TALKING

POINT September 2013

Full steam ahead for scanner appeal Talking Children’s and maternity Point is your services – have your say

magazine STAFF, patients and the public can gave the go-ahead for the consultation to begin. and it have their say this month when the Chief clinical officer for Hambleton, formal public consultation around Richmondshire and Whitby CCG, Dr Vicky is only children’s and maternity services at Pleydell, said: “Throughout the consultation we will be inviting the public to give their views on as good the Friarage begins. the two options we have put forward. There will The consultation, which runs for 12 weeks from also be the opportunity for people to suggest as you 2 September until 25 November, will involve a alternative solutions which will be considered series of public meetings and the opportunity along with all the other views collected during make it. for people to give their views through an on-line the consultation period. or paper survey. Ideas and stories or “We have discussed at length why suggestions to NHS Hambleton, Richmondshire we are not intending to consult make Talking Point and Whitby Clinical on a third option of leaving even better are Commissioning Group has the service as it is. The case always welcome. been in discussions with for change is clear, and clinicians and managers it would not be safe for Please send your at the trust for many the service to remain as ideas to: months, after senior it is currently. The editor - doctors and staff raised “The number of sick Lesley Connor concerns about the children requiring Public relations future safety and long- inpatient care and South Tees Hospitals term sustainability of the number of high NHS Foundation Trust these services. risk births are too low The James Cook This has been backed by to support such a large University Hospital an independent report medical team and provide The Murray Building by the National Clinical the level of experience they Marton Road Advisory Team (NCAT), which would need to ensure a safe MIDDLESBROUGH provides clinical experts to and high quality service.” TS4 3BW support, advise and guide the local The CCG’s preferred option would Extension: 55900 NHS on changes to services to ensure mean that the vast majority of children’s Email: lesley.connor@ safe, effective and accessible care. and maternity services at the Friarage would stees.nhs.uk The CCG held a three month engagement be retained and women would still be able You can also contact project in spring 2012 to talk to the public about to choose the Friarage for low-risk births. the public relations the issues facing these services and the possible Children would also still be assessed by the team on 01642 options for the future. appropriate clinician at the paediatric short 854343, extension Proposals drawn from the engagement phase stay assessment unit. 54343, James were then referred to the Secretary of State for Full details about the consultation are Cook or email review by the North Yorkshire Scrutiny of Health available on the CCG’s website at www. public.relations@ Committee, although in May of this year, he hambeltonrichmondshireandwhitbyccg.nhs.uk stees.nhs.uk Talking Point is written and illustrated by the public relations Public meetings team and designed by • Thirsk - Wednesday 18 September – 7pm 8.30pm – Masham Methodist Church, Octagon Marketing to 8.30pm – Thirsk Race Course, Station 34 Park Street, HG4 4HN Company Ltd. Road, YO7 1QL • Leyburn – Tuesday 8 October – 7pm • Richmond - Wednesday 25 September to 8.30pm – Tennants Auction House, – 7pm to 8.30pm – Richmond School, conference room, Harmby Road, Octagon Marketing Darlington Road, DL10 7BQ DL8 5SG Company Ltd specialise in gaining advertising • Northallerton – Saturday 28 September – • Bedale – Monday 14 October – 7pm to 10.30am to midday – Hambleton Forum, 8.30pm – Bedale Hall, North End, DL8 1AA support for magazines Bullamoor Road, DL6 1LP so Talking Point is now • Hawes – Thursday 17 October – 7pm to produced, packaged, • Catterick Garrison – Tuesday 1 October – 8.30pm - Hawes Community Primary distributed and 7pm to 8.30pm – Catterick Leisure Centre, School, Town Head, DL8 3RQ delivered at a minimal Gough Road, DL9 3EL • Stokesley – Monday 21 October – 7pm to cost to the trust. • Masham – Thursday 3 October – 7pm to 8.30pm – Town Hall, main hall, TS9 5DG

2 Full steam ahead for scanner appeal OUR ambitious appeal to raise £2million for an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scanner at the Friarage is underway! South Tees Hospitals Charity is embarking on its first major fundraising campaign – in partnership with the Friends of the Friarage – to reach its target by December 2015. And the Friends certainly got the ball rolling by pledging £250,000 at the launch, with further fundraising to follow. MRI scanners are increasingly used to diagnose a wide range of health conditions and the trust carries out over 17,000 scans every year – 4,000 of which are for patients living in the Hambleton Support: Consultant radiologist Dr Sheamus Fitzgerald (left) with the Friends of the Friarage and Richmondshire area. However, as the Friarage doesn’t support we can help ensure the hospital • Reduced waiting times remains at the forefront of patient care have an MRI scanner, North • Conditions being diagnosed for the local population.” Yorkshire patients currently travel to more quickly and faster Middlesbrough or Darlington for these Over the years, the Friends have raised treatment planning important imaging tests. hundreds of thousands of pounds for • Less travelling to other hospitals the hospital, thanks to the dedication of Paul Watkins, the charity’s head of for scans its volunteers and supporters. fundraising and volunteering, said: • Greater working with other clinical “This is one of our most important and Newly appointed chairman Lol Bailey specialties at the Friarage pressing appeals but we need £2million said: “An MRI scanner is a much-waited to make it a reality. for resource by the medical teams at • Providing the trust with the capacity to the Friarage and will be a very welcome comply with national guidelines “We’re working in partnership with addition to the diagnostic services the ‘Friends of the Friarage’, which has • Supporting clinical trials to help currently available there. pledged this incredible amount, to raise improve the trust’s research profile the remainder of the money. With public “Ultimately it will mean care closer • Reducing the need for costly to home – reducing travelling times exploratory surgery and waiting times for patients – and we’re delighted to support such a Consultant radiologist Dr Sheamus worthwhile campaign.” Fitzgerald added: “Not only will the new machine cut waiting Benefits of an MRI scanner times, it will enable us to diagnose at the Friarage include: Getting the conditions more quickly, hopefully ball rolling: Head • Providing a local leading to better health outcomes of fundraising and inpatient service for for our patients.” volunteering Paul local residents Further information is on the appeal Watkins (centre) • Increased website at www.friaragescannerappeal. with the charities radiology capacity org.uk or contact the appeal office on team across the trust extension 64936.

Front page picture: Big launch: Trust chairman Deborah Jenkins with Friends of the Friarage chairman Lol Bailey and our chief executive Professor Tricia Hart

3 Appointment ‘confirmation’ service for patients gets underway

A NEW appointment confirmation service for people attending hospital outpatient clinics at James (left to right) Nicki, sister Sarah Barody, Cook and the Friarage has diabetes care centre, Dennis Jobling, resuscitation department manager and now gone live. Adam Rahnavard While patients still receive their initial outpatient appointments by letter, they Take the CPR now get an automated call or text message six or seven challenge! days before their hospital visit, OVER 70 staff and some visitors asking them to “This system confirm their took up the cardiopulmonary appointment also makes resuscitation (CPR) challenge details. is easier for to see how effectively they This, we patients who could perform the potential life- hope, will wish to cancel or saving technique. ensure as not just rely on getting many people re-arrange their a telephone reminder.” Staff from the resuscitation department as possible joined Adam Rahnavard from Zoll to host appointments.” The new service aims to: get the care the informal and fun event at the Friarage and treatment • Improve patient services and James Cook hospitals. they need and • Reduce DNA (did Congratulations to Sekai Sengwe, student also makes it easier for not attend) rates cardiac physiologist, cardiology, who patients who wish to cancel or • Provide advanced notice of achieved top score of 94.42% at the re-arrange their appointment, cancelled appointments which can Friarage and Ian Goodchild, IT operative which can then be re-booked for be re-booked for other patients at Egglestone Court, who achieved the top someone else. • Reduce costs score of 90.12% at James Cook. Through the new service we’re Ian is a non-clinical member of staff and also aiming to reduce the numbers • Make a positive impact on achieving the highest score at James Cook of outpatient appointments waiting lists missed, which in 2012/2013 was proves you do not need to be medically • Help the trust make maximum a staggering 67,085 – 8% of all trained to perform effective CPR. use of its capacity scheduled appointments – costing Nicki Rennison, resuscitation officer the trust thousands of pounds. Patients with mobile phones will said: “The event’s aim was to have a receive a text message (phone Deputy director of operational bit of fun, but also on a more serious number 07811 052317) six or seven services Ingrid Walker said: note encourage people to update their days before their appointment, “Essentially we’re providing a skills, improve their efficiency at carrying while those on landlines (phone reminder as some people may out CPR and to learn more about this number 01642 690080) will be simply have forgotten they’ve important lifesaving procedure. given the option to confirm or got an appointment. Equally, this cancel their appointment using an “The more people who are aware of how system also makes is easier for automated system. to perform effective CPR potentially the patients who wish to cancel or re- more lives can be saved.” arrange their appointments and, Patients who do not wish to receive If staff would like further information in turn, we can then re-book those a reminder have been asked to or details of the regular training places for others. contact the department detailed on their appointment letters. provided by the team, contact the “However it is important to add resuscitation department on extension that some outpatient clinics are Some outpatient clinics are also 52864 at James Cook or extension excluded from this service so people excluded from the service which 64513 at the Friarage. should keep – and stick to the dates is being provided in partnership on their appointment letters – and with 360CRM. 4 Don’t leave it to chance - be prepared

