectful safe healthcare is working. number of centres. Many of you supported the talking to patients and members of the for references and do a CRB check. partnership between the Countess of Chester care to patients. Quality and safety is key in everything process, putting your views across in the initial public. You could also be involved with public In the first instance, we need you to let and Wirral Hospitals. We were informed we do here and that is why we were public consultation. A lot of members have said they would like displays, campaigns and other events. us know you are interested by Friday 6th that our proposal was not supported. The to volunteer some of their time to help others so disappointed that our bid to remain Vascular services are part of the emergency January 2012. Countess of Chester has been designated as and we want to hear from you if you want to • Nutritional support. Sometimes ensuring an emergency arterial vascular centre services provided at the hospitals and one the second centre. get involved. good nutrition for people in hospital can was turned down recently as part of where the trust has a good record and How to express your interest in If you are interested you are invited to be challenging and we want volunteers the review of future centres in Cheshire excellent clinical outcomes. They include “This is a disappointing outcome,” said to support the clinical nursing teams in the open day. and Merseyside. Our view is that there Mel Pickup, chief executive of Warrington attend an open day event where you can To register your interest please contact the surgical and radiological treatment for find out more and decide if you would like providing a peaceful, pleasant environment could and should be three such centres people with major bleeds like abdominal and Halton Hospitals, “We believe that in which to dine and respectful assistance Membership Office on 01925 664 222 or in the future. Having a centre located at there is strong evidence for three designated to apply to be a volunteer. This is a great email [email protected] aortic aneurysms which require major, opportunity to pick up some new skills and to eat and drink well. Warrington would ensure good access centres within the area but the members often lifesaving, surgery, as well as strokes experience, to meet people and enjoy working In each of these roles you would not We need to know your name, address for local patients to emergency vascular of the review panel disagreed. Colleagues and those needing stroke preventing within a team serving your community. be expected to carry out any clinical and phone number and email address (if you services. The public consultation will give in the hospitals have worked hard in surgery and treatment for other vascular interventions or sit in on consultations or have one) and if you are interested in any a chance for members to have their say constructing our arguments and providing As this is early days for the service we are examinations and you will receive training particular volunteer role or just interested to on the proposals. evidence to the panel as part of the decision starting slowly, developing volunteer roles in find out more. the following areas: and supervision for all tasks. There are several articles on governor making process and I would like to thank them “Colleagues in the hospitals • Becoming a “buddy”. People coming into If you are interested, don’t worry that you and member engagement. We are for their work.” have worked hard in the Accident & Emergency Department or don’t have qualifications, or that you are too Your Health events pleased to be launching our volunteer constructing our arguments What happens next? – Winter 2012 strategy that will give those of you itching The recommendations have gone to the to donate some of your time to the and providing evidence to two Cheshire PCT Cluster Boards (Cheshire and Stop press! The next sessions in our popular member hospitals the chance to do so. We saw Merseyside) in November. A 12-week public events programme have been organised. If you at the open day in September the level the panel as part of the want to attend a session, please contact us to consultation will soon be launched around the book a place at the membership office. of interest you have in the hospital when decision making process proposals and the results will go to the cluster Welcoming your new Governors over 500 members came along to see us boards in March 2012. An implementation Call 01925 664222, Email foundation@ and I would like to thank As you may be aware, we have been Sankey North, Great Sankey South – whh.nhs.uk and take a look behind the scenes at the group will also begin to take forward the hospitals. Our governors have also been them for their work.” hosting elections for governors in nine of Peter Harvey elected planning for the preferred option. our sixteen public areas. These follow the Take a deep breath busy launching the first of their ward • Public 10 – Latchford East, Latchford West, Wednesday 25th January 2012 – 6pm - 7pm inspections that allow them to inspect end of the initial terms of office for some Poulton South – no candidate stood so What does this mean for of our governors. Trust Conference Room, Burtonwood Wing, and report back to you on the standards becomes vacant Warrington Hospital the hospitals? The deadline for members to vote for on our wards. • Public 11 – Bewsey and Whitecross, “There is still a chance for the public to have a candidate was 25th November 2011 Dr Steve Owen from the respiratory team Several of our governors have come to their say,” says Mel, “Our proposal was about with the newly elected governors Fairfield and Howley – Jean Ann gives a fascinating talk about the work of the the end of their terms of office with us and the best patient care for our local patients. commencing their role on 1st December Pownall re-elected team at the hospitals, the problems facing our have stood down at the latest governor That is why the outcome was disappointing. 2011. The results for your newly elected • Public 12 - Poplars and Hulme, Orford – local communities from chest and lung elections that have just concluded. I would If the recommendation gets approval, we Alfred Clemo elected problems and much more. If you don’t know governors are as follows: your pneumonia from your bronchitis or like to thank them for their time and must redirect our efforts. This means ensuring • Public 1 – Daresbury, Windmill Hill, Norton • Public 14 – Burtonwood and Winwick, want any encouragement to give up smoking effort in the formative years of our NHS that our hospitals play a key role in this new North, Castlefields – no candidate stood Whittle Hall, Westbrook – Dr Michael this is the talk for you. Foundation Trust. They have helped us look network so our patients continue to receive so remains vacant Ashley (uncontested) develop how we work and better involve Bug Busting! the highest standard of vascular treatment.” • Public 3 – Norton South, Halton Brook, The two public areas that remain vacant Wednesday 22nd February 2012 – 2pm - 3.30pm the public in all of the items I have just Halton Lea – David Trowbridge are due to no members nominating mentioned above. re-elected (uncontested) themselves to stand for election, we will Education Centre, Warrington Hospital What you can do. Infection Control – Bug Busting Finally, I’d like to wish all of our members • Public 4 – Appleton, Farnworth, Hough look at hosting another election campaign As soon as we receive details of the Lesley McKay and the Infection Control a very happy Christmas and look forward public consultation into the decision Green, Halton View, Birchfield – Roy for these areas in the near future. to 2012 and everything that that will Radley (uncontested) team will be talking about the world of infection. we will let our members know so you We would like to congratulate and Learn how the hospitals have cut infection bring us. • Public 6 - Lymm, Grappenhall, Thelwall – can respond. Our Governors and some welcome our new governors to the rates by over 80 per cent over the last few Charles Coughlan elected Season’s greetings members are also writing to their local Foundation Trust. They will be in touch with years and find out how you can play a part in Mel Pickup, chief executive MPs about the decision. • Public 8 – Penketh and Cuerdley, Great the members in the New Year. helping us get rid of common infections. 