EVERYONE at the trust is being urged to join the fight against flu this winter with the start of the staff vaccination programme. While frontline health workers will be given priority, everyone at the trust – including volunteers and students – will be encouraged to have the flu vaccine to ensure they are protected before it’s too late. Occupational health nurses will begin vaccinating frontline healthcare workers and their support staff during this month and the vaccination will also be given by vaccinators at ward or department level, in central staff areas and in community settings with flu clinics. Pam McCourt, occupational health manager said: “We hope staff will take the opportunity to be vaccinated early in the campaign. Remember it takes 10 to 14 days to develop your body’s immunity to flu so don’t leave it to chance.” Staff vaccinated 2009-2010 2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013 Chief executive professor Tricia Hart said: “As an Doctors 52% 57.8% 68.5% 85.4% organisation we do have a duty to ensure all of our staff and volunteers, who have a direct role in Qualified nurses, 33.9% 35% 43.9% 58.6% caring for patients, are offered this vaccination. midwives and health visitors “By getting it, not only are you protecting Professionally 55.8% 42% 57.2% 61.3% yourself but also your families, your patients and qualified the NHS services you provide.” clinical staff Staff are reminded that the vaccine does not Support to 57% 54.1% 51.2.4% 66.7% carry any live virus, which means it cannot clinical staff give you the flu and while some people may experience mild fever up to 48 hours after having the jab as their immune system responds to the So let’s take the challenge and increase the trust uptake even more this year. vaccine, this is not flu. If staff have any questions or queries in relation to the flu Last year we achieved 64.5% against a target of vaccination or where you can get your flu vaccination or if you 70% and we continue to achieve improved uptake wish to train to become a flu champion and vaccinate staff year on year at the trust. in your area contact the occupational health department on extension 52482 at James Cook.

What is seasonal flu? 1. Seasonal flu is a highly infectious and very common viral illness 2. It is spread through coughs and sneezes 3. Symptoms can make you feel so exhausted and unwell you cannot get out of bed 4. You can pass on the virus a day before and up to six days after the symptoms start 5. 15 to 20 per cent of the population contract flu every year 6. You can carry and pass on the virus without noticing the symptoms yourself Flu champions training at the Friarage 5 Never too late to learn Whether you want to climb the career ladder, boost your confidence or be able to help your children with their maths homework the vocational training team are here to help. Talking Point takes a look at the range of support on offer for trust staff and potential new recruits… Apprenticeships have completed their healthcare support services NFQ level 2. THE TRUST has developed Training advisor Rebecca Dowson an excellent reputation for said: “This is a new cohort of learners delivering high quality training – for three of whom English is their programmes. Currently 100% second language - who all work in of apprentices who complete extremely valuable support service their training move directly roles and who previously may not into employment. have been recognised formally through qualifications.” Apprenticeships are available in healthcare, support services (portering, cleaning, catering) and business Short courses administration and are open to existing A number of short courses are available trust staff as well as new recruits. (Left to right) Rebecca Dowson, training to support organisational need and Achievement rates for qualifications are advisor, Sebastian Thazhchayil Devassia, enable staff to enhance their consistently high and for several years Emma Hugill, Lynn Young, Ann Horsfield, knowledge and skills. have averaged at 81.3% - well above the domestic supervisor, Roger Cleaver and national average of 53%. Deborah Horsfield These include: Apprenticeships can help departments • Dementia awareness retain talent, support staff to meet National framework • Note taking requirements of their job descriptions and KSF (knowledge and skills qualification (NFQs) • Customer focus framework) outlines, be used as an There are currently more than 100 staff • Team leading effective recruitment tool, support members undergoing NFQs - previously progression into employment and known as NVQs - across the trust. • Medical enable progression into further or terminology higher education. NFQs are qualifications that assess • Maths and Many apprentices have progressed competences such as skills, knowledge English courses onto foundation degrees and nurse and understanding. Participants learn training and there is a career pathway by undertaking practical work-related (functional skills) to take a care worker from a band one tasks designed to develop the relevant to a band five. skills and knowledge needed to do a Functional skills job effectively. Read about our Functional skills training - Nicola Harker apprenticeship NFQs are ideally suited to staff who offered in partnership with Stockton completed an success stories already have some skills but aren’t Riverside College – gives staff the intermediate and at http://www. qualified, or those who are new to the chance to boost their maths and advanced apprenticeship southtees. job role and would like to gain the skills in healthcare, went into English skills, their confidence and nhs.uk/jobs/ needed to be successful. With many nurse training and is apprenticeships/ their career potential. course options and levels to choose from due to complete her the team can match most learners to an Anna Bramley, functional skills tutor, nursing degree in option that suits them. Funding towards said: “We work towards a functional September 2013 the cost of an NFQ is available subject to skills qualification which is probably certain criteria. one of the most sought after skills that employers are looking for. If you Achievement rates for NFQs are are looking to progress in your career consistently high and currently average and your qualifications are over four at 87.4% - well above the national years old then you need think about average of 68%. updating them.” “It’s on the job training but people must Skills covered include report writing, be committed because you have to do a producing business letters and how to lot of work in your own time,” said care work out your APR on a loan. training advisor Kelly Wagner. “These are skills you can use at home Recent success stories include a group as well as work,” said Anna. “It can be of support staff from the Friarage who helpful for the children’s homework 6 Never too late to learn Whether you want to climb the career ladder, boost your confidence or be able to help your children with their maths homework the vocational training team are here to help. Talking Point takes a look at the range of support on offer for trust staff and potential new recruits…

because the way these skills are taught is very different now.” Work experience The work experience programme was relaunched four years ago and the trust is now the largest provider of work experience (WEX) placements in the North east accepting more than 350 students a year. Placements are mainly aimed at 14 to 19-year-olds in mainstream education The vocational training team is based in the academic centre at James Cook but the scheme also supports students with physical and learning needs, in employment through coaching and fantastic experiences with great students from independent schools, training) programme is aimed at 18 to support along the way. I would gap year and university students 24-year-olds who are not in education, recommend it to anyone who wants to and adults looking for a employment or training. get into work fast.” career change. It consists of a formal two-week Potential candidates should apply via Work experience co- induction followed by 12 weeks on-the- their Job Centre Plus advisor. ordinator Gerard Finn job training. said: “Numbers have increased year on Managers from any of the trust’s Did you know? year and we now hospitals or community services can Vocational training… offer placements in offer a placement and there are a about 40 different number of benefits including: • is a self-funding department with areas across the trust. • Training a potential NHS member of around 18 staff “There are more staff the way you think they should • is an accredited centre with City and than 350 be trained Guilds and Oxford, Cambridge and Jessica Bailey different • Extra support to contribute to the RSA examinations (OCR) struggled to find careers work of the team employment despite within the • is subject to regular Ofsted inspections having a university • Identifying future apprentices and/ NHS and • has a matrix quality standard degree. Within 14 weeks or employees this scheme accreditation of coming onto the helps • Enhancing skills, raising aspirations programme Jessica secured people to and creating more opportunities • supports open learning, e-learning, a post as an information make an for employment blended learning and out of hours assistant at the trust informed tutorial support and started career • Supporting the local community and • provides a demand led learning service an NFQ choice and to reducing the numbers of unemployed to the organisation consider us as a in the area potential employer.” Claudia Godfrey, vocational training • can create bespoke training to suit the needs of individual staff/teams Details of how to apply can be found at manager, said: “The programme southtees.nhs.uk/jobs/work-experience/ provides real opportunities for people to enter the world of work. Some applicants are extremely Find out more PROSPECT well qualified, have previous work To find out more contact the The vocational training team has joined experience and are very hard working. They just need a chance. vocational training office on forces with Job Centre Plus to introduce 01642 854744 (extension 54744) a 14-week training programme to “Almost 70% of participants from the or staff can visit the vocational provide the unemployed with skills and first programme have already secured training section on the trust training to support them into paid work. either a job or apprenticeship.” intranet for full course details The PROSPECT (providing resources and Rob Smith, who took part in the and application forms. opportunities to study and participate programme said: “I’ve had lots of 7 Bright ideas CONGRATULATIONS to the following trust staff who were finalists in the bright ideas in health awards 2013. The prestigious event, organised by NHS Innovations North, showcases the most exciting, new ideas developed by frontline staff working in the NHS in the North east region.