4 yourhospitals Winter 2011 Issue 9 Winter 2011 Issue 9 yourhospitals 5 Ward Inspections Membership ✁ or special beakers. All agreed they had enough to eat and drink. Comments on the food, as usual, were mixed, but all praised the soup! Sign up a friend - win a Marks Governors report on We also checked on privacy and dignity. Observing whether staff drew curtains fully and Spencer gift voucher and patients were respectfully covered by them when being transported to and from theatre. As you may know, we are looking for as many people as possible to join the hospitals In addition, whether they were addressed as a member. By 2013 we want around 13,000 people like you to have joined! We their ward inspections by their titles – Mr or Mrs - if this was what are on target with 10,200 members to date but need your help. they had requested. Some aspects need more Please use the form provided to encourage a friend or family member to join the As well as representing your views as members, Governors carry out a number of other key attention. Another privacy check was whether Foundation Trust Membership and both names will be popped in a free prize draw to win doctors or staff speaking to a patient, spoke a Marks and Spencer gift voucher up to the value of £20. The winner will be notified and roles. One new development has seen Governors carry out unannounced ward inspections so quietly. Some doctors spoke more loudly than result published in the next edition of the newsletter. they can see standards of care for themselves. The aim is that they can assure themselves, and necessary. We noted that no patients needed to use the buzzers for attention as their needs Membership Form (to be filled out by new member) you, of the care patients are receiving. were met by the staff. Janet Walker, Public Governor for the South Mersey area, reports on the first visit to one of the Our last observation was the administration of medication. This included staff giving the Name:-...... wards at Warrington Hospital. medication to the patient with a cup or beaker Address:-...... of water and checking the patient took their As Governors, we have always felt we should from the director of nursing, David Melia, which randomly selected ward we were to medication, with help if needed...... be able to inspect wards and departments we had drafted out a tick sheet of what we visit. I had kept this secret right to the last in the hospitals using our knowledge of wanted to observe in and around the ward minute and only a handful of people knew Patient feedback and ...... hospital regulations and standards, gained and pertinent questions to ask. which day we would arrive. other findings ...... Postcode:-...... during our terms of office. This is in our Four governors took part in this The comments from patients were of how capacity as ‘critical friends’ holding the Unannounced visits inspection, Chris Kenyon, Jean Pownall, Helen wonderful the staff were, how hard they Phone/Email:-...... board to account. are essential Reay and myself. worked and how caring they were. Patients After researching how to inspect, and The visits must be unannounced to ensure The Care Quality Commission advises that also praised the cleanliness of the ward. ✁ Gender: ❏ Male ❏ Female Date of Birth:-...... reading Care Quality Commission Guidelines what we observe are normal procedures we should not try to cover all aspects of care There were one or two comments on staff and reports and talking to governors in Trusts and activities. Until we left the Membership in one visit. very occasionally making more noise than Ethnic Group: who already carry out inspections, we felt we Office for our first inspection at the end of I had decided that nutrition – food and necessary, particularly at night. were ready to launch. With considerable help October, I was the only person who knew water – were the most important things to Staff observed Infection Control measures White: ❏ British ❏ Irish ❏ Other look at. These problems have led to extreme at all times, and ward staff were meticulous ❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ distress to patients at other hospitals. We in this. Mixed: W & B Caribbean W & B African W & Asian Other arrived at Ward A5 at Warrington just before However, medical staff were not so Black: ❏ Caribbean ❏ African ❏ Other lunch and ward sister Sue Lewis greeted us. meticulous, and our report, submitted after When we explained who we were, she invited Asian: ❏ Indian ❏ Pakistani ❏ Bangladeshi ❏ Other the visit remarked on this. The medical director us in with a smile and provided us with chairs and director of nursing are taking steps to ❏ ❏ ❏ at strategic points of one in each of three bays Other: Chinese Other I’d rather not say tighten up on this. and one in the main corridor of the ward. Declaration: Outcomes and plans Our observations I want to be a member of the Warrington and Halton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. One or two minor comments on areas The first impression of the ward was of I am not a member of staff. I am happy for you to use this information. how dazzlingly clean it was, with no clutter. for improvement were in our report that we Members of staff greeted us with smiles and submitted immediately after the visit and the ’hellos’ as they passed us. The ward was staff are working to improve these aspects. We very busy as there were a large number of came away with the sense of a very caring, Signed:-...... Date:-...... efficient, and happy team of nurses, carers, discharges and admissions the whole time we Thank you for taking the time to register. Your details will be held on a confidential database in accordance were there. ancillary staff, and of course, ward manager. with the Data Protection Act 1998. NHS Foundation trusts are required to publish a publicity available The staff were always within call. We observed staff preparing patients for register of members. If you do not want your name to appear on the public register please tick this box: ❏ lunch with a bell announcing time to hand We shared the report with the ward whilst it wash and toilet visit. Staff assisted those unable was hot off the press, and they were delighted to go to the bathrooms. They made everyone with the comments and have it pinned on Existing Members Name:-...... comfortable, and the ward team brought the their notice board. The governors felt this meals in. Staff checked all patients to ensure was a very worthwhile experience, as we Postcode:-...... they could manage their meal, with packets carried with us many years of experience in of sandwiches opened, and patients assisted nursing, and as patients. Governors will carry Please return to: Membership Office, FREEPOST, Warrington Hospital, ✁ if needed. Sufficient drinking water was within out inspections on randomly chosen wards at Lovely Lane, Warrington, WA5 1QG Janet Walker carries out the survey with staff on ward A5 reach, and some poured into the bedside cups, regular intervals. 