area. Both wounds need to be kept clean Better dressings to avoid infection. Wounds often leak DAVID Hawkes, assistant practitioner and and the dressings used at present need Claire Wright from ward 7, colorectal to be changed regularly, which causes and upper gastrointestinal, surgery unnecessary trauma for the patient. division were runners up in the innovative If the dressing is not changed in time, this technology or device category. Their can lead to the skin surrounding both the bright idea – a special dressing - reduces wound and the stoma becoming extremely the likelihood of infection and provides sore and infected. The improved stoma and greater independence for patients. fistula abdominal dressing has helped to Bright idea: Claire and David with Nicola Following surgery, patients often have overcome the problems associated with an Wesley, head of NHS Innovations North (right) abdominal fistulas sited close to their stoma abdominal fistula being close to a stoma.

different sizes and types of furniture raiser On a high available for use and so when a health DR Charlotte Kemp, clinical scientist, and professional visits a patient’s home to assess Tony Alton, clinical technologist from medical the size and type of raiser required, there is physics, and Hazel Gallagher, Tees Community no quick or easy way to do this, which can Equipment Service (TCES) project training sometimes result in the wrong furniture officer from Middlesbrough Council were raiser being ordered. highly commended for their bright idea in The bright idea - a special furniture raiser the innovative technology or device category. toolkit - ensures health professionals It is often necessary for occupational can quickly and easily select the correct therapy staff to raise the height of furniture furniture raiser to be issued to the patient, Bright idea: (left to right) Hazel, Tony, Charlotte in a patient’s home, including beds, chairs streamlining the process and helping to and Nicola and settees. There are currently various reduce errors.

After care it is collected and A more A delighted Adam Pattison taken to the hospital. Rathbone said: “Getting pharmacy is tops Repaired BTEs are efficient dosage fully integrated into the ward- based processes was difficult PETER Craggy, chief then returned to the A MODEL pharmacy service, and the project would not have patient by Royal Mail audiologist at the trust, which has been developed and been a success without the help, was a runner-up in the allowing patients to implemented on a vascular commitment and dedication of service improvement bypass waiting rooms surgery ward at James Cook, was the nurses and junior doctors on category at the awards and car parking and highly commended in the service ward six.” for his ‘drop off repair providing an efficient improvement category at the network’ (DORN). and convenient service awards presentation. Peter saw that ‘behind to the patient. Clinical pharmacist Adam the ear’ (BTE) hearing Pattison Rathbone and medicines aid wearers needed an management pharmacy technician aftercare service and Debbie Hargan have been came up with an included in ward six’s clinical team, efficient solution. working alongside the team of clinicians, nurses and other health Bright idea: (left to right) Karen Pollitt, A new drop off repair professionals to reduce waiting medicines management pharmacy bag was developed times for discharge prescriptions technician (who represented Debbie), whereby the patient and unnecessary medicine waste Julie Pagan, lead clinical pharmacist for drops the aid off at as well as making cost savings and women and children, Julie Harrison, their GP surgery where improving patient safety. ward six manager, Adam and Nicola

8 Brendan’s story

Brendan Ellis, 56, of Northallerton has been closely monitored for heart problems for the last 15 years after doctors discovered he was born with a faulty heart valve. A recent scan revealed he needed to have the valve replaced sooner rather than later but other health conditions meant traditional surgery was out of the question. Brendan said: “I have muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy which has left me dependent on my arms and my chest for Cardiothoracic surgeons Andrew Goodwin and Enoch Akowuah travelled to Italy to everything so this minimally learn the new technique invasive technique is absolutely critical to me. “I use my arms to get up and sit down, I walk with crutches and Advanced heart drive using hand controls. “So if a surgeon needed to split my breastbone in half I would not be able to move. It’s valve surgery helps just unimaginable. “The doctor was very good. He went through all the options and told me I could have the 100th patient minimally invasive surgery at James Cook.” MORE than 100 patients which opens up so blood can flow out Following the procedure Brendan have now benefitted from and then closes to stop any blood from was discharged from hospital flowing backwards. an advanced heart valve within a week. replacement procedure at Minimally invasive aortic valve “It went even better than James Cook. replacement can be used to treat I expected,” he said. “This patients with narrow or leaking valves procedure to someone like me is The trust was one of the first in the who are often referred to the hospital a dream come true. UK to offer the minimally invasive after experiencing chest pain or “And the care I received was procedure for replacing the aortic shortness of breath. fantastic – all the staff went valve which is done using much smaller Patients are left with minimal scarring above and beyond.” incisions than more traditional methods. as the procedure is performed through This means patients recover much faster, small incisions using a technique similar spend less time in hospital and can be to keyhole surgery. Previously surgeons back to work in just six weeks. had to split open the whole breast bone to gain access to the valve and “Our results show nine out of ten the resulting wound would take several patients have no limitations and normal months to heal. mobility back within six weeks,” said cardiothoracic surgeon Enoch Akowuah, “We see patients who travelled to Italy to learn the new recover much quicker technique together with fellow surgeon and we are reducing Brendan Ellis Andrew Goodwin. the length of time pictured on they have to stay “Our latest patient survey shows a the ward with in hospital,” added 100% satisfaction rate and we now cardiothoracic Mr Akowuah. have surgeons from across the country surgeon Enoch “It also reduces coming here to learn how to do it.” Akowuah bleeding so we do Blood flows out of the heart and into not have to transfuse the aorta through the aortic valve as much blood.” 9 A toast to staff nurse Trevor

TREVOR Dixon cuts into An x-ray of the his cake surrounded by his ‘T’ branch stent friends and colleagues at in place, while his retirement party. the medical staff continue with the Although the experienced staff operation nurse is retiring from full-time employment, he will split his time between caring for his new We’ve got born grandchild and continuing to care for patients in the intensive care unit at James Cook vascular surgery on a part-time basis. Trevor has been in the NHS for 30 years, having started as a student nurse in the early 1980’s. down to a ‘T’ He qualified as a staff nurse stent. These have holes designed while working at Middlesbrough A TEAM of highly-skilled and manufactured in the stent to General, before moving to work vascular surgeons at James Cook allow blood to flow through to the in the intensive care unit at South have successfully performed vital organs through which smaller Cleveland (now James Cook) in a complicated and innovative stent tubes are fitted. These are July 1986. procedure for the first time at made to measure stents for an Trevor said: “I’m sorry to be the hospital. individual patient and can take two going as they are a great team months to manufacture. The advanced ‘T’ branch stent graft to work with. I wish them all procedure has only been carried out a But recently surgeons Mr Ian Nichol the best in the future and of small number of times in the UK. and radiologists Dr Simon Milburn and course I’ll be keeping in touch Dr Paul Walker spent almost seven When surgeons treat aneurysms when I report for duty albeit hours operating on a 77 year-old (weakened areas of arteries) they are less frequently.” Middlesbrough man, fitting him with a either treated by an open operation new ‘T’ branch stent graft. which involves a large cut in the abdomen or by a stent graft via the This is an advance technology stent groin arteries. which allows aortic aneurysms A stent is a tube made up of metal extending up to and beyond the kidney rings covered with fabric collapsed into and bowel arteries to be treated. It is a narrow tube and positioned inside also available on demand without the the aorta (the main body artery) via eight-week manufacturing time of the the groin arteries to create a man- fenestrated stent grafts used previously. made passage for the blood to run When deployed, the ‘T’ branch stent through thus preventing pressure on is best described as a fingerless glove the aneurysm. through which the fingers are then While carrying out an open procedure fitted out into the arteries to the the surgeons have to clamp the arteries, kidneys and bowel that keeps the blood putting excess pressure on the heart flow open to these organs whilst sealing which is reduced by using a stent graft. off the aneurysm. In some cases, however, the aneurysm Mr Nichol said: “This stent graft enables can be too close to the kidneys arteries us to treat a significant number of for a conventional stent graft to seal patients without the previous delays off the aneurysm. that we encountered and to expand the For the last 20 such complicated types of aneurysms that we can treat cases they have used a fenestrated using “key-hole” type techniques.” 10 Do you really need to go A&E?

DELIVERY of a quality service is a priority for the trust’s Men’s health accident and emergency (A&E) departments which assess and team’s treat patients with serious penalty injuries or illnesses. As a major trauma centre James heartache Cook’s A&E needs to be able to deliver immediate lifesaving care AS PART of national and be able to respond to hospital men’s health week, pre alerts and multiple casualties a team from medical as required. engineering and At times there is increased pressure on the department and to help patients medical equipment get the best care as quickly as possible, store took part in a A&E is currently running a campaign to Tees-wide football inform patients who attend they can competition – only to receive care closer to home. lose on penalties in the Striking roll-up banners and posters are semi-finals. on display in the department to help patients understand their options and (left to right) Jane Weir, senior sister Paul Scott, who captained to make sure they choose the right local and A &E receptionist Chris Parks and the side said: “The NHS service to get the best treatment. Debbie Chapman tournament took place on a gloriously hot day and was contested by over 18 • NHS 111 was introduced in April 2013 for advice and for patients to be directed teams. Despite losing the to the correct health care provider opening game, unlucky I might add, the team • A&E is for emergencies and deals with life threatening conditions and progressed through the acute injuries rounds reaching the semi- • Long term conditions and minor ailments final. It looked like we can be managed closer to home by the might be heading to the community health care services final when the opposition • A&E should only be accessed for emergencies equalised with less than a - this allows for appropriate management of minute to play. attendees and reduces waiting times “The match was decided on penalties and we missed more than the other team. Julie Suckling, A&E directorate manager, However we all agreed the said: “The department currently sees in day was very enjoyable and excess of 300 patients daily at peak times. had a great time. The event Some of the attendees have conditions which attracted a variety of teams can be managed in alternative local health and the spirit on the day care environments. was excellent. “Being a major trauma centre means the A&E “I will certainly be team can be managing critical and unstable organising a team for patients for lengthy periods, performing next year’s event and it lifesaving treatments. Unfortunately this would be great to see can impact on the patients in the main other teams from the trust department who are waiting to be seen, taking part.” causing delays. For more details about “If patients could call NHS 111 for advice events around men’s health, they can be signposted to the appropriate please contact Richie health care provider according to their Andrew on 01287 284451 or immediate needs.” [email protected] 11 Maureen Improving the patient pathway takes time for herself MAUREEN Gibson has been a much valued member of the team in maternity and neonatal services since she started in 1996. (left to Over the past 17 years, Maureen right) Jaime, has supported women and Craig, Sam their families as a bereavement and Julie support worker during the difficult times following the loss of their babies, ensuring individual wishes and requests are respected and helping to provide lifelong memories for families. Efficiency project helps Maureen, pictured, has also raised in excess of £50,000 through the Care for Bereaved smooth and quicken Parents Charity which has been used to improve the service for these parents and families. patients’ transfers Alison Russell, delivery suite manager James Cook, said: A NEW pilot has been launched patient transfers to the next level of care “Maureen has been a true and already the benefits are being in the setting that is the most appropriate delight to work with and she to meet their needs. will be greatly missed by clearly seen. Craig visits the patients following everyone. She is greatly respected The six-month project, named the single receipt of the referral and discusses their by nurses, midwives and doctors point of referral, came into being after preferred place of care. The patient’s care as well as the families she has a process mapping event, held in April. needs are reviewed together with their supported and her knowledge, Staff from the primary care hospitals preferred place of care. care and compassion have highlighted the need for a seamless been invaluable. We wish her a and standardised service for patients Service improvement facilitator Sam long and happy retirement.” that needed to be transferred from the Griffiths has been working with service acute trust to community hospitals and improvement manager Julie Poultney on intermediate care services in South Tees. setting up the project. Sam says patient choice is key and feedback from both The project was launched in June and has acute and community settings has already replaced the previous referral process. been saying what a benefit the scheme Previously, there were six different referral has been to them. forms depending on which hospital was Sam said: “The single point of referral receiving, or discharging, the patient service aims to standardise the transfer and this has now been streamlined to of patients from the acute trust to the one trust-wide, three-page referral form. community hospitals and intermediate It is now being used for any South Tees care services in South Tees. Involving the community hospital or either of the two patients and their families is paramount intermediate care services in the area. to ensure that patients feel involved in the next stage of their care. The service Single point of referral co-ordinator aims to improve the quality of the patient is Craig Sandwith and Jaime Taylor transfers with the overall result being administrator. They receive twice-daily to improve and streamline the patients’ bed status reports from the ward clerks journey through our organisation. at each of the seven community hospitals and the intermediate care services. The “Ward managers at all the hospitals have patient’s care is planned in conjunction been saying what a time-saver this service with the bed status, which enables the is proving to be.” 12 Sleep team have a dream TAKING some time away from thousands of patients coming from the day job, the sleep team, regions both locally and nationally. Over the last 10 years the sleep service part of anaesthesia and theatres has gone from strength to strength came up with a vision: looking after people with sleep “To be nationally recognised as a problems including obstructive sleep leading edge holistic sleep service apnoea where patients have repetitive delivering excellence in patient pauses in breathing when asleep, and experience and care” complex problems like sleep walking and sleep terrors. South Tees currently looks after The full team decided to get their thinking caps on and came together to design the perfect patient pathway and how they could make this a reality and dramatic results have already been seen. Experienced specialist nurse Steven Thomas is now running independent bariatric outpatient clinics, seeing the waiting times slashed from location of the sleep service, patient 16 weeks to six. information and awareness, GP Gerry Danjoux, consultant anaesthetist education, one stop visits for patients with a special interest in sleep and timely appointments. medicine said: “South Tees is already Janet Griffin, directorate manager said: highly regarded nationally as “It was good to get the whole team providing an excellent service - with together to take time to appreciate the growing number of patients the excellent service we provide, while being referred from the bariatric and identifying ways to build on this and specialist weight management service, better patient experience and care. something had to be done to cope with the increasing demand. “The time out gave staff the opportunity to share their ideas and “Getting the team together has been create a long term goal and plan to the first step in identifying how we can Specialist nurse Steven Thomas in take these ideas forward and how continue to provide this service whilst consultation during one of his bariatric to overcome any barriers. We look also improving the patient experience.” outpatient clinics, which has seen waiting forward to implementing our perfect times fall from 16 weeks to six The top themes identified were patient pathway.”