6 yourhospitals Winter 2011 Issue 9 Winter 2011 Issue 9 yourhospitals 7 Carers survey Baby friendly Do you look after someone? Please take our carers survey If you provide unpaid support to family your own health can suffer as a result. It could To help us understand your needs better Breastfeeding gets the ‘Baby Friendly’ or friends who could not manage without even lead to you not being able to care for and to find out how well we are supporting your help, you‘re considered to be a carer. your loved one any longer. you at the moment, we would be very grateful Perhaps you’re caring for a relative, partner To try and make sure that this doesn’t if you could give us a few minutes of your time or friend who’s ill, frail or disabled; on stamp of approval happen, it’s vital that you get all the support by completing our Carers Survey. the other hand, the person you look after you need and that you can also look after your You can fill out the survey by going The hospitals have just passed Stage 2 maternity hospitals to implement ‘Ten hospitals scored 100% on three points and could have a mental health condition or be own health. With this in mind, the Foundation on-line and visiting www.surveymonkey. addicted to drugs or alcohol. Trust is now working to support you as a carer, UNICEF UK Baby Friendly assessment, Steps to Successful Breastfeeding’. It 83% on the other two. Of course, to you, it may perfectly natural whether you are coming to the hospital for your com/s/whhcarers which assessed staff skills and knowledge means that our staff follow all the right Sarah McCormack, Warrington’s to look after someone close to you. But caring own health issues or you are accompanying If you need a hard copy of the survey to on breastfeeding. The Baby Friendly steps and guidance in supporting mums in Infant Feeding Coordinator said “This is an for someone can be tiring and stressful so that the person you look after. complete please call us on 01925 664222. Initiative is a worldwide programme of the the hospital and in the community. outstanding achievement by all the hospital World Health Organization and UNICEF. It All our teams of Health Professionals - teams. A lot of hard work, commitment was first established in 1992 to encourage which included paediatricians, neonatal and enthusiasm has gone into making staff, midwives and carers have all completed sure we’re breastfeeding friendly. This is an “This is an outstanding the UNICEF assessment. 25 members of extremely important achievement for local Third of shoppers find risks staff were interviewed for the assessment by women and their babies because it ensures achievement by all the the UNICEF assessors, who visited the Trust that they are getting the best information after stroke event Hospital Teams.” in November. Of the five competences the and support there is.” Over a third of shoppers who had free case of emergency. stroke awareness check-ups found that Public Governors Jean Pownall, David Bosom buddies are supporting new mums they had blood pressure readings that Trowbridge and the membership officer could be a cause for concern. As part Gayle Healey were also there to support A group of local women The scheme launched in of World Stroke Day on Saturday 29th the Stroke Association and to promote are celebrating becoming 2009. There are now 17 active October Warrington Hospital and the the Foundation Trust membership and its ‘bosom buddies’ after Bosom Buddies at the hospital Stroke Association held a special ‘stroke benefits. 60 people joined on the day. completing a course helping with nine more in training. shop’ at Golden Square shopping centre. Around 150,000 people in the UK have them support new mums Melanie Hudson, Head Of the 302 shoppers who had a check on a stroke each year - one person every five with breastfeeding at of Midwifery and Children’s the day, 112 found they had raised blood minutes. Stroke is now the third most Warrington Hospital. Services at Warrington and pressure. 40 people were advised to make common cause of death in the UK, but can As part of the hospital’s Halton Hospitals said: an appointment with their GP within a week. be prevented if people understand the risks Bosom Buddies breastfeeding “These ladies have put in A further 72 were told to visit their GP within and take action to reduce them. 40% of all support scheme, six women a great deal of time and a month. strokes could be prevented through simple have completed a 13-week effort and are helping to lifestyle changes such as healthy eating, 12 doctors from the hospital joined the course which trains women make a difference. They give regular blood pressure checks, stopping Stroke Association staff through the day Association in Warrington said, who have breastfed or have a valuable help and support to carry out the checks. Shoppers also had smoking and cutting alcohol intake. passion about breastfeeding to “The sad fact is that one in every six people to new mothers and to our the opportunity to find out about stroke The trust provides a stroke service that the help support other parents. around the world will have a stroke. It is a midwives in helping as many risk factors, signs and how to act fast in the Royal College of Physicians rates as in the of our 3,300 babies born scary statistic but one that we can change. Jill Higham, Natalie Quinn, top 25% in the UK. It provides emergency here each year get the benefits People can make changes to reduce it. This Jacqueline Nutt, Terry Power, If you run a group or a meeting and rehabilitation care on the wards. This Lucy Mort and Lauren Sheen of breastfeeding.” is alongside a community service that aims event showed just how many people have and would like the Foundation a blood pressure that could be a cause for are now putting their skills into Breast milk is the ideal to get stroke survivors back home with the practice. They provide support concern. We want to urge everyone to take baby food. It has the perfect Trust recruitment team to right support where possible. on the wards after birth to five minutes to know your blood pressure combination of proteins, fats, come down and speak to your The hospital works closely with The Stroke help new mums with carbohydrate, and fluids that The latest bosom buddies. Back row - Terry, Lucy and Lauren. because it could save your life. We’re Association who provide emotional support breastfeeding skills and newborn babies require. On Front row - Jill, Natalie and Jacqueline. members, just let us know. We extremely grateful to Golden Square for and practical information on the wards. technique, answer questions average, breastfed babies are not breastfed. The If you are interested in work with schools, GP practices, They also play a key role in helping stroke supporting us and hopefully the people who and can give impartial advice. have fewer infections in main reason for this is that becoming a Bosom Buddy and clubs and other organisations survivors and their families at home and came along can now take steps to reduce The Bosom Buddies also their early life. In particular, antibodies and other proteins can help and support mothers and are happy to come along. in the community as they continue their their blood pressure.” work in community groups they have less diarrhoea are passed in the breast Call Gayle or Helen on 01925 journey back to life after a stroke. More information on The Stroke outside the hospital across and vomiting, chest milk from mother to baby. please contact Sarah or Jayne 664222 to discuss. Jane Guy, Information, Advice and Association can be found at www.stroke. Warrington, Runcorn, Widnes infections, and ear infections These help to protect on 07760 173145 or email Support Coordinator for The Stroke org.uk and further afield. compared to babies who against infection. [email protected] 8 yourhospitals Winter 2011 Issue 9 Winter 2011 Issue 9 yourhospitals 9 Open Day Open Day