National healthcare science award winners THE North east point of care testing Together the co-ordinators have action learning set was announced organised two regional conferences, as the winner of the healthcare developed a better understanding of international accreditation standards, science award at the Cogent UK life created an audit template to assess how sciences skills awards. POCT services are meeting standards, The award aims to bring life sciences skills produced an information leaflet to show in the health service into the spotlight how POCT can contribute to the redesign and highlights providers who have of care pathways and developed generic exceeded expectations and shown a pictorial guides showing how to use dynamic approach to training, increasing specific POCT devices. skills and competencies and showing Most importantly, the set members share evidence of benefit to the patient. and discuss real-life work issues, problems The set is made up of point of care and challenges which has created not testing (POCT) co-ordinators from each of only a close supportive network of the acute hospital trusts in the North east colleagues, but has also contributed to Jennifer McNally (fifth left) with other members and Cumbria including Jennifer McNally their on-going personal, professional and of the learning set pictured with the awards host and Paul Naylor from South Tees. service development. professor, Lord Robert Winston

13 Where accuracy is excellence… DOCTORS and nurses are synonymous with hospitals and healthcare but there are many more teams, working hard, day-in and day-out, which keep an organisation as large as ours running…

THE trust’s information services team is one of those lynchpins – but do you really know what they do? Part of the operational services directorate, the department is split into coding and information. Information has four teams – the business information support team, data quality, information solutions and information strategy solutions. In essence they ensure the trust has the correct and relevant information to meet both clinical and organisational requirements as well as assisting in On top of that are the ad-hoc improving the patient pathway. Business information information requests, based mostly on But as well as ensuring our clinical support team the patient data held in CaMIS, so the activity is recorded and reported team can provide one-off reports such When you need figures for a business accurately, they are also responsible for as bed occupancy rates 2011 for Friarage case, clinic or consultant activity or for ensuring the trust complies with all local maternity unit and labour ward (for a a particular procedure – where do you and NHS England (formerly Department management group presentation), with a turn? If the answer is your clinic or ward of Health) mandatory reporting and quick turn-around time. diaries think again! monitoring requirements. The more specific the request, the more The trust’s information reporting service So what is all that data used for? Not accurately the team will be able to meet is provided by the business information surprisingly, a lot of things including: your needs. support team based at Eggleston Court • improving patient care and on the Riverside Park industrial estate. Did you know? patient safety • Over 350 different routine reports are • supporting the decision making process They’re responsible for processing all of supplied by the team to various trust • forward planning/supporting business our inpatient, outpatient and accident staff – some daily, some weekly, some cases and service developments and emergency activity (the clinical work monthly - that’s thousands every year! we do) for our financial submissions, • monitoring clinical governance including collating outpatient standards procedures and other activity such as use Data quality • helping us to achieve income of medical devices. The data quality team is also based targets/levels Several other mandatory submissions at Eggleston Court and their key role • monitoring the trust’s performance involves ensuring all aspects of the and fulfilling national and local including cancer waiting times targets, community activity, monthly monitoring, patient information on CaMIS are reporting requirements recorded timely, accurately and meet cancelled operations, 18-weeks referral • workforce planning national requirements. to treatment, Korner 3 occupied/ • benchmarking at a national and available beds and a host of internal Poor data quality can have a massive local level routine reports to various divisions make impact on the trust including Talking Point takes you behind the scenes up the majority of the routine work for potential loss of income, reputational with the teams…. this team. damage, misrepresentation of 14 The team also manages changes to our commissioning datasets, applying new data standards and ensuring the data submitted for financial reasons reflects current commissioning requirements. They’re also on hand to create other solutions for the information services teams as needed, supporting the recording and analysis of data throughout the information services team. clinical teams’ performance and not delivering national targets and Did you know? clinical governance indicators. It’s a • Infoflex has around 500 users responsible role which includes: across South Tees, Friarage, North • validating patient demographics Tees and Darlington hospitals and on CaMIS provides around 250 different letters and reports. • providing an advisory service to both administrative and clinical staff on data recording Information strategy • investigating the impact of new (left to right) data standards on a patient delivery Sue Hodgson activity recording This is a new senior head cook, • raising internal awareness on newly function Joan, and Angela published guidelines and their impact made up of Wintersgill ward on current working practices existing staff housekeeper • Holding awareness sessions to support at James Cook, Friarage and developing Joan community hospitals and delivering a hangs up Did you know? more strategic • If the trust submits activity with agenda, including an incorrect GP practice recorded the corporate information strategy and her apron on CaMIS, our commissioners can associated workstreams. withhold payment for this activity? One example of recent work includes STAFF from Friarage’s Without the data quality team a forthcoming reporting tool – clinical Ainderby ward and validating patient records, this could and business information system (CBIS) hotel services gathered potentially have a major impact on the – which will be available to staff from trust’s income. their desktops. Eventually this will in the hub to wish ward mean users can access many of the housekeeper, Joan Information solutions routine reports and ad-hoc information West, all the best on requests currently produced by the One of the newest teams, information business information support team, and her retirement. solutions was formed after the existing tailor them to their specific needs. Joan has worked at the technical development staff merged Friarage for 19 years and is within information services and has two Did you know? looking forward to enjoying main areas of responsibility. • Discussions took place with over her retirement with husband 250 staff on which key areas First is clinical cancer data recording, should be addressed within the Tony, also recently retired. She where they manage user access and information strategy? will be sadly missed by her design the Infoflex system - the trust’s colleagues, friends and patients cancer management information If you want to find out more about at the hospital. system. This covers a wide range of the work of the teams, you can contact requirements including national cancer them on the extension numbers below: Mark Larking, Friarage hotel datasets, audits and peer review as Head of information services: services manager, said: “Joan well as any local needs for letters, Allison Davis - 54157 is a popular member of the team and we would like management of MDTs and patient care. For ad-hoc information requests or new routine reports: Helen Disley - 55739 to thank her for her hard work For local/national reporting over the requirements: Paul Brown - 53335 “Joan is a popular years and For data quality queries: wish her Lynne Hart - 55726 member of all the best For clinical coding enquiries: the team.” for a long Diane Royle - 52187 and happy For information strategy enquiries: Phil retirement.“ Archman - deputy head of information services - 52322 (pictured above) 15 Innovative designs help spinal patient

WHEN a cycling accident left I consider myself as different,” said progress with the help of the hospital’s Michael Bonney without the use Michael, 55, of Cumbria. spinal experts, physiotherapists and the medical physics team, who have “When you have to ask people for of his arms, legs or lungs helped him develop a number of everything it’s very frustrating he was determined not wheelchair aids. but these gadgets give you to give up. “Despite a bit more control and “The water bottle means I can drink Within just six weeks the everything now I want to let other when I want to without having to managing director of people know what is out bother anyone else,” said Michael. Michael is there to help them get Orange Mountain Bikes “The mouth stick - a touch screen on with their lives.” was able to operate an determined to stylus adapted to work with a standard iPad using a purpose move forward Michael suffered life- mouth holder - means I can watch sports built mouth stick specially changing injuries after channels on the iPad and keep in touch designed for him by the with his life.” crashing his road bike with friends. medical physics department during the Eden Valley Epic “But it’s not easy - it took me two hours at James Cook. sportive in March. Doctors at to take a photo and put it on Facebook the scene carried out CPR for 45 Following his accident Michael spent because I dropped the mouth stick six minutes until the air ambulance arrived three months on the spinal high times! And when I type I can only hit but scans revealed a complete fracture one letter at a time.” dependency unit at the hospital’s golden of the C3 vertebrae and subsequent jubilee spinal cord injuries centre but spinal cord damage which has left him Michael has to be permanently was keen to regain some independence paralysed from the neck down. attached to a ventilator by a trachea so he contacted the medical physics tube so he can breathe which makes team and challenged them to help him. Despite everything Michael is determined to move forward moving about in a wheelchair Together they have come up with a with his life and just weeks uncomfortable and high risk. range of gadgets to help make life after his accident he “You would not believe easier for Michael including a specially married wife Linzi in “A lot of how much difference the adapted drinks bottle holder and the hospital chapel. people just give up trachea tube support ventilator tube supports. He has made but I want to let makes. It’s more “I don’t consider myself as disabled, remarkable comfortable because the people know that trachea does not move about as much. It should there are some also mean that one less fantastic resources person is required when out there.” operating the hoist.” He said the next challenge is to devise something to enable him to change TV channels himself. “Part of what I do is product design and development and this has given me the confidence to know I can still take a project on. “A lot of people just give up but I want to let people know that there are some fantastic resources out there.” After three months in spinal HDU Michael has recently moved to a specialist rehabilitation unit with the ultimate aim of getting back home. Fellow bike riders have launched the ‘Ride for Michael’ campaign to help Michael Bonney with Tony Alton and Ian Boddy from the medical physics him achieve this. For details visit department at James Cook www.facebook.com/RideForMichael

16 Team has an eye on the prize

THE EYE clinic at James Cook has been nominated for a national award after outstanding praise from patients. Outstanding woman: Glynis accepts her award with (left to right) Gary Chrisjan Dees, consultant Lineker, Angela Wickes, lead care service manager, Active Assistance award ophthalmologist, and the eye clinic sponsor, and Professor Charles Greenough, spinal injuries clinical director team, pictured below, are in the running for the clinical service of the year title as part “In the of the Macular Society’s Glynis is awards for excellence. past few The nomination, sent years we’ve in by a grateful built up a patient, recognizes dedicated and outstanding their exceptionally good practice in the highly-skilled care of people with CONGRATULATIONS to macular degeneration. team.” Glynis Peat, senior nurse, Age-related macular trauma, who has won the degeneration (AMD) affects the outstanding woman – central vision and is the most common cause Middlesbrough spinal cord of sight loss in the UK. More people are injuries centre (SCIC) - at affected as our population ages. the women in spinal cord Clinical service of the year is an award for injuries awards ceremony. medical staff, teams or services which provide diagnosis or treatment for macular disease, The brand new event launched and which demonstrate excellence in the care this year by the Spinal Injuries of people with central vision loss. Association (SIA) recognises the outstanding women who Mr Dees said: “In the past few years we’ve contribute to the treatment built up a dedicated and highly-skilled team here and not only is it very gratifying to be and care of spinal cord injured hosted by Gary Lineker - who able to do so much more in preserving sight, people across the UK, as well as along with his wife Danielle Bux but it is also deeply appreciated when our celebrating the achievements of has been a long term supporter of teamwork has been recognised by someone spinal cord injured people and SIA - at the Botanical Gardens in who has benefitted from our service.” law professionals. Birmingham, where the winners The glamorous ceremony was of all 16 awards were announced by SIA’s celebrity ambassadors throughout the evening. Glynis was nominated for the “Glynis is outstanding woman award by central to the Paul Smith, chief executive officer, Spinal Cord Injuries activity of the Association who said: “Glynis Golden Jubilee is central to the activity of the Golden Jubilee spinal spinal cord injuries cord injuries centre at James centre at James Cook. She ensures the voice of the spinal cord injury Cook.” community is heard, and is trusted to put forward patients views and concerns.” 17 Flying the flag

MILITARY staff at the Friarage celebrated armed forces day 2013 by raising the tri service flag in recognition of the services provided by our armed forces. The flag represents the Army, Navy and Royal Air Force personnel currently working in the Ministry of Defence Hospital Unit, Northallerton (MDHU). At the Friarage, military staff have provided medical care and “All military administrative partnership and close working operational commitments. support to relationship in 1999. staff are military From the unit, doctors, nurses, health supported by patients for All military staff are supported by care assistants and allied healthcare 15 years, regimental headquarters at the professionals have deployed to Op regimental since MDHU Friarage and both James Cook and Telic (Iraq) and Op Capri with more headquarters at (N) and Friarage hospitals provide excellent recent deployments to Op Herrick, the trust opportunities for personnel to ensure Afghanistan and Op Olympic in support the Friarage.” began their they are trained effectively to meet of the 2012 games. When two became one…

CONGRATULATIONS enhancing the patient to the pain journey and improving team who were patient outcomes. finalists in the care Dr Keith Milligan, clinical integration awards lead for inpatient pain services, said: “We were 2013 organised by delighted to be nominated, the Health Service and although we did not Journal (HSJ) and win, thanks to the hard Nursing Times. work and effort of the team and what we have The team were accomplished the people commended for their of Middlesbrough have a work around integration great pain service, and a of specialist pain services. more integrated experience They introduced a of healthcare.” new patient pathway promoting education The work does not stop and self-management here – further roll out of for chronic pain patients, services into community to preventing readmissions, (left to right) Keith Milligan, Chris Sinclair, specialist nurse, Rick involve everyone who deals reducing lengths of King and Victoria Robinson, pain physiotherapists, and Joanne with chronic pain sufferers hospital stays and Angus, specialist nurse is underway.

18 A load of rubbish in theatres THE DIVISION of anaesthesia and people at home so they wondered why theatres is the first clinical area it wasn’t being done in theatres. in the trust to start recycling. The trust is charged for the amount of general waste per tonnage that Barbara (centre) with Allison When Donna Oliver, personal assistant / needs to be disposed of and, due to the and Phil Archman, assistant business coordinator, started working division’s size, separating all items for head of information at her for the management team in theatres recycling would have a big impact on retirement party last year, she asked where to put the reducing general waste. recycling waste only to be told that there were no recycling bins. Mark Brown said: “Now theatres have got on board with recycling I am Trolley dolly With nearly 600 staff, four common hoping other divisions will also join in. rooms for staff breaks If anyone wants to join the scheme they Barbara and three kitchens can contact me and I would be happy it was clear a big to arrange.” bows out “We are impact could Janet Griffin, directorate manager delighted to be made by CODING assistant, Barbara contributing said: “We are delighted to have have joined to the trust joined the recycling campaign, Charville has done her last the recycling recycling helping to reduce the amount of trolley run, retiring after 27 scheme. waste the trust disposes of and doing years in the NHS. campaign.” our bit for the environment. The division She started work as a catering “It has been shown that up to 60% of worked closely assistant in 1986, spending most the rubbish that ends up in the general with Mark Brown, of her career as surgical day unit waste bin could have been recycled Carillion manager and receptionist, before joining the and recycling is something all staff can Rajni Sisodiya, trust energy/sustainability coding department after deciding easily do, and many already do at home. advisor to implement recycling. it was time for a change. We have now rolled out recycling to Recycling bins, together with posters Cheriton House, Barbara has certainly had her and stickers to separate the bins into quota of exercise and gossip on general waste and recycling were placed where the pain and sleep numerous trolley runs around in all of the common rooms, kitchens Sister Denise teams work James Cook and the corridors will and offices. Norris and health and to the be a much quieter place without care assistant, Tracy pain unit her, as will the two coding offices Staff welcomed the introduction of Barstow, drop where she has been like a mother recycling and separating rubbish was at James their empty drink hen to the coding team. something that comes naturally to most Cook.” containers into the dry mixed Spending more time with family recycling bin – especially her two grandsons – getting stuck into gardening, enjoying lots of holidays, ladies lunches, pensioner’s specials and a glass of wine or two are her plans for retirement. Allison Davis, head of information services, said: “Barbara will be greatly missed by her many colleagues and friends. “Barbara will We wish her be greatly all the very best and a missed by her very happy, many colleagues healthy and long and friends.” retirement.”