Hospital opens it doors to our members! The endoscopy tour gave a whole new view of the hospitals! Staff from A&E teach youngsters how to do some basic first aid A big thank you from the Governors and staff to the 500 members Members meeting shows progress that and friends who came to the first open day at Warrington Hospital on a wet and windy Saturday 17th September. has been made We hope that next year we will have bigger and better events at The Annual Members Meeting of Foundation Trusts has to be both Halton & Warrington, retaining free parking for all. organised by the Governors Council. The 60 members who attended It was great that Chris Riley of Warrington Wolves joined us for after the open day were provided with a full review of last year’s the day, especially as it was just hours after a bruising play off victory. performance, which showed the Trust was making good progress He joined with chairman Allan Massey and chief executive Mel Pickup on its key objective of delivering high quality, safe healthcare, whilst to visit all 50 stands, including having his blood pressure taken and remaining financially strong. joining the hospital tours. Allan Massey welcomed everyone to the meeting, with presentations given by Mel Pickup on the challenges of handling “It was great that all the shops and 480,000 appointments and treatments, with 4,000 staff, and the increasing demands of the health economy. Jonathan Stephens catering outlets were opened in the director of finance, confirmed that the Trust had a turnover of main foyer and the education centre almost £200million and, by good management achieved a surplus for future investment, whilst meeting all the quality and clinical which helped create a real buzz around objectives set by the board. the stands.” A review of the progress achieved by Governors with the trust management on implementing the membership strategy presented There were over 50 stalls at the event The tours of theatres, endoscopy, maternity and catering, had over at last year’s meeting, showed recruitment was on plan but more Members on the surgery tour see the range of instruments we use 200 visitors, and comments from both members and staff showed engagement is needed with members through Your Hospitals, Your everyone really enjoyed the experience. Health Events and the Volunteering programme being planned. As well as the fun stalls such as face painting, roundabout, and ice Report by Peter Cotton, public governor. Our Charity - creams for the children, and the many health related stands, plus the bluegrass musical performances of Northern Connections, giving something supported by the Radio General hospital radio. We raised over £700 for charitable causes on the day. back to the hospitals It was great that all the shops and catering outlets were opened Give us your ideas in the main foyer and the education centre which helped create a The Open Day event raised over £700 for charity – thank real buzz around the stands and helped people keep warm and dry – Did you attend the open day? Please give us you for your generosity. The Foundation Trust has its own most of the time! your feedback and tell us how we can make charitable fund that allows people to donate to their hospitals Thanks are due to the WRVS, League of Friends Warrington and the day better next year. and helps fund new equipment, services and items that the Friends of Halton for manning the Welcome Desk, the Tombolas improve the hospital for our patients, visitors and staff. and other stalls. In addition the Membership Office was open for all What kind of tours and events would you The Warrington and Halton Hospitals Charitable Fund plays a with membership officer Gayle Healey and Governors enabling us to like to see? key role in supporting our staff develop services and helps buy recruit new members and answer any questions. equipment and facilities that normal NHS budgets cannot always We started the planning for the Open Day in July with the theme let us know by emailing foundation@whh. cover. We need your help to raise funds that benefit patients and Your Hospital, Your Health at the Heart of Community and the aim nhs.uk or calling us on 01925 664222. staff. We are a registered charity number 1051858. was to let our members find out a bit more about their hospitals. It is now even easier to donate to your local hospitals through JustGiving.com and your donation goes straight to the fund so it can be put to use in the hospitals. Simply visit us on the link below www.justgiving.com/warringtonandhaltonhospitals Chris Riley from the Warrington Wolves gets a blood pressure check 10 yourhospitals Winter 2011 Issue 9 Winter 2011 Issue 9 yourhospitals 11 Halton updates Endoscopy Halton General X-ray to remain open on evenings and weekends Endoscopy gains prestigious The trust will continue to provide evening and weekend X-ray services at Halton General Hospital. Initial proposals had considered national accreditation closing x-ray services at 5pm during the week as well as stopping the service over the The trust’s endoscopy unit has received a complies with all the standards. experience, but it is an essential part of weekend. The changes were looked at as part national seal of approval with a prestigious The Warrington Hospital unit, which won modern medicine. Hopefully, the of a cost reducing exercise due to the small quality accreditation. accreditation will assure patients that number of X-rays clinically needed out of hours an award for its design at the Cheshire at the hospital. An endoscopy is a procedure where the Built in Quality Awards, opened its doors in they are safe in our care and that we are inside of your body is examined internally January 2010. providing a quality service with comfortable Following discussions with local GPs and staff accommodation and highly trained staff. at the hospital, the department will be open using a sophisticated telescope called an The accreditation marks the start of an 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 11am to endoscope. The unit, which provides around exciting time for endoscopy at Warrington The new status also provides us with an 3pm at weekends. An operation underway 8,000 endoscopic procedures a year, has and Halton Hospitals. It opens up new opportunity to expand our services and we hope to be awarded Bowel Cancer During the day, X-ray supports theatre and in the theatres at Halton been given full accreditation from the Joint opportunities to expand and further outpatient