19 Knowing the difference - can make a difference THE FRIARAGE’S cardiology department joined hundreds of others across the country celebrating heart rhythm week highlighting the difference we all could make to a person’s survival following End of an era: Margaret (sixth left) celebrates with her cardiac arrest. colleagues at her retirement party To raise awareness and promote better understanding of heart rhythm disorders the department and resuscitation team demonstrated basic life support (CPR) and automated cardiac defibrillators in the Friarage’s hub area. A & E’s golden The national campaign - organised by Arrhythmia Alliance (A-A), the heart rhythm charity - is inspired by hearts and goals, fronted by Fabrice Muamba, to help reduce deaths from wonder sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), the UK’s biggest killer. SISTER Margaret Golden, accident and Promoting the difference between SCA and a heart attack, and knowing the difference first aid can make to the survival of a emergency (A&E) department manager has cardiac arrest victim was the theme this year. called it a day after caring for hundreds of With at least one in four Britons developing a potentially thousands of patients during her 29 year career. fatal arrhythmia, the awareness week also highlighted the She studied nursing at Fife College of nursing and devastating effects of heart rhythm disorders - such as SCA, midwifery graduating in July 1975. Margaret worked atrial fibrillation, bradycardia and tachycardia. at Middlesbrough General Hospital as a night sister Dr Andrew Turley, consultant cardiologist, said: “Sudden cardiac and A&E nurse before moving to James Cook when the arrest is the commonest cause of death within the UK. For some hospital closed. of these patients it could be prevented by early resuscitation or Margaret has dedicated her life to insertion of an implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD). improving the A &E department “Within our region we have one of the lowest implant rates and helping it develop to meet within the UK, and the UK has the lowest implant rates within “I will always many challenges over the Europe. If you, or you have a patient, with known ischaemic years. She said: “I will always heart disease or heart failure, have they been screened for an have very fond have very fond memories of ICD – it could save their life?” Middlesbrough General and memories of Bystander intervention with CPR and defibrillation with an AED James Cook, mainly down to (automated external defibrillator) can increase SCA survival Middlesbrough the many people I have worked from 5% to over 50%. Average UK survival rates are only 7%, General and with and the support and respect they have for each other demonstrating just how much of a difference could be made if James Cook.” making them the excellent team more of us were willing to intervene and able to react to those they are. who collapse and stop breathing because of SCA. “I value them dearly not only as work colleagues but friends and am proud to have been part of this fantastic team. I will miss everyone but know the department will continue to go from strength to strength.” Margaret is planning to make the most of her retirement by going ‘arty’ and doing a bit of painting, take up ballroom dancing, enjoy some holidays and spend more time with her grandson, Ethan. Divisional manager, Carol Dargue said: “From day one, Margaret has not only set, but more importantly maintained the high standards of nursing care we have in our department today. We are all very grateful for her expertise and dedication. She will be a huge loss and we Heart rhythm week at the Friarage: Sekai Sengai, cardiac physiology wish her a healthy, wealthy and happy retirement.” student, Gillian Crane, cardiac physiologist, Donna Campbell, resuscitation officer and member of the public, Peter Musgrove 20 Fond farewell to clinical director FRIENDS of Mr Mamdouh El-Naggar wished him well as he looked forward to his retirement. Colleagues gathered to wish the ophthalmologist good luck after a dedicated period of helping to establish the department as one of the best in the country. Mr El-Naggar graduated from Cairo University in 1976 and then came to England and also worked in Scotland and Shrewsbury. He became a fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmology in 1989 before becoming clinical director for ophthalmology here at the trust. Former clinical director Mr Tim Dowd gave a short, amusing Mr Mamdouh El-Naggar, right, receives gifts from Tim Dowd speech and both wished Mr Andrew Gibson well, as he now at his retirement lunch takes up the mantle. Fast and furious for Dani MILITARY adult nurse – Corporal achievement for a novice in the sport. me the opportunity to do something different and supporting my on-going Danielle Scott – is a bit of a dare Danielle got the opportunity to try Luge training and development in the sport.“ devil at heart. on joining the Army, and has received training and support to compete and Her Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Thanks to her hard work and expertise develop in the sport. She competes Colonel Ian Simpson said about Corporal in winter sports, Danielle, 26, who is alongside team mate, Flight Lieutenant Scott: “She has done exceptionally based at Ministry of Defence Hospital Gavin Arnold - an RAF pilot - and other well over the last 12 months, from very Unit (MDHU) Northallerton, has been military colleagues in the GB Luge team. crowned ladies champion at the Great fundamental beginnings she has strived Britain Luge Championships. She said: “I really enjoy the challenge to compete at the top of the winter of Luge, it is adrenalin filled, extreme sports programme, out performing Luge is a challenging, exiting and sport which is thrilling and exciting to many more seasoned and experienced above all fast winter ice sport, similar do. My ultimate aim is to take part in the personnel, male and female. to bob sleighing. Sliders lie face up on a 2018 Olympics in South Korea and I am “She also has the satisfaction of fibreglass sled, with no braking system, training and working towards that. and head feet-first down an icy track, knowing that she has achieved the with your head three inches from “I am very grateful for the highest level of representative sport the ice, this takes immense levels support and help I have for the Queen Alexander’s Royal Army of bravery and dedication. received from the MDHU Nursing Corps in its 100 year history, a at the Friarage for giving magnificent achievement.” Completing a Luge run is an exhilarating and physically demanding task, with steering done by flexing the sled’s runners with the calf. A typical course is less than one mile and sliders can reach speeds of up to 70mph. Danielle who works on wards 6 and 35 at James Cook and previously at Friarage Hospital was selected to represent Great Britain based on her performance at the Federation of International Luge (FIL) ice camp. She has also taken part in the Winterberg World Cup in Germany, Exercise Racing Ice I and II in Austria, and won the Inter Services Ice Sport Championships held on the Olympic ice track in Iglis, a great

21 Helping hands We are grateful for the generosity of local people and the support of all the dedicated people who raise money to help patients at the trust’s hospitals.

Generous Best feet forward support CHRIS Taylor and wife, Julie, MIDDLESBROUGH Rotary Club has were so thankful for the made a generous £900 donation outstanding care he received as to the specialist palliative care a patient they undertook a 65 team at James Cook. mile sponsored walk covering the Northumberland coast path Noeleen Hunter and Pamela raising over £2,100 for James Yeates are pictured receiving Cook’s cancer research fund. A the cheque from club president, big thank you to the couple, Mike Robson at Teesside Golf Cadets rally pictured with staff, and everyone Club. Noeleen said: “We would who sponsored them. like to thank members for their hospitality, consideration and round Chris would personally like to generosity. This money will be THE HOLISTIC cancer care centre thank everyone - consultants, used to help patients at James at James Cook has received a nurses, doctors, lab workers, Cook facing a very difficult time welcome windfall from sergeant receptionists, radiotherapists in their lives. We are very grateful major Charles Wilkinson, and and people working behind the for their support.” sergeants Richard Cook and Lee scenes for keeping the hospital Smithers from ‘C’ company on working so well. behalf of Cleveland Army Cadets Force warrant officer’s and sergeant’s mess. Suzi Campbell from the charities team was delighted to accept a £500 cheque on behalf of the centre which will help to provide holistic services for people with cancer. A big thank you to the cadets for their support.

Mike takes a tour Saving scrap – supporting MIKE Hamm, site manager and Leonie Smith from Walter premature babies… Thompson, Northallerton completed the gruelling Yorkshire A COMPANY scheme encouraging have raised thousands of pounds for stage of the Tour De France raising workers to save their used bits them in memory of their daughter a fantastic £870 for the Friarage’s of metal to weigh in as scrap has Maisie Hope. complementary therapy service. raised £500 for the neonatal unit at James Cook. Well done to Mike and Leonie, pictured with Kathryn Almond, Staff at the Stockton branch of and thanks to everyone who Caterpillar – a world manufacturer of sponsored them. Mike said: construction and mining equipment “Several friends, colleagues, – regularly save their scrap metal to acquaintances and I, have used support local charities. this much-needed service over the past year and I wanted to help so The unit gratefully received a cheque other patients can benefit from it from employee Dave Nellis, whose in future.” nephew Graham and wife Leanne

22 Helping hands We are grateful for the generosity of local people and the support of all the dedicated people who raise money to help patients at the trust’s hospitals. Thomas’ run is no mean feat! TEENAGER Thomas Golding completed the Middlesbrough 2K fun Safety bonus run raising £500, which he has given to the hospital as a thank you to the STEVE Oakden and his team consultant treating him. from SABIC nominated James Cook’s neonatal intensive care The 13 year-old from Marton is shown handing over the money unit and Carter Bequest Primary to Mr Raman Kalyan in children’s Care Hospital to benefit from outpatients at James Cook. safety incentive money from the Wilton site. Mr Kalyan, on behalf of his scoliosis team, said: “This is a fantastic sum of The project had to finish with no money and I thank Thomas and his Cash injection first aid treatments or accidents mum for their effort. The money will taking place. Suzi Campbell from be used to benefit future patients for heart fund the charities team (pictured) by helping to buy two tall, high definition computer monitors – MIDDLESBROUGH and Teesside said: “We are very grateful to everyone who nominated us which are more useful when studying Philanthropic Foundation, scoliosis and spine imaging.” whose patrons include local to receive these two very kind, companies and business leaders, £250, donations.” has donated £2,000 to South Cleveland Heart Fund. Barney Ord a patron and chairman of Fairfield Industries, presented the cash to fund chairman Dr Adrian Davies and head of department ward 29 Amy Oxley. Mr Ord who lost his wife Jess to heart disease last year said: “The Talking about the care my wife received from the amazing people we have here on car wash… Teesside was fantastic and I will FRIARAGE military personnel be forever grateful for it.” really made a splash - washing over 100 cars and raising £814.51 with their charity car wash and raffle. The fun event was held Providing support to patients to support and improve the high standards the STUDENT volunteers recruited to help donation from ASDA will Ministry of Defence provide therapeutic support to patients be something they can use Hospital Unit (MDHU) have been given an extra helping hand together with patients.” unit strives to for its military personnel. The – from ASDA. Friarage clinical decisions unit The supermarket’s Thornaby branch (CDU) will benefit from new donated two DVD players which the treatment trolley essential when psychology students from Teesside responding to medical emergencies University will use, on a one-to-one thanks to their fantastic efforts. basis, with patients. Jane Keenan, second lieutenant, nursing officer said: “We wanted to Nursing sister in therapeutic care Debi do something fun and a bit different. McKeown said: “We’re delighted to It was hard work but well worth the have the students with us as therapeutic effort. A big thank you to everyone volunteers and this generous for supporting us.”