services at the hospital as well as Advisory Group (JAG) after their team improve services as it is required to provide Screening accreditation in the near future so minor injuries. Out of hours, it is under-used carried out an inspection in August. The JAG certain procedures. It also reassures that we become a centre for the expanded when compared to other areas as on average programme aims to ensure the quality and patients that the unit provides high quality, national screening programme.” only one x-ray an hour is carried out after 5pm. Need surgery? Choose Halton! safety of patient care in the UK and assesses safe healthcare with a strong focus on The new times will still ensure that local Members are being urged to choose Halton before surgery. This reduces the risk to them all endoscopy units in the country against a maintaining patient dignity and providing patients using the Minor Injuries Unit at the General Hospital if they need a hospital and to other patients. series of strict standards. services in comfortable surroundings. hospital in the early evening can access x-rays Dr Subramaniam Ramakrishnan, if they are needed but also help the hospitals outpatient appointment for possible A whole range of general surgery, ear The assessment is based on a number Consultant Gastroenterologist and reduce the overall cost of the service. The routine surgery. nose and throat, breast, vascular and other of factors such as staffing, quality of care, service only loses an hour of cover during the The hospital provides a range of NHS procedures are now performed at Halton patient comfort, training, unit design, Clinical Lead in Endoscopy at Warrington week as it currently runs until 9pm. inpatient and outpatient services but is a General. Complex procedures (that might cleaning standards of the equipment Hospital says: Simon Wright, chief operating officer at local centre of excellence for routine surgery. need intensive care and other support), used and the length of time patients wait “Patients can sometimes feel anxious Warrington and Halton Hospitals, said: The majority of simple day case and routine children’s surgery and orthopaedic procedures between referral and diagnosis. The JAG visit about coming for an endoscopy. Let’s are carried out at Warrington Hospital. “We have had to look at the cost in the procedures performed by our surgeons are in August confirmed that the hospital unit be honest, it’s not the most pleasant Dr Ramakrishnan in the endoscopy unit. economic climate but have been able to come performed at Halton General now. If you need to be referred to hospital up with this sensible solution. We have worked for an NHS appointment and possible with local GPs and local councillors to come Short waiting times for surgery surgery, you can ask to be booked at up with this solution to the challenge. The We can offer short waiting times for most Halton under the ‘Choose and Book’ Need to cancel an new times mean that we can operate a more surgery. Most operations are well within the service at your local GPs who can advise Winter weather efficient service with little impact on patients. recommended 18-week waiting time from you on the choices you have. appointment? Do it online! going to your GP to having your actual surgery. “There’s been talk from some people that information from We know that getting through the hospital switchboard to This includes your outpatient appointment Halton Hospital has borne the brunt of cuts Recent patient comments on cancel or change an outpatient appointment can sometimes be but that is not the case. There is more surgery and any scans and tests you need as well. You Warrington Council difficult. Because of the volume of calls we have, it often takes than ever taking place at the hospital, we can often have your outpatient appointment their experience at Halton several attempts to get through. are opening extra rehabilitation beds on the within just two or three weeks of being referred General from the national NHS If the snowy weather conditions • Giving support to leave In response to your feedback we have introduced a new, simple site and always seek alternatives to having to by your GP. Most first outpatient appointments system using our website www.warringtonandhaltonhospitals.nhs.uk reduce services. It’s important that local people are available at Halton and GPs can book you Choices website (www.nhs.uk) return this year, Warrington your home. On the front page there is now a simple link where you use the services at the hospital.” in at the hospital where this is possible. Borough Council will again “The consultant was The helpline will remain open can click and fill in a few details from your appointment letter. Our The Minor Injuries Unit will still open from The hospital is also well rated by patients. be operating its severe friendly, professional and during normal office hours staff will do the rest for you and either cancel the appointment or 9am to 10pm every day. It provides treatment Over 90 per cent of patients who have left weather helpline to provide contact you with a new date. for less serious injuries. These include sprains, polite. Well done to all the essential assistance to those whilst the weather is severe - feedback on the NHS Choices website about people involved. If only some fractures, cuts and grazes. their care at Halton General would recommend who need it most, particularly 01925 442244. An emergency every hospital visit was the services to friends and family. A recent visit older people and those with out of hours service will also like this one!” Update on the from the health watchdog, the Care Quality poor mobility. operate in the evenings, Treatment Centre Commission, found that the hospital was “The staff were lovely plus I had a laugh weekends and on bank holidays meeting all national standards around privacy, while in there, so it made my stay a lot It can be used for: - 01925 444400. As mentioned in the last edition of Your better. I had a breast cancer op and the • Help with delivery of shopping Hospitals, the trust has expressed its interest dignity and nutrition for patients. Should schools in Warrington in running some surgical services from the theatre staff were wonderful as well.” • Pension collection and have to close due to the former Independent Sector Treatment Centre Low infection rates “From start to finish this hospital has payment of bills weather, or bin collections be Because high-risk emergency care doesn’t building on the Halton Campus. This could be in been brilliant. Staff friendliness, docs, happen at Halton, it has an excellent infection • Prescription collection and affected, details will be displayed partnership with providing other services from theatre staff, information - the whole delivery. on the council’s website – local GPs in the building as well. record with virtually no hospital infections in recent years. This makes it ideal for surgery. All thing was faultless.” www.warrington.gov.uk/winter We are still yet to hear about the outcomes It can’t be used for: of the public consultation around the centre patients across both hospitals are screened for “Best NHS hospital I’ve Halton Borough Council advise and when a decision is likely to be made around hospital infection in advance. If any signs of ever been in, fantastic staff • Fixing boiler and water people to check their website the centre’s future. We will keep you updated as it are picked up (many people