23 Helping hands We are grateful for the generosity of local people and the support of all the dedicated people who raise money to help patients at the trust’s hospitals.

Saying thanks Flying high WHEN Claire Neal with pedal power was diagnosed ALMOST 30 cyclists completed a with kidney gruelling 152-mile coast-to-coast disease at bike ride to raise over £6,500 for her lowest the Cleveland unit at James Cook. point she could hardly Led by Stephen Whincup of make it Grangetown, the team completed upstairs and the Whitehaven to Tynemouth rarely left the journey in three days, to help the Bernie’s ‘Big house. Luckily a unit which cared for Stephen’s son donor was found Dylan for almost two years. Apple’ boost and Claire said: “It was FORMER Boro star Bernie Slaven totally life changing as well as Stephen said: “It was extremely donned his running shoes and lifesaving. My skin was clearer hard work and probably the most took part in the New York half and my eyes whiter in hours and I arduous thing most of us have ever marathon to say thanks for the looked 10 years younger.” done, but it was well worth it.” fantastic care his son has received Able to life live to the full again, from the children’s diabetes team brave Claire did a sponsored at James Cook. skydive raising £400 for James Cook’s renal unit to help others Bernie, who gave the team £2,100, with kidney disease. Well done said “My son was diagnosed with to Claire and a big thank you to type 1 diabetes two years ago everyone who sponsored her. and, as a way of saying thanks, I thought I’d raise a few quid for diabetes charities. Thanking Bernie, Kelly Rowe, On behalf of the Cleveland unit, specialist nurse for children and little Dylan Whincup thanks cyclists young people with diabetes, Michael Stokes, Daryl Doherty, his said: “The money will be used to dad Stephen, Joe Harrison and support innovative education and Ray Bennett who along with 23 support events including practical others raised £6,680 cycling from carbohydrate counting, under 7’s Whitehaven to Tynemouth fun day and an annual sports day.” Donation celebration AN EVENING of entertainment at Barkers, Northallerton raised £1,770 Ray’s marathon cycle ride for the Friarage‘s complementary therapy service. RAY Gregory has raised £1,460 for sponsors for helping raise this The Look A Head Cancer Campaign fantastic amount and to his The celebration of life event - which raises awareness of head and employer, Sahaviriya Steel Industries organised by bistro supervisor Sue neck cancers. UK, for supplying a support vehicle. Ward, and head chef Pablo Bouza- Causier - helped to raise this fantastic With friends he completed the amount to help cancer patients. gruelling 157 mile coast-to-coast cycle ride from Whitehaven to Sue, who has had breast cancer and Sunderland. A subject close to is now well on the road to recovery, said: “I think it’s important that Ray’s heart, uncle John O’Neill, was people know there is hope. The successfully treated for throat cancer Friarage team have been fantastic at James Cook nearly ten years ago. – it’s the least we can do to try and A big thank you to generous give something back.”

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LOOK FOR OUR BLUE PETER HOUSE LOGO THE SIGN FOR QUALITY CARE & EDUCATION Pre-School Nursery & Holiday Club Providing quality early years care and education for children from 0 to 12 years. Limited spaces available. Please feel free to pop in, have a look around & obtain a prospectus. • Government Grants • French • Yoga • Many other age appropriate activities “Setting sound foundations for our children to build upon. Encouraging healthy eating, self-care, early literacy & maths”

Please ask about our School drop off & pick up service. Limited spaces available. Please contact us or visit one of our settings below: Montessori Pre-School Nursery, Blue Peter House, 127 - 129 Green Lane, Middlesbrough, TS5 7AD Tel: 01642 814252 Montessori Pre-School, Thornaby Children’s Nursery, 462 Thornaby Road, Thornaby, Stockton, TS17 8QH Tel: 01642 750113 Montessori Pre-School Central, 46 Southfield Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 3EU Tel: 01642 252723 www.montessoripreschoolnursery.co.uk • www.thornabychildrensnursery.co.uk

Every possible care has been taken to ensure that the information given in this publication is accurate. Whilst the publisher would be grateful to learn of any errors, they cannot accept any liability over and above the cost of the advertisement for loss there by caused. No reproduction by any method whatsoever of any part of this publication is permitted without written consent of the copyright owners. Octagon Marketing Company Ltd. ©2013. Britannic Chambers, 8a Carlton Road, Worksop, Notts. S80 1PH Tel: 01909 478822

South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, has not vetted the advertisers in this publication and accepts no liability for work done or goods supplied by any advertiser. Nor does South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust endorse any of the products or services. STRAFFORD - QUALITY BUILT IN

Strafford Fabrications Our traditional or modern We welcome enquiries from specialising nationwide staircases can incorporate members of the public as well as in the manufacture and a wide variety of materials architects and developers and installation of high including satin and mirror will be pleased to advise on any quality staircases and handrail polished stainless steel, brass queries you may have. systems for domestic and and aluminium. Also glass and commercial projects. a wide range of hardwoods are used to compliment our We are able to offer a bespoke metalwork. We can also offer a design and manufacturing powder coating service with a service or supply products to full range of colours. reflect your own ideas whilst complying with current Our experienced fitters building regulations. complete installations quickly and considerately with minimum disruption to your property and ensure your complete satisfaction.

Unit 3 Strafford Industrial Park, Gilroyd Lane, Dodworth, Barnsley S75 3EJ Tel/Fax 01226 296767 Wayne 07766 943937 Brian 07818 258601 E-mail: [email protected] www.straffordfabrications.co.uk

OCTAGON MARKETING COMPANY LTD Working in partnership with the NHS

• FT members’ magazines and literature • Mailing service and socio economic profiling • Annual reports, quality reports and summaries – print runs from as low as 10 copies • Advertising funded social care directories and information • Advertising funded staff magazines • Promotional items e.g. lanyards, pens, balloons, mugs etc • Ebooks

Britannic Chambers, 8A Carlton Road, Worksop, Nottinghamshire S80 1PH 01909 478822 | www.octagon.org.uk [email protected] campuslifestyle.com Middlesbrough Student Accommodation

Established in 2005 campuslifestyle. All the student’s bedrooms have en- Our staff are on hand 24/7 to help and com is Middlesbrough’s largest student suite bathrooms *, built in workstations, assist you with any problems that may accommodation operator with 4, 5, 6 and wardrobes and a choice of bed size. There arise and for your safety there are CCTV 8 bed roomed apartments catering for are leather sofas in the communal areas in camera’s throughout the building. both UK and International student’s within almost every apartment with 32” flat screen Teesside House, which is a few minutes walk TVs for our student’s enjoyment. There Our prices start at £88.00 per week and away from Teesside University, bars, clubs, is an onsite laundry room and a vending this includes all of your utility bills, contents town centre and train station making it the machine on every other floor for those late insurance and up to 20mb broadband, perfect choice for your home from home. night munchies. making it easier for you to budget.

Management Suite, Teesside House, 108A Borough Road, Middlesbrough TS1 2HJ T: 01642 260660 Reservations and Lettings: [email protected] Maintenance: [email protected] Accommodation also available for key workers call for more information

Mandale Homes Full page Rent a Stairlift for just £350 per year... This covers installation, servicing and repairs during office hours. Anything out of office hours will include a £40 call out fee. We only ask for a minimum contract of 12 months. For an efficient and friendly service and all enquiries please contact either Chris or David who will be happy to help Telephone: 01325 307473 “A lift in the right direction...”

find out more at our website: www.stairliftsolution.co.uk

Designed & Published by Octagon Marketing Company Ltd, Britannic Chambers, 8a Carlton Road, Worksop, Notts. S80 1PH Tel: 01909 478822