naturally carry on the day case unit - a supply problems for all their Winter updates – soon as we do. some of the bugs that can cause infection), credit to the NHS.” • Clearing paths and driveways www.halton.gov.uk staff take steps to make sure they are clear 12 yourhospitals Winter 2011 Issue 9 Winter 2011 Issue 9 yourhospitals 13 Going green Choose Well Going green at High quality, safe healthcare – how we’re improving your care at the hospitals the hospitals Our vision at the hospitals is to deliver cent. With MRSA we have had three cases so High Quality, Safe Healthcare to all of far this year. This means that two more cases The You might not see it as you go round the “The replacement system our patients. We reported in previous would put us above our target for the year. director of wards and departments, but your hospitals editions of Your Hospital on how we have This will be challenging to meet due to the A&E at Warrington Hospital should be your last are going green behind the scenes. has the advantage of put a range of quality measures in place small number of target cases but a range of nursing’s port of call for minor ailments. Hospitals use a lot of energy. If you think benefitting from recent to ensure that we deliver this vision. actions have been put in place to adopt best view of the expense of heating a home, multiply It looks at a range of key factors that practice measures. that by 600 beds and the multiple improvements in boiler help us measure the safety and quality 2. Pressure ulcers It is so important Choose Well departments and offices that a busy hospital technology. This results in in the hospitals and includes factors such that we accurately operates! Last year the trust’s water bill was reductions in both carbon as infection rates, cases of pressure sores, We are committed to reducing avoidable measure these £348,900, gas £678,790 and electricity a this winter patient falls in the hospital, ensuring safe pressure ulcers (bed sores) on our wards. kinds of quality whopping £977,270. emissions and energy costs.” surgery and more. They happen when patients are immobile indicators in the Warrington Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Like all major companies and public sector Department staff are asking people to take care These are key indicators that reassure and the skin rubs against another surface hospital. It shows how putting organisations, the hospitals have to look at achieve similar reductions again this year. this winter, enjoy the festive celebrations safely and (such as a sheet or bed). We have set a 30 clear actions in place can reducing their carbon footprint and working In fact the Display Energy Certificate (DEC) patients and we wanted to update you to use emergency health services sensibly. on how we are doing during the per cent reduction target for grade 3 and 4 reduce incidences of infection, in an environmentally friendly way. This also energy ratings for most of the Trust buildings Warrington and Halton Hospitals NHS 2011-2012 year so you can measure our (severe) pressure ulcers by taking every step pressure ulcers and falls that helps the trust reduce costs as well. improved this year. Foundation Trust’s A&E sees around 1,500 patients progress. We are now two thirds of the to avoid these ulcers forming. can cause harm to patients. Earlier this year the trust successfully A range of energy efficiency schemes a week. During the festive season this figure usually • So far this year there completed the 2010/11 NHS Carbon are planned to support the work. You may way through the year. “We have put a range of increases by a further 15% (175), leading to further Management Programme operated by the have noticed that at Warrington Hospital, have been 16 grade 3 improvements in place and pressures on staff and putting seriously ill patients Carbon Trust. Under this programme, the trust the hospital’s landmark towering chimney 1. Infection control pressure ulcers we are moving in the right at additional risk. calculates a baseline Carbon Footprint for disappeared form the skyline last year. That’s The two well know hospital acquired • Our target so far this year is direction this year. There is a The trust is supporting the Choose Well campaign emissions that includes our energy use, waste, because the trust has put in place new natural infections are MRSA and C-difficile. We to have no more than 17 of major focus from myself and which aims to help people make the right choice and even the carbon impact of travel that we gas/gas oil fired low-pressure hot water boilers. have stringent targets to help us ensure these ulcers ✓ my senior nursing team on about where to go for advice and treatment and undertake on trust business. These are much more energy efficient systems we reduce these infections to low levels. This means we are on target to reduce the our MRSA target. To only that the Accident and Emergency department is that deliver heating and hot water throughout just that and not for toothaches, earaches and The trust has developed a detailed A lot of progress has taken place over total number of severe pressure ulcers by 30 have four cases in a year is strategic five year Carbon Management Plan. large parts of the hospital. stubbed toes. recent years. Overall infection rates have per cent this year. challenging, but it is a standard Our aim is to reduce our carbon footprint by It means a reduction in over 750 tonnes fallen by over 80 per cent in the last we have to meet. There are alternative services you can use, to a minimum of 30% by the end of March of carbon emissions per year. This in turn will four years. “I report to the Governors ease pressures on the hospitals this winter. 2015. An impressive 5% reduction in carbon equate to an annual saving of over £100,000 3. Falls on our progress through our Self-care - Self-care is the best choice to treat very emissions was achieved during the first on energy costs. We are committed to reducing the number MRSA regular quality committee. minor illnesses and injuries. A range of common year of the plan and the trust is on track to Specialist Services Manager Marcus of falls in hospital that cause harm to • So far this year there It is supported through their winter illnesses and injuries can be treated at home Summers is the man whose role includes patients. When a patient is unwell in an simply by combining a well stocked medicine have been three cases new programme of wards Out with the old and in energy management at the hospitals. He says, unfamiliar environment, or are getting back cabinet and plenty of rest. of hospital acquired visits which you can read with the new. The new “The replacement system has the advantage to health and used to being mobile again, chimney (foreground) is MRSA (from April 2011 about elsewhere in this issue. www.nhs.uk or NHS Direct 0845 46 47 - For of benefitting from recent improvements in falls are more likely. We have put a system internet information on all aspects of health and half the height of the old up to November 2011) Reporting our progress back to boiler technology. This results in reductions in in place to ensure that patients have their health care, go to www.nhs.uk. It allows you to chimney at the hospital. both carbon emissions and energy costs. For • Our target for the year is ✓ you as members risk of falling assessed so we can take steps check your symptoms, check hundreds of conditions a vast majority of staff, patients and visitors, no more than four cases is vital and I hope to minimise it. and treatments and find telephone numbers and the initial difference will be difficult to see, • Last year (2010-2011) you are reassured addresses for most NHS organisations, including • So far this year there have however behind the scenes there’s a much there were five cases by the work that hospitals and GP’s. more energy efficient process taking place.” been 22 cases of patients in total we have in place. Pharmacist - Visit your pharmacy when you are falling in hospital that A number of exiting energy saving schemes suffering from a common winter health problem have caused more than David Melia are currently planned for the near future. C-diff that does not require being seen by a nurse or These will range from installing more energy • So far this year there minor harm doctor. Your pharmacist can provide advice on efficient / improved lighting to even potentially have been 24 cases • Our target so far this year ✓ common winter illnesses and the best medicines generating our own electricity on site. of hospital acquired is to have no more than Look out for our new to treat them. ‘Helping Hands’ “Hospitals are large employers and large C-diff. 50 falls GP - If you have an illness or injury that just will infection control energy users,” says Marcus, “We have to play not go away, make an appointment with your • Our target for the year is • Last year there were 55 campaign launching our role in reducing carbon emissions and local GP. They provide a range of services no more than 54 cases ✓ such falls in total. in the New Year and working in the most energy efficient way by appointment, including medical advice, make sure you play possible. Most of the changes are behind • Last year there were This means we are on target to reduce the examinations and prescriptions. GP out of hours your part in helping us the scenes but each year we’ll be able to 65 cases. number of falls in hospital by more than 10 services are available from Monday – Friday 6.00pm reduce infections! demonstrate the difference we are making in We are doing well against C-diff. We are per cent this year. The number of falls causing – 8.00am and weekends and public holidays – 24 reducing our carbon emissions and our energy on target to reduce cases by a further 10 per severe harm has also dropped. hours. Telephone: 650999 consumption / costs.” 14 yourhospitals Winter 2011 Issue 9 Winter 2011 Issue 9 yourhospitals 15 Your PALS Alcohol awareness New outpatient clinics at Your PALS at Culcheth the hospitals People living in and around Culcheth can now access some hospital outpatient services closer to home. We are here to help when you need provide, guiding you, your family, friends or The trust has started to provide clinic advice, have concerns, or don’t know where carers through the different services available services from the Culcheth Clinic facility to turn. within the NHS. on Jackson Avenue. It means that patients PALS stand for Patient Advice and Liaison PALS can act as mediator to help solve any can have their initial appointment with a Service. It is an independent and confidential problems you encounter in the hospitals. We hospital specialist without having to travel service offering on –the –spot help with any can provide advice and information about to Warrington or Halton. questions or concerns you may have whilst support services that might help you or your Initially, the service is providing clinics you are being cared for by our hospitals. relatives when you leave hospital. in paediatrics (children’s services) and Coming to hospital can be difficult time and Last year 1,253 people in Warrington and colorectal services. This will expand into as a patient, relative or carer sometimes you Halton Hospitals received assistance from our elderly care, diabetes, rheumatology and may need to turn to someone for help, advice PALS Service. ear dressing services in the coming weeks. Alcohol attendances on the rise at hospital or support. This is where the Patient Advice PALS also helps the hospitals to improve and Liaison Service comes in. “We’re really pleased to services by listening to what matters to Here’s a sobering thought as we enter people’s behaviours as they don’t see it as a “The work across We help you to address any problems or patients and their loved ones and making the festive season. Figures released by problem, but in many cases it is having a real introduce this service at concerns you may have about the care we changes, where appropriate. Warrington and Halton Hospitals have impact on their health.” Warrington has led to Culcheth which we hope The service aims to: shown that alcohol is an attributable factor Alcohol related admissions to hospital have some significant reductions in around half of all hospital admissions risen by 22% in the last year in Warrington, will prove popular with PALS also helps the our • Advise and support patients, relatives each year. in admissions and and carers but specialists say that this rise is actually local patients.” hospitals to improve services The figures from the alcohol liaison team much lower than many other parts of the attendances and better • Provide information on our hospital services look at alcohol in relation to all diseases country. In some other areas there have been support for these patients.” Local GPs can refer their patients to by listening to what matters • Listen to your compliments, comments, and emergency attendances. They show rises of up to 145%. the new services through the ‘Choose to patients and their loved concerns and complaints that over 20,000 hospital cases a year are and Book’ system once they decide that The hospital introduced alcohol screening • Help address any difficulties quickly on linked to alcohol. These include the effects of several years ago where patients who come patients there has been a 37% reduction in the patient needs a hospital opinion. ones and making changes, intoxication but also longer term problems such your behalf in are asked about their alcohol use so that attendances at A&E and a 53% reduction Current clinic schedules are paediatrics where appropriate. as liver disease and heart problems, diabetes in admissions to hospital wards. It is believed on alternate Wednesday afternoons • Refer you on to external organisations they can be provided with advice and support complications, certain types of cancers and if needed. that this could have halved the overall cost to and the colorectal service once a month that might be able to offer support and blood pressure problems. the health service. on Thursdays. assistance where appropriate Jim continued, “We want to be able to help The hospital has worked in partnership with It is part of the hospital’s drive to people understand more about the impacts of We act confidentially when handling patient community teams, social services, housing work with GPs to look at opportunities to drinking. Many people are willing to change and family concerns, liaising with medical “We all need to look at and alcohol and drugs support agencies to provide services in the community where when they know a little more about the staff, managers and other to solve problems our own alcohol use and damage that it can cause to their health. We reduce attendances and admissions. The the right facilities are in place. The trust and provide prompt solutions. has been providing some outpatient think how it may be try and see as many people as possible so we aim has been to provide more community services at Newton Community Hospital can talk to them and give them guidance.” based support to provide early intervention How to contact PALS affecting our health.” and support to prevent the need for the for some time and non-maternity The PALS Service is available Monday to ultrasound services at Stockton Heath Action can make a difference patients to go to A&E and into the hospital. Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm. Outside these hours On a brighter note, action to support those By putting better support packages in place, Medical Centre. One in every six fractures and broken bones a 24 hour voicemail service is available and a people with severe alcohol dependency is when the patients do attend the hospital they Chris Knights, director of business seen at A&E at Warrington Hospital are alcohol member of the PALS team will call you back as making a real difference. Warrington and are flagged and the alcohol liaison team can development and strategy at Warrington related and around one in three blood pressure soon as possible. Halton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has and Halton Hospitals, said: problems can be linked to alcohol use. Staff intervene with the aim of preventing the need  PALS direct telephone: 01925 275 512 have urged people to take a close look at their pioneered a range of work that has reduced for them to be admitted into hospital. “We’re really pleased to introduce regular admissions from alcohol dependent this service at Culcheth which we hope (Warrington), 01928 753 507 (Halton) own alcohol intake and the impact that it can Jim Higgins, said, “The work has have on their health. Christmas and New Year patients at the hospitals by more than half led to some significant reductions will prove popular with local patients. It  Via switchboard 01925 635 911 ask over the last year. means that if they live in the area and for bleep sadly sees a rise in alcohol related injuries. in admissions and attendances and Figures released in 2010 showed that a core better support for these patients. What the towns nearby they have the option  E-mail: [email protected] “We all need to look at our own alcohol to get their specialist appointment locally use and think how it may be affecting our of 96 people with severe alcohol dependency we have to remember is that these without having to travel to hospital. We The PALS Office is open 9am to 5pm health, said Jim Higgins, alcohol liaison nurse issues accounted for 583 admissions at the patients are ill and have an addiction and are bringing the expertise of the hospital Monday to Friday and is located in the specialist at the hospital, “We tend to focus hospital - costing up to £1.7 million based on dependency that needs the right care. They to them. front entrance of Warrington Hospital near on people who are reliant on alcohol when the price of treatment and an average stay don’t just attend hospital for the sake of it, in hospital of around 10 days each admission. “We’re working closely with GPs to look the shops and restaurant. We also provide we think of the impact, but this is only a they have a real medical problem which in at opportunities like this to make services a service at Halton General Hospital on small part of the overall problem. People aged Latest figures have shown significant some cases means they do need admission, as convenient as possible.” Ward A1 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from between 30 and 50 account for the majority improvements. Thanks to a package of but in many cases we can provide that Sue Milling-Kelly is the trust’s PALS officer. 9.00am – 1.00pm. of cases seen. It can be hard to change hospital and community support for these support outside the hospital.” 16 yourhospitals Winter 2011 Issue 9 Contact details Letters to the Governors Welcome to a new feature where readers can send letters to their Governors. Send your Governor any questions, ideas and queries to [email protected] – or via Membership Office, Warrington Hospital, Lovely Lane, Warrington WA5 1QG

Dear Governor Dear Governor I wrote to my Governor earlier this year saying that I felt it was I am writing to enquire if there are any plans to improve the a disgrace the number of cigarette ends lying around the entries parking facilities at Warrington Hospital. I am a member of the to the Warrington Hospital buildings and in the grounds – which Foundation Trust and I would like to raise the issue as it does are stated to be NO Smoking. I saw there was an improvement have an impact upon people attending outpatient appointments and visiting family and friends in hospital. I have visited the at the Open Day and I hope it is planned to now keep the areas hospital three times in the last two months and every time we clear and stop people smoking in the Hospital grounds. have struggled to find a parking space. It was not such a huge Yours sincerely inconvenience for my niece but I am a 76yr old lady with limited N. Dobson, Lymm mobility. We had to park quite a distance from the entrance across an uneven road. Could you please tell me if there are any Your Governors respond: We have picked up this issue with plans to improve these facilities? the trust management and a range of actions are being Yours sincerely undertaken. The bigger problem is that people breach the A. Young smoking regulations even though the majority of visitors know that smoking isn’t allowed on the hospital grounds. Your Governors respond: This was one of the first major issues we picked up from member feedback and in the New Year the New signage is being developed to be clear to patients hospitals are changing the way that parking works with more and visitors, ‘talking boxes’ at the entrances which remind spaces being reserved for patients and visitors rather than for staff visitors not to smoke are in place and more regular smoking parking. New barrier controls are being put in place on the main patrols are being established. This also includes more regular car parks as well as new short stay parking areas and an increase in litter patrols around the entrances. disabled parking spaces. This is due to happen in February 2012. Your contacts and useful numbers at the hospitals

Membership and Governors General hospital information To contact us about any membership queries or to Warrington Hospital switchboard –  01925 635911 contact your Public Governor please: Halton General Hospital switchboard –  01928 714567 Telephone the membership office on:  01925 664222 General hospital enquiries –  [email protected]

Write to your governor care of: Accident and Emergency is available 24 hours a day, 365 Membership Office days a year at Warrington Hospital for serious and life Warrington Hospital threatening conditions. Lovely Lane Warrington WA5 1QG At Halton General, the minor injuries unit is open from 9am to 10pm every day for treatment of less serious injuries including Email us at: sprains, fractures, cuts and eye problems for local residents.  [email protected] For general health advice and information contact NHS Direct Don’t forget, member news and information is also available on  0845 4647. Your GP will also run an out of hours service for on our website: health problems which may not need urgent A&E care out  www.warringtonandhaltonhospitals.nhs.uk/members.asp of hours.

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